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DVD Box
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| Synopsis |
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"Please tell me who I really am."
This e-mail message was sent by Mika Kimoto, an editor working at a publisher in Daiba, Tokyo.
Coming from a wealthy family, Mika has always had everything she has ever wanted and more. She is a third-generation Korean living in Japan. She loves her job, and her Japanese boyfriend is a doctor.
There's one thing that bothers Mika though... Her father Masao is very conscious of his ethnic heritage and will allow Mika to marry only a Korean. When her relationship falls apart because of her father's interference, she just happens to post the above message on a mobile phone dating service.
Ryosuke, a blue-collar warehouse worker at Shinagawa Pier, replies to Mika's message.
Daiba and Shinagawa Pier are separated by Tokyo Bay.
Mika is a career woman working at a major firm.
Ryosuke lives a meager life doing manual labor at a warehouse.
There seems to be nothing in common between the two. Still, destiny brings them together.
One day Mika happens to find her late mother Yuri's diary. Written within is the tale of Yuri's concealed relationship with a Japanese man before she married Masao. Mika finds out her mother's hidden past and her passion for the man she loved. Without knowing it, she is about to follow the same path as her mother. | | Fuji TV |
| Soundtrack and Theme Songs (2) |
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| 1. | 君さえいれば [Weather Forecast] | | | 2. | Boku wa wasurenai 僕は忘れない [自転車に乗った風景] | |
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| Drama Reviews (17) |
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!!WARNING!!
The review section may contain spoilers! Please understand
that you may find out about this drama's endings and plots!
| | 1. | Better than I thought [Rating: 7/10]
Okay, I realize there are a lot of stupid issues with this drama. To begin with, it really annoyed me how Mika�fs mother�fs story began in the EXACT same way as hers. I mean, the boyfriends even had the same lines, with the EXACT words. I know they were trying to show how Mika�fs chance meeting with Ryosuke was similar to her mother�fs tragic love (who happens to be Ryosuke�fs own father), but to make it that exact just ruined the reality of the coincidence (or fate) of the situation. Also, the fact that Mika and Ryosuke fell in love at the end of the second episode, far too quickly after they met, was also unrealistic. It felt really rushed and there wasn�ft enough ground for their relationship. It felt like Mika was forcing herself to fall in love simply because she wanted to feel what her mother had felt, and Ryosuke was conveniently available.
It was also annoying how the Diary entries revealed throughout the duration of the show served only to shadow the incidents in the main love story. For example, Ryosuke is asked to go to Korea, and asks Mika to go with him. She pulls out her mother�fs diary and TA DAA! There�fs an entry where her mother and boyfriend went to Korea. This happens a lot and it�fs dumb. It takes away from the actual power of the Diary itself.
And lets not forget the melodrama. I mean, they go off to Korea, and the same day Ryosuke�fs mother randomly goes mental, and Inoue is randomly stabbed in the back. After episode 7, things just went downhill at an abrupt pace�c from being siblings, to introducing a third lover, to getting amnesia, Kamiya�fs book being published out of thin air, Ryosuke learning Korean over night, even Mika�fs seeming indifference to the fact that she has an estranged father and a brother she�fs never met�c
So�c I KNOW and can see the many issues this drama has�c and yet I still can�ft dislike it. I mean, I don�ft necessarily love it, but I don�ft dislike it. And I can�ft dislike it because I find Mika�fs situation so much like my own. Her problem about not really knowing who she is, because of her culture clashing with her birthplace�c clashing with everything she knows�c when all she wants is to marry a man who will love her for who she is, just as she as, and not because of where she�fs from or where she lives. This is me exactly. Because of this, no matter its faults, I find that I liked Tokyo Wankei�fs story. I could relate to the plot, and to Mika. Regardless. | | Reviewed by Wynter on 7 January 2007 | | 2. | not bad at all [Rating: 6/10]
might look just sloppy to non-korean or non-japanese people. but this drama talks about the korean-japanese thing in real detail. it's not just about making quick bucks, but about the theme which has been constantly said & written by many korean-japanese writers like, Yu Miri. I can feel that the staff is making this one very seriously. I heard that the writer is writing the script without getting any money from the TV station.( 'cause she herself had experienced a love with Korean-japanese)
Yes, the storyline is a bit sloppy in Korean style, but many koreans things(hardly noticeable to non-koreans) are nicely woven into the plot of this drama.
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added after eps 10
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turned out to be disappointing. | | Reviewed by totuta on 26 August 2004 | | 3. | Good [Rating: 8/10]
I have seen reverse-Cinderella type dramas before (Only You Aisarete, Bus Stop, Yamato Nadeshiko...), but Tokyo Wankei is all the more enjoyable because of the cultural-difference factor. For the first time I can truly say that Yukie Nakama deserves to be a leading lady. Wada, despite his unassuming demeanor throughout (think Mitsuhiro Oikawa without the posing), comes through as a good, but not great, lead. (Is he another Takeshi Kaneshiro who only does movies?) Anyway, the supporting cast is good, particularly Ryuta Sato as Mika's good Japanese friend and Toru Nakamura, a behind-the scenes supporter. Not the greatest drama of the season, but you won't be much disappointed. | | Reviewed by UWFShooter on 19 March 2005 | | 4. | hontono watashi o mitsukete kuremasuka? [Rating: 9/10]
I probably will never forget that quote from this drama...
It seems like a lot of people didn't like this drama very much. It was actually pretty good in my opinion. First, I really like Nakama Yukie and this was the first time I saw her playing a serious, romantic person type role. (Previously, I watched her as quirky yamada and yankumi XD) Anyway, the story was okay. I got teary eyed in a few of the episodes. Some parts were a bit boring though...sorry. But I liked how they tied in her story with the mothers, and how the couple didn't care about cultural differences that many in Japan were concerned with. Some parts were slow, but overall it wasn't bad. | | Reviewed by noodlefreak on 17 March 2006 | | 5. | Korean boom [Rating: 2/10]
this resembles the Korean melodramas way way way too much!!! Even down to the tinist detail - eg those frame that Nakamura Shunsuke wears - doesn't that remind you of Bae Yong Jun (in winter sonata)?!! and those twists in the plot! (not much of a surprise if you've seen a few korean dramas). Overall it feels like a cheap production of the TV station trying to make a quick buck out of the Korean boom there is in Japan now.
Having said that, it's not entirely bad package though. The male lead is visually pleasing, and the theme songs are not bad. | | Reviewed by icpmat on 24 August 2004 | | 6. | Altogether, a Great Drama! [Rating: 9/10]
I'm not really sure why this drama has so many bad reviews. I guess no one will like everything.
Anyway, I think this is a really great drama - Yukie Nakama and Wada Toshihiro look really great together and you really root for them. It did remind me of a few other Korean dramas I've seen, but that is neither a negative or positive thing.
Overall, most of the characters are likeable and the ones who are not, are excellent actors. Might be a little bit slow to some, but I couldn't wait to finish it. ^_^ | | Reviewed by aoi_hana on 26 September 2005 | | 7. | Your Destiny Awaits! [Rating: 9/10]
It truly was my destiny to watch this series, and I'm glad that it came into my life! At times I was lifted up to great heights of joy, and at others I was plunged into trepidation and sorrow. But the ending made the series well worth my patience. Sometimes it was obvious and cheesy, but when you look at the whole picture, it was brilliant. Nakama Yukie was simply beautiful, although I'm used to seeing her in comedic roles. For her fans, and fans of J-Drama in general, this is a series to watch! | | Reviewed by Susan on 12 August 2006 | | 8. | love transcending cultural differences [Rating: 10/10]
this drama for me combines "wishes" and "realities", fate and love transcending all bounderies. can this real happen? is fate something that we cannot evade, despite and inspite of all odds?--- i loved this drama, if only for the chemistry of wada and yukie. i am from a different culture and is not familiar if this kind of romance between korean and japanese is indeed possible-but if only for the love story, i find it unique and very heartwarming. | | Reviewed by chin5 on 18 June 2005 | | 9. | Try it-- It isn't so bad! [Rating: 9/10]
I was always torn between korean and japanese dramas. Both have different styles: kdramas are more romantic and jdramas are all about action and complexity. Tokyo Wankei gave me a combination of both, the best of both worlds. I was just surprised how much kdrama elements they've adapted in this drama, making me wish that jdramas should be a bit more like this.
On a side note, I feel sorry for Nakamura Shunsuke. I'd take him any day! | | Reviewed by shinshin on 19 July 2006 | | 10. | Overrated [Rating: 4/10]
Since the plot dealt with Zainichi Nihonjin, I thought it would be really interesting and contreversial. Sadly, it's neither. It's just another cookie cutter romance drama, and it doesn't even succeed at that since the new leads have NO chemistry whatsoever. The only reason to sit through is Yukie Nakama, who's at the top of her game as usual. | | Reviewed by Hibiki-san on 28 August 2004 | | 11. | Tokyo Sonata? [Rating: 7/10]
Nakama Yukie shines again, this time in a dramatic role. Her co-star What's-His-Name-Again is just as good, and the chemistry between these two unlikely characters works really well. The end is disappointing, especially if you've watched Winter Sonata. The parallels will make you shake your head and cluck your tongue. | | Reviewed by shari on 21 December 2006 | | 12. | not the best [Rating: 5/10]
i was suprised! i watched this because nakama yuki was in it, but it was suprisingly boreing. sure it was touching at frist but come on, they repeated the same thing over and over again. in the midle i was like "k, i get the point, so sad,"
~momo~ | | Reviewed by momo_chan on 24 January 2005 | | 13. | Great! [Rating: 9/10]
Great drama!!! It has made me a new fan of Nakama Yukie. I love her here. And I think that everyone who cares about Japan-Korea relationships must see this drama by all means. It's really awesome! | | Reviewed by Replicant on 1 May 2009 | | 14. | I really liked this drama [Rating: 9/10]
Certain scenes with the lead actress really irritated me. I won't give spoiler but those parts drove me nuts. Otherwise, this was a very good drama about love standing the test of time :) | | Reviewed by iluvasiandrama on 29 March 2011 | | 15. | don�Lt lose your time! [Rating: 3/10]
My first drama...and also the worst...Poor acting and script.I didn�Lt even wanted to know what�Ls gonna happen in next eps.And finally-the story twists are too predictable... | | Reviewed by Davered on 26 December 2005 | | 16. | beautiful and touching love story [Rating: 8/10]
I love this drama. The best part of it is a strong chemistry between Wada & Nakama which leads to a beautiful and touching love story.... | | Reviewed by Tukata on 16 March 2008 | | 17. | Tokyo Wankei :) [Rating: 9/10]
Love this drama. A different take on JDramas, and leaving a good feeling after watching it. | | Reviewed by AppleTree on 21 August 2006 |
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| Comments From Users (95) |
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!!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 Kitsuchi [Rating: 6/10]
Interesting story about fate and destiny.. I liked it, though I did get bored at times, but I did watch the whole series.
I thought there were too many accidents and incidents happening in the series, and it irritated me. There were like three accidents in the series and I could foresee the two last ones.. It wasn't surprising. At times, it felt like the story were repeating itself. But I can confess that surprising moments did exist.
I was especially disappointed by the love between the main lovers. I couldn't really feel the love between them.. it was pretty hard and some things felt to be going too fast. Anyway, the actors at all were great and I liked the Korean actor, even if he barely were seen. I also liked the theme songs and so..
Despite my rate for this series, I think it should be seen anyway.. Or do whatever you want. It's not a must-see if I may utter my opinion ;/. | | 2. | Comments by donna8157 [Rating: 6/10]
I think the Japanese tried to make a Korean-type melodrama when directing this series. The acting, although good, did not seem very sincere to me. However, it was good to see Nakama Yukie play a serious role for a change, she has a lot of potential to grow in this area. It was too bad that the plot of the series did not allow her to do as much or to show off as much of her talents.
The storyline was a bit dragging and had a much too obvious twist. The relationship between Koreans and Japanese might have been accurately portrayed, but at times I felt that it was overdramatic. The person that I felt that shone in this drama was Mika's good friend who works with her. Truly, his light-hearted personality and "love" for Mika made me continue to watch this show. | | 3. | Comments by yume [Rating: 7/10]
Nakama Yukie plays her character well along side a good leading male. However, the story of Zainichi--or Korean Japanese--is often cut of up into too-well-defined boxes leaving out the diversity of the Zainichi--Korean Japanese--experience. Taking it as a love-story drama riding on the wings of the success of "Winter Sonata" (a Korean drama that was and IS still unbelievably successful in Japan), it has some cute twists to it. But if you're a fan of Korean dramas, you will not find this in anyway exciting or new probably. It's very typical of Korean dramas, and follows that format almost [i]religiously[/i]. | | 4. | Comments by Patazilla [Rating: 9/10]
I just love it. It's so diffrent from all this doramas with puberty/youth-problems... No popstars in it, just this fucking great (and actually veeery hot *,,,*) main-character playing actor... Wada Toshihiro! He looks so damn goooo~od! *,,,* *can't stop it* I wish there'd be more dorama with him!
And for sre I loved Nakama Yukie! ^___^ Anyhow she's still the same as Yankumi and yet so different... X33 I loved to see her in this role.
Well, I also loved the traditional style of the droama... with calligraphy and all those korean-japanese stuff! Really worth seeing it! | | 5. | Comments by meiohsetsuna [Rating: 6/10]
Nakama Yukie plays a second generation Korean girl living out the struggles that happen in modern day Japan. Through this drama you get a bit of understanding about this situation that is still plaguing Japan. Yukie's charecter one day opens up her mother's diary and reads about the forbidden love her mother once had. She then finds herself travelling down the same path as her mother, becoming strangely attracted to a man who fits the same profile as the man her mother once loved. Will her love follow in the footsteps of her mother? | | 6. | Comments by Susan [Rating: 9/10]
It truly was my destiny to watch this series, and I'm glad that it came into my life! At times I was lifted up to great heights of joy, and at others I was plunged into trepidation and sorrow. But the ending made the series well worth my patience. Sometimes it was obvious and cheesy, but when you look at the whole picture, it was brilliant. Nakama Yukie was simply beautiful, although I'm used to seeing her in comedic roles. For her fans, and fans of J-Drama in general, this is a series to watch! | | 7. | Comments by tachan [Rating: 8/10]
I guess it's kind of cheesy, but I was really into it. Definately a romance. Nakama Yukie was really great here. It kind of has "kdrama" vibe and I think I read somewhere that it was loosely inspired by them because this was at the beginning of the "Korean Wave" in Japan. It's interesting to watch to see how "born in Japan Koreans" are treated in Japan. The scene where she goes on a school trip and has to enter a different passport line sticks out in my memory. | | 8. | Comments by shizukanaotoko [Rating: 8/10]
i like the plot and nakama yukie~ the only drawback is that it uses all those stupid draggy korean drama elements, but compared to a korean drama, tokyo wankei is pretty good. it had a MUCH more unique plot and the issue is actually realistic *hint hint* lol. dont get me wrong i like korean dramas, but i dont think they are very realistic or unique. hehe. yup so..give this drama a try~ its not as bad as most ppl have said ^.~ | | 9. | Comments by g_hunter1 [Rating: 8/10]
This drama was made during the korean drama boom in Japan. You can sort of tell by watching. I myself havent seen many kdramas, but somehow I feel that it was suppose to feel like a kdrama. It was a pretty good concept. A love that is passed on to another generation, a destiny of love like part of the title suggests. I think they tried to do a little too much though, especially near the end. It was still good to watch. | | 10. | Comments by blakmetalik [Rating: 8/10]
I really liked this drama. Granted it has some ultra-cheesy qualities, e.g., common and predictable plot devices, sappy lines, and unbelievable moments like "That's the same thing my mom's boyfriend said to her!", but I felt sincere love between Nakama Yukie and Wada Toshihiro's characters in their quiet, reserved way. Maybe it was just the awesome soundtrack that kept me interested in the show. (^_~) | | 11. | Comments by williu [Rating: 8/10]
This drama has can be described to be in three phases - good beginning, boring middle and great ending. The acting is good by the most of the actors, and the story itself is very gripping. There is something fundamental missing, however. I can't really put my finger on it, but it's something that often makes this drama slightly boring to watch. That doesn't mean it's not worth watching though! | | 12. | Comments by jo [Rating: 6/10]
Sensie needs to go back to the school of acting...Nakama Yukie just isn't built for heavy crying dramas like this, the 3-D class needs her comical/funny side than this. Plus, it's a cheap rip-off on Korean dramas, trying to make quick bucks on Korean boom in Japan right now. Not to mention, they actually hired the korean guy from WINTER SONATA to guest in to their drama. C+ | | 13. | Comments by sayochama [Rating: 9/10]
Like a car accident, it was hard to look away -- Tokyo Wankei seems to follow a formula closer to Korean dramas than Japanese, but that doesn't detract from its ability to entertain. As usual, Nakama Yukie does a terrific job as Mika and the story itself shines in the way it portrays the identity crises of Japanese-born Korean. The ending is ultimately satisfying, as well. | | 14. | Comments by Aunty Coco [Rating: 7/10]
10/10 if u r a diehard kdrama fan... Rich gal falls in love with poor boy, accident happens & victim becomes paralysed, another accident & loss of memory... Typical korean shows with all the must-have elements... Except this one has no cancer stricken victim... Sigh... I would have only given 5/10 without the great cast & great acting by Nakama... | | 15. | Comments by oline [Rating: 9/10]
I've seen a lot of Korean dramas aruond here in the Philippines.
ypu know the stigma ..... my girlfriends swooning over the same guy who plays the lead role. But this is the first time I've seen a Japanese drama made like a Korean one . The timing and everything was very much convincingly Korean . I loved it soo much! | | 16. | Comments by xhidex33 [Rating: 7/10]
Wow, the most dramatic drama I've ever seen (since I don't watch Korean ones... which I'm sure are dramatic).
Like many others, I watched it because of Nakama, but it turned out alright. Not my favorite type (all love), but I enjoyed the difference.
Korean and Japanese couples... hmm | | 17. | Comments by oldasianguy [Rating: 10/10]
I'm a big fan of Nakama Yukie...Usually she stars in comedies...so to see her in a dramatic role was a treat...Even though the plot to this drama was somewhat corny ...the issue of the Koreans in Japan is an important issue....which aired in this series...the music was also awesome..... | | 18. | Comments by kinki_txr [Rating: 6/10]
Very disappointed while watching this drama but Nakama Yukie again has shown us her superb acting here. The plot is very typical Korean drama where the family objects the relationship, then one of them met up with an accident, the couple breaks up...At least there is a happy ending. | | 19. | Comments by loveaomori [Rating: 10/10]
The best dorama with yukie! This one is great! so great! its very touching and I couldn't bear to wait until the next episode. I do not like love stories in general. But this one is special to me. It's a poem. The song in korean fits in so well too! | | 20. | Comments by marzyu [Rating: 5/10]
pretty good . .. but too repeatative . . .. love the episode when park ha jong [<- is that his name?] showed up . . . .but i don't recommend it if you are not a huge romantic fan . . .cuz i foudn it too dramatic! but the theme songs are beautiful | | 21. | Comments by JadedAngel [Rating: 8/10]
Though many people say that they hated it, as the first dorama I've seen, it was pretty good. Its what got me hooked on drama in the first place. I loved the romance of it all, not to mention the actors, as I'm a big Nakama Yukie fan! | | 22. | Comments by eltinator [Rating: 8/10]
Started off so nicely but then turned sour. Nakama Yukie gives a great performance nonetheless and it's nice to see her show off her serious side. The music was very beautiful and I still say this one is worth watching! ;) | | 23. | Comments by krazeealiens [Rating: 10/10]
a story about korean born in japan... who have to marry her own kind and its part of tradition... OMG and who best to pay the part? nakama yukie... i love her shes soo cute such a great actress... hehe watch it its great | | 24. | Comments by HavoCSkieR [Rating: 9/10]
- smooth flowing drama - has its "korean" moments at times, but they flowed well enough into the jdrama style - it was hard to not think of Nakama Yukie as "yankumi" at first, but it was easy after the first few episodes | | 25. | Comments by Replicant [Rating: 9/10]
Great drama!!! It has made me a new fan of Nakama Yukie. I love her here. And I think that everyone who cares about Japan-Korea relationships must see this drama by all means. It's really awesome! | | 26. | Comments by kaonashi [Rating: 9/10]
This mix of a korean style drama in a japanese format was quite successful. Everything may not be top notch here, but it's addictive & has some typical korean-drama-twists. I liked it, 9-. | | 27. | Comments by Milano [Rating: 8/10]
I have learnt a lot about the koreans in this drama - however imho there were some things that didn't fit well in the story. Very good indeed, Yukie lovely in her role, should watch. | | 28. | Comments by shikka [Rating: 7/10]
not too bad....
nakama yukie was very serious...no funny espression as in gokusen....
but she still looks as actractive as ever.....
but the story line was predictable... | | 29. | Comments by yt [Rating: 4/10]
what's the deal with koreans living in Japan. In this day and age it doesn't matter what race you are... and terrible casting, only thing going for it is the theme song! | | 30. | Comments by Geezer [Rating: 1/10]
Blech! Sappy, saccharine, dumb. The worst sort of melodramatic soap opera. Yuki Nakama is pretty, but no one is pretty enough to make this bit of drek paletable. |
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Read all 95 comments from users
| Users who voted for this drama (18) |
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| 1. | Patazilla
A really underrated dorama! >,< It just has to less publicity, I can't find good fansites and I can't even find good pictures! It's a horror!
I really loved seeing this, as far as all actors do a great job. You love the "good2 ones and hate the "bad" ones... and it shouldn't be different. And I have to say that I loved the maincharacter-couple. They fitted each other perfectly well... *___* | | 2. | Replicant
Great drama!!! It has made me a new fan of Nakama Yukie. I love her here. And I think that everyone who cares about Japan-Korea relationships must see this drama by all means. It's really awesome! | | 3. | Batoru_Rowaiaru
Yukie Nakama and Shunsuke Nakamura (not that i'm obsessed with him or anything >_<) are SO sweet together. I thinks. And Shunsuke's just so damn hot. Lol. Stupid reason i know. | | 4. | fighterpilot
ALOT OF TWISTS!!! haha kinda like Days of our lives.. but with hotter women! ;) | | 5. | sanna
This drama is very interesting. I love stories about fate and destiny | | 6. | chrisyukiefan
I love it.. again... Because of Yukie! Nakama!! | | 7. | casi
This is one of the best love drama I ever seen. | | 8. | MikeNolan
Beautiful sweet drama. Yukie is a fine actress. | | 9. | Aukai
all of the love scence id very touching | | 10. | oldasianguy
Need I say more ...Nakama Yukie!!!!! | | 11. | iluvasiandrama
Watched it and enjoyed it. | | 12. | sindo
love yukiechan | | 13. | Roppongi04 | | 14. | Forest | | 15. | lelokong | | 16. | Nakama-San | | 17. | brenda307 | | 18. | kaori-san |
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