I actually liked the original.

Kinki Kids to return in "Bokura no Yuuki Miman City" Special

KinKi Kids will be back to reprise their roles in the new SP sequel of their 1997 NTV drama "Bokura no Yuuki ~ Miman City SP" this summer after a gap of 20 years. This year also happens to the duo's 20th anniversary since their CD debut and their collaboration in a drama since their guest appearance in 2003's FujiTV drama "Mukodono 2003".

The original drama described how a group of underaged teenagers and children became the only survivors after a micro-organism caused the death of all the adults. In the lawless and chaotic situation, Yamato (Domoto Koichi) and Takeru (Domoto Tsuyoshi) took the lead to achieve peace with the help of their friends. The theme song of the drama "Aisareru yori aishitai" sold more than 1.6 million copies then which was a huge milestone in the duo's career.

The two of them were 18 when they acted in the drama which ended with a final line pledging that they will meet again in 20 years time. The drama SP will feature them as 38 years old men and how a new and strong enemy arrives in front of them. The story will still be written by Tsutsumi Yukihiko while the producer will be Hazeyama Hiroko.

Reflecting on what happened during the filming of the drama, Koichi commented that it was a valuable and intense experience. In the SP, the tables are now turned as they used to be teenagers against the adults but they have become adults now. As such, Koichi is excited about playing Yamato again and meeting with the same staff from 20 years ago. As for Tsuyoshi, he thought that it was nostalgic to think about those days when their characters were very young and had a pure sense of justice. To be able to reunite with the staff then feels like destiny to him and he's thankful and happy about this chance to do the SP.

Young actors such as Arashi's Aiba Masaki and Matsumoto Jun who were Johnny's Jrs at that time, Tokuyama Hidenori and actress Yada Akiko also appeared in the drama but it is not known yet if they will return to the cast lineup for this SP.

Sources: Nikkansports / Sanspo 1 / Oricon

Speaking of Kinki Kids:

FujiTV music program "LOVE LOVE Aishiteru" to return as special for Kinki Kids 20th anniversary

FujiTV music programme "LOVE LOVE Aishiteru" hosted by KinKi Kids and Yoshida Takuro will be back as a SP for the first time in 16 years as it celebrates the 20th anniversary of the duo since they made their debut on 21 July. Besides the hosts, regular cast members such as Sakazaki Kounosuke and Shinohara Tomoe will be appearing in the SP which was pre-recorded on 14 May. The programme had invited many guests during its run from October 1996 and March 2001 to perform songs with the regular cast members. KinKi Kids' members learnt how to play the guitar from Yoshida and even wrote songs which were featured in the programme.

The opening of the SP was marked by the singing of KinKi Kids' hit son "Zenbu dakishimete" which was written as the show's theme song by Yoshida. Guest stars for the SP include Suda Masaki who is making his debut as a solo singer next month and freelance announcer Furutachi Ichiro who used to the host of FujiTV music programme "Yoru no Hit Studio" between 1985 and 1988.

Source: Sanspo