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CHANGE

DVD Box




Drama Details
Title:CHANGE
Telecast:2008-04-21 to 2008-07-14
Season:Spring 2008



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TV Station:Fuji TV
Duration:10 Episodes
Viewership:21.7%
Genre(s):Drama
Politics



Synopsis
The story begins with the deaths of ruling party's Fukuoka legislator and his eldest son, his heir apparent, in an accident. It is decided that a by-election will be held, and Kanbayashi Masaichi, the leader of the ruling party, and secretary Miyama Rika conceive the idea of fielding the second son, Asakura Keita, who had been renounced by his father.

After Keita graduated from senior high school, he went on to a university in Nagano because he wanted to live in a place with beautiful stars, and eventually became an elementary school teacher there. Well-liked by children and satisfied with his beloved star gazing, Keita has no interest in the world of politics. However, at Rika's persuasion and the pressure of his family, he reluctantly decides to announce his candidacy.
jade_frost

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Soundtrack and Theme Songs (1)
1. Miles Away [Madonna]

Actor/Actress Cast (57)
Kimura Takuya
木村拓哉
Asakura Keita
Fukatsu Eri
深津絵里
Miyama Rika
Terao Akira
寺尾聰
Kanbayashi Masaichi
Abe Hiroshi
阿部寛
Nirasawa Katsutoshi
Kato Rosa
加藤ローサ
Miyamoto Hikaru
Horiuchi Keiko
堀内敬子
Tsukioka Rumiko
Kazama Morio
風間杜夫
Kondo Mitsuki
Nakamura Atsuo
中村敦夫
Onoda Asao
Koyama Shigeru
神山 繁
Nihei Sakae
Obayashi Takeshi
大林丈史
Kakiuchi Tatsuhiko
Ishiguro Ken
石黒賢
Ubukata Tsuneo
Fuji Sumiko
富司純子
Asakura Takae
Nishimura Masahiko
西村雅彦
Momosaka Tetsuya
Hiraizumi Sei
平泉成
Gunji Hideo
Yajima Kenichi
矢島健一
Nishi Seiji
Suzuki Kosuke
鈴木浩介
Akiyama Taro Kansuke
Ohkura Koji
大倉孝二
Danbara Dan
Kodama Raishin
児玉頼信
(ep. 1)
Hanahara Teruko
花原照子
(ep. 1)
Ueda Koichi
上田耕一
(ep. 1)
Namiki Shiro
並樹史朗
(ep. 1)
Ito Shiro
伊東四朗
Ukai Takehiko (ep. 1-2)
Takubo Issei
田窪一世
(ep. 1-3, 10)
Yamada Natsumi
山田夏海
(ep. 1, 3, 10)
Mukai Osamu
向井理
(ep. 2)
Izumiya Shigeru
泉谷しげる
(ep. 2)
Umishima Yuki
海島雪
(ep. 2)
Moriwaki Eriko
森脇英理子
(ep. 2)
Seki Keisuke
積圭祐
(ep. 2-3, 5-10)
Kimura Yasushi
(ep. 3)
Tonesaku Toshihide
東根作寿英
(ep. 3-4)
Nomura Shinji
野村信次
(ep. 3, 8)
Kikuchi Kinya
菊池均也
(ep. 3, 9)
Miyaji Masako
宮地雅子
(ep. 3, 9)
Tsukiyama Mayumi
築山万有美
(ep. 4)
Morimoto Leo
森本レオ
(ep. 4)
Aoki Hajime
青木一
(ep. 4)
Thane Camus
セイン・カミュ
(ep. 5)
Uehara Misa
上原美佐
(ep. 5)
Oshinari Shugo
忍成修吾
(ep. 5)
Numazaki Yu
沼崎悠
(ep. 6)
Nakazawa Junko
中沢純子
(ep. 6)
Takahashi Hideki
高橋英樹
(ep. 6)
Saito Satoru
斉藤暁
(ep. 6)
Ikeda Kaori
池田香織
(ep. 6)
Takahashi Yumiko
高橋由美子
(ep. 6-7)
Hirota Ryohei
広田亮平
(ep. 6-7)
Muro Tsuyoshi
ムロツヨシ
(ep. 7)
Tanabe Manami
田辺愛美
(ep. 7)
Yoshida Tomonori
(ep. 7)
Matsukawa Takahiro
松川貴弘
(ep. 8)
Watanabe Kenkichi
渡辺憲吉
(ep. 9)
Morishita Tetsuo
森下哲夫
(ep. 9)
Toji Takao
ト字たかお
(ep. 10)
Yamashita Hiroko
山下裕子
(ep. 10)
Owada Shinya
大和田伸也
(ep. 10)
Yamaya Kasumi
山谷花純
 

Related Links (1)
1. Official Site

Drama Reviews (17)
!!WARNING!!
The review section may contain spoilers! Please understand
that you may find out about this drama's endings and plots!


1. Take Me to Your Leadah! Leadah! [Rating: 7/10]
The cast:
Kimura Takuya, Fukatsu Eri, Terao Akira, Abe Hiroshi, Kato Rosa

In a nutshell:
Mild-mannered schoolteacher Asakura Keita takes over his late father�fs Diet seat and is swept into power as Prime Minister of Japan--but soon finds himself at the center of a political plot hatched by a powerful few to gain control of Government.

(SpoilLert: Moderately spoilerish.)

Politics for Dummies (�cand Jdorama Viewers, Too!)

Hmmm.... This drama is riddled with all the ineluctable loopholes of a political fairy tale, and as much as I wanted with all my might for Kimura's character to succeed in that cutthroat world of politics, the implausible situations had me rolling my eyes most of the time. I mean, c'mon: nerdy and naive schoolteacher becomes premier of Japan, and single-handedly (oh, not single-handedly, but aided by a ragtag crew of housemates-turned-"political advisers," oh my!) attempts to turn the tide of corruption and greed that has permeated the highest echelons of government--AND tries to run the world's second largest economy in his spare time!!! Whoopee.

Maybe this drama bit off a tad more than it could chew, as most political fairy tales are prone to doing. I read a comment somewhere saying that Change felt like a 10-year-old schoolboy had been given a textbook on Japanese politics, and was told to go write a script, hehehe. I'm rather inclined to agree. I think a major stumbling block for me while watching Change was that Asakura Keita (at least in the first half of the drama) was too... dumbed down to be believable, looking so out of his depth in the legislature--despite his earnest efforts to cope with all his parliamentary obligations. The first half of Change mostly has Keita wandering the Diet corridors looking all... dazed and confused (wink, wink) and asking his secretary Miyama to "explain things to him as if he were a 5th-grader." He also spends far too much time helping Random Disgruntled Citizens who straggle into his office with their personal sob stories, than doing any actual legislation. (That scene in Episode 3 where the pigheaded cat owner detains Keita for hours when he�fs supposed to be at some secret powwow with the Seiyu Party bigwigs--major ROLL EYES!!!) The writing plays up the Underdog-Zero-to-Hero archetype to the hilt, but the same tack which worked so perfectly in 2001�fs Hero simply misfires in Change. (Curiously enough, Hero and Change were penned by the same screenwriter, Fukuda Yasushi.) The drama would have benefited from better writing, IMO�\and a longer run that would more smoothly chart Keita�fs transformation from bumbling do-gooder to a shrewder, more experienced player in the political arena.

Full-length review:

http://endersgirrrl.wordpress.com/2009/10/30/drama-review-change-fuji-tv-2008/
Reviewed by Ender's Girl on 9 October 2009
2. HERO revisited. [Rating: 10/10]
CHANGE stars Kimura Takuya and Abe Hiroshi from HERO, and also produced by the same director and scriptwriters as HERO.

Once again Kimura Takuya plays a pure-hearted man trying to help others, scaled up from a Lawyer to a Prime Minister. I am a big fan of HERO series, but CHANGE was even better for me.

Kimura Takuya just has that charisma as a leader, and he is the only person who could've handled this role. It was quite interesting seeing him with those dorky glasses... reminds me of Asunaro Hakusho.
Although slightly underused, Abe Hiroshi was also excellent, providing comedic relief for this serious drama.
The person I was most impressed with was Fukatsu Eri. Her chemistry with KimuTaku was even better than that of Matsu Takako, and I really connected with her character (plus those black stockings were really hot on her)
The cast for this thing is absolutely incredible, they managed to gather an amazing array of established actors, and possibly most amazing guest appearances since Furuhata Ninzaburou series.

Admittedly, the plot lacks reality. However, doramas are supposed to be about things that never happen in real life. Though the setting is impossible, character behavior in general makes sense, and impossible scenarios are executed so well that they are touching without being corny.

Although slightly too idealistic at times, I love the way they've depicted right and wrong and what truly important values are. This series has the most solid first and final episode of all dorama series I've seen. I espeically loved the final episode, where they've shown how resistant to change government policies are, even for something as trivial as serving teas for a meeting (this was very funny too). The 'climax' with 20+ minutes of uncut scene was very impressive, and there were so many great, memorable scenes throughout the series.

This is a really well-made dorama series with very high level of acting all around. The plot addresses the problems with today's election-driven politics, and attempts to make us think more about our roles in a democratic society. It's a series that made me laugh and cry, now one of my favorite series of all time.
Reviewed by 8thSin on 17 July 2008
3. We want change!!! [Rating: 9/10]
A well-written, well-cast and well-executed dorama showcasing some fine acting by the cast and an intriguing storyline. This dorama definitely brings back memories of Hero and Souri to Yobanaide with Tamura Masakazu. While not overly different from his other screen characters, Kimura Takuya plays the role very well and has some great chemistry with Eri Fukatsu. Abe Hiroshi was a great addition to the cast adding some nice comedic moments to the series. Kato Rosa was perhaps the only extraneous character who, whether because of her character or her acting, didn't add much value to the series. For those who are interested in this dorama, I would also recommend watching the British dramas Yes Minister and later, Yes Prime Minister which depicts the rigidity of the civil service.
Reviewed by Shindou on 19 July 2008
4. Great dorama: Perfect mix of everything [Rating: 10/10]
I very seldomly give a dorama a 10, but this one deserved it.
It's been a long time I haven't watched a dorama like this, I thought they did not make them anymore. I does not have any special effect or any innovative filming technique, it is just a very good story, well written, with some twists and surprises here and there to keep you going, the actors are all very good - even the younger or less famous ones every episode makes sense and does not drag, there's a good mix of adventure, comedy, a touch of romance.
Ahhhh, it's good to watch a good dorama like this one :-)
Reviewed by Jackykero on 5 July 2009
5. Dorama to Expedite More About Jp Politics [Rating: 9/10]
This drama plot is very interesting; starting with slow pace - continue with fast dramatic change. So far, I'm a follower of Japanese politics but at the surface only.

Then I start to watch this drama and understand more the details of what parlimentarians and beuracratics are doing in the parliament house. Even about suit-pin that is attached at each parlimentarian's suit, they even don't cover up the price!!

Takuya is very well suited with Fukatsu Eri with Abe Hiroshi - a veteran player who makes this drama more appealing.
Reviewed by sevilla.aishiya on 15 July 2009
6. change.. [Rating: 9/10]
i wonder why they said tis drama is not as gud as compare to other drama he star...for me it is indeed one of the most excellent drama...takuya kimura proves once again he is a very gud actor...he never failed me...he always up to my expectation...
in tis drama they picture him as geek...a kindergarden teacher who loves to watch star, he got no interest in politics until his late father assistant insist him that he should be in caimpagn...along the way he show them the real value of politics...the ending...well...cannot say..=)
Reviewed by epah on 2 September 2008
7. THE BEST DRAMA OF 2008!!! [Rating: 10/10]
Kimura Takuya was absolutely charming in this drama and truly displayed his talent and experience as a dramatic actor. The supporting cast, as well, were all wonderfully charismatic and shared a good level of chemistry with the lead actor. The story itself had the right balance of political intrigue, comedy, and romance to keep me watching on the edge of my seat from episode 1 right until the end. If you haven't yet seen this drama, then please do so!!!
Reviewed by Susan on 22 July 2008
8. The best one [Rating: 10/10]
I've watched almost all of kimutaku's dorama/movie and I think this is the best one after long vacation and karei naru. He was awesome, I love the way he played the role as a naive, idealist and innocent politician. Fukatsu eri was great too, very adorable and ellegant. They were have a good chemistry. I also liked the comedic & romantic side which made this dorama not too serious.
Reviewed by ester_grace on 27 November 2010
9. WELL DONE [Rating: 10/10]
finish watching this drama not long ago..a well done for takuya kimura'a acting skill..he potraits his character very well..n this drama is also really gd as it brings the audience in dept into the politics world without us feeling boriing abt the plot..although this drama is more abt the politics world but there is oso romatic scenes in it..WATCH IT IF U HAVE NOT..
Reviewed by fre3domlin on 1 August 2008
10. Great Characters, Good Story [Rating: 8/10]
Another "you can always achieve the impossible" story-line that is endearing if not completely original. I loved Fukatsu Eri and Abe Hiroshi. KimuTaku was adorable as usual, but a change in acting style would have been nice. Although the story is forgettable, I'll always remember the dynamics of the characters in that big ol' house.
Reviewed by Wynter on 20 November 2011
11. GOOD!!!! [Rating: 8/10]
It's a good drama. Honestly, I m a big fan of takuya kimura. He's d main attraction to watch dis drama n I hv 2 said he hadnt let me down so far except sora kara furu ichioku no hoshi . the storyline is interestin n I 'd watched de whole drama whithin one day.though d endin bit anti-climax , but overal it's a very entertaining drama.
Reviewed by hirowei87 on 23 July 2008
12. Good political dorama. [Rating: 8/10]
Kimura is slowly moving more complex roles other than those typical romance characters. A political dorama is hard to entertain but somehow, with kimura's magical acting, it attracts the audience. Unfortunately, the ending doesn't seems complete...and madonna's song Miles Away doesn't really gel with this dorama.
Reviewed by popdod on 21 July 2008
13. looking forward to CHANGE [Rating: ?/10]
i've seen some pics of takuya as an elementary teacher. i guess his character is made geeky initially, before he becomes d PM. wow! dats a change indeed, compared to his previous doramas!! i cant wait. im thinking dis drama is gonna be a big hit!! :)))
Reviewed by kakeru on 4 May 2008
14. Really curious to see the next... [Rating: 8/10]
I've been watching 2 episodes and still curious to see more...
So far, it seem potential to be great dorama of this year...
I want more..I want more...
Reviewed by iwan on 29 August 2008
15. Ok [Rating: 7/10]
Takuya kimura act more mature suited for the main character unlike any other dramas he played before
Reviewed by bobopuzo on 15 January 2011
16. Pretty Awesome [Rating: 9/10]
if you are bored why not
Reviewed by mr_dreamboy on 2 August 2009
17. Another Classic brought to you by Kimura Takuya [Rating: 10/10]
superb!
Reviewed by dannyboy on 26 October 2008

Comments From Users (107)
!!WARNING!!
This section may contain spoilers! Do not proceed if you
do not want to read about this drama's endings and plots!


1. Comments by Swedish_Japan_Lover [Rating: 8/10]
There are few times political dramas interest me, they tend to be boring and very hard to understand and follow. This one though was very easy to understand plus very exciting and very nailing! They did a great job with catching the audience and symphatize with the maincharacter. Kimura surprised me as well, in my comment about his drama PRIDE I said he always has the same bodylanguage which I changed my opionion about. Sure he twitch his lips every once in a while, randomly grinns, pous his lips and flex his arms around from time to time but I guess you have to except thats his way of acting. Just like George Clooney, Brad Pitt, or Julia Roberts do which are all considered famous for their acting. In this drama his character stood out from his classical "mysterious sexy man"-role and did a great job. It was interesting to see him and Fukatsu Eri acting against each other again, now in a COMPLETLY other way than in Sora kara furu ichioku no hoshi! Terao Akira portraited Kanbayashi, the selfish politician with a well polished surface extremly good, he had the typical look of someone like that. Kato Rosa was a bit too cutified but still did a pretty good job, not to mention Abe Hiroshi which is like the most amusing actor ever. Rest of the cast was ok and nothing to complain about. The drama could get a liiittle bit too dramatic and it wasn't GREAT. Still another cozy drama where you get the follow one person aiming high and overcoming all obstacles along the way, enjoy!
2. Comments by yurifly [Rating: 7/10]
Before I say anything else, let me say that I am a fan of Takuya but considering all the hype about this drama, it didnt really live up to my expectation. Prime Minister Takuya is the same as Lawyer Takuya, Pilot Takuya, Pianist Takuya and basically everything else. I am not expecting a hardcore political drama but after last year's karei naru ichizoku, i had hoped that this drama would be as deep, but instead it's a flat plotline and if itwasn't for the strong cast, i doubt it would get the high ratings it got. I am not bothered by the unrealistic-ness of a newbie politician who quickly rose to power and bring his idealism in changing the world, after all we have a living proof in Obama..I was more bothered by the drama's lack of effort to develop characters in reasonable manner. Everyone good is good all the way, the bad guy is bad like always and Takuya is above everyone like always. He wants to change the face of politic, fine, but does everything have to go damn successful for him at the end? And that ending song by Madonna serves no artistic purpose at all except to sell the name..that song is not related to whatever the drama is about and the plot itself waste so many great talents in the drama.
3. Comments by ginger ale [Rating: 10/10]
Are you ready for CHANGE? Hell yeah! Takuya Kimura rocks as the youngest PM of Japan.I'm wired from watching ep 3 of this exciting political drama and I want more. Nerdy school teacher Asakura Keita with his broccoli hair is pure love."Explain it to me please like you are talking to a fifth grader." Throw in Abe Hiroshi who is a terrific actor ( Loved him in Dragon Sakura) as the laid back political strategist, Fukatsu Neri ( omg she was super in Bayside Shakesdown !)as the feisty ball busting political aid and the pretty Kato Rosa as the funny political groupie and voila, its a dynamite combination that is sure to make this drama a hit!!! I'm a Takuya Kimura fan-atic so hey I'll watch any video with him in it even if all he does is roll up his eyes!!!
4. Comments by uchi23 [Rating: 10/10]
Im not sure theres a character Kimura Takuya cant play lol.. I thought he was relli great in this drama.. many times i wud get goosebumps durin his speeches cuz i felt like he meant it.. it wud b awesome if we had a president like that.. world wud b much better off =/.. it was also nice to c him reunited wit fukatsu eri.. they make a great onscreen couple.. abe hiroshi n kato rosa were also great supportin actors.. the guy who played kanbayashi sensei also did a great job in the villain role.. im hopin they make a second season or atleast a special =]
5. Comments by atheon [Rating: 9/10]
July 2008: This is the first Jdrama with political theme I've watched. Being a Japanese language student, my vocabulary has increased, thanks to all these political jargon. Plot wise, I love the chemistry between Kimura and Fukatsu Eri, though I wish that such thing will happen in our political arena (which is kinda impossible), this drama taught me to be more aware of the world of politics and to treat everyone equally, like what Keita does. I was totally blown off by the speech in the last episode, Kimura has done it again!!
6. Comments by nienna [Rating: 10/10]
Even though I'm still watching this, I have to say that this is one of the best dramas I've watched. It has humour, the characters are witty, talented and interesting. I'm getting more and more addicted to it and KimuTaku is just hilarious but at the same time, I can see that his character is really firm. The things he do to get his thoughts across the Parliament is incredible and amusing. I kinda wished my country's Prime Minister was as good looking, as funny and as naive as he is. Hahaha...
7. Comments by Susan [Rating: 10/10]
THE BEST DRAMA OF 2008!!! Kimura Takuya was absolutely charming in this drama and truly displayed his talent and experience as a dramatic actor. The supporting cast, as well, were all wonderfully charismatic and shared a good level of chemistry with the lead actor. The story itself had the right balance of political intrigue, comedy, and romance to keep me watching on the edge of my seat from episode 1 right until the end. If you haven't yet seen this drama, then please do so!!!
8. Comments by aramia [Rating: 9/10]
Takuya Kimura as Japan Prime Minister?
At first i thought this was the most ridiculous thing I ever heard. But it turned out that they managed to pull this off very nicely and convincingly. Kimura's speeches always manage to move me to tears. & Fukatsu Eri as the secretary is very adorable too. Not to mention Hiroshi Abe for his usual comedian role and Terao Akira looked so fitting as the cunning minister as well. Great storyline!
9. Comments by v1olet [Rating: 10/10]
Takuya Kimura's dorama is a must watch. It's a serious political dorama, a bit hard to watch with its political jargons. However, Takuya Kimura's charisma as a down to earth fifth grade elementary teacher, very humane politician, was the reason why I enjoy watching this dorama very much. Fukatsu Eri, Hiroshi Abe and Kato Rosa added some comedic flavor to this dorama. Thanx to www.massuki.com. Good works, good translation. Recommended.
10. Comments by Shindou [Rating: 9/10]
Excellent series overall!! Kimura Takuya and Eri Fukatsu were a great team coupled with a great supporting cast. Music was very stately and had a regal feel to it matching the series itself very well. Although the series may be a bit too idealistic/unrealistic at times, it bears enough realism to get across the main idea and message. With many memorable scenes and great comedy, it is definitely one of my favourite jdramas.
11. Comments by aiscess [Rating: 8/10]
I must say that I am satisfied with it�fs ending. If it turned out differently I would�fve given this a lower rating than 8. I was empress as to how they made Asakura�fs character, he was not just a puppet prime minister but he really did his best in being one. My favorite episode was definitely the Beverly Hills Donuts/Bingham episode (ep5). By the way, I didn�ft like the ending theme, a Japanese song could have been better.
12. Comments by kel7 [Rating: 10/10]
I've just watch finish all episodes. It's really is a impressive drama and acting by everyone in this drama. Takuya Kimura really is marvelous. No doubt he won the Best actor for this drama. Every episodes of his speech on important things/matters really makes me think he meant it. Can't find any other actor for this character. Especially the last episode, 22 minutes speech makes me feel touch. Congrats on Best drama!!!
13. Comments by SayaOtonashi [Rating: 9/10]
One of the best Kimura Takuya's doramas. He was the only one who could play Keita so well. Pay attention to the reaaally long speech at the end of the show (it lasted about 22 minutes without breaks, that's not something you usually see). Of course it is a TV Show so don't expect it to be really realistic. I would've loved Abe Hiroshi to have more screen time. Great show after all, I would watch it again.
14. Comments by Jackykero [Rating: 10/10]
Perfect mix of everything. I does not have any special effect or any innovative filming technique, it is just a very good story, well written, with some twists and surprises here and there to keep you going, the actors are all very good - even the younger or less famous ones every episode makes sense and does not drag, there's a good mix of adventure, comedy, a touch of romance.
15. Comments by takunbabe92 [Rating: 10/10]
As a political geek, I've enjoyed this drama a lot and even recommend this to people who do not care about politics. This clearly shows how a regular amateur could "CHANGE" politics and society. Similarly, this drama incorporated comedy in highly serious parts as well as teach watchers how politics in Japan go around daily. I highly enjoyed this drama and I hope you would too.
16. Comments by rikastar [Rating: 8/10]
I have zero interest in politics but they made it easy to understand by going down to the level of a primary 5 student. The cast is excellent from the leads to the supporting and guest stars. Fukatsu Eri is awesome - intellectual and beautiful. The continuation of the Kimura-Fukatsu combination is great! I liked the long speech in the last episode... that was cool as well.
17. Comments by joychin [Rating: 9/10]
I have to say,i really like this drama. When i first watched it, i thought i wouldn't enjoy this drama since it's about politics but i sure was wrong. The storyline of how a guy is so determined to change thing for the good is really touches me. It's such a good show. I love the ending and cast but the theme song is just bad....why in the world did they choose madonna? >.<
18. Comments by moonchyld [Rating: 8/10]
takuya was great as usual. i felt that i was expecting more story/ies - something like Hero..but perhaps it was hard to get everything to fit in in a few eps (from being a teacher to a politician to PM) in 9 eps. i was disappointed at how lackluster the character of abe hiroshi was tho, i mean we all know abe has so much more personality and talent than that.
19. Comments by aik0 [Rating: 5/10]
Story has potential in political conflicts, power games etc, yet the show is too darn slow, its like you can condense each episode into 12 minutes and you wont miss a thing. The cast is relatively strong (+1 point) but the only one stand out is the female protagonist. To summarize: Could be interesting, but too SLOW, been going downhill like from ep4.
20. Comments by sasukekun6 [Rating: 9/10]
Great drama! I really enjoyed KimuTaku's performance in this. I must say it's one of his best roles. Slightly different than a lot of his other roles. I liked the supporting cast a lot too. I honestly am not horribly interested in politics but this drama was still very good. I think the script was really well written and it was delivered perfectly.
21. Comments by Spider [Rating: 7/10]
Started a bit slow but picked up mid way through and finished strong. The thing I've noticed in JDoramas is that the bad person in the series never get what's coming to them. In crime dramas they do but in dramas where one person is bullying or doing backstabbing stuff to the main character, they never get it back in the end. Hope that changes.
22. Comments by yourasthma [Rating: 8/10]
good cast but makes me wish there were more episodes. if there's a sequel, i'll watch it. the show works because of the charismatic and experienced leads, eri and kimutaku have the best chemistry amongst all the jdorama coupling, escept maybe miki mizuno and atsuro watabe. rosa kato was the weakest link but she had one or two quite funny scenes.
23. Comments by Oba-chan [Rating: 9/10]
Superb Taku, This would be a perfect drama but the ending make this drama only got "great" Label.
Kimura-san was perfect for role like this, he have a charisma. I don't know why but i drop my tears when he talks to public in episode 1 to 4. Fukatsu eri was good but nothing special.
Theme Song: Miles Away [Madonna]: 7
24. Comments by popdod [Rating: 8/10]
Kimura is slowly moving more complex roles other than those typical romance characters. A political dorama is hard to entertain but somehow, with kimura's magical acting, it attracts the audience. Unfortunately, the ending doesn't seems complete...and madonna's song Miles Away doesn't really gel with this dorama.
25. Comments by Lee-chan [Rating: 9/10]
I wasn't impressed until about episode five, when the political intrigue of the show increased and the story really picked up. In the end, a very charming and addicting show -- great acting, writing... and this is one of the few shows where I really liked the OST as well!
26. Comments by viOLet harukO [Rating: 10/10]
i feel this is another version of HERO. and i like it! the humourous side of takuya is displayed even when he is being handed such an important role in the Japanese government... A lot of suspense and the ups and downs in the script makes you feel anxious too! Go watch it!
27. Comments by aoi_dolphine [Rating: 9/10]
Political theme drama might sound BORE for most ppl. However I find that this drama is quite entertaining for me. The producer added some humour in the characters like Abe and Kimura. Light jokes to spice up the drama. This is a worth watching drama not to be missed.
28. Comments by russia [Rating: 8/10]
vote kimutaku for prime minister!
strangely, there was a sort of a parallel this year when the japanese PM resigned and they had a 5-man party election. unfortunately, no kimu-type PM was chosen. instead, as typically real life is, the politically savvy one won.
29. Comments by TakumaSan [Rating: 10/10]
DRama WAS GREAT!!!
LOVED IT
kimura takuyas dramas are all good,
if a director gave him the shittiest part in a drama, he would make it soo good
im not saying change didnt have a good storyline..
i think doin a drama on politics is unique and great!!
30. Comments by Sun_Shang_Xiang [Rating: 9/10]
Wonderful performances from Kimu Taku thru to Ohkura Koji but the best performance has to be from Terao Akira as the manipulative Kanbayashi Masaichi . Although you can guess whats going to happen this is is highly recommended.

Read all 107 comments from users


Users who voted for this drama (42)
1. v1olet
Takuya Kimura's dorama is a must watch. It's a serious political dorama, a bit hard to watch with its political jargons. However, Takuya Kimura's charisma as a down to earth fifth grade elementary teacher, very humane politician, was the reason why I enjoy watching this dorama very much. Fukatsu Eri, Hiroshi Abe and Kato Rosa added some comedic flavor to this dorama.
2. tommy
it's very cool dramas that i ever seen. Good acting as prime minister (takuya kimura), hiroshi abe as special aide, eri fukatsu as secretary, rosa kato as secretary2nd and danbara-san as SP (i don't know his real name^^). good work all of you. omedeto gozaimasu !! it gives me a lot of inspiration to move on !! minna-san,arigato gozaimashita !!
3. popdod
Kimura is slowly moving more complex roles other than those typical romance characters. A political dorama is hard to entertain but somehow, with kimura's magical acting, it attracts the audience. Unfortunately, the ending doesn't seems complete...and madonna's song Miles Away doesn't really gel with this dorama.
4. oorono
So far the best dorama of 2008 - it is smart and witty, with good balance of fun and serious inthe story, The cast is simply superb. For the lead actor, Takuya Kimura, the role of Asakura was a new challenge, he'd never done something this before - and Kimura-san played this character very well.
5. beryl_28
it stars my favourite Takuya Kimura, this time as a Prime Minister of the country! As usual, Takuya is very charismatic and displays excellant acting skills! His on-screen chemistry with his co-stars were likeable too!
6. fre3domlin
BEST 2008 DRAMA..although politics may seem boring but watching this drama n kimura's acting definately makes it attractive n more interesting..therefore i urge everybody to watch it..its really nice!!
7. bigfire
This may just be the best drama i've ever seen! I find it rare to be so inspired by something meant to entertain. I was truly touched. The acting, cast, everything was just... perfection.
8. hidezawa_himeko
as always kimutaku's brilliant acting make this dorama worth to watching.. he played an ordinary teacher who became a prime minister.. naive politicians but extremely charismatic..
9. Jackykero
A perfect mix of everything: story, script, acting, twists, adventure, comedy, a touch of romance...
10. joykimlee
Paralleled with Obama story and inspired the resignation of japanese president. Kimutaku power!
11. gorgeous_in_tears
Just couldnt be more happy to see Fukatsu Eri and KimuTaku together again!
12. w-kassy
Great drama and great performance from Takuya Kimura. Really recomended!!
13. maidori
first ever kimura takuya drama...made me a fan
14. Akakumori
Amazing drama! Kimutaku great performance!
15. yanaliao
Worth watching, I love Asakura Sholi
16. halu_jiro
my first ever kimura takuya drama.
17. nienna
BEST DRAMA OF THE YEAR!
18. mr_dreamboy
very good
19. ikitteru
cool!
20. anasstassia
10
21. Susan
22. paulinho__
23. zmtomako
24. Jama
25. Sisi Putri
26. hidelirium
27. Phyllis
28. MonsterUD
29. jfre@k
30. Frits

Read all 42 votes from users