Erin

What Can You See..?

This story is truly one of a kind, heartfelt, bittersweet, and gut wrenching. Watching each case as it unfolded was truly mesmerizing! This was a nice, subdued role for some of the actors cast in this show which gave the story itself a big spot to shine.

This story wasn't fast or slow paced, it was really exciting to watch how evenly each episode was as it built up to the final episodes. Fair warning, I watched this series with the last five episodes not subbed, so while I do understand the bare minimum of Japanese, it was a little tricky to fully understand. Though nothing was too confusing or inexplicable really. The music was really beautiful and fueled my need for wanting to continue watching. Even without subtitles, I am really very glad that I continued watching Natsume Emi's story.

I feel like this show may be a bit more philosophical than mystery in genre; though the detective's cases were interesting and a few were impossible to figure out. The cast for each episode was extraordinary, especially the last 2 or 3 episodes. Though that may just be my bias since I really like Kubota Masataka. Also, if you want to watch this show specifically for a certain actor, then that may be okay, too; depending on who it is. Every person cast got their moment in the spotlight, so it never really felt like there was ONLY ONE main character.

If you like detective, slice-of-life, family centered, criminal, about 40% (or 45% i can't really decide) thriller, roller coaster of emotions stories then give this show a chance!

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Some Lives Can't Be Saved...?? Or Can They?

In all honesty, I procrastinated watching this show because I assumed it would be a little too scary for my tastes, not to mention way too cheesy and over-the-top unrealistic. However... I was completely mistaken and completely mindblown!


The attention to detail, the cast, and the genuine reality of the word "emergency" brought to life was done so realistically and honestly that I had to remind myself, multiple times, "no this didn't really happen if it did i definitely would have seen it on the news"...... In all seriousness, the stories within each episode were truly epic. Sure a few bits and pieces of the episode, or the emergency scene(s), were exaggerated but nothing was too unrealistic, nothing was too "hollywood cheesy", and pretty much everything made sense as the episode and the story as a whole continued on. The medical jargon is a little hard to follow, but they don't use it too often and theres no cluttering of the screen with long definitions. It really is like watching a live medical rescue.


The casting was a little more than half of the reason why I continued watching, too. I didn't realize Kaname Jun was in this series, even though I've poured over the cast list a few times, but his stern, stoic, and kind character was a good balance between reality and television stories. I wasn't sure about Suzuki Ryohei, but watching him act opposite Kaku Kento as both their characters and as their own person was incredible. I have to say that I see them both in a new light and am excited to see them in many more roles, even ones that I don't expect or agree with.


The opposing of good and evil, or "i'm scared" or "i hate this" and "i'm proud of this job" or "i have confidence/trust i can do this" was fascinating to watch build within each MER team member. I do like that the show seemed to prioritize the story as a whole and did not delve too deep into filler episodes of past lives; though that doesn't mean they never did, it was just done efficiently and almost privately, as if revealing bits and pieces until the big climax moment for each character, the episode, or the show's finale.


If you like thrilling mysteries, epic adventure, medical dramas, then I definitely suggest giving this show a try! My only complaint? The finale episode wasn't long enough. Hah!


Although, there are a few more stories to be seen in the TOKYO MER special, spin-off, and movie!

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Love School or Magic?

This may be one of the best roles I have seen Hongo Kanata in; it was as if Ueno-san was written specifically for Hongo-san. The way he portrayed such an "evil-yet-kind-hearted" character was truly one of a kind, very unique, genuinely relatable, and even, at times, a little funny.


Watching "Ichijo-kun" go through the motions of all the trials and tribulations of dating was hard to watch, and again, sometimes funny, and a little sneaky. However, none of the "lessons" felt cheesy or like they were a little too "snake-like". It seemed like all, or most, of the lessons learned throughout this show could be used in any type of relationship... Though, not in their entirety...


While this story seemed a bit exaggerated at first, toward the middle it all seemed to balance out as the episodes continued and what became the finale was something really spectacular. I have to say, I laughed a lot during this show, though watching the touching-heart-felt moments and the bittersweet-unfortunate moments really added to the show's authenticity. The ending was a bit of a cliffhanger, but even if it didn't end the way it did.... I would still definitely want to see more of Gotanda Kingdom!

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Completely Unexpected

This show was absolutely what the synopsis said it was.... However, it was also the complete opposite! From episode one, I did not expect this story to be so exciting. I read the synopsis, saw it had 28 episodes and completely judged a "book" by its cover!


The cast really sold this story well. From the beginning, I only knew about 3-4 actors/actresses throughout the entire show; however, as I continued watching it truly was the cast of wonderful actors and actresses that made this story so fantastic. I laughed, cried, got angry (i've never disliked a character so fast lol), was scared, and even held my breath in some spots. Each episode was a surprise. The story seemed to move pretty quickly, though it didn't feel like there was any cliffhanger moment or any questions left unanswered.


This story is great for a binge day or if you're just starting out watching Japanese dramas, since it has a little bit of every genre in one story. I do wish they had more than 28 episodes, honestly; I would really like to see more of Kanaka, Masa, and everyone! This show is the definition of "dont judge a book by its cover"... I hope you give it a chance!

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Surprise~

This show delivered the most unsuspecting twist I've seen recently... Completely blindsided me!


However, in all honesty, at the beginning, it was hard to fully get into. Through no fault of the cast though; the cast assembled was fantastic! Watching their special skills and unique talents come into play was almost tangible throughout each episode. While this story did have some familiarity with other Japanese detective/crime/police/mystery stories or plot lines, this show really stood alone on its own two feet quite well!


I would have liked to of seen more back story in to a few characters, and because this show and its characters were incredible to watch, it also would have been nice to see a few more episodes before the big dramatic ending. I have to say the finale was a little anticlimactic, but the cliffhanger most definitely left me with an emphasized feeling of wanting more.


Each character really held their own individuality with pride and it was almost like they were showing off. Watching them all work alone but towards the finale come together like perfect puzzle pieces to create such an extraordinary story was fascinating to watch! Made me wish there was more story for Miki Clinic; it was very obvious that the show was created with a lot of respect and care.


I never could have guessed the final though. I definitely thought the "criminal mastermind" was someone else, though the "big trouble" was kind of generic to other stories, it sort of felt like they were going one way with the story and then said "ah yes, we'll just add this in right here and over there", not as a last minute they forgot feeling, but more so they weren't sure how to add it in or where to begin with the mysterious "big trouble". I hope that mind sense!


I know my reviews aren't the most literary or movie perfection, but maybe my more simple reviews help someone out there. This show really does have a fantastic story, so I hope you'll give it a chance!

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I'm really glad....~

I am thrilled that I began this story, the twists and turns were like a roller coaster and it truly felt like the fine line between the predictable and the unknown was held in high regard while the show was being created. While there are familiarities within the second season just like the first, I could never truly predict what would happen next! This second season, however, left a bit of space for a cliffhanger, unfortunately.


I enjoy watching Masuda Takahisa act, and with each role, it appears that he is only getting better. No matter the role he is cast in, it is very obvious that he is putting in a lot of hard work, diligence, respect, and raw unfiltered honesty of his self as he creates each character and the story(ies) they live in.


Watching Ukisho Hidaka and Nakayama Yuma was a treat as well, they are very skilled actors and seemed to immerse themselves within their roles as if they were acting as their true selves. Which is kind of scary if you watch the show. However, both Ukisho Hidaka and Nakayama Yuma have piqued my interest in Shikigami-ryu, wondering if it is a real thing or if it is just something created for the show/story. Watching Ukisho Hidaka and Nakayama Yuma train during the two seasons was so extraordinary; watching the way their bodies moved in deliberate yet effortless movements of strength was truly a beautiful art.


In all honesty, part(s) of me could guess what was going to happen but the show continuously threw in a wrench just as I thought "aha! thats the explanation" and whatever I thought went out the window as completely wrong. But, again, there were some predictable moments, too. So I think it will differ for each viewer.


I really enjoyed how they worked in the "fantasy" pieces of the story. The writer(s), director(s), staff, actors, and so on, truly weaved in those moments with the reality of what was happening during the story. It was almost tangible the pride every person involved with this show, from season one to season two, took in their work to tell an intriguing, curious, suspenseful story that would leave viewers grasping at straws for answers.

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Thrilling Mystery

This may be one of the most roller coaster suspenseful mystery shows I've seen in a long time. At first I wanted to watch the show because of the cast and synopsis, but as I continued through the episodes its like I was trapped in a trance. I couldn't get enough of the story, or the characters. While the story itself seemed familiar, it did not seem like anything I had ever seen before; what I chose to believe was familiar, however, were bits and pieces within the story as a whole, instead of the entire show.


It was nice to see Masuda Takahisa in a suspenseful role while showing off his comedic timing as well. He is one of a few actors that I like who seems to be able to dive so deeply into his character that he seems to truly become them. It was also nice to see a few new faces that I began to like because of this show; in fact, I thought Ukisho Hidaka was Hirano Sho considering their voices sound so similar. Watching Ukisho Hidaka was intense; this is my first time watching a show/movie of his and he is extraordinary! The way he practiced in the dojo, the way he carried himself as an influential person yet somehow under the radar, while still being the definition of a teenager and somehow seeming so grown up. Ukisho Hidaka is truly a mastermind of acting; it would be nice to see lots more of his talent and skill.


The music genuinely paired well with the show as well; it hyped up the story or kept me on the edge of my seat with the suspenseful thrills! I truly could not figure out who did what, or when; or even what was to happen in the next scene, let alone the next episode. To watch Ukisho Hidaka practice in the dojo was honestly beautiful; the way his body moved with force, while staying calm and confident of his movements and handling were incredible. Which only makes me more excited to see him in future castings.


The show is familiar, yet completely different; it has some of the same scenarios that each Japanese crime/mystery show seems to have... But definitely surpasses your expectations, and is most assuredly nothing like anything you've seen before!

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This drama is one of the best medical/forensics, detective/crime, and mystery shows I've seen! If you're expecting something darker, then you probably won't get that from this story; however, not one moment of this story is lacking in suspense or drama!

Each bit of this story fits together like a skeleton (pun intended) and the thrills and suspense within each episode fit together piece by piece to create a magnificent story filled with genuine, raw human emotion and honesty that is something very fitting with reality.

The actors and actresses that portray each person have a wonderful talent and respect for their skill and their work that is almost tangible and feels as if they've been swallowed by the character they are acting as, while the viewer(s) watch the story unfold. Each episode is very unique and completely different to any stories I've seen or read before, this show and its story are very intriguing!

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At the beginning of this drama, I thought it would be something a bit darker and I was afraid to start watching because I am a giant scaredy-cat; I can't even watch horror movie trailers! But, I am so glad that I started watching this drama, even though I haven't seen the first series. Part of me watched this because of Sakurai Sho and Yokoyama You, but as the show went on, all of the contestants and production crew and supporting roles became super interesting. Sakurai Sho took his acting skills to a completely new level; at some points, I even forgot it was him as MC Kamiyama/Kamiyama Satoru! Yokoyama You is also really, really good at portraying the "evil/bad guy" character! I was engulfed in this show from the beginning, I absolutely love this show!

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There are "criminals".... And Then.... There are "Criminals".... Which is Which? Who is Who?

This is one of the most twisted, mysterious, curious, imaginative, and dramatic story's I have watched in a long time! I had to take a break between the last 4 episodes because the show was intense and my mind needed a break! Such a curious storyline, with tiny bits of familiarity, paired with a fantastic cast created an extraordinary show!


In this cast were a few familiars, a few unknowns, but no actors or characters that I didn't like. With the main cast being Takahashi Issei (who and why I originally began watching this show) and Shibasaki Ko, there weren't a lot of ways to go wrong in the first place. But when you add in the supporting cast of Kiritani Kenta, Itagaki Rihito, Arioka Daiki, Hotta Akane, Nagayama Kento, and so many more... The cast alone truly created an incredible show!


Watching all of their hard work during each episode, from fighting to solving puzzles and learning to think on their feet while also working as a team, was fascinating. I don't believe I've seen a main cast, supporting cast, and guest cast come together and work so well together quite as quickly and (for lack of a better word) perfectly as these wonderful actors have.


This story had it all, really! Romance, comedy, action, dramatics, mystery, a little gore tossed in, as well. It all moved together slowly, like the building of a tornado; gathering all of the main suspects together, spreading out to different areas to build the story, then crashing to Earth with a vegenance of an epic finale. While I have read other comments on a couple of different sites that say its boring or predictable or not what the viewer imagined, I want to say: PLEASE IGNORE THEM! PLEASE WATCH AND FORM YOUR OWN OPINION!

This show will really get you thinking. What is real? What is the truth? Can I believe them? Can I believe her/him? Is this real? I think a really good show or art or book or play or even a song can become something that will teach or help someone to find something new, begin again, create something themselves, answer questions, stir the imagination, and much more. And I believe that this show is an incredible, captivating story! Be it the cast, the script, the adventure, the talent, the action.... There truly is something in this show for everyone to enjoy!

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Perfect blend of reality with what we hope for~

The story of the Maki and Kuwahara families, along with their friends and co-workers, is an epic not to be missed. This is one of the most accurate, relateable, genuine, raw, honest, and beautiful telling of life as we know it; the ups and downs, the terrifying and exciting, the scary and hopeful, the good and bad.


This season of Kansatsui Asagao truly served as a beautiful and honest visual story telling of life itself. It broke my heart to continue watching some episodes along the way, but "that's life". And honestly, this wonderful story has very extraordinarily told the story of life's ups and downs, the peaks and valleys, the despair along with the joyous moments so very well. I don't want to say this story is dark and depressing, or full of medical jargon or gory details, because it isn't; however, this series does a splendid job at telling the truth for both sides of life, without hiding one detail.


A couple of episodes broke my heart or took my breath away, I simply couldn't believe what was happening or think of what was to come. I really respect the cast, creators, writers, directors, staff, etc... for showing their respect, kindness, understanding, and compassion to the March 11th tragedy throughout this series; that had to be hard to do. While I didn't cry during the first or second season, I did tear up a lot! As a foreigner, it was hard for me to remember March 11th, though not as hard as it had to of been for the actually Japanese, more specifically for Ueno Juri, Tokito Saburo, Ishida Hikari, and Emoto Akira. To have to deal with their roles throughout the series haad to have been tough, mentally and emotionally; and possibly physically.


It was really a treat to have such "cute relief" during the heartbreaking and hard moments from such a hard working and talented actor as Nagase Yuzuna; I look forward to more of her work! Watching Tokito Saburo as Maki Taira was incredible, his talent and power never cease to amaze me.


I wish there was more of this family to watch! Their story is a lovely story of life, how to win in the dark moments, and even how to celebrate both the good and the bad. The atmosphere created throughout this series showed one of the more realistic "slice-of-life" story's I have seen in a very long time!

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Unassuming Beautiful Story

This story is a gorgeous telling of what it means to be a member of any community and/or family, whether a new or old member of society. Each episode is full of stories of growth, honesty, raw and genuine feelings, determination, and respect. Growing from one's past isn't exactly easy to do, but with the support of friends and family or people from your community to support and guide and reassure you, anything is possible!


This story only has 7 or 8 people I recognize within its cast and that made it really interesting and enjoying to watch. I've found a few new actors/actresses whose careers I would like to follow, given this story was created in 2009 I'm sure they have a ton of new shows and movies to watch!


This show's episodes were really a mishmash of what happened on the island; it was calming and beautiful to watch, with a twist at the end that I did NOT see coming at all! However, the mystery and suspense really knocked the air out of my lungs and had me hanging on the edge of my seat! I did cry a few times during the show, so keep some tissues prepared! What I wasn't sure about was the ending, I feel like it ended too soon, and a few things needed to be expanded on or at least given a "1 month later" or "1 year later" type of conclusion.


This story really had it all! Dramatic backstory, lifestyle worries, old and new relationships, relatable problems, epic thrills, hysterical comedy, and heartfelt yet bittersweet moments. I wish they had a few more episodes than just 9, I really enjoyed watching each member of the Narumijima Island grow into their true self as they supported the community and became stronger versions of themselves. I am really interested in seeing how the Island grows and continues to address their issues, separately and as a community; each member of the cast really had a wonderful, bright, positive personality and attitude during the entirety of filming. It was something really special to watch!

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I've Never Wanted to Travel More!

When you think of Japan, most people travel there for it's popular media (music, anime, manga, fashion, etc) and other people seem to travel there for culture (food, history, architecture, museums, etc) and most people even think of one city: Tokyo! While theres nothing wrong with Tokyo, it just seems to be the most populated and popular place to visit; this show shares multiple wonderful reasons about why Kyoto and Osaka are wonderful places to venture to as well!



Each story really had a thrilling impact of intense emotions! From tears to laughter, anger to frustration, worry to pure unadulterated happiness. Each story was filled with a mixture of familiar and unfamiliar, like a mini-travel show, and while I did learn something new each time about new places to visit, I also learned new things about being a good friend or just being a good human, in general.



This show really tells a fantastic story of traveling, alone or in a group of friends or even strangers; almost like a travel blog come to life! Watching the characters and cast visit so many places around both Osaka and Kyoto, while listening to the dialects of different regions, and learning varying new things about the towns and foods and places visited was not only gorgeous but seemed to me to be an absolute privilege! Watching Kokoro-chan, Nanami-san, Sosuke-san, Jun-chan, and Miyama-san work together to help their customers or visitors throughout each episode was really charming and absolutely stunning! There were a few, tiny moments, when I thought "oh this person would fit well in this episode" or "this person would be an interesting choice for this role" but it really only lasted for a few seconds because this story really blew me out of the water! Each episode was really packed with a lot of information and entertainment; it was really fun to watch Jun-chan grow as a person and watch her confidence grow as she fulfilled each new customer's wish, even if she didn't realize what was going on. It was nice to see an airhead willing to grow within the story, instead of an airheaded victim that remains the "damsel in distress".



The show didn't really go in the direction I thought it would, it was absolutely completely different from what I imagined it would be considering the synopsis, too. I really enjoyed watching and learning so much about Kyoto, Osaka, and Japan in general. This show also served to make me extremely hungry! All the food not only looked delicious but very beautiful, too! A lot of the food I didn't recognize, but a lot I knew a little about; it was nice to see the difference in regional food names even though the food seemed to be similar, and it was nice to see the differences in regional areas. Something like that is similar to what we have here in the USA, however I think what we have is limited to accents or what we call things (buggy vs cart; etc) and in Japan it seems that it applies to more diverse things (what they call things, accents, types of foods or even mannerisms).



Wandering around Kyoto and Osaka was quite an adventure! I really liked how each episode showed off different sides of each city, town, and person no matter if they were new or recurring. The connection between each cast member was really wonderful to watch grow, I enjoyed that there were hints of romance, but nothing really ever seemed to connect, each person who visited Kizunaya (Kizuna-ya) seemed to get almost exactly what they were searching for even if they didn't realize it was coming for them. "A place where your wish can come true" seems to be pretty generic to Japanese drama, movie, anime, or manga stories; but this story is unique in and of itself! A genuine take on the human condition: kindness, anger, hilarity, sadness, courage, communication, friendship, love, facing the past, braving the future.... This story is an underrated gem full of history, growth, impressive sights, sounds, and mouth watering moments full of joy and enchantment!

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A little bit of everything

This show really has it all! Romance, fantasy, drama, mystery, suspense, hilarity, ingenuity, and even a few moments where I've had to hold my breath or grab a tissue. I did not expect a lot from this story, but each and every episode with its wonderful cast really did their best to deliver a one-of-a kind, unique, talent filled, enjoyable show!


It was interesting to see that there was a sort of "behind the scenes" look at a police officer's lifestyle besides the nitty-gritty dirty details of their work. Also, I really enjoyed watching the different types of families, with or without kids, throughout the show. For some reason, this show felt familiar to a family/slice-of-life anime style, but also with little bits of "Bewitched" and the typical family life thrown in. Each episode was filled with suspense, thrills, mystery, comedy, and sometimes even a little life lesson. I liked that the family unit for the Morikawa's was completely upended, definitely not the "typical" or "normal" family style.


Watching this story was intense! So much happening all at once, but never once did I lose my train of thought or get confused. It was really fun to watch the kids seem to have their own lives, but also come together as part of the community and support their friends and families. So many times you see kids be bratty or self centered, but it was really fun to watch each member of the little town where the Morikawa's lived come together on different, yet similar, common ground(s) at times. As an aspiring writer myself (as if my ridiculously long reviews didn't hint at that already lmao) it was also nice to watch Morikawa Akira struggle and yet still continue his writings; often in shows we only see failure and quitting or succeeding and winning or succeeding and then failing after a while... viewers don't often get to see the journey that Akira goes on throughout the episodes, so it was really fun to watch!


From cooking and stain removal to fighting bad guys and bullet proof vests to odd souvenirs and new friends to stubborn visitors and funny relatives, this story really does seem to have something for everyone! Though, if you're looking for epic gun battles and "fire fights", this may not be too interesting. The story of the Morikawa family, their neighborhood of family and friends, and how they persevere throughout difficulties and hard work together, or separately, is really wonderful!


I think this show is sort of underrated, being as I don't really see a lot of people talking about it, but if people decide to give this fantastic show a chance, I really think and believe that the viewer will enjoy themselves! I laughed, I cried, I was anxious, and even got a few new outlooks on life while enjoying myself! The narrator has a calming voice, yet he was also really funny, too! I am so interested in season two of this family and neighborhood's story!

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A Little Bit of Everything

This story has a little bit of every genre mixed within it. Slice-of-life, romance, mystery, science fiction, family, but most importantly it really tells a story of reality and humanity and (i apologize for sounding so sappy) and the relationship with your own self.


At the beginning, this story set out to be exactly what the synopsis said: a tv screenwriter who rekindled a dream he had given up for years (in short), however, the story itself is so much more than that; and while it does seem to be a little slow in the beginning, as each episode builds and builds, the story creates a wonderful world full of imagination, creativity, mishaps, dramatics, and a fantastic adventure!


(i apologize if the below is a spoiler for anyone)
The show does resemble Ikuta Toma's drama "Ore no Hanashi wa Nagai", but in atmosphere only. I couldn't find one similarity within the script, characters, or anywhere else. This story was something like a sequel, but not quite EXACTLY a sequel... Maybe something like an alternate reality? Though I do have to say the differences between Ikuta Toma's main characters for each show is quite strong; I couldn't find any similarities between them (except for the fact that Ikuta Toma was the main character actor) and he doesn't seem the type of person to be type-casted into any roles. In fact, seeing him in roles like this (charming, family man, calm and quiet, slice-of-life, almost non-main-character type if you follow the popular views) makes me want to see him in other more active, strong, dramatic (think Ouroboros) type of roles. Ikuta Toma does a marvelous job of sucking you in to, not only admiration for his character, but also admiration for the show and each and every character.



This story is very comforting. A family that works together, yet has their own almost "secret society" within it. While most families do have this dynamic, it was nice to see that each member of the Yoshimaru household had their own life that did not revolve around the celebrity that was their parents. Yes, everyone (family included) around them wanted to celebrate the new job(s) and be supportive, but this show was so much more than just celebrating one or two specific peoples. I would have liked to of seen more of Sora-kun, Erika-chan, and Sengawa-kun, though! I feel like that is a side story worth exploring.


I think this story may be a bit underrated, but then again I'm not one that follows the bandwagon for "popular" things, either. I wanted to watch this show because of Ikuta Toma, but then I realized there were more cast members that I enjoy watching and following their career(s), and as I started watching this story the show really made me laugh out loud, gasp with suspense, and worry along with the characters. Each actor really blended in with their character well, almost chameleon like level; at some points within the show it felt like I was watching a docu-drama of a real family that was put together as a drama and not a full documentary to keep the interest and entertainment of the original story. I really enjoyed watching the ups, downs, and in-betweens of the Yoshimaru family, the co-workers, and their friends. I wonder why this did not get a few more episodes or more detailed story for a few other cast members, but I'm also kind of glad that this story wasn't too busy or cluttered with information that would be unnecessary. It was really wonderful to see the "behind the scenes" work of a screen writer!

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