SumiTheCat

I'm pleasantly surprised by this drama, better than expected. Nice evolution of feelings between the leads, Kitamura's character is deliciously despicable (but i don't hate him) and i'm overwhelmed by joy whenever Ohno's character shows his bad habits, then turns incredibly cute.

I liked it a lot, but is it really supposed to be that comic?

Disappointed by this drama, especially considering the cast and my high expectations regarding bromance. Didn't like the last epsiode, just because i found it poorly done (there were materials for more interesting things and more suspense). need to watch the mini episodes.
On a more positive note, i totally adored both of leads with their bangs (although I totally dislike women with bangs). i wanted to put my hand in their hair. And i'm really glad to see that i'm not the only one who is totally obsesssed by Saito-san.

Thanks for this article, nice to see japanese school dramas on the front page once in a while.
Unlike you, school dramas is my favourite, genre, and i've seen those you mentionned, except GTO. I will definitely add it on my PTW list now, thanks for the recs.
My favourite will always be Nobuta wo Produce. i've read below you don't consider it as a school drama. I do, but i agree that the main topic is friendship, and that's the very reason why i adore this drama.
LIFE was also really good, and is one of the most realistic i've seen, along with Taiyou to Umi no Kyoshitsu. There are dozens others that could be added too...

totally crazy and i already like it (first episode)

I've watched 20 J dramas of this year and yet i'm unable to vote in two thirds of the categories...
NB : Death Note is listed twice in the OST category. And As the Gods will is marked as a 2014 movie on MDL :P

Best Japanese Drama of 2015: Ouroboros, Siren,
Best Japanese Movie of 2015: Our Little Sister, Assassination Classroom,
Best Romance Drama: Doctors’ Affairs
Best Romantic/Comedy Drama: From five to nine; Kokoro ga, pokitto ne
Best Family Drama: Oniichan Gacha, Genkai Shuraku Kabushiki Kaisha, Youkoso Wagaya e,
Best Action/Thriller/Suspense Drama: Ouroboros, Siren
Best Mystery Drama Ouroboros, Youkoso Wagaya e,
Best Japanese Actor: Kubota Masataka (Death Note), Kamiki Ryunosuke (Gakkou no kaidan),
Best Japanese Supporting Actress: Takahata Atsuko in Dr Rintaro
Best Villain: Yagami Light in Death Note, Tachibana Kara in Siren
Best Idol Actor(or Actress:) Ikuta Toma (Ouroboros), Kimura Takuya (HERO, I’m home)
Best Couple: Okitegami Kyoko and Kakushidate Yakusuke in the Memorandum of Kyoko Okitegami,
Best Bromance: Ryuzaki Ikuo and Danno Tatsuya in Ouroboros,
Best OST: Unshouten by B’z (Gakkou no Kaidan), Siren

one of my (many) favorite japanese actor: o tanjoubi omedetou, Endo-san!
i like him being so natural in Dr Rintaro, so different frm the many characters, especially detectives, he has played before.

Thanks for your article! I have seen most of them and totally agree with your choices. Though Japanese dramas have often a comic side, it's difficult to find pure comedies. I can only second previous MDLers who recommended Yuusha Yoshihiko and Densha Otoko. I would also have had Kekkon dekinai Otoko (though i don't remember if it's a recent one or not).
adding Manhattan Love story to my PTW list and i'm looking forward to the next part.

Japan
A day in our life - Arashi (Kisarazu cat's Eye)
Ashita no kioku - Arashi (The quiz show 2) (i could have chosen countless other Arashi songs)
Seishun Amigo - Shuji to Akira (Nobuta wo Produce)
Ichibu no Zenbu - B'z (Buzzer Beat)
Wakamonotachi - Moriyama Naotarou (Wakamonotachi 2014)
it's really hard to pick up only five...


South Korea
That Man - Hyun Bin (Secret Garden)

another bad news after Dramacrazy shut down, two years ago if i remember well. Gooddrama was also one of my favorite website to watch dramas. it will indeed become more and more difficult to watch dramas for those who are watching in streaming, as well old as new dramas. i'm afraid the remaining sites will follow the same way. We can indeed guess some legal issues are behind that. don't know if it comes from asian TV channels or from the new legal sites. At least if that comes from the later, they should open their sites to other geographical areas... and try to complete their catalog, if I understand you well, my dear fellows. This is really frustrating!

Though the story didn't attract me that much, i gave it a try because of the actors. first episode was good, but to be honest, it's only after the second episode i was totally hooked by the show. i think it's getting better and better. i'm totally fond of Ikuta's character, but what makes this show so intriguing, beside the mystery around Yuiko sensei's death, is probably the strong yet ambiguous bond between the two male leads.
Hope your article will give more people the will to watch that show. thanks.

B'z . the title is "Uchouten".

at the moment, drama.net has 6 ep subbed. in streaming.

What a disappointing result! Though I enjoyed Bitter Blood and liked Sato Takeru a lot, this drama absolutly doesn't deserve to win in those categories (maybe more suited to most overrated one...). I agree with many of previous MDLers: where are Wakamonotachi and Kazokugari?
Nevertheless, thank you MDL staff for proposing once again this year such a poll. Otsukare sama deshita!

Best Japanese Drama of 2014: Wakamonotachi
Best Japanese Movie of 2014:
Best Romance Drama: Shitsuren Chocolatier
Best Comedy Drama: Hero season 2
Best Romantic/Comedy Drama: Shitsuren Chocolatier
Best Historical Drama:
Best Family Drama: Wakamonotachi, Kazokugari
Best Action/Thriller/Suspense Drama: Border, Lost days
Best Japanese Actor: Miura Haruma (Boku no Ita Jikan) Tsumabuki Satoshi (Wakamonotachi)
Best Japanese Actress: Matsuyuki Yasuko (Kazokugari), Ashida Mana (Ashita, Mama ga inai),
Best Japanese Supporting Actor: Odagiri Joe (Alice no Toge),
Best Japanese Supporting Actress:
Best Villain:
Best Idol Actor: Ohno Satoshi (Shinigami-kun), Ninomiya Kanzunari (Yowakutemo Katemasu)
Best Couple:
Best Kiss:
Best Bromance: Tsumabuki Satoshi and Eita (Wakamonotachi)
Best OST: Border, Alice no Toge, Wakamonotachi (and many others, there were very good ones this year)
Most Overrated Drama: Bitter Blood
Worst Drama: Smoking Gun- Ketteiteki shoko
Best Mystery Drama : Kazokugari, The Long Goodbye
Best Medical Drama
Best Human Drama: Wakamonotachi, Boku no Ita Jikan

My first Asian drama ever, I was around 6-8 y-old when it was broadcast in the late 80s in my country. So many good memories while playing with my friends. thanks for adding it to the database.

Really enjoyed this season too, That's maybe because imo, the second roles are the main interest of this show. and now i can't wait for the next movie!!!

on the contrary, it seems subbing is starting again: episodes 5 & 6 are available on GD. yeah!

thanks a lot for the news! Your recommendations are always appreciated.
i'm planning to watch Kazokugari, Wakamono Tachi and Hero season 2. will also give a try to Sailor Fuku to Uchuujin.