I started watching Saiai too, but it's not as good as I expected. Once I got the idea of what happened, apart from the two main characters, I don't know or care much about the rest of the characters.

I watched Love or Not Season 1 too. Even though it's nothing original, everyone put in earnest performances and it was surprisingly enjoyable. Motokariya Yuika was so cute, but her character was not especially interesting.

There are a few dramas I want to follow this season so looking forward to them.

Watched Koisenu Futari episode 1. Perhaps not many people are like the lead characters with regards to romantic relationships/feelings. But the way they talked about society expectation and pressure, as well as loneliness, would echo with many people. Although the direction of the plot seems to be somewhat predictable, I am still very much looking forward to the rest of the drama.

Kishii Yukino is so cute. I love her beaming smile. Where has she been all these years?

Also watched Dekinai Futari. It's a 2 part SP told from the female and male leads point of view. The story is cliche and I felt the bickering could have been better but it was still very enjoyable. Having key scenes told from different point of view with voiceover was interesting.

xploring wrote:

I started watching Saiai too, but it's not as good as I expected. Once I got the idea of what happened, apart from the two main characters, I don't know or care much about the rest of the characters.

Yeah it was pretty obvious but they had to drag it to 10 episodes. Honestly, I was expecting more of a thriller or darker, sinister vibe, but they went with damsel in distress. It was fine for what it was, but a bit of wasted potential.

Tried the first episode of Kamakura dono no 13 nin, quite entertaining and gives me hope I might make it through this taiga. Perhaps following it weekly might help.

Hope to finish Nihon Chinbotsu soon, two episodes to go.
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Kamakura dono no 13 nin. I watched the first two episodes. The storytelling is quite entertaining but the pace of Taiga drama is just too slow for me. With hardly any background knowledge of the time period and those historical figures, I don't think I will keep watching.

Muchaburi. I didn't have any expectation and was pleasantly surprised. The writing and performances were engaging even if the material is nothing very original. Looking forward to the rest.

Touboui F. Feels a bit like The Fugitive. I like both leads in their past movie/drama but the storytelling feels disjointed and overall the drama looks a bit amateurish. If this is an American series, I think it has good potential but I don't remember any Japanese drama like this one that was memorable.

Read on twitter that The Journalist on Netflix is really good, perhaps even better than the movie. Hope to check it out in future.

Hamabe Minami is captivating in Dr White. Her character reminds me of a child who grew up in the forest alone without human contact. I understand they want to emphasize the contrast between her and the rest of the cast, but the balance felt a bit off... Hopefully they will focus on character development rather than episodic medical puzzles.

Koisenu Futari episode 2. That was really good. The story moved very quickly but I really like how there were a lot of meaningful discussions about family, communication, expectation... I often watch dramas with a lot of short breaks in one episode but this was so engaging I wish I could keep watching even when the episode ended. The leads' performances were pitch perfect too. They conveyed so much in only 30 minutes, there was like no filler at all.

Tsuma, shougakusei ni naru (My Wife Becomes an Elementary School Student)

That was a great first episode. I read the first two volume of the manga and here the storytelling is much more nuanced and carefully constructed. The lighter moments are so fun, the sound effects and background music really helps. The writing is not that special once you know what to expect, but the whole production from direction, camera work and acting are all top notch. I read that many viewers cried in the second half. I wasn't sure I was going to because I had lost my mother six years ago, but eventually did shed tears near the end, two minutes later I laughed out loud. It's just so warm, and funny.

Tsutsumi Shinichi is so good, Maida Nono exceeded expectation in her pensive scene, she's really good at imitating Ishida Yuriko who shined. I was already a fan of Makita Aju and she is great here again.

What's it like to lose family, I don't think anyone can know what it feels like until it happens. They conveyed the listlessness really well. I was surprised to read many people had apprehension about the premise because it's a romantic relationship between an adult and a child. But it's just a story about a married couple, even if her body changed, it's still the same person inside.

---

So this season, it's this and Koisenu Futari and maybe Muchaburi for me. The last one is a bit silly at times but enjoyable too. And Fight Song which I haven't started.

Hi guys!

Over the last few months, these - in reverse chronological watching order - are the J-dramas (be it recent ones or not) that I've really enjoyed (I graded them 9 or 10 out of 10):

Mushoboke
Very original, a tad too dark for my taste but the message it conveys was totally worth it!

Tantei ga Hayasugiru
THE most original mystery I've watched: a detective that doesn't *solve* crimes, but rather *prevents* them! The main cast did a really great job BTW!

Tsumari Suki tte iitai n Dakedo
I honestly had no big expectations with this one, but it positively surprised me! And Ohara Sakurako is adorbs!

Neko
WOW, just WOW! Nth proof that quality trumps quantity. 6 short episodes for a deep, tragically beautiful story. Must watch!

Takeuchi Ryoma no Satsukyu
Nice "sequel" to the one with Arimura Kasumi, will also watch the new one with Kamiki Ryunosuke...hoping that the next time the lead will be an actress again, hopefully one I like (Moririn for example...but a few dozen more could also seal the deal for me, LOL)

Zetsumeshi Road
Once again (and sorry to sound so repetitive!), THE most original and deepest "food-drama" I've watched, period. Great music too!

Bank Over!: Shijo Saijaku no Goto
Brilliant, absolutely brilliant! And tremendously witty and hilarious!

The Ingenuity of the House Husband
LOL, another hilarious one, though with a much, much slower pace.

Hachigatsu wa Yoru no Batting Center de
Life is baseball! I mean, what's not to like in a dorama with that catchphrase, right?

Tokyo Sentimental
Loved it all but the last SP which I honestly found terrible.


...and these were the ones I really didn't like:

Saiai
Anata no Tonari ni Dare ka Iru
Dropped them both after a few eps. as I hated all characters and disliked the script

Rikokatsu
Watched it till the end and totally hated it, I was shipping Eita with Tanabe Momoko the whole time, I couldn't stand Kitagawa's character nor anybody from her family!

Ciao y'all!

Kamakura dono no 13 nin is keeping me entertained, three episodes in.

Started Hakozume, very entertaining two episodes so far and I laughed a lot. Toda Erika is doing well as the stern, a bit scary, yet caring mentor to Nagano Mei's bumbling newbie. Miura Shohei is pretty funny with the mop hair.
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I have seen 4 episodes of Kamakura dono:

Koike Eiko is ok as Hojo Masako but Masako was so influential that I always have the really strong portrayal from Iwashita Shima from Kusa Moeru in mind.

Since Oizumi has played evil characters before I am hoping that his Yoritomo becomes more ruthless over the course of the series.

Yoshitoki will hopefully get more influence soon since

Click on button to reveal/hide spoiler:

he will be the Hojo heir soon

.

Worst part is Yui as Yae, Yoritomo's ex and Yoshitoki's aunt. I don't like it and Yae's scenes with Yoshitoki are uncomfortable.
They should finally aunnounce real wives of Yoshitoki (sweet Hime no Mae and evil Iga no Kata) this plotline annoys and messes with the story of Yoshitoki's heir Yasutoki since likely

Click on button to reveal/hide spoiler:

Yasutoki who was the son of Yoshitoki and an unknown first girlfriend won't be Yoshitoki's son on the show but a son of Yae and Yoritomo since Yae is still hung up over Yoritomo and Yoshitoki and Yae are nephew and aunt and they hopefully won't do an incest plotline.

Just watched Muchaburi episode 5. I am surprised how much this has grown on me. It was a bit silly and I thought about giving up on it after 2 or 3 episodes. Underneath the silliness and comedy, it is sometimes thought provoking regarding nature of work and leadership. The relationship between Hinako and the President is intriguing too even though he is peripheral most of the time. Hinako is really endearing in the latest episode.

Continued watching Koisenu Futari and Tsuma, Shougakusei ni Naru. I like them both very much.

xploring wrote:

Just watched Muchaburi episode 5. I am surprised how much this has grown on me. It was a bit silly and I thought about giving up on it after 2 or 3 episodes. Underneath the silliness and comedy, it is sometimes thought provoking regarding nature of work and leadership. The relationship between Hinako and the President is intriguing too even though he is peripheral most of the time. Hinako is really endearing in the latest episode.

I guess no chance of Hinako and the President developing a bit of romance?
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junny wrote:

I guess no chance of Hinako and the President developing a bit of romance?

There are definite signs but hasn't eventuated to anything yet. Taiga kun is favoured by the writer I feel.

Koisenu Futari episode 5. The weight of feelings in the second half of this episode surprised me, in so short a time. There is really no filler at all in this drama. Again I wonder, where was Kishii Yukino all these years...

Tsuma, Shougakusei ni Naru. I still like this one but enjoyed watching every episode but it's somewhat predictable and hasn't repeated the height of episode 1 since then. Maida Nono has probably the most screen time and the most important role out of the entire cast, kind of amazing that she's 10 years old or thereabout.

There are two other dramas this season that seems well received but I haven't seen any review yet. Oi, Handsome and Don't Call it Mystery.

Just finished Koisenu Futari. Both leads did great in getting across what they were thinking and feeling. I enjoyed it thoroughly. My only wish is that it was longer so I can learn more about them. Kishii Yukino is so cute and likeable, not just in appearance but also in spirit/as a person. She is easily one of my favourite actresses now after just one drama.

I caught a few minutes of Shizuka chan to Papa and loved it already. Kind of torn between watching it now or waiting till the end so I can watch it all without waiting weekly for next episodes.

Oh, and I've just found out today that there are subtitles for Asuka on d-addicts! In case someone else is interested. It was Takeuchi Yuko's asadora.

Finished Koisenu Futari, what a lovely, thoughtful drama! Excellent performances by Kishii Yukino and Takahashi Issei, really enjoyed their interactions.
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Finally finished 17 sai no Teikokku, only 5 episodes. Overall I like how it ended on a hopeful note and the direction of political leadership. But I started watching it because of Yamada Anna and felt both the roles of Sachi and Yuki were kind of unnecessary. It didn't feel like they added much to the story or overriding message. Maybe it's explained more in the original work.

Shizuka chan to papa won a few awards and I read quite a few comments saying it may be the drama of the year. So I am looking forward to finishing it, only watched like 2 episodes a couple of months ago. It's kind of under the radar (made by NHK) but if you don't have a lot of time, this seems like the go to recommendation, if you like warm, thoughtful community/family drama.

I don't think NHK made dramas other than Asadora and Taiga a few years ago. Not sure when they started to but it looks like quality of their dramas are right up there.

Started Cold Case season 3, first two eps were solid though a bit rough to watch.
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Watching Saigokara Ninbanme no Koi again. It wasn't really a favourite drama and kind of still isn't. The romance between Shinpei and Chiaki was meh, Noriko's arc was not really enjoyable and the Omiai was strange. But the scenes with the Nagakura family and between the main couple were special. From poignant, thought-provoking to outright laughing without holding back, I can't think of another drama on the same level. It's really one of a kind.

Of the new season's dramas, I like First Penguin, Atom no Ko and Kurosagi best. Kishii Yukino is so likeable, she shines even more brightly than I expected. Pleasantly surprised by Kurosagi, it's actually a character driven drama even though the formula runs on plot. I thought Kuroshima Yuina was very good in her limited role, wish I can see more of her. Was looking forward to First Penguin before it aired, will save it until season end.

Re-watched Tokyo Friends. My earlier impression of Otsuka Ai being a good actress was a bit overstated. She did get better as the series and movie progressed. She really blossomed in front of a microphone though. Almost as if she's a singer first and foremost
The rest of the cast were as I remembered - Kobayashi Mao and Matsumoto Rio are cute (and fine in their roles), Maki Yoko is really good, as is Eita. The music is great.

Anime Dad wrote:

Re-watched Tokyo Friends. My earlier impression of Otsuka Ai being a good actress was a bit overstated. She did get better as the series and movie progressed. She really blossomed in front of a microphone though. Almost as if she's a singer first and foremost The rest of the cast were as I remembered - Kobayashi Mao and Matsumoto Rio are cute (and fine in their roles), Maki Yoko is really good, as is Eita. The music is great.

Happy New Year Anime Dad.
I rewatched Honey and Clover taking a break from anime. Lol. By watching a live action version
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Eve wrote:

Happy New Year Anime Dad.

Happy New Year Eve!

Anime Dad wrote:

Happy New Year Eve!

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