Keiji 7-nin 2 Review

Title: Keiji 7-nin 2

AKA: Seven Detectives 2

Genre: Detective, Crime

Episodes: 9

Broadcast period: 2016-Jul to 2916-Sep

Cast: Higashiyama Noriyuki, Takashima Masahiro, Kataoka Ainosuke, Suzuki Kosuke, Kurashina Kana, Yoshida Kotaro, Tsukamoto Takashi and Kitaoji Kinya.

This is the second season of the drama Keiji 7-nin.

Continuing from season 1, the 12^th Division is still working cases based on being “the bottom” of the hierarchy. Amagi Yu (Higashiyama Noriyuki) has been transferred to division 6, driving around in his patrol car and responds to radio calls, and is first on scene. Though he is transferred, the division works together, and investigates crimes - always in a dramatic way.

When a serial of body parts is left in gift boxes around Tokyo, the team, together with other divisions, try and track the killer, who seems to taunt them. At the same time, Aoyama Arata (Tsukamoto Takashi) is tasked to keep an eye on division 12, and report back to the head investigator…

I watched this right after the first season, and compared to first season, this season is dark. There is a heavy seriousness and very little humor, which is odd, because in the first season it was explained that Division 12, was for outcasts and weirdoes. Basically, they did a 180 degree turn, on our characters, and I didn’t appreciate that. All seem so dull and stoic, compared to the loud and funny characters from season one. Especially our main lead, who straightened his curly hair, and changed his brown suit, to a black one. Worst of all, he only speaks when needed, and has a frown. Definitely different than season 1…

Other than that, the entire season was good. The stories were great, and the team work was intriguing to watch. I honestly liked every single story in this drama, so kudos to the writers.

All in all, different from season 1, but still a good drama.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥ / 3 out of 5 hearts

Keiji 7-nin Review

Title: Keiji 7-nin

AKA: Seven Detectives

Genre: Detective, Crime

Episodes: 9

Broadcast period: 2015-Jul to 2015-Sep

Cast: Higashiyama Noriyuki, Takashima Masahiro, Kataoka Ainosuke, Suzuki Kosuke, Kurashina Kana, Yoshida Kotaro and Kitaoji Kinya.

While working at the Lost and Found Center for the MPD (Metropolitan Police Department) Amagi Yu (Higashiyama Noriyuki) gets a visit from Katagari Masatoshi (Yoshida Kotaro), who tells him to return to the First Investigation as a detective. When he arrives at his division, Division 12, Amagi is met by 6 odd members. Infamous for being a “detective graveyard”, Division 12 is the place where detectives go, but don’t move up, no matter what they accomplish. The chief, Katagari is laid back and chain smoking, not really invested in his position. Samura Kosuke (Takashima Masahiro) a brute detective, with temperament issues. Nagasawa Keita (Suzuki Kosuke) a worrisome detective, who doesn’t stop talking. Mizuta Tamaki (Kurashina Kana) the only female detective, but without real motivation. Yamashita Takumi (Kataoka Ainosuke) a fancy detective, who works as the team’s lab expert. And Domoto Shuntaro (Kitaoji Kinya) the forensic professor, who seems to know Amagi well.

When a boat explodes by the harbor, Division 12 is set out to investigate, but due to hierarchy, they lose the case to another division, and get two minor cases instead. Soon they realize that all three cases are entwined, and they uncover an even deeper conspiracy…

So, I really like Higashiyama, like I am a fan, since I started liking Johnny’s, but I never knew he was doing TV. This was a pleasant surprise, as I really enjoyed this drama. It was interesting, fun and it got me emotional at times, but still managed to have a bit of action. Though I would occasionally find it a bit dragged, not in the bad sense, but in the “filler” kind if way, it was still a good drama to watch. The cast was good, pretty standard, and Higashiyama was alright… I mean, his character is a bit typical, and the rest are also quite stereotypical, so I wasn’t blown away per se. But it was good, nonetheless.

All in all, a good drama, with good storytelling.

☆☆☆½ / 3½ out of 5 stars

♥♥♥½ / 3½ out of 5 hearts

99.9 2 Review

Title: 99.9 season 2

AKA: Criminal Lawyers season 2

Genre: Legal, Drama

Episodes: 9

Broadcast period: 2018-Jan to 2018-Mar

Theme song: Find the Answer by Arashi

Cast: Matsumoto Jun, Kagawa Teruyuki and Kimura Fumino

“The Japanese criminal justice system has a conviction rate of 99.9%. Once indicted, a guilty verdict is a near certainty. This drama series tells the story of the lawyers who take on these difficult cases, so that they may find the facts hidden within the remaining 0.1%.” (Intro of each episode)

Returning to where we left off, Miyama Hiroto (Matsumoto Jun) still works “losing” cases for Madarame Law Firm. Joining him this time is a former judge, Ozaki Maiko (Kimura Fumino), who firmly and blindly, believes in the judicial system of Japan - which is completely opposite from Miyama.

Not being able to unite in the beginning, the two learn to adapt to each other’s workstyle, and soon enough, together with top defense lawyer Sada Atsuhiro (Kagawa Teruyuki), they seek justice for cases with a 0,01 % success rate…

So, 2 years back, I watched the first season, and didn’t not fancy it. I didn’t hate it, but I wasn’t that into it. The second season is a bit better. I like that there is an exact opposite of Miyama, making it two sides, instead of just the one. Also, Ozaki is really cool. I like her character being herself, even if she is caught in a disadvantage, which the previous lead didn’t have. All characters are pretty much the same, and the acting was pretty much at point - though the humor and speed of conversations, is hard to follow, which it was in season one as well. The stories are good, and the flow of the back plot is great, so it made it a bit more enjoyable.

All in all, a better season, and interesting storytelling.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥ / 4 out of 5 hearts

Signal: Choki Mikaiketsu Jiken Sosahan Review

Title: Signal

AKA: Signal - Choki Mikaiketsu Jiken Sosahan

Genre: Suspense, (Time-travel)

Episodes: 10

Broadcast period: 2018-Apr to 2018-Jun

Cast: Sakaguchi Kentaro, Kitamura Kazuki, Kichise Michiko and Kamio Fuju.

This is the Japanese version of the Korean drama with the same name.

Working freelance, Saegusa Kento (Sakaguchi Kentaro) spends most of his time getting scoop for random gossip magazines, though he’d finished police school. One day he gets picked up by the police, and reprimanded, but let go, due to lack of lawbreaking. While leaving, he accidently passes a garbage truck, and notices a walkie-talkie calling out to him. Confused and curious, he picks it up and starts talking to Oyama Takeshi (Kitamura Kazuki), who asks him about an abandoned hospital. Their call gets cut abruptly, and in order to soothe his curiosity, Saegusa visits the abandons place, only to find a skeleton. Surprisingly, a 15-year-old case that has haunted Saegusa with guilt in the past, has now resurfaced.

Bewildered, Saegusa reconnects with Oyama to ask about the case, but Oyama claims he’s from 15 years ago, and that the case had just happened…

After watching the Korean version, I decided to give this one a go, especially since I loved the original. Compared to the original, this one is shorter, and does not incorporate all stories you get from the Korean version. Thankfully it is the one story that I really didn’t like from the original that they didn’t add, so I was pleasantly surprised. I tend to like the Japanese remakes of Korean dramas, as the stories are good, without the “over-the-top” drama/dilemma. Its very clean cut, and it also is very well acted. Also, I like the two veteran actors, another nice surprise. The lead actor I don’t remember seeing before, but he did a good job, considering the original almost blew me away. So, another plus.

That said, I did feel the ending summed up too fast. I know it is because I had the original in my head, but I felt it being hurried, and little bit messy - not much, just enough for a kdrama fan to notice.

Anyways, I enjoyed it, and I liked it.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥ / 4 out of 5 hearts

Iryu Sosa 4 Review

Title: Iryu Sosa Season 4

AKA: CSI: Crime Scene Talks Season 4

Genre: Police, Mystery, Crime

Episodes: 9

Broadcast period: 2017-Jul to 2017-Sep

Cast: Kamikawa Takaya, Kuriyama Chiaki, Toda Keiko, Nagai Masaru and Miyazaki Karen.

This is the fourth season of the drama series.

During a cruise trip in Kyoto, Itomura Satoshi (Kamikawa Takaya) is, together with the passengers and crew of the ship, hijacked by gunmen, right leaving the harbour. While threatening to blow up the ship, the gunmen blow up one of them, leaving small burnt pieces of paper behind. Using his smarts, he tries to alert the police, who have occupied the harbor, of possible on-shore accomplices. His signal is spotted by Kanzaki Rio (Kuriyama Chiaki), a detective of the Special Crime Management and Control Office (Tokutai), a team that specializes in crimes that are seen as either too wired or hard to solve. Soon enough the cruise is saved, but the hijackers are nowhere to be found. But Itomura believes otherwise, and the Tokutai are introduced to the unique man, only interested in the burnt pieces of paper, left by the hijackers….

Sorry about the summary - it’s been a while.

After four seasons, you kind of get used to the flow and storylines of this drama. It is a nice break from serious and heavy dramas, and you can enjoy it without much prior knowledge. Though I haven’t watched the special that is in between season 3 and season 4, I felt that I didn’t need it. I could follow the story, and I again, didn’t need any backstory. Season 4 is also different, in the sense that we are in a different city and with different characters (except Itomura of course), so it is very refreshing. I also feel like this season has turned up the storytelling - the individual episode stories are really well-written and good.

All in all, a good drama with good acting - and good storytelling.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥½ / 3½ out of 5 hearts

Unnatural Review

Title: Unnatural

Genre: Crime, Mystery, Forensic, Comedy, Drama

Episodes: 10

Broadcast period: 2018-Jan to 2018-Mar

Cast: Ishihara Satomi, Iura Arata, Kubota Masataka, Ichikawa Mikako and Matsushige Yutaka.

This drama revolves around the few forensic pathologists at the UDI Lab.

Misumi Mikoto (Ishihara Satomi) works as a medical examiner at the UDI Lab. She is earnest and believes every death has a “truth”. Other than her, there is Nakado Kai (Iura Arata) working as a medical examiner. Though he has worked in the field longer than her, his approach is different. He is cold and fast, but very talented. There is Shoji Yuko (Ichikawa Mikako) a clinical test technologist, and Kube Rokuro (Kubota Masataka) a recorder.

Overworked and underappreciated, the UDI Lab has more and more cases each day, and when circumstances from the past creeps up on the team faces different obstacles, they didn’t expect…

I am sorry for the lame summary. This drama does not deserve such crappy explaining… Watch the trailer!

Currently I’m into these pathologist type of dramas, and this one is a really good one. I love the simplicity of this drama, though there is a main story, and from get go you know that where its going. So it’s not all “simple”. As a general, in any entertainment industry, it is hard to find a well-written story that has a decent female lead storyline. I like that this one showed the sexist part of society. They tend to pretend it isn’t there - in any drama/country - and they do it as a part of the overall story, not just a piece of sub plot.

The acting was great and so was the storyline, so all in all a good drama to watch!

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥ / 4 out of 5 hearts

HiGH & LOW: The Story of S.W.O.R.D Review

Title: High & Low: The Story of S.W.O.R.D

AKA: High & Low Season 1

Genre: Action, Mystery, Drama, Delinquents

Episodes: 10

Broadcast period: 2015-Oct to 2015-Dec

Cast: Iwata Takanori, Suzuki Nobuyuki, Yamashita Kenjiro, Sato Kanta, Sato Taiki, Keiji, Yamada Yuki, Kubota Masataka and Hayashi Kento... and many many others..

“Long ago, the legendary team ‘MUGEN’ had controlled this land. Due to their overwhelming power, the whole district ended up being controlled by them. Under the rule of MUGEN, there were a pair of brothers who were the only ones that didn’t submit and fought equally, with just the two of them: The Amamiya Brothers. They couldn’t form an agreement and after an unexpected event, MUGEN suddenly broke up, and The Amamiya Brothers hid themselves. Then, from that district, 5 organizations/teams rose to the top: Oya High, White Rascals, Rude Boys, Daruma Hooligans and Sannoh Association. The first letter of each name was used to name the district ‘S.W.O.R.D’.” (Intro of drama)

Chiharu (Sato Taiki) is the newest member of the organization/team “Sannoh Associations”, that consists of: the leader Cobra (Iwata Takanori), Yamato (Suzuki Nobuyuki), Dan (Yamashita Kenjiro), and Tetz (Sato Kanta). The team famously protects the Sannoh district and keeps unwanted gangs away.

A month prior, Chiharu had been a transfer student at Oya High, infamously known as the school for delinquents and students repeating the last year over and over again. Disagreeing with the No. 2, Chiharu gets himself in trouble, but is saved by Yamato, who didn’t know it was Oya High. This leads so disturbance amongst the 5 teams. At the same time another group, the yakuza, try to overtake the 5 districts…

I’m sorry for lengthy and partly confusing summary, but so many things happen, at the same time, making it very hard for me to sum up. Continuing from dramas like Gokusen or movies like CROWS ZERO, this one had the same type of mentality, except that it involves entire districts, instead of schools. This would be the equivalent of gangs (in America or Europe) minus murdering and shooting, which makes it a great watch. They fight, but with style and stamina, and it is enjoyable to watch, not just mindless hitting. Also: bromance.

I enjoyed it a lot, and I liked every minute of it - which is why my heart rating is high. But for other views it might be a bit different. If you aren’t into this thing, it might not be as interesting, though there is decent amount of emotional moments as well.

So, all in all, a great drama that the average can enjoy, but also might not.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥♥ / 5 out of 5 hearts

Iryu Sosa 3 Review

Title: Iryu Sosa Season 3

AKA: CSI: Crime Scene Talks Season 3

Genre: Police, Mystery, Crime

Episodes: 9

Broadcast period:

Cast: Kamikawa Takaya, Saito Yuki, Nishimura Masahiko, Masana Bokuzo, Mashima Hidekazu and Namioka Kazuki.

This is the third season of the drama series.

The drama continues where the last season left off, and the team has been allowed to focus on big cases due to their success of solving them in the past. Even though the team is still intact, the MPD First Investigation Division sends over Morita Sosuke (Nishimura Masahiko), a serious and loyal veteran detective, who is the complete opposite of Itomura Satoshi (Kamikawa Takaya). Though the team is used to Itomura and his sudden weird antics, the headstrong Morita refuses to let Itomura trample on the ranks and structure of the Japanese Police Force. Being gentle by nature, and quite frankly uninterested in anything but the victims, Itomura doesn’t rebuff or comment on Moritas obejctions, which infuriates Morita even more.

As Morita gets more and more used to the team, his initial goal of reporting about the division becomes less and less important, and Itomuras unreasonable personality becomes a common thing…

Compared to season 2, this one seems a bit darker. Even though its better than season 1, it has some element -which I can’t put my finger on - but it gives you a different feel. I don’t know if it’s because of the colors, or if its different locations that are dark, but I felt I bit sadder watching this. The humor is also dark, which, I believe, contributes to the theme. The stories are amazing, I think my favorite of all 3 seasons. They are sad, heartbreaking, and most of all relatable.  

I didn’t like the main story though. It kind of felt repeated, and I am sick of people against Itomura, it’s boring. Same old song, even if it gradually becomes better, you just want to watch a team, not this typical story…

Anyways, cool season, with amazing side stories, but typical and recognizable main story.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥½ / 3½ out of 5 hearts

Iryu Sosa 2 Review

Title: Iryu Sosa 2

AKA: Iryu Sosa Season 2/ CSI: Crime Scene Talks Season 2

Genre: Police, Mystery, Crime

Episodes: 8

Broadcast period: 2012-Jul to 2012-Sept

Cast: Kamikawa Takaya, Saito Yuki, Yashima Norito, Tanaka Tetsushi, Okada Yoshinori, Masana Bokuzo and Mashima Hidekazu.

This is the second season of the drama series.

After speaking up and undermining the ranks of the force, as he usually does, during an investigation at the First Investigation Division, Itomura Satoshi (Kamikawa Takaya) is demoted to work in a smaller station, in the outskirts of the city. This Investigation Team is led by Mizusawa Kyoko (Saito Yuki), and has few members, as well as small sections, such as traffic and guarding. Here Itomura isn’t tasked with the personal items, but he prefers to look at them, and investigate based on them. Though his team find him weird and occasionally annoying, they let him focus on the items left by the victims and have him investigate. This creates teamwork, as Itomura focuses on the families left behind, and his colleague focus on the crime…

Compared to season 1, this one I like way better. Not that it is much different: the premise and lead actor is the same. But I liked the supporting cast more in this one. Even if the characters didn’t support the lead, I felt that there was more teamwork in this season, compared to the first one. The characters are really likeable, and the side stories are good. Also, the guest stars were good actors, so an upgrade there…

This season has a bit more humor as well, and honestly, it is much more relatable, though I have to say, I am very surprised of how Itomura manages to find all those thigs out - but that is TV for you.

All in all, a good season, but better than the first one.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥½ / 3½ out of 5 hearts

Iryu Sosa Review

Title: Iryu Sosa

AKA: CSI: Crime Scene Talks Season 1 / Iryu Sosa Season 1

Genre: Police, Mystery, Crime

Episodes: 11

Broadcast period: 2011-Apr to 2011-Jun

Cast: Kamikawa Takaya, Kanjiya Shihori, Sano Shiro and Osugi Ren.

Itomura Satoshi (Kamikawa Takaya) is the chief of the Scientific Criminal Investigation Unit, know as the Unit of Personal Effects by other cops. Ridiculed as a “timewaster”, he spends most of his time focusing on the personal effects of the victims, as he believes they can explain the behavior and thoughts, of the victims. Though undervalued, Itomura doesn’t care about the opinions of the others, and isn’t interested in the crimes - his focus is the victims and their families. He spends most time relaying the last moments to the families. Oda Miyuki (Kanjiya Shiori) is the only female detective in the First Investigation Division. Even though she is underestimated and discriminated due to her gender, she refuses to back down. But finds herself working with Itomura - who has been known to be a “promotion stopper” - even though she does not want to.

This drama focuses on the police force, but also on each crime/victim and their story…

This drama is one of those I found by accident while checking out the subtitle index update, and I kind of remember it from some time back, while watching the medical drama Iryu, as they share common name. Compared to other police dramas, this one is very different, as it focuses on the victims, and to be honest it feels incredibly weird. Instead of “rooting” for the capture of the criminals, I was shown the stories of the victims. Its very anti-climactic, but sort of refreshing, as you usually forget that the victims had fuller lives before being a victim. So that I really liked. I gotta say, the guest stars were bad at acting, I didn’t like that they seemed to “feel sad” or cry on cue… It ruins the set-up mood. Besides that, the other characters were to one track minded, which annoyed me a lot. I mean, it makes the Japanese police seem very bad.

Anyways, a decent watch, with good short stories.

☆☆☆ / 3 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥ / 3 out of 5 hearts

Miss Sherlock Review

Title: Miss Sherlock

Genre: Crime, Mystery

Episodes: 8

Broadcast period: 2018-Apr to 2018-Jun

Cast: Takeuchi Yuko, Kanjiya Shihori, Takito Kenichi, Nakamura Tomoya, Otani Ryohei and Ozawa Yukiyoshi.

This is a Japanese version on the classic story of Sherlock Holmes.

After spending time in war-stricken Syria, the empathetic and likeable doctor Tachibana Wato (Kanjiya Shihori) returns home, only to witness the death of her mentor. This leads to her meeting Sherlock (Takeuchi Yuko), a “consultant” to the police. Arrogant, unapologetic and with bad social skills, Sherlock is a master in deduction, and runs her own detective agency - but occasionally helps the police out in cases deemed ‘bizarre’ or ‘weird’.

At first these two completely different people dislike each other, but due to her apartment burning down, Tachibana moves into the same house as Sherlock. And slowly the two begin to form a partnership…

Being a fan of the original works, I had to watch this thing. Not only is the leads female, they actually are FEMALE! Lol! I love how natural and perfect they were for their characters, especially Wato (Watson). I know the main lead is Sherlock, but she was kind of like the “typical Sherlock” you would see. I love how human Wato was, but then again Watson is the one character I like more in the original story as well… Anyways.. The drama is well acted, the screenplay well executed, and storyline is also good. Though I felt the ending was a bit rushed, but that might be because there is so much happening, but oh well.

To sum up: a good drama and an interesting watch.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥½ / 3½ out of 5 hearts

Aibou Season 11 Review

Title: Aibou Season 11

AKA: Partner Season 11

Genre: Action, Crime, Police

Broadcast period: 2012-Oct to 2013-Mar

Cast: Mizutani Yukata and Narimiya Hiroki.

This is the 11^th season of the popular Japanese drama “Partners”.

While staying in China with his girlfriend Kai Toru (Narimiya Hiroki) is contemplating about a visit he had made to the Japanese ambassador, where a death had occurred. He runs into Sugishita Ukyo (Mizutani Yukata), who introduces himself as a police officer, and so does Toru. Though Toru finds him annoying, his attention shifts to another man he had met at the ambassador’s house. He confronts him, much to Sugishita’s interest, and notices that there seems to be much more about the case, than your regular death.

After arriving in japan, Ukyo finds out that Toru is the son of the Deputy Commissioner, though the Deputy Commissioner refuses to acknowledge Toru and/or his position as a police officer. Due to his odd and curious nature Sugishita decides to ask Toru more about the case in China, and the two unknowingly become partners while investigating the case…

I’ve been having this drama on my computer for some time now, as I was hoping the other 10 seasons would have subs, so I could watch them before this one. Unfortunately, as many other older Japanese dramas, this will not be the case. So, I decided to start it, and I did feel as if I missed a whole lot of the backstory. I really felt there was something I did not understand, or that I was missing something that was supposed to make fans go “aha!” or something like that. But I guess I’ll never find out.

That said, this drama is really great. I found it interesting and equal to the American crime tv shows. Of course, this was very Japanese, but that did not make it bad. Unless you prefer the American version that is.

I enjoyed the comedy, and I enjoyed the contrasting partnership. But sometimes I did scratch my head, as in I wondered how and why thing happen. Also, the solving part was confusing, but you would get used to it later on.

All in all, a nice time pass, and interesting cop drama.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of stars

♥♥♥½ / 3½ out of 5 hearts

Keiji Ballerino 2016 SP Review

Title: Keiji Ballerino

AKA: Inspector Ballerino/Detective Ballerino

Genre: Crime, Comedy

Air date: 1 January 2016

Cast: Nakajima Yuto, Takashima Masahiro and Nagasaku Hiromi.

Usushima Kurumi (Nakajima Yuto) dreamt of becoming a ballerino, but due to his age and stature, he decided to become a detective, when he became awestruck by a police officer saving a life. On his first day at the job, he is assigned to partner up with a senior detective, Washio Takao (Takashima Masahiro). Even though Kurumi isn’t a ballerino by occupation, he keeps his posture straight and gesture on point, which annoys the ruff and stern partner. The two initially have different views on life and work, they soon find middle ground, as they are assigned a case, where assailants attack certain doctors, but are unable to remember what had happened during the offense.

This leads them to seek help from a therapist Shimpei Azusa (Nagasaku Hiromi) that specializes in hypnosis, and soon they find themselves in the world of hypnosis and past lives…

I know the summary is confusing, which the special is by the way, but if you go with the flow, the drama kind of has a decent pace. Though there is a fine line between the ridiculousness and the seriousness, it has a very good storyline. I don’t favor re-birth and past lives stories, but I didn’t mind this one. I did get confused, because there really are many things happening in 1,5 hours, but it’s alright, as it does ‘hold your hand’ during it all.  Acting wise, great: Nakajima is a superb actor, I mean he was believable, from beginning till end…

So, do I recommend it? Yeah, if you are interested in a different kind of journey, this is most definitely an interesting watch…

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥ / 4 out of 5 hearts

Marumo no Okite 2014 SP Review

Title: Marumo no Okite 2014 Special

AKA: The Tradition of Malmo

Genre: Family, Comedy

Air date: 28 September 2014

Theme song: “Maru Maru Mori Mori!” by Kaoru to Yuki, Tama ni Mook

Cast: Abe Sadao, Ashida Mana and Suzuki Fuku.

Three years has passed since Kaoru (Ashida Mana) and Tomoki (Suzuki Fuku) moved in with Mamoru (Abe Sadao), and both Kaoru and Tomoki are now 5^th graders. Kaoru dreams of becoming an idol and is popular with her classmates, and Tomoki loves insects and reads about them constantly. When a fellow female classmate shows interest in Tomoki’s books, Tomoki decides to ask Mamoru for advice. Also, Mamoru helps enroll Kaoru in “idol training school”, an afterschool where kids take classes to become future idols, though it is very expensive. At work he gets opportunities to follow his creative style and travel abroad, but Mamoru is not sure of what he wants, as he can’t leave the children.

At the same time their mother returns, wanting to live with them again. This leads to Mamoru being unsure about the children’s future; whether he is with them, because they need him, or is it because he needs them…

I love this drama, and this family. The dynamic is amazing, and the characters are so well written, you can just enjoy it. The acting is on point, and the family relations are relatable, which makes it a great watch. Even though I felt the overall dilemma was a bit “recycled”, it was alright. It has funny moments, and sad moments as well, but for me the most enjoyable part was watching the family interact.

So all in all, a fine special, with good acting!

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥ / 4 out of 5 hearts

Massage Tantei Joe Review

Title: Massage Tantei Joe

AKA: Massage Detective Joe

Genre: Suspense, Comedy

Episodes: 12

Broadcast period: 2017-Apr to 2017-Jul

Theme song: Otsukare Sankusu by Nakamaru Yuichi

Cast: Nakamaru Yuichi, Koshiba Fuka, Baisho Mitsuko, Wada Masato and Ozawa Yukiyoshi.

“Until now, there have been countless kinds of detective. A primary school detective with the brain of an adult, a high school detective with a famous grandfather, a really interesting scientist, furthermore, housemaids, antiquarians, people with memory loss or music mania, a lawyer who uses even a 0.1% chance. No good concept for a detective has been left out. But, against all common sense, now a new type of detective was born.” (Intro of episodes)

Yabukihara Joe (Nakamaru Yuichi) is shy and has a fear of human eye-contact, but he is an amazing masseur. He works in a small clinic, with three other masseurs and their boss. After being pulled in to a case, while doing a massage, he starts helping the police solve crimes, by massage the suspects. Due to his talent, he is able to notice small movements in muscles - whether they are tense or not - but also hurts, pain and even heartbeats. As he helps solve cases, there is a sudden interest in him, by unknown people - and they seem to have to do something with his fathers disappearance as well… 

Considering the fact that I stumbled upon this drama, and that I had no idea this was out there, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. This drama is another typical half comedy half serious Japanese drama, which I had no problem finishing - actually did it in one evening! Though I gotta emphasize, it isn’t a serious drama. It has moments, but the idea of the drama is to make you laugh, and entertain, which it does.

Nakamaru is fun and I love seeing him act, also the rest of the cast made it very interesting. The overall interaction and screenplay was very decent, even though the massaging sounds were a bit too much…

Okay! All in all, a nice drama that entertained me, and was not a waste of time at all!

☆☆☆½ / 3½ out of 5 stars

♥♥♥ / 3 out of 5 hearts

Jyuui-san Jiken Desuyo Review

Title: Jyuui-san Jiken Desuyo

AKA: Is there a Vet in the House?

Genre: Family, Comedy

Episodes: 12

Broadcast period: 2014-Jul to 2014-Sept

Cast: Jinnai Takanori, Yoshimoto Miyu, Nogiwa Yoko and Makita Tetsuya.

In the Shiba family there are 3 members: Shiba Hanae (Nogiwa Yoko), Shiba Kentaro (Jinnai Takanori) and Shiba Hinako (Yoshimoto Miyu). Even though all of them share the same surname, none of them are related to blood. Kentaro was adopted by Hanaes husband, and after her husband had passed, he stayed her son. Hinako was adopted by Kentaro, when a friend of his had abandoned Hinako, and at her 15^th birthday, he told her that she was adopted, but could decide on her own whether she wanted to annul it or stay as a Shiba, which she wanted. The family runs a vet clinic, where Hanae is the nurse and Kentaro is the vet. One day a bulldog is left abandoned in front of the clinic and they decide to keep it, increasing the family number.

They help people who have family trouble, and usually, if the lady-in-need is pretty, Kentaro falls head over heels - and decides to help with all his ability. This gives the rest of the family a headache, but nonetheless they help too.

When I read about this drama years ago, I thought I would’ve been a nice family drama. The idea of a vet and a family running it sounded interesting, and I felt as if it had potential. That it did, the potential part. I don’t even know where to start… The whole drama was just a miss. It wasn’t emotional, funny, or even interesting. The family didn’t seem close, the running jokes weren’t funny at all, and the storyline with the father/family helping random customers was so boring, I didn’t feel anything while watching. The only reason for my 2 stars rating is because of the quality, of screenplay. And some of the side stories where good to be honest.

All in all, I would not recommend, unless the humor (reminds me of Unubore Deka) is your type.

☆☆ / 2 out of 5 stars

♥ / 1 out of 5 hearts

Marumo no Okite Review

Title: Marumo no Okite

AKA: The Tradition of Malmo

Genre: Family, Comedy

Episodes: 11

Broadcast period: 2011-Apr to 2011-Jul

Theme song: “Maru Maru Mori Mori!” by Kaoru to Yuki, Tama ni Mook

Cast: Abe Sadao, Ashida Mana and Suzuki Fuku.

Takaki Mamoru (Abe Sadao) a bachelor living in a one-room apartment, doesn’t have much in life - especially after he gets transferred to Customer Service branch, even though he has potential in other areas.

When his high school friend Sasakura passes away suddenly, Mamoru meets the friends two children, the twins Sasakura Kaoru (Ashida Mana) and Sasakura Tomoki (Suzuki Fuku). While alive Sasakura had emphasized that he would like the children to be together as they had always been inseparable, but the family members, unable to have their own children and the twins in the house, decide to separate the two. Soon enough the two become depressed and start running away from home. This is where Mamoru decides to take in the twins and decides to help them enter school as well as helping the cope with the loss of their father.

While the trio start getting used to each other, Tomoki finds a stray dog, who happens to be able to talk, and for some reason it helps the family in dealing with emotional scars and issues…

I became a fan of Abe Sadao after watching him in the Iryu series, so when I noticed this drama, I simply had to watch it. I wasn’t sure what to expect from it, since it was the only drama of his that had a different character, other than the one from Iryu - that I have watched. To put it simply, he is officially one of my favorite actors now. Putting aside the classic storyline, and the amazing kid actors, Abe Sadao is absolutely believable in this character - I really can’t explain why, but he embodied Mamoru perfectly. Almost as if the character was made for him. (LOL) The storyline was good too, though at first, I was thrown off by the dog being able to talk… But later it kind of made sense to me. It is very cute, and I sort of felt happy about it later on.

So to sum up: a cute drama with great acting.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥ / 4 out of 5 hearts

Suzuki Sensei Review

Title: Suzuki Sensei

Genre: School, Drama, Human

Episodes: 10

Broadcast period: 2011-Apr to 2011-Jun

Cast: Hasegawa Hiroki, Usuda Asami, Tsuchiya Tao and a lot of other child actors, and adults…

This drama revolves around a teacher who tries different types of theories and unorthodox practices, in order solve the issues and problems occurring in this class of middle schoolers.

Suzuki Akira (Hasegwana Hiroki), also known as Suzuki-sensei, is the homeroom teacher of 2-A. While dividing the student into classes, Suzuki-sensei had a goal of making “the most harmonious class”, which is ones of his believes, by compiling pupils that would engage and interact in such a manner that they would be able to comprehend, accept, discuss and solve issues that would arise. But also give the class and school a platform for dialogues, that would be deemed as unethical or morally wrong, such as sex and pregnancy.

At the same time Suzuki-sensei meets Hata Asami (Usuda Asami), and starts sharing his practice and theories with her, and even discusses possible outcomes and dilemmas in each situation presented in school…

This drama is one of the old dramas I downloaded years ago, while being new to the Asian drama world. I remember starting out and loved the school/teacher genre, so I decides to download it, but later read the summary about it being a serious drama, so I completely forgot about it.

After watching it I have to say I agree about the ‘serious’-talk. It really is a serious drama, with quite some shocking element, I didn’t expect. The thought that sex would be so common for 6^th/7^th graders is not something I even realized. Of course, you can blame it on the Asian drama would trying to portray their society as ‘innocent’, but tbh, when I heard those words coming out of their mouth, phew…

I am not sure about the ages of the young actors, but they seem quite good I their portrayal. To be able to do such complex characters is refreshing, and the fact that thing are said out loud, makes it an interesting watch. This drama isn’t a ‘feel-good’ drama; it has some disturbing elements too, but I kind of felt like they were necessary - as they are never shown in regular dramas.

To sum up: an interesting drama with a different take on ‘reality’, compared to your regular JP school drama.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out 5 stars

♥♥♥♥ / 4 out of 5 hearts

Hono no Tenkosei REBORN Review

Title: Hono no Tenkosei Reborn

AKA: Blazing Transfer Students

Genre: Comedy, School

Episodes: 8

Release date: November 10, 2017

Cast: Shigeoka Daiki, Hamada Takahiro, Kamiyama Tomohiro, Kotaki Nozomu, Kiriyama Akito, Fuji Ryusei, Nakama Junta and Kawashima Umika.

While transferring schools Shigeoka Kakeru (Shigeoka Daiki) meets Hikari (Kawashima Umika) at the entrance. Soon after he is thrown into a ring with six other transfer students: a boxer (Hamada Takahiro), a wanna-be samurai (Kiriyama Akita), a narcissist (Fuji Ryusei), a scaredy-cat (Kamiyama Tomohiro), a genius (Nakama Junta) and a yankee (Kotaki Nozomu). For some reason the seven are forced to fight one another, in a “transfer student fight-off”. The group soon decide to run away, but are soon captured, and realize that all have the same first name: Kakeru.

After a turbulent first day, they are introduced to their principle, who tells them that they are part of the “Blazing Transfer Student”-mission, where they have to transfer to problem schools and fix the problems from within… But why are they all there in the first place, and how big of a coincident is that they all share the first name?

When I heard that all seven Johnny’s WEST were going to star in a drama together, I was so excited. These guys are so funny together, so I was sure it would be fun watch. And I was right: it was so silly that it became hilarious. As Japanese drama goes, this one is most defiantly one of those you’d call “wacky” or just plain ridiculous. But again, since it’s a Japanese drama, it really embraced the silliness and became a good drama to watch, with really nice acting. The storyline is not too confusing, and it actually does keep you watching… kind a.

All in all, a funny/silly drama that isn’t that time consuming.

☆☆☆½ / 3½ out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥ / 4 out of 5 hearts