Horikita Maki [堀北真希] So cute~~ I watched Nobuta wo Produce, and I was blown away by her in Kurosagi. She really stepped it up and she did a superb job, plus she looked super cute. I am defenitely rooting for her in the future.
Inoue Mao [井上真央] The best fit for Makino Tsukuchi in Hana Yori Dango. Played the part perfectly. She was cute, spunky, and had all the right emotions at the right times. She has my vote.
Kimura Takuya [木村拓哉] He is a legend in Japanese Drama undoubtedly. He can play any role and play it brilliantly. I can't say enough of how much I enjoy his acting.
Kuroki Hitomi [黒木瞳] I think she is one of those women who grow more beautiful with age. I greatly respect her abilities.
Matsu Takako [松たか子] I love how well she compliments Kimura Takuya in his roles in Love Generation, Hero, and Long Vacation. I was disappointed she didn't play a bigger role in Hero 2 which is aired a couple weeks ago in June 2006
Matsushima Nanako [松嶋菜々子] First saw her in Majo no Jouken, absolutely amazing and drop-dead gorgeous, I think she makes a cute couple with the GTO guy. Her presence is stunning; she is one of those people who literally shine.
Toda Erika [戸田恵梨香] Damn, she is cute! I was awestruck by her in Death Note the movie, and her roles in Engine and Nobuta wo Produce only increase my adoration for her. I really am rooting for her to become a potential big star.
Tsutsumi Shinichi [堤真一] This guy is a great actor, I could hardly believe he is the same character in Good Luck and Nadeshiko Yamoto, the role he played constrast each other so much, yet he absolutely nails the parts.
Iryu [医龍 Team Medical Dragon] Rating: 9/10 (Watched) Quite possibly the best hospital dramas I've seen. Asada is badass. I also give honorable mention to their OST, the tracks are suitable and touching.
Iryu Season 2 [医龍 2] Rating: 5/10 (Watched) As with most sequels, it is very disappointing
Hana Yori Dango [花より男子] Exceeded my Expectations [Rating: 10/10] I read the manga Hana Yori Dango a few years ago. I heard about the Meteor Garden drama in Taiwan, but I didn't watch it due to their laughable translations of F4.
However, I decided to give the J-drama HYD a chance and I was blown away. It was superb. Inoue Mao was a perfect fit for her role as Makino Tsukushi. She was a fiery soul, but she still had her cute moments. I can't think of a person to better play her role then she did. Matsumoto Jun as Doumyouji Tsukasa was also played brilliantly. He did well in his parts of being the total bastard and the parts of being a total idiot.
All in all, Hana Yori Dango is one of the best dramas I've watched for a while, and I can confidently say: watch it; you will not be disappointed.
Kurosagi [クロサギ] Good: Maki and YamaP, Bad: Yukari, Ugly: Kashina [Rating: 8/10] Two thumbs up for Horikita Maki and YamaP in this drama, but the other cast members just drag it down. i.e. the policeman Kashina; his laugh makes me want to punch a baby. Yoshikawa Tsurara (played by Maki) 's friend Yukari is like a freaking stalker. However, the development between Maki and YamaP and the information revealed about their pasts is what keeps this drama going. Also, the music is not too bad either. Ending is not what you call closure, however, so I'd expect Kurosagi 2 sometime in the future.