jdorama.com Forum Index
 FAQFAQ   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist   RegisterRegister  Log inLog in 
Top 100
Top 100
Spring 2019   Summer 2019   Fall 2019   Winter 2020  
Koi no Chikara [恋ノチカラ]

VCD Box


DVD Box




Drama Details
Title:Koi no Chikara
恋ノチカラ
Power of Love / Strength of Love
Telecast:2002-01-10 to 2002-03-21
Season:Winter 2002



 Search forum for this drama

 Official Forum Topic


TV Station:Fuji TV
Duration:9 Episodes



Synopsis
Those in their 20's have big dreams and aspirations for both work and love. Then as they begin to get older, they realize that not everything comes so easily. Then when they enter their 30's, they start to see what kind of future lies ahead.

The main character of this story, Toko, decides after she turns 30 that she is all but ready to give up on any future career hopes or romance, so she turns to the bottle for comfort. She knows that this isn't the best thing, but can't find the strength right now to do anything except choose the easy way to do things. This causes her to start getting down on herself. Luckily though, she doesn't give up hope completely, and tries to take things as they come. Which proves to help to some degree.

Suddenly one day, a guy by the name of Kotaro comes along. Like Toko, Kotaro hasn't had much luck at work either. Even so, this is still the same guy that Toko liked when she was younger. Naturally, Toko is thrilled to see Kotaro after such a long time, but eventually finds out that he is about as insensitive as you can get, and is self-centered to boot. This really gets to Toko. What's worse is that Toko ends up starting a small company with him, even though she had to leave her position at a large company because of trouble they were involved in together.

Set in the winter of Tokyo, this is a straight to the heart love story about men and women in their 30's.
Fuji TV

Related Videos (1)
 koi no chikara
koi no chikara
01:48

3,770 Views

Click here to suggest a video for this drama (YouTube videos only)

Soundtrack and Theme Songs (1)
1. Kira Kira キラキラ [Oda Kazumasa 小田和正]LYRICS ]

Actor/Actress Cast (6)
Fukatsu Eri
深津絵里
Motomiya Tohko
本宮籐子 (30)
Tsutsumi Shinichi
堤真一
Nukui Kohtaro
貫井功太郎 (35)
Yada Akiko
矢田亜希子
Kuramochi Haruna
倉持春菜 (23)
Sakaguchi Kenji
坂口憲二
Kimura Sogo
木村壮吾 (25)
Nekoze Tsubaki
猫背椿
Suda Maki
須田真季 (30)
Nishimura Masahiko
西村雅彦
Yoshitake Nobuo
吉武宣夫 (40)

Drama Reviews (8)
!!WARNING!!
The review section may contain spoilers! Please understand
that you may find out about this drama's endings and plots!


1. Ignore the synopsis! [Rating: 9/10]
Why? It's only half correct and only about the first episode!

Fukatsu Eri plays Toko, a young (relatively) career woman, who is on the verge of 30, with no signs of marriage or advancement in her job at an advertising agency. The only hope she had at marriage was years ago, but she turned down the proposal and now all she has to show for it is her roommate (Yada Akiko), her ex's younger sister and daughter of a company president. To make matters worse, she's smitten with a co-worker (Tsutsumi Shinichi) who, because of his status as "hitmaker," would never
date her. So, she dreams...

Then one day, after a problem at the company, Tsutsumi Shinichi quits the ad agency, taking with him, his talent and his friend, played by Sakaguchi Kenji. Basically, it's his way of saying, "See how well you do without your star." Upon leaving, he instructs his friend to also recruit another person from their former company to join their new agency.

So, Toko is asked, and, after much contemplation, she accepts the offer. She figures that 1). her life's not headed anywhere anyway, and 2). the guy she's been dreaming about notices her, so she should give it a shot.

Much to her dismay, though, she learns that "Miyamoto Toko" was the woman Kotaro wanted, not "Miyamoto Toko," and he, in no way, makes that unclear. She also learns that the man she dreamed of is really just in her dreams. In reality, Kotaro is immature, arrogant and rude--particularly to her! So, now unemployed and disillusioned, Toko decides to stick it out with the new company.

But Toko isn't not the only one who wakes up to a harsh reality. Kotaro learns that it's not just his brilliance that brought success, but the connections from the company. He is humbled as former friends now turn their back on him, and he can't get a contract for his work.

While the story sounds formulaic, what made this drama so wonderful was the actors. Words weren't necessary for laughs as Fukatsu Eri and Tsutsumi Shinichi made faces at one another. Their love-hate chemistry was perfect, even if they didn't match as a couple. Yada Akiko and Sakaguchi Kenji were perfect in their supporting roles, and I just loved the theme song, "Kira Kira," by Oda Kazumasa.

Ultimately, though, what makes this story so special? The power of love!
Reviewed by tsuyoshi7nhwi on 21 November 2003
2. There are at least 11 episodes [Rating: 8/10]
Aren't there at least 11 episodes of this? I know there are, because i've seen 11 episodes of it. The episode where they make Mouse Pencils is episode 10. Why does jdorama say 9 episodes? (along with most web pages on the net)
Reviewed by ephesus on 3 July 2004
3. Another great ensemble performance [Rating: 9/10]
Everyone gave very good performances in this one. It sounded pretty light weight and lame when I saw the title before buying. But, it turned out to be a comedy for a mature audience that pleasantly surprised me.
Reviewed by warren.mcclendon on 7 June 2004
4. Good drama [Rating: 9/10]
This drama has a lot of good actors in it and was fun to watch. The opening theme is great and the love story isn't heavy but nice.
Reviewed by moku999 on 11 November 2003
5. Sorry! [Rating: 9/10]
I wrote "Miyamoto Toko" twice. Tsutsumi Shinichi's character was looking for "Miyamoto Toko," but got "Motomiya Toko." Gomen, ne!
Reviewed by tsuyoshi7nhwi on 21 November 2003
6. ha [Rating: 9/10]
this is such a goooooooooood j-drama
it was sooooooo funny
Reviewed by horse35 on 16 September 2005
7. Best Drama [Rating: 9/10]
One of the best Japanese Drama ever!!!
Reviewed by ying1128 on 21 March 2007
8. It was very good [Rating: 10/10]
The drama was spectacular.
Reviewed by yeong84 on 31 March 2004

Comments From Users (46)
!!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 von [Rating: 10/10]
i like the chemistry between fukatsu eri and tsutsumi shinichi. they have great teamwork in the show. both were good at portraying their characters well. tsutsumi plays a blockhead while fukatsu plays the heck-care attitude.

i enjoy watching the scenes of the drinking session, titbits munching (in front of TV) session, slimming session, learn to kiss session(the 10 sec hug, 3 sec glare), tricked into wearing slimming face mask, the wearing of tie and blazer etc.

this dorama, together with its superb soundtracks, will definitely deliver the power of love to you and set love in the air.
2. Comments by FierceStriker [Rating: 10/10]
How good a drama is depends on the kind of feeling it gives you when you watch it and how you feel after you finish it. Koi no Chikara really gives you power not only in love, but in career as well. Following something you really want to do no matter how hard it is, even though it is not very realistic in this world, such honesty to oneself is very much worthy of respect. I would recommend everyone to watch this. This is one of my most favorite love dramas, upthere with Long Vacation and Love Revolution (on equal grounds!!!)
3. Comments by xploring [Rating: 8/10]
Even though there was no great surprise and the story was rather predictable, this was very enjoyable. It did not feel formulaic to me. There were substance and seriousness amidst the fun and games, and the performances were very good. Fukatsu Eri was particularly special, she was simply adorable, and totally brought her character to life. The character played by Yada Akiko was a bit one-dimensional/unecessary, and the final twist was a bit far-fetched, but still, a good choice for those looking for a light workplace romance.
4. Comments by tsuyoshi7nhwi [Rating: 9/10]
Wonderful story and phenomenal cast! I tell you, Fukatsu Eri does not get enough respect! A must-see romantic-comedy! Basically, Fukatsu Eri's character is mistakenly scouted by Sakaguchi Kenji's character (he gets her name mixed up with another girl's) to work at a an advertising agency. Though her new boss (Tsutsumi Shinichi) is an arrogant jerk at times, it's only because of his passion for his work, and she falls in love with him. Not much verbal humor, but Fukatsu & Tsutsumi's facial expressions are priceless!
5. Comments by jade_frost [Rating: 10/10]
Brilliant. Koi no Chikara is one of the best romance dramas. I love Eri Fukatsu!!! Ditzy, funny, dreamy. She and Tsutsumi Shinichi make this drama worth watching many times over. The cast and storyline make Koi endearing and addictive. Can't help feeling that the actors had a fantastic time on the set as the drama has an infectious mood. And a lovely, upbeat soundtrack too.

Better than Itsumo Futari De (also by the same scriptwriter).
6. Comments by yume [Rating: 10/10]
I remember vaguely getting into this drama back before I learned Japanese and it was airing on TV. But now that I understand Japanese, haha, it's all the more charming! i love Fukatsu Eri's character, and I love the flow of the story. This drama is KANPEKI! ^_^ I watch it over and over again, and the jokes are still funny and "Toko" is just as endearing as when she first appeared on the screen munching chips and sipping wine!
7. Comments by atheon [Rating: 9/10]
Jan 2007: Even though I stopped half way, I'm glad that I managed to finish it. This was the kind of romance drama I always imagined or wished. You kinda express your love in a subtle, indirect way. It's fun to watch these 'older' dramas from time to time, gives you the nostalgic feeling. Great chemistry between Fukatsu and Tsutsumi san, love the cast too~ Great theme song by Oda Kazumasa =D
8. Comments by iluvhyde [Rating: 10/10]
Totemo ii dorama desune! This show is so extremely under-rated. The Fukatsu and Tsutsumi pairing is quite beyond words, such talented actors. Their chemistry was really good. Its so light hearted and it makes one hopeful and wants to be in love! I've watched this show like the Nth times and its still so heartwarming. The last episode is the best! I'll recommend this drama to everyone!
9. Comments by Cerebus [Rating: 6/10]
A good cast headed by the dependable Fukatsu Eri and an intelligent script, but it never really "clicked" for me. I think there was rather too much time spent dealing with the advertising side of things rather than the central romance, but even that somehow didn't quite ring true. It wasn't helped by the utterly predictable plot either.
10. Comments by Mink [Rating: 9/10]
Doesn't really pick up until halfway through, but you'll feel glad you stuck with it. The ending is slightly a let-down, but still satisfying... Fukatsu Eri gives a great performance [as always!], but I leaned more towards Tsutsumi Shinichi myself. <3
11. Comments by pandora [Rating: 10/10]
Excelent cast, excellent song, excellent story excellent love story. I love the strong charecter of the lead lady and the fact tha the attraction is soo subtle taht he realises he loves her only after she is gone. Loved it loved it loved it. Watch it!
12. Comments by jdfan [Rating: 9/10]
I like this dorama. Set in the winter of Tokyo, this is a straight to the heart love story about men and women in their 30's.This story show how true love can be close and un-noticed at the same time. Great performances.
13. Comments by Szabotage [Rating: 10/10]
I really loved this one! Very romantic. The first drama that I watched all the way through (every week on the International Channel). Well worth the time! And I just love the theme song!!!
14. Comments by Signo [Rating: 8/10]
a constant good plot and the main parts were well cast. additional there is a good balance between the love- and businesspart. gives you the feel to have an own small comapany for yourself^^
15. Comments by EstherM [Rating: 7/10]
Romantic drama, which should appeal to those liked Love Revolution, Anego, Slow Dance and Seigi no Mikata. Good cast, good entertainment. Not very deep but perfect for a rainy weekend.
16. Comments by williu [Rating: 9/10]
Good drama of the old school. Romantic, funny and well paced. Great actors too, especially the leads. The story can be a little draggy sometimes, but the good parts far outweigh that.
17. Comments by marspeach [Rating: 8/10]
Fun drama with excellent acting. I liked the characters but I honestly didn't see the romantic spark between the leads. The romance in general I felt was more of a side-story.
18. Comments by orange1806 [Rating: 9/10]
nice theme song that seems to bring u back to the good old jap drama days. great casting with many well-known and popular actors and actresses. simple plot but very touching
19. Comments by v1olet [Rating: 10/10]
Very romantic and funny too. I enjoyed every episodes, and couldn't stop watching it until the final episode. Simple but irresistable. I love this dorama.
20. Comments by jusco240sx [Rating: 9/10]
Good dorama which slightly older people can relate to, and enjoy, well. Fukatsu Eri is really cute and extremely likable. Good lighthearted dorama.
21. Comments by arglborps [Rating: 10/10]
Watched it three times on TV. Still like it. I'll watch it again.

I never thought Fukatus Eri and Tsusumu Shinichi would make such a great pair.
22. Comments by manutunia [Rating: 8/10]
it's really a good drama actually...
dealing with friendship between woman and man...that can turn to love...and not noticing about it
23. Comments by compaqmac321 [Rating: 10/10]
i truly underestimated this show...it was great, i laughed the whole time, great acting, some of the best ive seen from a full cast
24. Comments by kazuya_ [Rating: 10/10]
Wonderfully acted drama for it's simplicity. Probably Fukatsu Eri's best role. Nearly everyone in the main cast is terrific.
25. Comments by Akiiness [Rating: 7/10]
It's not bad. :) I liked the chemistry between Fukatsu Eri & Tsutsumi Shinichi. I really didn't think they'd work out.
26. Comments by carie_akanishi [Rating: 8/10]
The old-format japanese drama. but I really like tsutsumi shinichi n fukatsu eri inside.They had damn gd chemistry
27. Comments by ct_subang [Rating: 7/10]
a romantic comedy drama...omoshiroikatta!!quite a predictable dorama..loved the shinichi-eri r/ship...
28. Comments by emiko [Rating: 10/10]
Definitely the best love comedy series I've ever seen. Tsutsumi was surprisingly great in this drama!
29. Comments by Jackykero [Rating: 8/10]
Boy that was a lot of fun!
Super-good actors, all of them, a great story, a great comedy overall
30. Comments by Bsalez [Rating: 9/10]
Great actor n acter selection good story plot what more do u expect? Ii Jdorama desu reccomended

Read all 46 comments from users


Users who voted for this drama (19)
1. iluvhyde
Everything about this dorama haunts me! Motomiya's wine sessions, Nukui hard at work, the "kissing" lesson, the theme song and the ending! A 'powerful' drama that makes you want to be in love and also the chance to think about your life. Koi no Chikara is a must watch for all Tsutsumi Shinichi and Fukatsu Eri fan. Their chemistry I should say: the BEST!
2. Szabotage
I'm voting for this one partly for sentimental reasons--it was my first Jdrama! But also, it is still one of my favorites. I love the heroine, and the unromantic hero, and every time I hear the theme song, I sing along!
3. exmoment
I just loved this drama! It's a really funny lovestory with my favorite actors Fukatsu Eri and Tsutsumi Shinichi in it! Really lovely and I can recommend it to everyone!
4. emiko
I'm voting for this drama just for a very simple reason, because this is one of those few dramas that manages to make me feel tokidoki throughout the whole series
5. ying1128
Very cute story and the actors and actresses in it especially Fukatsu Eri and Sunichi Tsutsumi were all very good! Love it!!!
6. FierceStriker
One of the best I have ever seen!!! Feels so great! Koi no chikara desu ne. Hotoni sugoi deshou.
7. pandora
This is my favorite romance dorama of all time have watch it 4 times!
8. von
Good jobs done by the actors!!!
9. ransuke
Good Stuff
10. zanonia
11. Mujer
12. baluku_lee
13. maycc
14. lem
15. Osuke
16. jusco240sx
17. jade_frost
18. Panumas
19. horse35