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Tentai Kanzoku [天体観測]

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Drama Details
Title:Tentai Kanzoku
天体観測
Searchin' for My Polestar
Telecast:2002-07-02 to 2002-09-17
Season:Summer 2002



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TV Station:Fuji TV
Duration:12 Episodes
Viewership:12.7%



Synopsis
The main characters of "Searchin' for My Polestar" are 7 friends that met at college while in the astronomic observation club "Sagittarius." Being in the club was just an excuse for them to go to the beach in summer, and skiing in winter. Actually, the only time they ever observed any stars was at summer camp during their senior year.

Dreaming of a bright future, the seven exchange vows for eternal friendship. However, over the next several years, their busy schedules cause them to begin drifting apart.

It's been 3 years since that summer when they laughed together gazing at the stars. Will their friendship continue to drift farther and farther apart? Or will they manage to strengthen their friendship again?
Fuji TV

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Soundtrack and Theme Songs (1)
1. Will [Nakashima Mika 中島美嘉]LYRICS ]

Actor/Actress Cast (11)
Ito Hideaki
伊藤英明
Sayama Kyoichi
狭山 恭一 (26)
Sakaguchi Kenji
坂口憲二
Kawamura Tomoya
川村 友也 (25)
Odagiri Joe
オダギリジョー
Kisaki Takeshi
木崎タケシ (25)
Koyuki
小雪
Sawamura Mifuyu
沢村 美冬 (25)
Tabata Tomoko
田畑智子
Miyabe Satomi
宮部 聡美 (25)
Konishi Manami
小西真奈美
Ida Yuri
井田 有里 (25)
Uehara Misa
上原美佐
Matsumoto Arisu
Yamazaki Shigenori
山崎樹範
Yamazaki Kenta
Hasegawa Kyoko
長谷川京子
Arisaka Nanae
Matsushige Yutaka
松重豊
Matsubara
Otani Naoko
大谷直子
Mama Terumi
 

Related Links (1)
1. Official Website

Drama Reviews (23)
!!WARNING!!
The review section may contain spoilers! Please understand
that you may find out about this drama's endings and plots!


1. A real, raw drama [Rating: 9/10]
When I first started watching this drama I had no idea what I was getting myself into. The first episode was really dense and dark and I felt a little tense. It was completely unlike the last drama I had recently finished. No matter what the feeling, if a drama can make you feel something this intense, it�fs doing something right.

This was a grand drama. It�fs about that transition in your life when all your dreams and aspirations about the future battle against the reality that exists before you. The drama was real and raw. So raw. You actually feel like a voyeur when you�fre watching the characters rebel against the plot.

All of the characters were absolutely brilliant in their roles. I was quite taken with Satomi�fs (Tabata Tomoko) story, but it was Konishi Manami�fs acting as Ida Yuri that impressed me most by the end of the series. I�fve seen her in a number of dramas playing a number of characters, but it wasn�ft until this specific role that I appreciated her acting ability. She was marvelous.

Watching the drama made me feel nervous because it felt so real, and the end was so uplifting that I feel inspired to find the hidden courage within myself. Well done.
Reviewed by Wynter on 19 January 2007
2. The tangled web of friendship [Rating: 8/10]
The theme of friendship can be an overtly done theme in the realm of Japanese dramas but somehow this drama approaches it with a refreshing, mature and realistic take.

The main characters are bound by an astrological society that they joined in college, where deep friendships and love then bloomed. The story takes place a few years after graduation where the characters try to relive their carefree and insouciant youth in their busy lives. What's captivating are the backup stories of each of the characters that are somehow entangled to all of them and the rise of emotional upheavals that bring them closer than before.

The presentation of loss, failure, unrequited love, moving on and adulthood is handled with finesse and reflects a depth of reality wherein the world can be unfair and not everything is peaches and cream, which sets this drama apart from other syrupy ones. I love this drama for its unpredictable and realistic storyline that is solidified by engaging characters.

The cast did an amazing and insightful job in this underrated drama and should be given full credit.
Reviewed by Mint on 8 May 2008
3. Great Drama [Rating: 9/10]
This really was a great drama, one of the few really, really meaningful dramas that I've seen thus far. I loved how the series developed each character and there was not one person out of the Sagittarius group that I disliked. In fact, I could almost say that I admired each one of them to a certain extent.

The theme of friendship is really strong in this series and the fact that they were able to pull through so many of life's struggles because they helped each other was really touching. I also liked how it dealt with the idea of achieving your dreams, no matter what they are, no matter what position you are in. The positive note overlies the fact that there were so many downs in each person's life. I really loved this series.

I believe each actor and actress did a superb job. ^_^
Reviewed by donna8157 on 3 February 2005
4. Ii yo! [Rating: 8/10]
I'm about halfway through the show. Plotwise the show was kind of weak from somewhere around the beginning, having parts which occassionaly made me snigger in disbelief. The gorgeous cast and the habit of watching a Jdrama every sunday night had me following the show though, and it's good i did that because the plot has grown so much more engaging. Yuka/Tomoya is especially enchanting and portrays so well the struggles inside him your heart goes out to his character when he decided to, at a function, to --- i wont post further more cos this would be a potetial spoiler! ---

i'm glad they're showing this over here every sunday night now, there would be something to look forward to each weekend! also the ending theme song by Mika Nakashima is wonderful and sums up the mood perfectly.
Reviewed by mochi on 3 January 2005
5. Solid, Enjoyable Friendship Drama [Rating: 8/10]
A solid drama about true friendship, a bunch of kids who have graduated from college a few years ago but have grown apart. The story gets a bit overblown and melodramatic at times but it's held together by the all-star cast. It's more of a soap opera, like a Japanese version of an American twentysomething TV drama. I had recently seen Sakaguchi Kenji in something else and he was excellent in it, but I thought he overacted quite a bit in this. However, Koyuki, Kou Shibasaki, Ito Hideaki and Joe Odagiri are all excellent and I think Joe actually rises above the material. Not one of the truly great dramas, but highly enjoyable if you enjoy friendship dramas or any of the actors. The music is excellent as well.
Reviewed by bettebogart on 7 November 2008
6. Great cast makes up for some shortcomings [Rating: 7/10]
Nice dorama about friendship and about complex love relationships.
I thought that the plot was interesting and the cast really did a great job, all of them, but unfortunately that there was not enough. Not enough excitement (the pace is moderately slow), not enough characters (it explores so many characters but then none really deeply), not enough surprises or twists (and some fake ones).
All in all, I think it had all that it takes to make a grand dorama but was a little short of everything.
Still a very nice watch with great actors and a good time spent in front of the TV.
Reviewed by Jackykero on 18 March 2009
7. I liked it. [Rating: 9/10]
I originally got this drama because I'm a Koyuki fan and I also wanted to see Sakaguchi, but I was pleasently surprised. The entire cast was great. It's a drama about a lasting bond of friendship between 7 individuals, and how it helped them through struggles in their life. There were many touching moments (I especially liked the part when the old people gave Satomi the picture) and I was glued to the screen from start to finish. The ending was sad and I was a little bit disappointed in the last episode, but overall it does deserve a 9 out of 10.
Reviewed by madsky on 27 July 2005
8. searchin for my polestar.. [Rating: 9/10]
a story about friendship, love and most importantly.. about life. this story revolves around 7 university friends.. and how life after uni. is all about.. very interesting plotline.. and the actors fit in the roles so well. this story overall.. is heartwarming and it tells u more about life and friends that u would ever learn.. not to be missed.. plus its backed with a great soundtrack.. bump of chicken and mika nakashima's song add great depth to the story.. 9/10
Reviewed by sadako-sempai on 17 November 2003
9. Great Drama !! [Rating: 10/10]
Great Drama! I have been wanting to watch it and I was not dissappointed.

The show is very touching and meaningful. Friendship is very important and the bond between is very touching.

The actors and actresses has very good act, especially during towards the last part. Ending was a bit sad though, but life still moves on.

Manami is really great in this show!!! I think that she acted very well in it.. daisuki!
Reviewed by cass_dust on 11 May 2004
10. Give it a chance [Rating: 9/10]
I would say this drama is one of the better ones around, at least those shown by the local tv station. Only caught it from epi 5 or 6, but got hooked. Every epi, there is something that touched my heart. Its really a good drama really, wish people would have bothered to watch it despite it not having the usual well known jap artistes. Joe Odagiri is kakoii! haha
Reviewed by stellaowen on 9 January 2005
11. Love it! [Rating: 8/10]
Its a great drama!...I'm only up to episode 9 but am really hooked!. The characters and the whole plot is so real and i know people (including me!) can relate to it. Especially people who are already in the workforce and busy or would love to make more time for their family and friends. Love Kenjie (Yuka) in this film! so carefree!
Reviewed by edjie on 20 May 2007
12. Great cast [Rating: 9/10]
Fantastic cast in this drama! I was very impressed with this show. I was not all that excited about it reading the description but I enjoyed every episode. The story was well written, and the characters developed nicely. The soundtrack was good too. I really recommend this drama.
Reviewed by MonsterZero-65 on 24 October 2006
13. Touchie Drama! Daisuki~! [Rating: 10/10]
Really sweet & touching story about a bunch of friends
Wish i had friends like that too =D
*Thumbs Up*
Cried so much lolz

I'd say the perfect drama for the youths seeking directions in life.... or just something to warm up those fuzzy needy hearts
Reviewed by Senator on 27 September 2005
14. Sorry... too un-original. [Rating: 4/10]
If you've never seen, or for some reason can't remember, Ai to iu na no moto ni, go for this one, the faces here are fresh and talented but the plot is WAY too similar. And then people in this site dare compare Boku Dake no Madonna to Long Vacation...
Reviewed by UWFShooter on 11 June 2004
15. A tale of friendship [Rating: 10/10]
This is an outstanding drama with a wonderfully talented cast. I really felt it captured the essence of true friendship. A group of friends who remained friends through good and bad times.
Reviewed by MonsterZero65 on 18 August 2010
16. superb [Rating: 9/10]
one of the must watchs out there! splendid casts! great story...
beautiful friendship. very strong chemistry between the characters.
Reviewed by monta on 3 March 2007
17. Superb actign from the cast! [Rating: 8/10]
Great songs featured in the show, so-so plot, actors who can act and good-looking people in the show== quite a good drama
Reviewed by Maine on 24 December 2004
18. kakoii boys kanzoku [Rating: 7/10]
great cast all over. interesting plot, many sub-stories and kakkoii boys, expecially odagiri joe.
Reviewed by extravale on 13 June 2006
19. Wonderful [Rating: 10/10]
Well acted, written and directed.
Fully developed, compassionate and realistic.
LOVED IT!
Reviewed by Eve on 3 October 2012
20. friendship [Rating: 8/10]
watch this n u'll definitely appreciate your friends more
Reviewed by juliana_phang on 13 December 2003
21. inspired by the music of BUMP OF CHICKEN. [Rating: ?/10]
love BUMP OF CHICKEN and MIKA NAKASHIMA!
Reviewed by keax on 11 March 2006
22. okay [Rating: 10/10]
okay
Reviewed by joe_cute on 27 April 2005
23. o.k [Rating: 10/10]
o.k
Reviewed by TeruJoe on 27 April 2005

Comments From Users (68)
!!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 donna8157 [Rating: 9/10]
Really loved this drama for its overall theme of friendship and strength that you have because of your friend's support. Each episode had its beauty and inspiring moments that amongst the viewers' tears and angst, he/she can smile happily.

I really thought that the actors and actresses portrayed in this series did a wonderful job. They really brought the characters to life and even more than that, they were able to give them dimension and depth. While watching this series, I couldn't help but feel admiration for each and every member of Sagittarius. Odagiri Joe, Ito Hideaki, Sakageuchi Ken, Koyuki, Ida, Satoshi, and the fishmonger (hehe) did such great jobs and their acting skills really shone through.

I can't recommend enough for others to watch this. A positive theme is apparent even though characters go through situations such as trouble in the workplace or not being where you want to be in life at the moment. Great work. (Theme: Don't give up on your dreams. You can achieve them!)
2. Comments by loveaomori [Rating: 7/10]
After watching this dorama, my feelings are melt. In a way, there are good actors, many different stories in it but on the other hand, maybe too many stories. It's true that you won't get bored watching it but the stories are too typical (two guys loving the same girl, the girl who realizes after the wedding that her husband doesn't like her etc...). It's entertaining but you won't be impressed! And I wonder why at the end only the story of Takeshi and Yuri has an outcome. The dorama ends without telling us what happen to tomoya, Satomi etc.... Why? The song is bad and they want us so much to believe in their friendship that sometimes it gets so unatural even ridiculous. Anyway, it's not boring and if you have time, go and watch it. As usual Odagiri Jo's acting isn't bad too!
3. Comments by spazzy06 [Rating: ?/10]
Dropped it at the end of episode 5. I really really wanted to like this drama, but I couldn't. This drama is too cheesy and it portrays friendship in an unrealistic manner. Sometimes support from friends isn't enough to solve your problems. The fact that these characters were so easily uplifted and driven to turn over a new leaf by such simple means is very unrealistic. Human beings are not that simple minded, I hate that they're portrayed in such a way in this drama. I can understand why this drama performed badly in the ratings- the characters have no complexity or depth. It's clear the writer was rather young when he or she wrote this. That's the only thing that could explain the idealistic mindset of these characters. Real 25 year olds aren't this naive.
4. Comments by Jackykero [Rating: 7/10]
Nice dorama about friendship and about complex love relationships.
I thought that the plot was interesting and the cast really did a great job, all of them, but unfortunately that there was not enough. Not enough excitement (the pace is moderately slow), not enough characters (it explores so many characters but then none really deeply), not enough surprises or twists (and some fake ones).
All in all, I think it had all that it takes to make a grand dorama but was a little short of everything.
Still a very nice watch with great actors and a good time spent in front of the TV.
5. Comments by Jwen [Rating: 8/10]
The acting here was really good....strong and matured cast. Most times it has a bitter sweet and poignant feel to it. If you don't like dramas about failures and dissapointments in life, you should avoid this because thats the main theme of the drama. Despite the fact that its a pretty heavy drama, I thoroughly enjoyed watching it. Watch out of Joe Odagiri, portrayed his character very compellingly although the looks of anguish seems a bit overdone. Loved Koyuki as usual.
6. Comments by plenar [Rating: ?/10]
was good in the beginning, but unravels hopelessly, script does not maintain its good quality which is a waste of the talented cast's abilities. an interesting counterpoint about the script tho is that it has the guts to conclude against norm. most stirring performance for me was ito hideaki's idealist salaryman learning hard lessons of life, and his courage to embrace the father who was never there for him. mldesu
7. Comments by Ezalor [Rating: 7/10]
A group of college friends find together again after three years and experience that they are slowly drifting apart...so the focus is set on the worth of friendship an what is important in life. It hat a good start, but a weaker end which is typical for the time.
Story and emotional deepness is average, so you get an entertaining, but average dorama.
8. Comments by yijing [Rating: 8/10]
i like the theme of the drama. the ending is very significant. life is so isn't it? no matter how much u hope for things to remain the same, they don't. ppl have to move on & keep on improving. without improvement, we wouldn't have our comfortable life today. cherish ur memories but use them to motivate u to move on.
9. Comments by blakmetalik [Rating: 10/10]
Tentai Kansoku (not Kanzoku) is a heartfelt story about the strong bond between seven friends as they struggle with young adulthood. The main cast gives thoroughly convincing and moving performances. Starting after episode 6 or 7, I didn't have a dry eye by the time each episode closed. Great soundtrack, too.
10. Comments by kaonashi [Rating: 7/10]
This drama's about some university friends slowly drifting apart after graduation. Unfortunately it failed to make me deeply sympathize with any of the characters. On the contrary, Sakaguchi & Koyuki were annoying most of the time. I liked the moral of the story though, that everything has it's time. 7-
11. Comments by aoi_dolphine [Rating: 8/10]
A good cast and with Kenji it's a blast. This is about friendship being tested. Each individual is trying their own ways to live life & fulfills their own goals. They may have lost and fumbled along the way... however, their friendship still keeps them together, encouraging them towards their dreams.
12. Comments by sadacori [Rating: 8/10]
I can't say that I recommend this drama to anyone, but it was pretty good, albeit, slow-paced. Seven college friends find out that their innocent, carefree days are just bittersweet memories as each person has changed due to the harsh reality of the real world.
13. Comments by miriya52 [Rating: 10/10]
This drama is about the the rollercoaster of triumph and hardships that this group of 25-year-olds face in their lives, and how they deal and cope with it. It's a well-done drama. I'm happy to see konishi manami in a bigger role. My favorite drama so far.
14. Comments by juliana_phang [Rating: 8/10]
great~..i kinda like this drama~
really envy them.....
this is what u call friendship last 4eva..if we nourish it...
the ending is unpredictable..
really sad..
another thing..loads of chapz in this drama
o(^-^)o
15. Comments by oshio_minahmi [Rating: 8/10]
lots of eye candy. i began to notice konishi manami after watching her in Tentai Kanzoku although i've watched tonnes of her drama before. good job! uh, forget to mention that joe looks so gayish in this one. hehe
16. Comments by Lady Zhuge [Rating: 8/10]
This is a touching series about 7 friends, their friendship, and the harsh reality of life in general with solid performances by the entire cast. Backed by a great OST and theme songs, it's worth a watch!
17. Comments by atheon [Rating: 8/10]
Jan 2005: I really liked the cast, but the story line is abit weak. Bump of Chicken definately made the story much more interesting to watch, nice background music compiled from their songs, they rawks~
18. Comments by mornin_view [Rating: 6/10]
the endin theme song is nice... and the story is abt a bunch of 7 friends who went to pursue their dreams after university. it's tell us a lot on friendships and life.. a very heart warmin show
19. Comments by manutunia [Rating: 8/10]
It's very touching story....
It's about how to deal with your life after graduate....and friendship that last forever whatever happen...
great cast....great acting....great story....
20. Comments by Angry Machines [Rating: 8/10]
This is pretty good 'friends' drama. I really enjoyed the aftermath of college life and how ppl gather up and see the world in each one's private life. Odagiri Joe shines here too!
21. Comments by williu [Rating: 7/10]
At times pretty good, but it gets too boring after half of the episodes, making it very difficult to really feel the rather fresh-feeling story about life and friends.
22. Comments by harshaz [Rating: 8/10]
friendship is important .. it makes us strong n help us tru life .. it's a good story, altho sad ending .. hu hu hu .. y they made him died in d end .. hu hu hu
23. Comments by hikaruhana [Rating: 7/10]
Hooray, a buddy drama! I liked seeing how close everybody was -- they were really concerned for each other and always wanting to be there for one another.
24. Comments by K.T.Tran [Rating: 8/10]
good cast, good performance, but still in the end i can only give it an 8/10. I guess if you watch it, you might rate higher or lower then what i rated it.
25. Comments by Wynter [Rating: 9/10]
I love these types of stories, where individuals feel the transition in their life, and don't know how to make the change. A real, raw drama. Awesome.
26. Comments by Ushiroyubi [Rating: 8/10]
Fun drama. Very emotional... but I can relate to a lot of their stories.

They packed quite a bit into 12 episodes and I really enjoyed the cast.
27. Comments by KrazyMonkey78 [Rating: 10/10]
Ito Hideaki's acting is sooo good. Nice storyline of friendship and the ups and downs of life. Sort of a sad ending but I guess it makes sense.
28. Comments by natzumi [Rating: 9/10]
A realistic view of young adults becoming a member of society. It has a dark storyline, but the acting is excellent from the seven main casts.
29. Comments by AngelXing [Rating: 8/10]
A drama about friendship, love and the reality of life. Makes you appreciate people around you more after watching it. A definate must watch!
30. Comments by buzzybug [Rating: 8/10]
a great friendship story... how they involved in each other's life...how they survive to live... i never thought that life is so hard...

Read all 68 comments from users


Users who voted for this drama (19)
1. donna8157
A story about dreams and expectations of the real life after college that are sometimes not fulfilled. Even though the theme of this show seemed depressing, the characters themselves were able to help each other during their tough times and emphasized the importance of friendship giving a sense of hope and accomplishment.

This was a really great drama that went above and beyond my initial expectations. The cast did a wonderful job portraying each of their characters and as the series progresses, the audience will more likely than not love each and every one of the members of "Sagittarius". All of them have their faults, but their good shines through. Really great and heartwarming theme. Must watch!
2. deedlitmurata
I love this jdrama, it teaches about how friendship can overcome even the most greatest obstacles, I'll never forget the phrase "what an individual cannot see, a group might be able to see it" that's just beautiful; and the actors were great, all of them, truly a work of art.
3. rose718
It is surely better than I have expected! Cast was great! Couldn't overlook Joe Odagiri's performance, the way he penetrates the role of Takeshi, oppressive but passionate. A very rare actor who is not only talented but also gorgeous!
4. tokiya
This drama although maybe sad and depressing at times, has done a great job telling us the importance of friends around us and how friends can help you get up on your feet no matter how bad life can get
5. nakashige
This drama had low rating but I thought it was great. Very moving and emotional. Also, the best part of the drama is the music. Bump of Chicken is the greatest band. Very good.
6. arwenna
Sad and Life affirming. Cried buckets and ached for the friends. Good lessons to be learnt.
7. cass_dust
- Touching show, one of the best that i've watched.
- Manami konishi is really great!!
8. miriya52
Well-directed drama, great actors/actresses, excellent camerawork. love it.
9. sadako-sempai
life is all about friendship. friendship is all about love. -tentaikanzoku-
10. oberon
this drama is very cool and has an allstar cast. Minna go watch it!!!
11. Anshine
Tentai kansoku is the kind of drama that talks to your heart ^^,
12. stellaowen
Its a good show and just want to bring it to others' attention.
13. Beachcomber
9/10.
bitter sweet drama about the reality of life.
14. gaijinmark
Very underrated drama, well done by a great cast
15. MonsterZero65
A tale of true friendship.
16. TeruJoe
o.k
17. jastical
18. joe_cute
19. srm9240