Watching this in 2022 and thinking of how I like Yoshine Kyoko's subsequent stuff- she's one of my favourite young actresses, but here I find her annoying. Shows her growth as an actress over the years. Also I was partly shipping Minohara and Okita but that's the Sentai fan in me excited to see 2 Toqger actors starring together in something else.
Thank you for posting about your experience of the drama challenge. I took part in 2020 and had intended to take part in 2021 (made my initial post and everything). However, the desire to watch what I wanted over what would fit in the blocks won out and I didn't keep up. I may have a look at 2022.
Me after the first 2 episodes: The ML is a horrible person. He's so nasty to the FL. I want the SML to succeed. Me after the last 2 episodes: OMG the main leads are so cute together! They had such good character growth and the relationship seems somewhat healthy (by J-Drama standards). What a lovely, fluffy drama- just what I needed in these tough times.
I downloaded this ages ago but only got around to watching it. It was honestly a struggle and probably one of…
The last episode- Yuka admitting she'd regained her memory ages ago and her sister facing little to no consequences for stealing the money and pushing Mia down the stairs. It felt rather sudden, the show asking us to forgive them, after weeks of their jealous, vindictive and manipulative behaviour.
I downloaded this ages ago but only got around to watching it. It was honestly a struggle and probably one of my least favourite ones I've watched to date.
ALL THESE PEOPLE NOT ADDING THE TRUE REASON SOME OF THESE ACTORS ARE POPULARKAMEN RIDER
Yes. I was watching (and still am) Kamen Rider and Super Sentai before I branched out into wider JDrama. I saw Takeru Sato in Den-O (it's worth watching it to see him physically embody at least 4 different Imagin (personalities) and was pleasantly surprised to then discover that he was hugely popular/ successful in the JDrama and movie world. In fact they had to bring in Dori Sakurada as a new character in the later Den-o movies because Sato's agency wouldn't let him return.
Just finished watching this- stretched it out over a couple of months as I thought it was so beautiful that I didn't want it to end. Great story yet realistic and understated- rather than the in-your-face style that comes with Manga style romances. Loved the music too. Wish they made more like this.
Hana Yori Dango was one of the first Japanese (non-toku) dramas that I watched because it was placed highly on a few recommendation/ popularity lists. The first few episodes made me rather uncomfortable but then somewhere along the way something just switched and I secretly began shipping Tsukushi and Tsukasa. I think it was the immense chemistry beween Mao Inoue and Jun Matsumoto that really sold that adaptation and the relationship. It made the drama and romance compelling and made (most) viewers look over/ forget all the abusive behaviour.
First saw him in ON and he grabbed my heart and attention there; I thought he's 'nice and cute'. Now I'm watching Beppin san and he's appeared as a very sexy Jazz drummer! My heart is going 'doki-doki'! Help!
Initially I liked all the kissing and romance scenes in this but as I saw more controlling and possessive behaviour from the male lead it made me more uncomfortable. I was really hoping in the final episode that Risa would just leave Hiroto, realise it was healthier for her to be without him and go and live her own life, but alas, no. But, I can understand why she went back to him- to her he represented security and protection and she was 'under his spell'. I just wish Haruka Fukuhara had been given more to work with as Risa. She is a capable actress and deserved better material.
I'd downloaded the episodes quite a while ago, from a torrent on Nyaa then got subtitles from D-Addicts. Otherwise, I think it's available on sites like Dramanice.
Just watched the first episode. So glad I did. The old lady inviting Nagi into her flat where she was watching Roman Holiday and giving her Pocky= instant fave!
May be in the minority here but I don't find Hotaru (the main girl) annoying. Mainly because I relate to her a lot (professional appearance at work, but lazing around and comfy clothes at home). Also, I find her inner monologues and how she rolls around to express her feelings hilarious.
This was the first non-tokusatsu J-Drama that I watched and I only did so because Rio Uchida (from Kamen Rider Drive) was in it. To this day it remains one of my favourites.
Loved this from start to finish. All the characters felt so real, yet each likeable in their own ways. The use and absence of sound throughout was exquisite.
Also I was partly shipping Minohara and Okita but that's the Sentai fan in me excited to see 2 Toqger actors starring together in something else.
Me after the last 2 episodes: OMG the main leads are so cute together! They had such good character growth and the relationship seems somewhat healthy (by J-Drama standards). What a lovely, fluffy drama- just what I needed in these tough times.
In fact they had to bring in Dori Sakurada as a new character in the later Den-o movies because Sato's agency wouldn't let him return.
I just wish Haruka Fukuhara had been given more to work with as Risa. She is a capable actress and deserved better material.