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| Synopsis |
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National Theatre celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2006. In January 2007, the theatre begins its 51st year with “Asakusa Fukumaru Inn,” a new drama where every episode is self-inclusive, set in an old-line inn in Asakusa. Fukumaru Daikichi, the owner of Fukumaru Inn is played by Nishida Toshiyuki. The inn has been in business for over 60 years, and Daikichi is its third owner. Known as “nosy Dai-san” from people of Asakusa, Daikichi pries into the affairs of others and ends up making matters worse. As social conditions change, his inn business faces difficult situation, but he cannot help but stop being nosy. In each episode, various guest actors/actresses appear to take the key role sometimes as a guest to the inn or as a someone Daikichi meets in the neighborhood area. Exchanges between guest actors/actresses and Dakichi will definitely make the viewers cry and laugh in all episodes | | TBS |
| Drama Reviews (1) |
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!!WARNING!!
The review section may contain spoilers! Please understand
that you may find out about this drama's endings and plots!
| | 1. | Unpretentious, Entertaining Slice-of-Life Series [Rating: 7/10]
This is one of those dramas that's enjoyable in its capacity to transport you, the viewer, to a place you'll feel instantly at home and which you will begin to miss from the closing credits of the last episode. There is something intensely attractive, homelike and tranquil in the concept of a traditional, old-line Japanese ryokan, and AFR is your ticket to an extended stay.
Toshiyuki Nishida, whom movie buffs will recognize as the gruff noodle chef in the film "Ramen Girl," plays the nosy Ryokan owner Fukumaru Daikichi almost as though it's a natural extension of his personality. He's laid-back yet competent, and curious to the point of overbearing in his meddling with the private affairs of his guests. The unintended consequences of his intrusions are the source of the series' alternating comedy and shameless heartstring-tugging. Like the similar - also excellent - series "Fufudo" (which takes place at a semi-rural tea farm,) the principle character is pitted hilariously against a neighboring business competitor with whom he has a bitter rivalry, yet whom we all know he loves like a brother, deep down.
The only real flaw in the series is a tendency for the emotional tear-jerking crescendos to stray into the maudlin on occasion. But since the series maintains a refreshing light-heartedness and makes no pretense at being anything other than an episodic slice-of-life, it all works surprisingly well.
Each character of the ensemble cast - indeed even of the peripheral roles, like Some-san the Geisha, Sakaki-san the barista, and a number of the one-off guest characters - is vividly memorable as an individual. The stories are soap-opera-ish by design, but often fascinating as insights into the idiosyncracies of Japanese culture both modern and historic.
Asakusa Fukumaru Ryokan won't satisfy those who have no patience or viewers looking for rock 'em - sock 'em action, but is time well spent for Dorama fans and Japanophiles interested in life at a ryokan. | | Reviewed by Sakebitosan on 30 September 2009 |
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| Comments From Users (5) |
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!!WARNING!!
This section may contain spoilers! Do not proceed if you
do not want to read about this drama's endings and plots!
| | 1. | Comments by onigiriman [Rating: 8/10]
Nishida Toshiyuki needs to do some sit ups or something, but still he's pretty funny. | | 2. | Comments by natzumi [Rating: 5/10]
The protagonist in the drama is just too noisy. I can't stand him. Dropped after ep 1. | | 3. | Comments by gaijinmark [Rating: 7/10]
Toshiyuki Nishida shines as the good-hearted, goofy inn keeper!! | | 4. | Comments by Super No. 1 [Rating: 6/10]
It was entertaining, but it could have been better. The episodes had some very good stories, but not too much that we haven't seen before. | | 5. | Comments by Eyeyore [Rating: 6/10]
Teenagers will yawn if they watch this. It's all about Japanese culture and "make you feel good" kind of drama for a lazy afternoon. |
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Nishida Toshiyuki
Ishigaki Yuma
Otsuka Chihiro
Kitagawa Hiromi
Sakashita Chiriko
Kubota Maki
Watanabe Ikkei
Ono Takehiko
Kino Hana
Tatsumi Takuro
Kaku Chikako
