 Akihabara@DEEP [アキハバラ＠DEEP]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched) | Anego [アネゴ]
Rating: 6/10 (Watched)
Superbly acted by lead actress Ryoko Shinohara...she has great comic talent balanced with the ability to elicit dramatic tension quite well. Although this dorama falls into the overdone "Older woman-younger man" genre of romantic doramas currently being aired on Japanese televison, it does offer an entertaining insight into the life of a working woman looking for love. Acting by Jin didn't quite cut it....very little chemistry between he and Ryoko kind of diminishes the effort as a whole. Might be worth the effort to watch it but depends on one's personal preferences for dorama. Again, Ryoko Shinohara is the star although the supporting elements did add substance to the performance as well. | Asakusa Fukumaru Ryokan [浅草ふくまる旅館]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched) |
Asakusa Fukumaru Ryokan Season 2 [浅草ふくまる旅館 2]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched) | Attention Please [アテンションン プリース]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched)
A light-hearted comedy driven by Aya Ueto's performance as the carefree young girl on a mission to prove herself as a capable cabin attendant! Aya Ueto's personality seems extremely well-suited to the role and it shows in her convincing portrayal as the young tomboyish girl who slowly transforms herself into a mature young woman who suffers some painful, albeit funny growing pains along the way. Enjoyable supporting cast. Endearing relationships b/n the main characters helps add a touch of drama to the show. Not awfully suspenseful but it's a comedy that's as fluffy as a white snowy bank of clouds | Bambino! [バンビーノ!]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched) |
Bara no nai Hanaya [薔薇のない花屋]
(Watched) | Beautiful life [ビューティフルライフ]
Rating: 10/10 (Watched)
Instantly became one of my all time favorites. The touching love story b/n Shuji & Kyoko was iminently believable and expertly acted by Takako Tokiwa & Kimura Takuya. A "beautiful" story as the name implies. Thrillingly lovely yet depressing as well. Be prepared to shed a tear. | Bengoshi no Kuzu [弁護士のくず]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched) |
Boku dake no Madonna [僕だけのマドンナ]
Rating: 3/10 (Watched)
A trifling relationship dorama about a young girl who mysteriously appears at the doorstep of young male college student. The now-to-be expected horrible acting of Tackey was enough to ruin the experience for me. His completely uncharismatic performance and typical whimpering male role is wholly unsatisfying and difficult to watch. Moreover, Kyoko Hasegawa's annoying character compounded this dorama's implausiblity. Takizawa is horribly skilled as an actor and his lack of talent is patently obvious. Fans of good acting need to steer clear of his performances! The second dorama I could not finish. | Brother Beat [ブラザー☆ビート]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched) | Dare Yori mo Mama wo Aisu [誰よりもままを愛す]
Rating: 5/10 (Watched) |
Dekichatta Kekkon [できちゃった結婚]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
Great cast of characters! The side stories were as interesting as the main plot. I enjoyed the interaction between Ryoko Hirosue and Yutaka despite the age difference. Lotsa eye candy for tha guys....and Sonny Chiba is in it, too! He was hilarious. | Densha Otoko [電車男]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched) | Double kitchen [ダブルキッチン]
Rating: 9/10 |
Dr. Koto Shinryojo [Dr.コトー診療所]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched) | Egao no Hosoku [笑顔の法則]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched)
An average drama with few, if any surprises. Good chemistry b/n Abe Hiroshi & Yuko Takeuchi made it enjoyable, but the supporting cast members did not add to the depth of the plot in an particularly meaningful way. Little intense drama, populated with more moments of laughter than anything. | Engine [エンジン]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched)
Throughly enjoyable. Emotionally engaging. Refresingly atypical. Watch it...you'll get a thrill watching the character's overcome their respective hardships as they grow, mature, and bond with one another more closely over time. |
Freeter, Ie o Kau. [フリーター、家を買う。]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched) | Fukigen na Jiin [不機嫌なジーン]
Rating: 5/10 (Watched) | Fumo Chitai [不毛地帯]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched) |
Gal Cir [ギャルサ]
Rating: 2/10 (Watched)
Probably the lamest dorama/comedy I've ever seen. In its incredible stupidity it fails to elicit any laughter or emotion. The acting is horrible and the characters are not worthy of sympathy or praise on any level. An unworkable disaster devoid of plot or promise. An embarassment for Erika Toda, really. I couldn' t finish this dorama. | Galileo [ガリレオ]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched) | Gokusen [ごくせん]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched) |
Gokusen Season 2 [ごくせん２]
| Golden Bowl [ゴールデンボウル]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched) | Good Luck !! [グッドラック！！]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched) |
H2~Kimi to itahibi [２〜君といた日々]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
A captivating coming-of-age story with a young qualified cast. You'll find yourself getting emotionally invested in this story that idealizes the innocence of youth and the aspirations that dreams are made of. Both funny and dramatic. Yamada Takayuki and Satomi Ishihara were entertaining to watch, and the supporting cast added laughter to the mix. | Haikei, Chichiue-sama [拝啓、父上様]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched) | Hana Yori Dango [花より男子]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched) |
Hana Yori Dango Season 2 [花より男子]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched) | Hanaikusa [花いくさ]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched) | Hanayome to Papa [花嫁とパパ]
Rating: 6/10 (Watched) |
Hanayome wa Yakudoshi! [花嫁は厄年ッ！]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched) | Hero
Rating: 3/10 (Watched)
undoubtedly one of the worst doramas i've seen....completely implausible, poor casting --which surprisingly includes the choice of kimura takuya in the role as public prosecutor. took me several months to finish. felt like a succession of unrelated episodes with a very poorly developed story arc. though many appear to like this show....i think many are "blinded" by their allegiances to the popular actors in this show. matsu takako and kimura takuya ultimately suffer at the hands of a terrible script. | Hotaru no Hikari [ホタルノヒカリ]
Rating: 6/10 (Watched) |
Ikebukuro West Gate Park [池袋ウエストゲートパーク]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched) | Itsumo futari de [いつもふたりで]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched)
a fun lighted hearted drama with a side gallery of quirky characters that help bouy the show...while ultimately predictable the characters were well played by the respective actors and actresses....something easy to watch, without being overly dramatic or cheesy | Kamisama mou sukoshi dake [神様、もう少しだけ]
Rating: 6/10 (Watched) |
Kamisan nanka kowakunai [カミさんなんかこわくない]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched) | Karei naru Ichizoku [華麗なる一族]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched) | Kekkon Dekinai Otoko [結婚できない男]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
A fantastic comedy with award winning performances from Abe Hiroshi (Best Actor) & Yui Natsukawa (Best Supporting Actress). This drama also won awards for Best Drama, Best Directing, and Best Script. The lavish praise heaped on this refreshing piece of entertainment is well deserved. A unique comedy about a man coming to terms with his own idiosyncratic behavior and his need for the love and companionship that are emotional requisites for a fulfilling life. Funny and engaging until the very end. Highly recommended. |
Kiken na Aneki [危険なアネキ]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched)
A funny, light-hearted feel good drama good for a few chuckles and some glowing smiles. Nothing terribly innovative or exciting but it might help lift your mood. For fans of Itoh Misaki you should indulge in this drama to see this young lady in a very cute, comic role. | Kimi wa Petto [きみはペット]
Rating: 6/10 (Watched)
A unique if far-fetched story based on a manga of the same name. Koyuki stars in one of few leading roles as the beautiful, well-educated Sumire looking for that relationship where she can just be herself. Jun from Arashi plays the carefree Momo who fills a void and becomes tied up by an "emotional leash." | Kisarazu Cat's Eye [木更津キャッツアイ]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
This dorama was seriously a breath of fresh air! Refreshingly unconventional, funny, and well-paced. The incredible chemistry between the central characters carried the show rather well and was gleefully enjoyable to partake in. I laughed out loud numerous times and I suspect many other viewers did as well. An evolved example of Japanese comedy that's not to be taken too seriously but definitely to be enjoyed. |
Koi ni Ochitara ~Boku no Seikou no Himitsu~ [恋におちたら〜僕の成功の秘密〜]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched)
A rags to riches morality tale. Entertaining in an expected way...the cast ensemble was good with special marks to Tsuyoshi Kusanagi and Nao Matsushita...a darling with a gorgeous smile. Nothing special but somehow addicting... | Kou Kou Kyoushi 2003 [高校教師 2003]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched)
started out in a very novel fashion with great acting and interesting plot twists. loved the acting by aya ueto and sonim....excellently cast in my opinion...however, i felt the show lost some luster as it progressed. i became more interested in the side story after a while to be honest. moreover, the ending was not contrived but VERY unimaginatively executed. the suspension of disbelief disminshed as the show progressed...not nearly as heartwrenching as "beautiful life" although some may suggest otherwise. i did enjoy the fact that the drama was different than many others though. | Kuitan [喰いタン]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched) |
Kurosagi [クロサギ]
Rating: 4/10 (Watched)
This dorama was greeted with much anticipation and expectation after the success of Nobuta wo Produce....but this dorama itself failed to produce. The acting was poor, and the portrayal of Yamapi as a slick young thief in the shoes of a "modern day Robin Hood" was thoroughly unconvincing. This manga-inspired dorama failed to generate a suspension of disbelief necessary for the viewer to engage in the story. The strained relationship between the main characters was completely unmemorable and unbelievable. The supporting cast was equally weak. I could not finish watching this sad excuse for a dorama. | Kyousoukyoku [協奏曲]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched) | Last Christmas [ラストクリスマス]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
All around a great show with a great cast, poignant moments, and a barrel of laughs to boot. The off-handed meeting of the main characters was quirky and unique and the story progressed smoothly with a few subplots to keep you interested in the entire cast of characters not just the protagonist. Given the theme of Christmas...a great drama to see around the holidays. Recommended. |
Long vacation [ロングバケーション]
Rating: 10/10 (Watched)
One of my all time favs...Tomoko Yamaguchi is a cutie and the story line was awesome. A classic drama for all time | Love generation [ラブジェネレーション]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
An unforgettable classic pairing two famous celebrities from "Long Vacation." One of the most memorable dramas I've ever seen and makes one realize that very few dramas rise to this level in terms of performance and entertainment. Absolutely great chemistry between Matsu Takako and Kimura Takuya set this drama apart from the crowd. | Love Revolution [ラブレボリューション]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched) |
Lunch no Joou [ランチの女王]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched)
A rather starstudded cast where food takes the central role in a light-hearted comedy about a misplaced woman and her love for good eats. Fun to watch but not the best work for any of the celebrities acting in this show. The story falters slightly toward the end seemingly due to the fact that the plot didn't have enough substance ~ enough to sustain a 12 episode run. | Mokuyoubi no Shokutaku [木曜日の食卓]
Rating: 9/10 | Moto Kare [元カレ]
Rating: 6/10 (Watched)
not the most original storyline but a heartfelt performance by rina uchiyama made the series tolerable..she was definitely the highlight....the male led character, toji, was quite pathetic at times and hard to feel sorry for given his extraordinary situation of having two gorgeous women vying for his attention....ryoko hirosue as makoto saeki was believable as the self-confident career woman...all in all, better screen writing would have helped this show which otherwise had a STAR STUDDED cast. great for fans of these celebrities but not long on originality or freshness. |
Mukodono! [ムコ殿/女婿大人]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched)
A feel good comedy with it's share of heart ache and pain. A bit formulaic in its execution but nonetheless enjoyable to watch. If you've seen Otousan and/or Oyaji don't expect something fresh but if you enjoy indulging in those types of shows this is one drama you can't afford to miss! Great acting by both male and female leads respectively. I really enjoyed Ryoko Shinohara as Satsuki (nee-chan) Arai. Pulled off the cool, well-finished woman off perfectly!! O, just watch it...you'll like it :) | My Boss, My Hero [マイボスマイヒロ]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched)
A great comedy overall that was one of the few highlights of 2006. Nagase Tomoya puts forth a valiant comic performance that was funny if not a bit over the top and redundant at times. The all too familiar school setting doesn't provide many surprises by way of supporting performances which robs the dorama of some needed depth at times. However, if you want to laugh out loud at a light-hearted morality tale that imparts lessons about life....this may just be your cup of "Agnes pudding." | Nemureru mori [眠れる森]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched) |
News no onna [ニュースの女]
| Ninkyo Helper [任侠ヘルパー]
Rating: 5/10 (Watched) | Nobuta wo Produce [野ブタ。をプロデュース]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched) |
Nodame Cantabile [のだめ カンタビ−レ]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched) | Ns' Aoi [Ns’ あおい ]
Rating: 6/10 (Watched)
The first starring role for Satomi Ishihara. Unfortunately it's a rather lackluster dorama with an uncompelling storyline and many plot conventions that have been overused in other doramas. Satomi's performance is adequate but doesn't capture the audience in a rapture. The supporting cast members do little to add to the dramatic tension and a few can be exceedingly annoying. The dorama ultimately falls short because of the screenwriting. | Nyokei Kazoku [女系家族]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched) |
Odoru Daisousasen [踊る大捜査線]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched)
A great show! Quintessential example of what's good with "older" doramas. Sincere acting, great casting and a novelty difficult to find in later programming. Oja Yuji and Eri Fukatsu are GREAT...Eri Fukatsu looks absolutely fabulous in her "younger days." A grand actress...the supporting character were also interesting and helped add to the delightfulness of this show. | Ohsama no resutoran [王樣のレストラン]
(Watched) | Omiai kekkon [お見合い結婚]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched) |
Orange Days [オレンジデイズ]
Rating: 10/10 (Watched)
Simply one of the best dramas I've ever seen...and I've been at this for a while.....for further commentary please view my review on the Orange Days info page. | Otousan [おとうさん]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched)
Starstudded cast. Awesome in that respect alone. Very heartwarming, funny insight into the life of a family. Loved the transformation of Ryoko Hirosue's character, Makoto. But then I just adore her acting and looks! | Over Time [オーバー・タイム]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
An incredible piece of fiction from my favorite screenwriter, Eriko Kitagawa. This drama engendered such warm feelings, by the end of the story I truly felt as if I had known these characters for years. The intimate look at the life of these palpably real characters was fantastically executed given the sincere effort by the actors. Sorimachi and Esumi Makiko had superb chemistry which I will forever remember. After having seen many recently released dramas, returning to a "classic" drama such as this triggered an indeliable sense of nostalgia reminding me why I was so attracted to dramas in the beginning, many years ago. My only criticism was the difficulty trying to reconcile the ending with my perceptions of the show. I found the ending fairly heart-rending. Ultimately this is the type of drama that you don't want to end and you're sad when it does. |
Oyaji~ [オヤジぃ]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
Fun to watch and the acting was pretty good all around. The father's character was expertly played by Tamura Masakuzu. Hitomi Kuroki as the mother was also great. A must for all fans of Ryoko Hirosue as well. Good stuff! | Pretty Girls [プリティガール]
Rating: 4/10 (Watched)
Poorly executed dramas with annoying characterizations and a flat storyline. Inamori Izumi was the only real highlight but it was hardly enough to redeem the corporate effort. Not worth a recommendation, to say the least. | Pride [プライド]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched) |
rinbukyoku [輪舞曲]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched)
I really enjoy Yutaka Takenouchi's performances so I was looking forward to this dorama. It was interesting to a point, but the plot was unevenly paced and lost some steam at certain points...the surprise twists were a plus but it was definitely not Yutaka Takenouchi's best work. Perhaps above average but it doesn't rival Yutaka's other work. A crime dorama for those interested. | Ruri no shima [瑠璃の島]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched) | Saito-san [斉藤さん]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched) |
Sasaki Fusai no Jingi Naki Tatakai [佐々木夫妻の仁義なき戦い]
Rating: 7/10 | sekushii boisu ando robo [セクシーボイスアンドロボ]
Rating: 6/10 (Watched) | Shiroi Haru [白い春]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched) |
Shomuni [ショムニ]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched)
An offbeat comedy filled with office hijinks. Makiko Esumi leads a bevy of woman in this no holds barred laugh factory. She shines in this role very brightly. The supporting cast adds a further dash of deliriousness. An empowering showcase of laughter with feminine heroines coming to the rescue when the going gets tough. My only reservation regarding this dorama is the lack of an overall story arc but when you want a refreshing change from somber melodramas the goofy antics of Shomuni may just lighten your mood with lots of laughter. | Shota no sushi [将太の寿司]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched) | Slow Dance [スローダンス]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched)
As the name of the show implies the series is a metaphor about life, "a slow dance" amongst people interacting over the course of time. I really enjoyed Eri Fukatsu in this role and sincerely felt she carried the show despite the enormous star power brought by Satoshi Tsumabuki and Ryoko Hirosue. The side stories weren't very compelling in ths drama and indeed, the plot progressed rather slowly. A slightly average drama with very few surprises...it's more about seeing how exactly things turn out rather than trying to resolve any unforeseen outcomes. Again, Eri Fukatsu is the star of the show. |
Sora Kara Furu Ichioku no Hoshi [空から降る一億の星]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched)
an interesting performance by kimura takuya, quite different from the majority of his roles. the darkness of character was indeed mysterious and well-conveyed. akashiya sanma, eri fukatsu, and kou shibasaki also add worthy performances. however, the evolution of the plot was exceedingly slow which ultimately ends up detracting from the suspense of the storyline. in fact, by the eighth episode i had already figured out the "big surprise" ending which you have to wait for a tad too long. not a drama for the happy go lucky crowd....in it's somber tone it conveys some of the same dark emotions as kou kou kyoushi 2003. far from a masterpiece yet may appeal to fans looking to see something different | Strawberry Night [ストロベリーナイト]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched) | Strawberry on the shortcake [ストロベリー・オンザ・ショートケーキ]
Rating: 2/10 (Watched)
Undoubtedly the worst drama I've ever seen...implausible storyline, warped characters, and some irredeemable acting. I didn't even finish the show....the first drama I never finished. |
Style! [スタイル!]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched) | Suekko chounan ane san nin [末っ子長男姉三人]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched)
A heartwarming family drama illustrating the trials and tribulations of living in a single parent home with mutliple children. Fairly starstudden cast with J. Okada, Koyuki, and Eri Fukatsu. Somewhat average, but watchable. The character of the only son is a bit too much of a momma's boy but hey that is probably very prevalent in Japan. | Sugao no mama de [素顏のままで]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched) |
Summer snow
Rating: 10/10 (Watched)
Extremely heartfelt, dramatic acting in this one. Ryoko Hirosue's character, Yuki, is unbelievably sweet and feminine. It's simply amazing! Makes you fall in love instantly! Prepare to choke back the tears in this one. It gets pretty heavy, man. One of the best dramas I've seen. | Sweet Home [スウィート・ホーム/甜蜜家庭]
Rating: 9/10 | Teru Teru Ashita [てるてるあした]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched)
Heartwarming story about a young girl struggling with the disaster of being uprooted from a posh, comfortable lifestyle in Tokyo - forced to live in the countryside and earn her keep. Decent acting and likeable characters make this story about the young-girl-next-door- type protagonist an interesting diversion for sympathetic members of the viewing audience. |
Tiger & Dragon [タイガー＆ドラゴン]
Rating: 10/10 (Watched)
This is easily one of the funniest doramas I've ever seen. The acting, the writing, and the uncoventional storytelling combined to produce some of the most brilliant Japanese comedy I've seen in recent memory. The chemistry b/n the actors was nearly flawless and the multiple personalities of the main players was great to watch. I think this is the best work I've seen from Nagase Tomoya. Winner of the following TV Academy Awards for 2005:
Best Drama; Best Actor - Nagase Tomoya; Best Supporting Actor -Nishida Toshiyuki; Best Screenwriter - Kudo Kankuro; Best Music Arrangement - Nakanishi Kyo; Best Opening -Katayama Osamu | Tokkyu Tanaka 3 Go [特急田中３号]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched) | Tokyo Elevator Girl [東京エレベーターガール]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
The first drama I ever saw, back in 1992. I got hooked on Japanese dramas because of this one. Rie Miyazawa was approaching the zenith of her career. She's just so beautiful in this drama I got hooked on her forever after. A simple story about a simple girl tryin' to make it in the big city of Tokyo. |
Tokyo Love Story [東京ラブストーリー]
| Tokyo Wankei [東京湾景]
| Trick [トリック]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched)
This doramas was somewhat entertaining but I was expecting more considering the abundant praise. The comic duo of Abe Hiroshi and Yukie Nakama was pleasing to watch but the hokey villians were not very engaging....how many wack looking phonies in flamboyant costumes can one bear to look at it. A poor man's X-files....quite poor indeed. |
Trick Season 2 [トリック2]
| Trick Season 3 [トリック3]
| Unfair [アンフェア]
Rating: 6/10 (Watched) |
Unubore Deka [うぬぼれ刑事]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched) | Utahime [歌姫]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched) | Wagaya no Rekishi [わが家の歴史]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched) |
With love
| Yakusha Damashii [役者魂]
Rating: 6/10 (Watched) | Yamato Nadeshiko [やまとなでしこ【大和撫子】]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched) |
Yan Papa [やんパパ]
| Yasashii Jikan [優しい時間]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched) | Yasha [夜叉]
|
Yoomigaeri [黄泉がえり]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched) | | |
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Hirosue Ryoko [広末涼子]
