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Around 40 [アラウンド40]

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Drama Details
Title:Around 40
アラウンド40
Telecast:2008-04-11 to 2008-06-20

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TV Station:TBS
Duration:11 Episodes
Viewership:14.6%
Genre(s):Comedy
Drama
Romance



Synopsis
39-year-old Ogata Satoko is a highly capable psychiatrist who is single. She's forthright, a caring older sister, and reliable in her job and in private. Satoko hasn't had a boyfriend in the past five years. Nevertheless, she derives satisfaction from work and isn't worried about her finances. Among her good friends that she hangs out with are 35-year-old Morimura Nao, her junior who proclaims that she won't marry, and 39-year-old Oikawa Sadao, her peer since high school.

Satoko is happily enjoying the single life, until she meets Okamura Keitaro, and realizes that things are beginning to change...
jade_frost

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Soundtrack and Theme Songs (1)
1. Shiawase no Monosashi [Takeuchi Mariya]

Actor/Actress Cast (22)
Amami Yuki 天海祐希Amami Yuki
天海祐希

Ogata Satoko (39)
Fujiki Naohito 藤木直人Fujiki Naohito
藤木直人

Okamura Keitaro (34)
Otsuka Nene 大塚寧々Otsuka Nene
大塚寧々

Morimura Nao (35)
Matsushita Yuki 松下由樹Matsushita Yuki
松下由樹

Takeuchi Mizue (40)
Tsutsui Michitaka 筒井道隆Tsutsui Michitaka
筒井道隆

Ohashi Sadao
AKIRAAKIRA
Ogata Tatsuya
Sakura さくらSakura
さくら

Ogata Maki
Matsumoto Runa 松本春姫Matsumoto Runa
松本春姫

Ogata Ruka
Hayashi Ryuzo 林隆三Hayashi Ryuzo
林隆三

Ogata Tomoyasu
Kaga Mariko 加賀まりこKaga Mariko
加賀まりこ

Yoshinaga Haruko
Jinbo Satoshi 神保悟志Jinbo Satoshi
神保悟志

Takeuchi Akio
Kimura Haruki 木村遼希Kimura Haruki
木村遼希

Takeuchi Yosuke
Matsuo Takashi 松尾貴史Matsuo Takashi
松尾貴史

Kawasaki Kengo
Matsumoto Wakana 松本若菜Matsumoto Wakana
松本若菜

Katayama Haruka
Hoshino Ryoko 星野涼子Hoshino Ryoko
星野涼子

Uemura Asuka
Hiei Yosuke 日栄洋祐Hiei Yosuke
日栄洋祐

Yajima
Katagiri Hairi 片桐はいりKatagiri Hairi
片桐はいり

Yanagihara Kazuko (Matchmaker)
Kato Masaya 加藤雅也Kato Masaya
加藤雅也

Kanasugi Kazuya
Hashizume Jun 橋爪 淳Hashizume Jun
橋爪 淳

Kanbayashi Shozo
Maruyama Tomomi 丸山智己Maruyama Tomomi
丸山智己

Shinjo Takafumi
Oba Kumiko 大場久美子Oba Kumiko
大場久美子

Nakayama Michiko
Kichise Michiko 吉瀬美智子Kichise Michiko
吉瀬美智子

Minami Yukari
  

Related Links (1)
1. Official Site

Drama Reviews (2)
!!WARNING!!
The review section may contain spoilers! Please understand
that you may find out about this drama's endings and plots!


1. Finally, a strong female role! [Rating: 9/10]
When I first started watching this drama I was thinking "oh no, another arafo drama", where the woman is older, single, and can't get married. I was therefore pleasantly surprised that the arafo female was a strong woman who could have gotten married, but wouldn't settle for just anyone.

I'm really glad Amami Yuki got an award for her role as Ogata Satoko. She played the strong, independent female character perfectly. And I'm really glad that her counterpart was played by Fujiki Naohito. He's never really stood out for me in the many dramas I have seen him in, but he was favourite in this show.

It really is true that the older you are, the better you get, because the supporting cast was amazing. Everything/one just clicked, and the flow of the story was very nice.

I was very pleased with the ending, because the writers didn't "sell out". The character of Satako remained consistent and found this endearing.

I definitely recommend this drama.
Reviewed by Wynter on 23 July 2009
2. Arofo. :)) [Rating: 9/10]
It was ... nice. I love drama's like this. the one where the younger BOY falls in love with the older WOMAN. Yes, I love these types. I may sound like an old-housewife, but I'm not. :)) But I honestly think that the role of Okamura wasn't best for Fujiki. Dont get me wrong, he was good, but not good enough. Well, not good for my tastes of course.

I give it a positive 9, since it was cheesy-ish.
Reviewed by JEaddicthellyeah on 3 November 2009

Comments From Users (44)
!!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 pinkokoro [Rating: 8/10]
[COMPLETE.SS] dramas focusing on the around 40 generation, around 35-44 years old. even if you're not an 'arafo' to relate, you can still like this one; I am one of the example. It deals with problems faced by this generation and I believe is handled very well by the director and scriptwriter. amami yuki is perfectly fitted for her rol, I've always admire her; she's a beauty even at the age of 41 (her real age), she's strong, and she's a very good actress. Her chemistry with Naohito Fujiki got no complaints from me. They're compatible with each other, and their cute and funny interaction is really fun to watch. what got to me most are the reality shown in the drama, and how we're able to see the characters, problems develop in a natural way, and also the strong characteristic of satoko (amami yuki's character) with her strong ideal. other characters are woven well into the settings; the dissatisfied housewife, and the career women who is concerned more in the appearance of happiness than a real one.
2. Comments by Sorata [Rating: 9/10]
I was really surprised by this, i was expecting an ok dorama and i got an awesome one.
I loved the relationship between Satoko(Amami Yuki) and Keitaro(Fujiki Naohito), they have so much chemestry even though they treated eachother as Ogata-sensei and Okamura-san for the whole dorama. They are from now on my favorite j dorama couple(they just surprassed Teppei and Riko from Love Generation).
The only reason i won´t give this a full 10 is because of the end(i hated it) and the last 3-4 slow episodes, if it was only for the first 7 episodes i would give a full 10 to this.
Anyway remember: "it´s eco, not stingy" lol.
3. Comments by Jeanxi [Rating: 7/10]
The drama is based around an interesting premise, though I'm a little undecided on whether it's actually a good drama or a bad drama. I think I've seen too many disappointing dramas lately that my standards have been lowered. In any case, this would definitely not count as an entertaining drama but might be worth watching if you liked Kekkon Dekinai Otoko. The dramas deals with interesting issues for women around 40 (whether married or single), but also tries to keep the tone as lighthearted as possible. I would recommend this drama to anyone who is disappointed with the recent slew of horribly mediocre dramas.
4. Comments by Inujun [Rating: 9/10]
This drama turned out to be quite a surprise for me because I never expected liking it. Maybe it was like seeing something that may happen in the future, I actually found it interesting and rather educational in a way. The 3 main female casts were likable and very interesting characters too, portraying different types of women and their hopes and dreams around that age. Of course I enjoyed the subdued romance inside as well. Overall very enjoyable, but maybe female audiences will enjoy it more.
5. Comments by dreamer10231 [Rating: 10/10]
although the story is not a tearjerker or a heavy drama, i watched it non-stop...what's different in this drama is that around episode 2, the main guy has clearly shown his interest towards the main girl...the ending is unique...analyzing the theme of the story, it didn't sacrifice the theme but at the same time it didn't sacrifice the romance as well...if i remeber, there are no dragging parts...fujiki naohito here is always wearing a jacket which made him look much younger...ahh so kawaii...
6. Comments by Susan [Rating: 9/10]
This was a great feel-good kind of drama. Fujiki Naohito was so adorable that I wanted to pinch his cheeks every time he did something cute and funny! The series got off to a slow start but I was hooked only a few episodes in. I also really enjoyed the intense lives of the side-characters and I felt that everything ended well. Well, happy endings are characteristic of a feel-good drama, right?
7. Comments by snow_san [Rating: 5/10]
Amami Yuki hopes to find love. Otsuka Nene rushed into it and now has doubts. And Matsushita Yuki wants out. Series dealing with relationship issues. Some episodes better than others. Final episode was weak.
Amami steps on scale, whispers&motions "safe". lol Oh and the Drifters! I grew up on them! ba ba ba bam bam! :p
8. Comments by v1olet [Rating: 9/10]
Forty and Fabulous. Simple plot but nicely improved. The independent career woman Satoko and the eco-conscious "go green" Keitaro -- what a pair. The ending was just exactly as I wanted. I love watching this drama. Count what you have now. Don't count what you don't have. Find that you have so much.
9. Comments by EstherM [Rating: 7/10]
Ok to watch once, this drama is very forgettable and adds nothing interesting to the struggle of being around 40 in Japan, but at least the three girlfriends (a psychatrist, a magazine editor and a housewife, later on working as a commercial) are controlling or taking control of their lifes.
10. Comments by Smitster [Rating: 6/10]
I liked the characters and the general plot of the story too, but on the whole, this drama did feel a bit thin on the ground, if I'm honest. But what would you expect, it's quite a cheesy romance. I'd recommend it, if you like that sort of thing.
11. Comments by chokakoi [Rating: 9/10]
I am glad the ending was that way... If it had turn out the other way, then it would have defeat the whole main theme of the show.
Truly a feel good show especially for ladies... hmm.. ladies who wanted to be strong and independent.
12. Comments by atheon [Rating: 9/10]
July 2008: Living green and psychology are two of my favourite topics, plus I can relate well with the story, happiness is not defined by others, but you are the one who decides your future. I really enjoyed this heart warming drama.
13. Comments by yougashi [Rating: 10/10]
I love Amami Yuki. Great chemistry between her and Fujiki Naohito. Great cast altogether, well acted and I could really relate to the people and the story - it is like I good book that you don't want to end.
14. Comments by Akiiness [Rating: 7/10]
This is a little sweet, and a bit anti-climatic, but it kept me watching somehow (Okay, I admit, I was watching for Fujiki Naohito). It was an okay watch to kill time, but nothing to hype about.
15. Comments by nickylynn [Rating: 7/10]
The relationship between the 3 ladies is what I liked most about this drama. I could relate to each of the characters. I didn't like the last 2 episodes though. So it ended on a low note for me.
16. Comments by Sun_Shang_Xiang [Rating: 8/10]
Fujiki Naohito hilariously plays Amami Yuki's ecologically minded boy friend in this reaching 40s crisis drama. Amami Yuki is brilliant as usual and the drama's ending is great.
17. Comments by henrywil [Rating: 7/10]
thought that e series will bored me 2 death, bt its actually interest m e a lot despite e poor acting fr naruhito, i still enjoy watching e show coz u can learn a lot from it
18. Comments by williu [Rating: 8/10]
A good drama, with complex characters and well-written storylines. Most of the actors do excellent jobs too, and each episode feels natural and down-to-earth.
19. Comments by tartan [Rating: 8/10]
Fine play by both Amami Yuuki and Fujiki Naohito. Typical story about woman who is obsessed with her work and finds a special man that loves her.
20. Comments by chibichan [Rating: 7/10]
the dorama quite interesting, i really like the theme song "count what you have now, dont count what you dont have, find that you have so much"
21. Comments by marspeach [Rating: 8/10]
I thought the first ep was boring but it definitely improved as it went on. Took a common Jdrama theme (older woman) but really did it well.
22. Comments by chinz [Rating: 7/10]
apparently appealing to people around 40... not very dramatic to keep on watching... pockets of comic relief here and there...
23. Comments by kirtil [Rating: 7/10]
Slow paced at times, feel-good drama. I liked that there were no "enemy/opponent" type characters that jdramas usually have.
24. Comments by venuskarura [Rating: 9/10]
I love this drama, very empowering ^^ the ending was a little rush, but overall i enjoyed the flow of the story.
25. Comments by aoi_dolphine [Rating: 7/10]
Still watching... at epi 2... I pretty like Naohito and Amami combination. A refleshing pairing of the 2.
26. Comments by katsup [Rating: 9/10]
Fujiki Naohito is absolutely adorable in this drama! I watched it so fast! "kechi janakute... eco desu!"
27. Comments by gaijinmark [Rating: 7/10]
Some of my favorites here, the two Yuki's, (Amami and Matsushita) Mariko Kaga, but just average plot.
28. Comments by oldasianguy [Rating: 7/10]
OK....average drama with nothing out the ordinary..Good cast...but pretty predictable.....
29. Comments by wanderingfish7 [Rating: 7/10]
Fun to watch, even though I am not 40 years old, but SOME DAY, I will. ha.
30. Comments by temmahkrik [Rating: 8/10]
Better than I thought it would be. Very moving and enjoyable.

Read all 44 comments from users


Users who voted for this drama (7)
1. randomwalker
Serously, this is one of the best dramas ive ever watched. GREAT casting, script, storyline, op. i watched everything at once. Its realistic, but in an inspirational way. I love amami yuki. shes brilliant. I'm sick of all the corny comedy, youth hungry, harlem dramas out there. This just sets the standard, and shuts up all the current dramas.
2. v1olet
Forty and Fabulous. Simple plot but nicely improved. The independent career woman Satoko and the eco-conscious "go green" Keitaro -- what a pair. The ending was just exactly as I wanted. I love watching this drama. Count what you have now. Don't count what you don't have. Find that you have so much.
3. Yamapifans
"Happy or not, I'll judge on my own." I totally agree with that. It does a good job telling ppl how women nowaday really think about marriage. Marriage isn't the only ending for women, and women not necessarily have to get married!!
4. Taira-Panku
Around 40! Probley my most favorite dorama of 2008! i'm glad Amami Yuki won an award for her performence! Every actor was just so great!
5. marko
I enjoyed it. Naohito is still as charming as can be.
6. Sorata
Personal Rating: 14th
7. cutetenshi
Funny