Untouchable
Some things are better kept separate 20 July, 2010 by Sho
Untouchable is a rather ill-named mystery drama staring the ever popular Nakama Yukie. It features Nakama as a pesky tabloid reporter who in her efforts to uncover the latest scoops, discovers a far greater plot at hand. She infuses her usual quirkiness into the character, made famous by her role in the Trick series.
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Otomen
2009's funniest drama 23 June, 2010 by Sho
Otomen is an under appreciated late night drama that that aired near the end of last year. The romance comedy is a live action version of one of the best selling shojo manga series. It stars an assortment of fresh faces such as Okada Masaki (Taiyo to Umi no Kyoshitsu), Kaho (Engine) and Seto Koji (Kamen Rider Kiva, Atashinchi no Danshi).
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Hancho
11 June, 2010 by Sho
Fully titled Hancho: Jinnansho Azumihan (Squad Leader: Jinnan Station Azumi Squad), this is a simple detective drama starring the charismatic Sasaki Kuranosuke (Giragira, Zettai Kareshi, Mamiya Brothers). The show’s first season aired during the middle of last year and the staff deserve an award for wasting no time, for Hancho just started its 3rd season this Monday. It is surprising that a show as plain could lead to a sequel, let alone 3 seasons within the span of a year.
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Taiyo to Umi no Kyoshitsu
30 May, 2010 by Sho
Taiyo to Umi no Kyoshitsu aka (Homeroom by the Beachside) is another take on the Great Teacher Onizuka theme starring Oda Yuji, Kitagawa Keiko and a classroom of talented familiar faces. During the first episode, I was rather surprised to find AKB48′s Maeda Atsuko as part of the staple (but secondary cast). A detailed review of this drama, below.
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Majisuka Gakuen
AKB48's new drama is hard to take seriously 10 May, 2010 by Sho
Majisuka Gakuen (マジスカ学園) is a midnight drama staring AKB48 that was recently aired in Japan back in March. Majisuka Rock & Roll, the B-Side from AKB48′s last single, served as the show’s theme song while the single itself, Sakura no Shiori was the drama’s ending theme. Majisuka Gakuen roughly translates to English as “Are you serious? Academy”. Not unlike other late night dramas, its a nonsensical show with little literary value, tolerable only by hardcore fans of the cast.
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Jin
26 February, 2010 by Sho
In Jin, Osawa Takao and Ayase Haruka star in a drama based off the manga of the same name. Played by Osawa Takao, the titular character a talented brain surgeon who develops a fear of operating after an unsuccessful procedure on his wife. In an unexplainable incident, he is transported to feudal Japan where he is forced into picking up the scalpel once again.
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Maou
17 February, 2010 by Sho
Maou is the Japanese remake of the popular Korean drama “The Devil”. It is a murder suspense drama that despite originating from Korea, manages to provide a pretty solid story that actually makes sense. This Japanese version was released a couple years ago. I was initially bored by the first episode so I couldn’t find any motivation to watch it till recently.
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Voice
An interesting take on an over played genre 22 December, 2009 by Sho
In what is one of 2009′s best dramas, the likeable Eita plays a medical student who is highly empathetic to the dead. Despite applying for a separate course, he gets a personal request to join the forensic seminar. The show follows Eita and his fellow students as they embrace the world of forensic medicine.
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Mei-chan no Shitsuji
Ikemen galore 08 December, 2009 by Sho
Mei-chan no Shitsuji (Mei-chan’s Butler) is a comedy drama based on the Shojo manga of the same name. Eikura Nana (who played the supporting role in Proposal Daisakusen) takes the lead role this time as Mei. Mizushima Hiro (Zettai Kareshi) plays her butler Rihito and Sato Takeru her other love interest, Kento. Mr. Brain was this year’s Change but could Mei-chan no Shitsuji be likened this year’s Hana Yori Dango?
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Shiroi Haru
A simple and touching story 06 December, 2009 by Sho
Without having to do too much research drama viewership ratings are always a simple indicator to whether a particular drama is watchable or not. This year, average ratings seem to be much lower than well, average. Apart from popular sequels, the year long drama and of course Mr. Brain, most dramas seem to be struggling to even hit a 10 point rating. When compared to the rest, Shiroi Haru’s 12.5 rating actually seems like a pretty decent number.
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Buzzer Beat
Featuring Yamashita Tomohisa 26 November, 2009 by Sho
With the exception of Voice, Mei-chan no Shitsuji and to some extent Shiroi Haru, dramas for 2009 have been a string of disappointments. I was really skeptical when my colleagues started discussing about how Buzzer Beat was. After much persuasion, I eventually got around to watching this season’s most popular drama.
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Mr. Brain
This year's necesary Takuya drama 23 November, 2009 by Sho
Just as Sorimachi Takashi will forever be known as Great Teacher Onizuka, Over Time Takuya Kimura has evolved into his very own character archtype. He may adopt a new name in each show, but we know better. Takuya Kimura plays Takuya Kimura. And of course, viewers expect no less. Mr. Brain is this year’s necessary Takuya Kimura drama.
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