Archives for the ‘Dramas’ Category
Meisa Kuroki starring in drama version of “Danso no Reijin”
Recommended reading. Kuroki Meisa, perhaps best known now for playing Sister Angela in One Pound Gospel opposite KAT-TUN’s Kame, will star in a drama about Kawashima Yoshiko, a princess who was a spy. The older version of the character will be played by Maya Miki, who played the smexy forensics scientist in Galileo. So that’s two reasons to tune in!
Ray • May 15th, 2008
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Teppei leads first drama with “Shibatora” adaptation
Courtesy of Tokyograph, Teppei will star in his first drama, which is based on a comedy detective manga. Apparently, he was considered the perfect fit for the character.
Ryokiteki na Kanojo猟奇的な彼女Ep.3 Screen Caps
Kevin notes how the story begins to stray from the source material but preserve the spirit of it. And of course, there’s SMAPpy Tsuyoshi goodness in the screencaps!
Ray • May 13th, 2008
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Charmy☆Renai describes how she followed different fandoms - Doctor Who, PGSM - as a prelude to what we know becomes her interest in Hello! Project, which will follow in the next installment.
Ray • May 13th, 2008
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Recommended reading. Akiramike considers the main relationship of this show - between the title character and de facto protege Mano - and why the chosen story arc suits them well. It’s another very solid analysis, showing a clear understanding of narrative and characterization.
Ray • May 12th, 2008
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Shiori to Shimiko no Kaiki Jikenbo栞と紙魚子の怪奇事件簿 Screen Caps
Kevin reviews this drama, which features AKB48’s Acchan., and finds it similar to the vampire series RH Plus in tone. Also, among the copious screencaps, best use of the peace sign EVER!
Ray • May 12th, 2008
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Some news about a keitai spinoff devote to one of the characters, before a highly detailed plot synopsis followed with equally detailed reactions.
Ray • May 12th, 2008
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Gokusen 3 ごくせん Ep1 Screen Caps
Recommended reading. Kevin is quite pleased with the new season of this popular drama, sticking true to its formula but still providing some surprises. For example, is that Hoshino Aki I see in one of the screencaps…? Sold!
Ray • May 12th, 2008
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Recommended reading. iza04 does an incredible job describing a growing interest in Johnny’s - and Nishikido Ryo in particular - through dramas, especially the current Last Friends where he plays a wifebeater. It’s a thoughtful, well-written piece, and is yet another H!P fan making room in her heart for JE.
Ray • May 12th, 2008
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Kimi Hannin Janai yo ne? キミ犯人じゃないよね? Ep2 Screen Shots
Kevin follows his usual formula: synopsis, review, screencaps. He’s finding this show an enjoyable mystery comedy, which is more than enough for me to at least give it a try.
Ray • May 10th, 2008
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Satoshi Ohno’s first starring drama role (Tokyograph)
Toma Ikuta to Star Alongside Satoshi Ohno In A New Drama (Semified)
Recommended reading. Arashi’s year continues to get better and better, as Ohno gets a starring role in the drama Maou. No word on whether or not Nino will be his suitcase pimp. Semified has some reactions as well, focused on Toma Ikuta rather than Leader, and finding this a welcome development in his career.
Ray • May 10th, 2008
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Actually, it’s three movies and a drama special: Waters, Backdancers, Secret, and Ao to Shiro no Mizuiro. The first stars Oguri Shun, the second stars hiro, Sonim, and DRM’s Hasebe Yu.
Ray • May 9th, 2008
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“Furuhata Ninzaburo” special given a broadcast date
At last! Yamada Ryo’s fans can now watch the special where he plays a young detective, as it’s slated to air on June 14. With any luck, fansubs of this will be available at lightning speed, though just drooling over Ryo-kun’s pedoliciousness may be enough for some of us.
I mean, some of you.
Ray • May 9th, 2008
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Last Friends ラスト・フレンズ Ep4 Screen Shots
Kevin is still dead-set against Nishikido Ryo’s wifebeater character but does concede that the psychological complexities unfolding in this episode are intriguing.
Ray • May 9th, 2008
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Zettai Kareshi絶対彼氏 Ep.3 Screen Caps
Kevin does a synopsis and brief review of this latest episode of the fun new series, and of course the screencaps give a pretty clear idea of what to expect.
Ray • May 9th, 2008
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Recommended reading. Akiramike is thoroughly charmed by this series, enjoying the dynamic between the two leads and the general premise. He finds episode four the highlight of the series, though this may have to do with switching over to less faithful subbing.
Ray • May 9th, 2008
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Recommended reading. Sailor Mars controls the Butterfly Effect! Aprilis does a very nice job profiling this drama starring Kitagawa Keiko, breaking it down to a Synopis,s Characters, Review, and Conclusion. It sounds quite intriguing but the lack of a Johnny’s in a lead role makes it feel incomplete somehow…
Ray • May 8th, 2008
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Another solid write-up from Kevin on a new drama, this one featuring one of the naughty ex-NEWS boys as a rebel chef. As always, the plentiful screencaps help readers decide if the series is for them.
Ray • May 7th, 2008
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Spring 2008 Drama Previews
Hirai Ken - FAKIN’ POP
Elizabeth looks at some of the j-dramas this season, so far finding at least Kimi Hannin Janai yo ne?, Last Friends and Puzzle worth watching. She definitely convinced me to check out Last Friends by this post, so this is recommended reading for all who have yet to choose which dramas to watch this season.
She also does a nice job reviewing Hirai Ken’s newest album, finding it a very enjoyable listen indeed. I really appreciate the detailed song descriptions. She also provides samples of some tracks for you to check out and decide if you want to listen further.
Henkka • May 7th, 2008
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Akiramike was hoping for something enjoyable with plenty of eyecandy. That was not the case…
Words cannot describe how pissed off I am at the makers for wasting 3 beautiful actresses to entertain kids watching doramas at 9pm. Avoid!
And the sad part for me is, I just downloaded a whole bunch of episodes of that show. At least I know what to expect.
Ray • May 6th, 2008
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Puzzle (2008) パズル Ep1 Screen Caps
Puzzle (2008) パズル Ep2 Screen Caps
Kevin has plot synopses and opinions on the first two episodes of this new drama, finding it quite enjoyable. This one has me intrigued, especially as it’s compared to Yukan Club and Galileo. And as always, the screencaps give a great feel of what can be expected from the show.
Ray • May 5th, 2008
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Singing cats and idol group collaborate for TV theme song
So a novelty act of singing cats , Musashi, will be singing the theme of the series Daisuki! Itsutsugo with the girl group Power Age. The way things look, it appears the humans get more out of this pairing - visibility and sales-wise - than the cats. Which is both sad and amusing.
Ray • May 5th, 2008
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Last Friends ラスト・フレンズ Ep3 Screen Shots
While most everyone knows that the guy from NEWS is a wifebeater in this drama, Kevin points to a trend in dramas where the villain’s evil is mitigated slowly over the course of the show. He can’t see himself ever feeling more sympathetic for Ryo’s character, which sounds like it can be an uphill challenge for the writers of the show to achieve. But maybe that’s why they picked him, so fans will find it easier to believe his character if the story decides to redeem him?
Ray • May 5th, 2008
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Choco-late continues her reviews of the ‘gokusen 3′ drama. The entry plays out a little more like a synopsis with spoilers actually, but it still has it’s place. Bar some naughty mishaps with grammar, it’s an informed read.
wu-san • May 4th, 2008
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Choco-late has relocated her J-blog to wordpress, and already it looks a lot nicer than the blogger.com counterpart, a server in which I still ply my trade with. Woe is me. Anyway, the writing on some of the dorama posts seem to fill out a little more, which is a good sign really. One problem I always found with Choco-late was her rather short and no-frills writing. It still exists and there’s still a raw, to the point charm out it, but it’s also nice to see it develop a little. She usually left me wanting, anyway. And yes, I am keeping track of a lot of you XD. Well, trying to. If you keep fly-ingup on your roll, it’s time to update it.
wu-san • May 1st, 2008
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Ryokiteki na Kanojo猟奇的な彼女Ep.2 Screen Caps
Kevin continues to be delighted with this series, which stars Tanaka Rena and SMAP’s Kusanagi Tsuyoshi. As always, the plentiful screencaps make for an enjoyable preview.
Ray • May 1st, 2008
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Yui Aragaki tapped for drama theme song - Tokyograph
Another welcome step forward in this much-loved actress’ singing career, as her first actual single will tie into a drama premiering next week.
Ray • Apr 30th, 2008
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Ryokiteki na Kanojo猟奇的な彼女Ep.1 Screen Caps
Kevin takes an instant liking to this drama, starring SMAP’s Tsuyoshi, in part because it’s based on the Korean film My Sassy Girl. As always, lots of nifty screencaps accompany the synopsis and review.
Ray • Apr 30th, 2008
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wiro and erhanz shares the latest album from the most loving of Johnny’s units.
Ray • Apr 29th, 2008
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Mikey finds some faults in this drama, finding Inoue Mao’s character particularly unlikeable at the beginning, but enjoys it nonetheless.
Ray • Apr 29th, 2008
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Kimi Hannin Janai yo ne? キミ犯人じゃないよね? Ep1 Screen Shots
This is a great write-up from Kevin on a drama I never heard of, a light-hearted mystery show that sounds like a lot of fun.
Ray • Apr 24th, 2008
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Last Friends ラスト・フレンズ Ep1 Screen Shots
Even though this isn’t the kind of show he’d normally watch, Kevin can’t resist this new series given its stellar cast and compelling storyline. Plenty of screencaps as always, though none of the NEWS boy kicking the shit out of someone.
Ray • Apr 23rd, 2008
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Recommended reading. Akiramike returns to this drama about school bullying and revels in having the ideal villain for this show. As always, the larger lessons of proper drama narrative feed into particulars about the show, and there’s some fun screencaps along the way.
Ray • Apr 22nd, 2008
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Some thoughts on this coming release and how it ties into the drama, especially Season 2.
Ray • Apr 20th, 2008
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First an underage drinking scandal, now domestic abuse? Just kidding. Our own Raid-kun shares some thoughts on the drama Last Friends and how it suddenly becomes interesting when NEWS / Kanjani8 idol Nishikido Ryo’s character starts beating up his girlfriend. Raid even shares an animated GIF of this scene, which is compelling in a really odd way. Raid praises the show for trying to explore darker topics than your typical drama, and the choice of a Johnny’s boy to play the abuser is reasoned out well. My wife loves Lifetime Movies, so she’ll probably get a kick out of this.
Ray • Apr 19th, 2008
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Sasaki Fusai no Jingi Naki Tatakai 佐々木夫妻の仁義なき戦い Ep. 10
The Final Episode of this drama starring Goro gets a review as well as the usual heavy dose of screencaps so you can feel like you’ve actually seen it even if you haven’t. Goro? Goro! Goro? Goro!
Ray • Apr 18th, 2008
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Ryosuke Yamada to play young Furuhata Ninzaburo
Courtesy of Tokyograph, great news for fans of this up-and-coming Johnny’s idol. Now hopefully there’ll be cases where he’ll have to wear a dress… and sing “Massara Blue Jeans”…
Ray • Apr 17th, 2008
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“Puzzle” theme sung by Kumi Koda
Courtesy of Tokyograph: Kuu-chin is back at work and her next single is slated to be the theme for a mystery drama.Even more intriguing, the c/w song will feature Fergie. Yes, that Black Eyed-Peas Fergie, not the ex-wife of royalty Fergie.
Ray • Apr 17th, 2008
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Recommended reading. Another highly enjoyable drama review Elizabeth, this time focusing on how the live-action version deviates from the original manga and anime, and in doing so spoils the show for those familiar with the source material. I appreciate how this is handled - not a simple “the original was best” crouch but finding specific technical reasons for how this adaptation is faulty and the impact it has on the overall experience.
Ray • Apr 14th, 2008
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Choco-late finds this special episode of Proposal Daisakusen good in parts, confusing in some but had an overall good ending.
I’m just too busy staring at Masami-chan to have my own opinion on this. *swoons*
Raid • Apr 14th, 2008
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Recommended reading. An excellent summary of the recent drama starring SMAP’s Katori Shingo, which explains the revenge plot that went unnoticed in early descriptions of the show. And I definitely agree - knowing that angle definitely makes it more interesting.
Ray • Apr 12th, 2008
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Proposal Daisakusen プロポーズ大作戦 Special Hardsub
Kevin strongly recommends that those who hadn’t watched the series go there first before watching this special. That said, he does stress that new viewers can jump in immediately and that this episode lives up to the promise created by what’s gone before.
Ray • Apr 10th, 2008
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13-year-old Miho Kanazawa to debut in “Galileo” movie
Admittedly, the phrase “13-year-old” gets my pedar running, and in this case she was the winner of the 2006 Avex audition. But really, the important thing is that the highly enjoyable TV show starring Shibasaki Kou and Fukuyama Masaharu makes the jump to the big screen. I’m hoping there’s a scene where our hero starts writing in chalk on a pavement or something and is arrested for vandalism. Carry a pad and paper, dude!
Ray • Apr 9th, 2008
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Sasaki Fusai no Jingi Naki Tatakai 佐々木夫妻の仁義なき戦い Ep. 9
Proposal Daisakusen プロポーズ大作戦 Special Hardsub
Goro! A review of the ninth episode of his most recent drama! Yamapi! News of a hardsub release of that Proposal Daisakusen special.
Ray • Apr 9th, 2008
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Live-action NANA will be released on DVD tomorrow
Courtesy of Dale North: so if you haven’t seen it yet, now here’s your chance!
Ray • Apr 9th, 2008
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Recommended reading and ogling. A solid write-up on the drama starring KAT-TUN’s Kame-kun, noting the strong acting in the series but also how the genre hampers its appeal. Also, good news that the manga is going to be translated to English again…?
Also I can’t help it, but my eye is automatically drawn to Ryo-kun in that promotional photo, standing there all pouty on the left-hand side, looking almost Megukami-licious if I squint enough…
Ray • Apr 8th, 2008
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I Vow Not To Cosplay As Sailor Moon
Recommended reading. Kevin explains why he’s watching PGSM in a very open-minded, articulate manner. It’s great to see a sense of perspective applied to something that seems as frivolous and silly as this show. However, the same can be said of Jpop.
And I love the photo. Super Sailor Smexy Moon, indeed!
Ray • Apr 6th, 2008
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Bishojo Senshi Sailor Moon 美少女戦士セーラームーン Screen Caps
Bishojo Senshi Sailor Moon 美少女戦士セーラームーン Extras Screen Caps
PGSM is a love-or-hate proposition, and Kevin is taking a dive into this series, recounting the first episodes as well as one of the extra clips. There’s plenty of screencaps to squee over, though I’m gonna have to wait for Koike Rina to appear before I’ll do any such thing…
Ray • Apr 6th, 2008
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Sasaki Fusai no Jingi Naki Tatakai 佐々木夫妻の仁義なき戦い Ep. 8 Screen Caps
Goro! Oh yeah - Goro! That guy doesn’t get nearly enough love compared to Shingo and Kimutaku, and this summary of the eighth episode of his recent drama is quite enjoyable. The screencaps are great, too. Goro!
Ray • Apr 5th, 2008
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Recommended reading. Akiramike is back at peak strength with this article, explaining how great acting is able to overcome the narrative shortcomings of this show, which stars SMAP’s very adorable Katori Shingo. Akiramike does find strength in the characterization, however, showing how the handling of a certain type can keep it from becoming shallow or cliched.
Ray • Apr 5th, 2008
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