Web Hosting by Netfirms | Free Domain Names by Netfirms

J-dorama ~ Y

Title: Yamatonadeshiko 

Cast: Matsushima Nanako, Tsutsumi Shinichi, Yada Akiko, Nishimura Masahiko, Azuma Mikihisa

Scriptwriter: Nakazono Miho

Theme: "Everything" by Misia

On Air: FujiTV 2000 Oct 9 - Dec 18

Jinno Sakurako (Matsushima) is an air stewardess who is always on the lookout for a rich man to marry as she was brought up in poverty and dislike being poor. During an aucon (Er, how do you describe this? Normally a dinner where 3 men and 3 women gather to make friends with each other), Nakahara Osuke's (Tsutsumi) friend drags him along and lies to the other parties that all of them are doctors. Osuke, although reluctant, is stunned by Sakurako who looks like his ex girlfriend and is not able to tell the truth when Sakurako really mistaken him for a very rich man. Osuke is really just a poor man who once studied Mathematics in Boston but came back to help out to take over the family's fish stall when his father passed away. When the truth is out, Sakurako's sweet attitude towards Osuke takes a 180 degrees turn.   

Thumbs up! Love this drama. It's hilarious seeing the tactics used by Sakurako in searching for a rich man and how she makes the guy falls for her. It's a wonder why I find such a materialistic girl likable. Matsushima is really good here! Watch out for all the brand names clothes on her. Pretty! This is the first time that I watched Tsutsumi on drama. He fits the character quite well! There's this doctor (Azuma) in the drama who loves Sakurako and I do find him rather pitiful because he's really very nice to her but yet Sakurako always treat him as a backup while she continues her hunt for a better one. Isn't it's good to just ends up with him? But of course, the best is to be with Osuke. Really, I didn't find it such a bad choice to choose him since in the end, he's back in Boston to continue his research and works as a lecturer. How poor can a lecturer be? Very sweet ending! Highly recommended!

Title: Yome wa mitsuboshi

Cast: Kimura Yoshino, Morta Go, Asada Miyoko, Ueto Aya, Hashizume Isao, Nishimura Masahiko

Theme: "Week!" by Do As Infinity

On Air: TBS 2001 Apr 11 - Jun 20

On the day of Miyuki's (Kimura) marriage to Makoto (Harada Ryuji), Makoto has to rush to leave for a work project in Africa. Although left alone, Miyuki feels that her marriage is ideal as she needs not live with Makoto's family, and she feels that his family members are understanding to allow her to continue with her job in a construction department of a big company. Things changes when Makoto's mother passed away and his father subsequently falls sick. The family members start throwing housework at Miyuki, expecting her to do what a daughter-in-law should do. With additional workload, this cause Miyuki to lose her chance to participate in a big project in bridge building and she's subsequently transferred to a smaller affiliated company. However, feeling that family is more important, she quits soon after and devotes full time, slogging her gut out in the house as well as in the family's business.

When I was watching the first episode, I really feel like giving each of the family members a hard slap! All of them are so selfish and their demands are so unreasonable. But oh well, that's drama =P A very pleasant drama that sees how Miyuki's perseverance builds up the bridge that links up the hearts of every family members. Although I must say that she's quite pitiful in that she never had a chance to be with Makoto ever since they got married and in the end.... Sigh.... Anyway, Morita Go as Satoru is not too bad in the show.... but a change of hairstyle will be much appreciated >_< Oh yah, the unagi meal looks delicious... Tabetai! 

Title: Young Papa

Cast: Nagase Tomoya, Katou Ai, Gotou Maki, Fujitani Miwako

Theme: "ding-dong" by TOKIO

On Air: TBS 2002 Oct 9 - Dec 11

Mabuchi Yuusaku (Nagase) (25 years old) is the assistant of a famous manga artiste Kazama Yui (Fujitani) (39 years old). Both were attracted to each other and they decided to get married despite the opposition from Yui's 3 children from her previous marriage.  But on the day after they registered their marriage, Yui met with a car accident and passed away. Knowing that Yui wanted to starts a new life with her children after the marriage, Yuusaku decides to move into Yui's house and be the Papa of the three children.

The first two episodes still look interesting as you see how Yuusaku tries to propose to Yui. However, the subsequent episodes gets a bit boring as the pace is a bit slow. There's really not much surprise here. Fujitani casts as two roles here, one as Yui and the others as Mizushima Minako, a businesswoman who has a completely opposite character as Yui. I thought her expression is rather interesting to watch ^o^ Typical ending but ok, the drama on the whole is still watchable.

Title: Yume no California 

Cast: Domoto Tsuyoshi, Shibasaki Kou, Kuninaka Ryouko

Scriptwriter: Okada Yoshikazu

Theme: "California Dreamin'" by The Mamas & The Papas

            "Machi" by Domoto Tsuyoshi

On Air: TBS 2002 Apr 12 - Jun 28

Yamazaki Shu (Tsuyoshi), Asao Keiko (Kuninaka) and Ooba Kotomi (Shibasaki) were classmates in the junior high school. Shu lives a very normal life which people will call it 'boring', and some of his classmates cannot even remember his presence in class. Keiko, after failing her university entrance exam, is now working in a small company and is not satisfied with her current life. Kotomi who used to be bullied in school has now turned into a pretty model but deep inside, she is still very insecure and lack of confidence. All three met up when they went for a class gathering. On their second meeting with another ex classmate, the three were shocked to see that classmate jumped to his death from the top of their school building. This turn of event changed their outlook on life....

Quite an interesting drama where the characters depict very real life characteristics such as feeling insecure, not satisfied with one's life, finding one's work a bored, and leading an uninteresting life. It's not one of those type of dramas where the characters immediately vow to change for the better and fight for a better tomorrow immediately after seeing their friend commit suicide. Instead, their changes are slowly developed as they met with more obstacles in their path. Not a bad drama. I quite enjoy it.