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Viewing profile :: sadacori
Avatar All about sadacori

Joined:  31 Mar 2007
Total posts:  3930
[0.43% of total / 0.63 posts per day]
Find all posts by sadacori
Country (Nationality):  United States
Location:  �p���_�N�ƔL�B
Website:  http://www.corichan.com/
Occupation:  jdrama trader/watcher, Shiro stalker, J-Yu&�F����� groupie
Interests: jdrama, jpop, reading, procrastinating...
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sadacori's drama votes (3)
Kimi ga oshietekureta koto [君が教えてくれたこと]
This is probably my favorite drama. It's such a sweet story about an autistic girl and a man with PTSD who find themselves growing fond of each other.
Koi no bakansu [恋のバカンス]
This is easily one of my favorite comedy dramas. Full of humor, an engaging story, and an excellent cast, it's a shame that this drama isn't more known.
My Boss, My Hero [マイボスマイヒロ]
This silly, yet satisfying drama has all the criteria to be a worthwhile watch.

sadacori's artiste votes (12)
Akashiya Sanma [明石家さんま]
This guy is too hilarious and he just makes every drama that I've seen him in even better.
Esumi Makiko [江角マキコ]
Beautiful, yet goofy at times; strong, but sweet; Makiko is very likeable as characters like Natsuki (Over Time) and Chinatsu (Shomuni), who are different as night and day.
Fukuyama Masaharu [福山雅治]
I was never a fan of Masha's. I thought he was just average in the 2 dramas I saw him in (Perfect Love and Meguriai), but Itsuka Mata Aeru changed all that. After seeing him in Galileo and Hitotsu Yane no Shita 1, I found myself liking him more. That, plus rediscovering his popular songs just made me decide to vote for him. Not to mention, he's hot!
Kohinata Fumiyo [小日向文世]
He always seems to play the background characters, but with memorable roles like Shoumei in Ruri no Shima and his starring role in Ashita no Kita Yoshio, he should get the credit and recognition that he deserves.
Matsuyuki Yasuko [松雪泰子]
This beautiful actress has a certain panache to her and I've enjoyed everything that I've seen her in.
Mizutani Yutaka [水谷豊]
Although I didn't like his rigid manner when I first started to watch the Aibou series, he slowly grew on me. Now I enjoy watching Mizutani's Ukyo-san solving crimes and his proper way of talking. His quirky moments here and there are a joy to watch too.
Namase Katsuhisa [生瀬勝久]
This guy is hilarious! He reminds me of Akashiya Sanma because they both make every drama that they're in even better. His role as the folliclely-challenged cop in the Trick series is especially laugh-inducing.
Sano Shiro [佐野史郎]
Not a looker, by all means, but in every drama I've seen him in, he plays a drastically different role, and he plays them well. From a silly guy, to a serious one, to a scary, unfeeling character with a stone face. This actor's diversity is awesome and he is my favorite.
Shida Mirai [志田未来]
While quite young, Mirai is a mature actress who is delightful and amazingly talented. Her roles in Joou no Kyoushitsu and 14-sai no Haha were just wonderful and acting-wise, she's a milestone ahead of her peers.
Terajima Susumu [寺島進]
The ultimate side-character. And a talented and handsome one at that.
Tomosaka Rie [ともさかりえ]
Completely won me over in Kimi ga Oshiete Kureta Koto and Suika.
Watanabe Ikkei [渡辺いっけい]
Always seems to be playing the annoying George Costanza-like side character roles, but he's one of my faves because of it.

sadacori's dramas (412)
101 Kaime no Puropozu [101回目のプロポーズ]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
14 sai no Haha [14歳の母]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
Heart-warming drama about Miki, a 14-year old girl who gets pregnant from her 15-year old boyfriend. Shida Mirai is my favorite child actor and plays the role of Miki perfectly. Tanaka Misato is convincing as a mother who supports her child no matter what. Namase Katsuhisa plays a dramatic (yet sometimes unintentionally hilarious) role as Miki's father. I thought this was a really great drama and highly recommend it.
35-sai no Koukousei [35歳の高校生]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched)
87%~Watashi no Go-nen Seizonritsu [87%〜私の5年生存率]
Africa no yoru [アフリカの夜]
(Watched)
Age 35 koishikute [Age,35 恋しくて]
Ai no Uta [あいのうた]
Rating: 7/10 (Bought & Watched)
The beginning of this drama had a lot of potential--a woman who wants to forget her abysmal past has the chance to change her life by pretending to have amnesia. Despite the title, I was hoping that it would have a slightly darker element, but it turned out to be more of a family drama. After living with Kataoka, the cop who takes her in after thinking she has amnesia (and his family), the main character Ai changes from a troubled woman to a kind, loving person. The result (without spoilers): I was thinking that someone would die and kept on waiting for that tearjerker moment, but it just ended abruptly as the characters lived day to day, waiting for the inevitable to happen. Not much of a closure to me and I should rate it lower, but I thought the rest of the drama was decent and the actors did a pretty good job, so..
Ai wa douda! [愛はどうだ]
Aibou [相棒]
Aibou Season 2 [相棒]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched)
I watched half of this series and I enjoyed it a lot. The odd couple detectives complement each other well and the side stories are a nice bonus.
Aibou Season 3 [相棒3]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched)
(rewatching on KIKU)
Aibou Season 4 [相棒 4]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched)
Another great season of Aibou/Partners! Can't wait to see season 5 soon.
Aishiteiru to Ittekure [愛していると言ってくれ]
Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched)
Aji ichimonme 1 [味いちもんめ 1]
(Watched)
Aji ichimonme Season 2 [味いちもんめ 2]
(Watched)
Akihabara@DEEP [アキハバラ@DEEP]
Akimahende! [あきまへんで!]
Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched)
Algernon ni Hanataba o [アルジャーノンに花束を]
Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched)
An inspirational tale about a man with a low IQ who gets surgery to become smarter. Yuusuke Santa Maria was just great in this drama.
Amai seikatsu [甘い生活。]
(Watched)
Ame to Yume no atoni [雨と夢の後に]
Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched)
This series was quite unique. Part of it had a creepy horror element, but for the most part, it was a touching drama between a girl and her father, who lives with her as a ghost without her knowing that he is dead. Yuu Miri wrote this drama as well as the theme song "Ame to Yume no Ato ni," which is sung by Okuda Miwako (you can see her singing in the club in one episode).
Anego [アネゴ]
Anna-san no Omame [アンナさんのおまめ]
Ao no jidai [青の時代]
(Bought & Watched)
Aoi Tori [青い鳥]
Rating: 6/10 (Bought & Watched)
Around 40 [アラウンド40]

(currently watching on KIKU)
Aru Ai no Uta [ある愛の詩]
Asakusa Fukumaru Ryokan [浅草ふくまる旅館]
Asakusa Fukumaru Ryokan Season 2 [浅草ふくまる旅館 2]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched)
Ashita no Kita Yoshio [あしたの、喜多善男]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
This was a suspenseful drama about a man who wants to kill himself and bunch of people who want him dead to get his insurance money. Yet, because of his kindness, they also want him to stay alive. Conflicts galore, split personalities, and backstabbing--what more could you ask for in a drama?
Asunaro hakusho [あすなろ白書]
At Home Dad [アットホーム・ダッド]
Atarashii Kaze [新しい風]
Atsu-Hime [篤姫]

(Currently watching on KIKU)
Attention Please [アテンションン プリース]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched)
A mindlessly fun drama. Ueto Aya was annoying at first, but she got tolerable in the later episodes when she matured as a flight attendant and an adult.
Bara no nai Hanaya [薔薇のない花屋]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
At first, this drama didn't really interest me, but as I watched more episodes, the story turned into more of a mystery and I can't wait to see how the rest of the story unfolds.
Beach boys [ビーチボーイズ]
(Watched)
Beautiful life [ビューティフルライフ]
Rating: 5/10 (Watched)
Bengoshi no Kuzu [弁護士のくず]
Besuto patona [べストパートナー]
(Watched)
Big Money! [ビッグマネー!〜浮世の沙汰は株しだい〜]
Binbo Danshi [貧乏男子 (ボンビーメン)]
Bishojo Senshi Sailor Moon [美少女戦士セーラームーン]
(Bought)
Boku no Aruku Michi [僕の歩く道]
Boku no Ikiru Michi [僕の生きる道]
Bokura ni Ai wo! [僕らに愛を!]
Bokura no yuuki ~miman toushi~ [ぼくらの勇氣 ~未滿都市~]
Rating: 7/10 (Bought & Watched)
Boy hunt [ボーイハント]
(Watched)
Brand [ブランド]
(Watched)
Brother Beat [ブラザー☆ビート]

(currently watching)
Byakuyakou [白夜行]
Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched)
A dark, tragic drama that's worth watching.
Chakushin Ari [着信あり]
Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched)
Creepy suspense/horror drama. Don't watch this alone at night. (SEE REVIEW BELOW)
Chance [チャンス]
CHANGE
Cheap Love [チープラブ]
(Watched)
Chef [ザシェフ]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
Higashiyama Noriyuki plays Ajisawa, the Phantom Chef, who charges 5 million yen to cook. He performs miracles that no ordinary chef can do and every episode is thrilling. From cooking with no electricity to cooking without the use of his eyes to leaving the hospital with a still-bleeding wound just to complete his cooking job, the Phantom Chef does indeed live up to his highly respected reputation. Recommended to those who like exciting food dramas.
Chonan no Yome Season 2 ~ jikka tengoku [長男の嫁2 実家天国]
Churasan [ちゅらさん]
(Watched)
Churasan Season 2 [ちゅらさん2]
Churasan Season 3 [ちゅらさん3]
Churasan Season 4 [ちゅらさん4]
Coach [コーチ]
Code Blue: Doctor Heli Kinkyu Kyumei [コード・ブルー]
Cupid no Itazura [クピドの悪戯]
Daisuki!! [だいすき!!]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
This is a wonderful story about a mentally disabled woman who has a child. Though there are struggles and hardship, she does her best (with the help of friends and family) and matures into a loving mother, helpful daughter, and considerate sister. Highly recommended
Dandori [ダンドリ]
Darenimo ienai [誰にも言えない]
Rating: 10/10 (Watched)
Sano Shiro was fantastic as a man who is obsessed with his old girlfriend. Expect a lot of disturbing scenes and intense moments.
Dekichatta Kekkon [できちゃった結婚]

(currently watching)
Denchi ga kireru made [電池が切れるまで]
Densetsu no kyoshi [伝説の教師]
(Watched)
Densha Otoko [電車男]
(Bought)
Dessin [デッサン]
Rating: 3/10 (Watched)
Boring drama. The only thing I enjoyed about it was the theme song, which I love till today.
Doctor [ザ・ドクター]
(Watched)
Dokushin seikatsu [独身生活]
Double kitchen [ダブルキッチン]
(Watched)
Double score [ダブル スコア]
Dr. Koto Shinryojo [Dr.コトー診療所]
Dragon Zakura [ドラゴン桜]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched)
An average school drama about a teacher trying to get his students into the prestigious Tokyo University. I thought some of the study methods were interesting, but other than that, it didn't really keep my attention.
Egao no Hosoku [笑顔の法則]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched)
Erai Tokoro ni Totsuide Shimatta! [エラいところに嫁いでしまった!]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched)
A fun comedy. Nakama Yukie was delightful and the supporting cast were hilarious.
Fire Boys [ファイアーボーイズ 〜め組の大吾〜]
Five [ファイブ]
(Watched)
For you
Friends [フレンズ]
(Watched)
Fukigen na Jiin [不機嫌なジーン]
Fuma no Kojiro [風魔の小次郎]
Fushin no toki [不信のとき]
(Bought)
Fuufu [夫婦。]
Galileo [ガリレオ]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched)
After reading some reviews, I wasn't too enthusiastic about watching this drama, but I'm glad I gave it a try. I found it to be one of the better mystery-oriented dramas out there. Fukuyama and Shibasaki made a great team, but I enjoyed Watanabe Ikkei's annoying character the most. Also, the famous guest stars in each episode made it a fun watch too.
Garasu no kakeratachi
Rating: 6/10 (Watched)
Garasu no kamen 1 [ガラスの仮面]
Garasu no kamen Season 2 [ガラスの仮面 2]
Garasu no kutsu [ガラスの靴]
(Watched)
Gift [ギフト]
Go, Happy, Go [ハッピー 愛と感動の物語]
(Watched)
Gokusen [ごくせん]
Golden Bowl [ゴールデンボウル]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
I wasn't all that enthusiastic about watching this drama at first since I'm not much of a sports (or bowling) fan, but after I started on the first episode, I realized that even though the drama was mostly set in a bowling alley, it did not center around bowling at all. This drama is about the relationships that the bowlers and regulars had with each other. There is a slight romantic subplot in this drama and many other conflicts going on. I think this is a must-see for those who like old-school dramas.
Gonzo - Densetsu no Keiji [ゴンゾウ]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
Probably the best mystery drama that I've seen. Definitely a must-see.
Good Luck (NOT with Kimura Takuya) [グッドラック]
(Watched)
Good mourning [グッドモーニング]

(Currently watching)
Good news [グッドニュース]
Great Teacher Onizuka 2012 [グレート ティーチャー オニヅカ]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched)
Akira is no Sorimachi but I grew to like his Onizuka. All the crazy side characters were a part of the enjoyment of this show. Will check out the 2nd season too.
GTO [麻辣教師]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
Deserves all the hype it gets. Onizuka is one of Sorimachi's better roles and he is excellent. Matsushita does a fine job as Fuyutsuki-sensei and the rest of the cast, chock-full of many familiar faces, are great as well.
Hachimitsu to Kuroba [ハチミツとクローバー]
Haikei, Chichiue-sama [拝啓、父上様]
Rating: 9/10 (Bought & Watched)
Great drama, awesome actors, and I can finally see why Nino's one of the best young rising actors out there. (SEE REVIEW BELOW)
Haken no Hinkaku [ハケンの品格]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
Hana Yori Dango [花より男子]
Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched)
Because of the manga/anime tie-in, I didn't expect much, but this was a surprisingly good drama. While I thought this would be one of those cutesy/silly dramas, thankfully that wasn't the case here. F4, short for "Flower 4" (ridiculous name if you ask me), are 4 cool guys who rule the school. Enter tough, poor girl Makino Tsukushi, who slowly wins their friendship and heart(s). The whole cast was pretty good, but I have to say that Kato Takako (Tsukushi's boss) was my favorite. it's cute how they refer her as "okami" like they did in the Onsen e Ikou series.
Hana Yori Dango Season 2 [花より男子]
Rating: 7/10 (Bought & Watched)
With all the misunderstandings and lack of communication between the 2 main characters, this series gets tiring. The inclusion of a couple of female characters are another factor that comes between them. Throw in some Korean-style amnesia and we're in for a frustrating time. Still, this drama wasn't bad, it was actually pretty decent. Though with all the eye candy here, I'm sure that a lot of people (female) rated this series higher than it should be.
Hanamura Daisuke [花村大介]
Hanayome wa Yakudoshi! [花嫁は厄年ッ!]
Hanazakari no Kimitachi e [花ざかりの君たちへ]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched)
Fun comedy with lots of gay elements that made it even better. ^_~
Harmonia ~ kono ai no gai de ~ [ハルモニア]
Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched)
Haru to Natsu/Haru e Natsu [ハルとナツ]
Hatachi no yakusoku [二十の約束]
Help!
Hero
(Bought & Watched)
Hi no ataru basho [陽のあたる場所]
Hikon Kazoku [非婚家族]
Himitsu no Hanazono [ヒミツの花園]
Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched)
Hito no fukou wa hachimitsu no aji [ひとの不幸は蜜の味]
Hitonatsu no puropozu [ひと夏のプロポーズ]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
A great drama full of love triangles galore. (See my review)
Hitori gurashi [ひとり暮らし]
Hitotsu yane no shita 1 [ひとつ屋根の下 1]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
Hitotsu yane no shita Season 2 [ひとつ屋根の下 2]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched)
Home & Away [ホーム&アウェイ]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched)
Honmamon [ほんまもん]
Hoshi no kinka 1 [星の金貨]
(Watched)
Hoshi no kinka Season 2 / Zoku hoshi no kinka [續。星の金貨]
(Watched)
Hotaru no Hikari [ホタルノヒカリ]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
Ayase Haruka proves herself to be more than just an dramatic actress--she also has a comical side to her. Also, this is the first drama that I like Fujiki Naohito in. He plays the sarcastic, but caring BUCHOU(!), who I was more fond of than the Tsunko-look-alike Makoto.
Hotman [ホットマン]
(Watched)
Hotman Season 2 [ホットマン2]
(Watched)
Hyakki Yakosho [百鬼夜行抄]
Hyakunen no monogatari [百年の物語]
Hyoten 2001

(currently watching on KIKU)
Ichi Ritoru no Namida [1リットルの涙]
Rating: 7/10 (Bought & Watched)
This drama is a real tearjerker, but sometimes I had the feeling like it was trying too hard to make the viewer emotional. Parts of it may seem slow-moving at times because it focuses on every little detail like Aya gradually not being able to do the things that she used to (walking, picking up things, etc.) There is also focus on relationships between her friends and how things changed between them because of her illness and also how her family copes with it. I found this to be one of the more realistic Japanese dramas that I've seen. No flashiness, no excitement, just an interesting drama that focuses on a well-told story.
Ichiban Taisetsu na Hito wa Dare Desu ka? [一番大切な人は誰ですか?]
Iguana no musume [イグアナの娘]
Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched)
Ii hito [いいひと。]
Ikebukuro West Gate Park [池袋ウエストゲートパーク]
Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched)
Imouto yo [妹よ]
Iryu [医龍 Team Medical Dragon]
Iryu Season 2 [医龍 2]
Itazura na Kiss [イタズラなKiss]
Itoshi Kimie [愛し君へ]
Itsuka mata aeru [いつかまた逢える]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched)
This is the first drama that I liked Fukuyama Masaharu in. He plays a man who is still in love with his high school crush. Unfortunately for him, she still has a crush on his best friend. This drama is revolved around love triangles, one-sided loves, and lots of heartbreaks and is a must-watch for those who love romantic dramas. Only drawback was the lackluster ending that had me wonder, "That's it??"
Itsumo futari de [いつもふたりで]
Itsumo kokoro ni taiyo o [いつも心に太陽を]
Jigoku no Sata mo Yome Shidai [地獄の沙汰もヨメ次第]
Rating: 5/10 (Watched)
So far, this is like a bad ripoff of Double and Triple Kitchen. Nogiwa Yoko and Ito Shiro were the main characters in this too. Esumi Makiko was also in Triple Kitchen, so it all seems like a horrible remake and it's such a shame that these talented actors had to resort to reprising their roles in a lackluster drama. The only thing that saved me from giving it a lower score was Sano Shiro's presence. Sure, he was only there for a glimpse at a time and his role was cliched like the others, but I don't care.
Jikou Keisatsu [時効警察]
Rating: 6/10 (Watched)
I felt that this cop/mystery drama wasn't as good as I thought it would be. It's good enough to pass the time with, but not good enough for me to recommend. This is average at best.
JIN [JIN-仁-]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
JIN Season 2
Rating: 10/10 (Watched)
JIN has done it again. This was a great series and I love how it ended.
Jodan Janai! [冗談じゃない!]
Rating: 1/10 (Watched)
Can't believe that with such a talented cast, this drama is one of the most horrible that I've ever seen. Can't believe I watched it till the end either. Joudan ja nai! :/
Joshi Deka! [ジョシデカ!]
Jotei [女帝]

(in the process of watching)
Jyoou no Kyoushitsu [女王の教室]
Rating: 7/10 (Bought & Watched)
Started out almost like a horror drama, ended up like a screwed-up �����搶.
Kabachitare! [カバチタレ!]
Kacho-san's Age of Misfortune [課長サンの厄年]
Kaette Kita Jikou Keisatsu Season 2 [帰ってきた時効警察 2]
Kagayake! Rintarou [輝け鄰太郎]
Kaidan Hyaku Shosetsu [怪談百物語]
Kaikyo wo Wataru Violin [海峡を渡るバイオリン]
Kami wa Saikoro wo Furanai [神はサイコロを振らない〜君を忘れない〜]
(Bought)
Kamisama mou sukoshi dake [神様、もう少しだけ]
Rating: 10/10 (Bought & Watched)
Very amotional drama about a high school girl who contracts the HIV virus from selling her body. What I really liked about this drama was that it didn't preach, it just told the story about the girl, her wrong choices, and the outcome. After a while, the main story focused on an unbelievable romance between her and a famous songwriter and the HIV/AIDs part took a backseat. Though it was far-fetched, I thought it was a great drama for its time and I enjoyed it a lot.
Kanojotachi no jidai [彼女たちの時代]
(Watched)
Karei naru Ichizoku [華麗なる一族]
Rating: 7/10 (Bought & Watched)
Great drama, great cast, sometimes difficult to follow storyline, but that's probably because of the semi-Engrishy subs. (SEE REVIEW BELOW)
Kaseifu no Mita [家政婦のミタ]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched)
Started off intense but got a bit sappy at the end. Good drama overall.
Kasouken no Onna [科捜研の女]
Kasouken no Onna Season 2 [科捜研の女 2]
Kasouken no Onna Season 3 [科捜研の女 3]
Kasouken no Onna Season 4 [科捜研の女 4]
Katagoshi no Koibito [肩ごしの恋人]
Keiji Ichiro [刑事★イチロー]
Keizoku [ケイゾク]
Kekkon Dekinai Otoko [結婚できない男]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched)
Simply wonderful drama. This is Abe Hiroshi at his best. (SEE REVIEW BELOW)
Kekkon Shinai [結婚しない]
Rating: 7/10
A sweet, but subtle romantic drama for those in their 30s and 40s. I really enjoyed this one. This drama had a bunch of well-known actors and it was nice to see some of them in a laid-back sort of atmosphere.
Kekkon shiyouyo [結婚しようよ!]
(Watched)
Kemonomichi [けものみち]
Kimi ga oshietekureta koto [君が教えてくれたこと]
Rating: 10/10 (Bought & Watched)
Kimi Hannin Janai yo ne? [キミ犯人じゃないよね?]
Kimi no tame ni dekiru koto [君のためにできること]
Kimi to ita natsu [君といた夏]
Kin no tamago [金のたまご]
(Watched)
Kindaichi shonen no Jikenbo (2005) [金田一少年の事件簿]
Kindaichi shonen no jikenbo Season 2 [金田一少年の事件簿 2]
Kira kira hikaru [きらきらひかる/法醫物語]
(Watched)
Kiraware Matsuko no Isshou [嫌われ松子の一生]
(Bought)
Kisarazu Cat's Eye [木更津キャッツアイ]
(Bought)
Kita no Kuni Kara [北の国から]
Rating: 10/10 (Watched)
Kobayakawa Nobuki no Koi [小早川伸木の恋]
Koi ga shitai Koi ga shitai Koi ga shitai [恋がしたい恋がしたい]
Koi ni Ochitara ~Boku no Seikou no Himitsu~ [恋におちたら〜僕の成功の秘密〜]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched)
Koi no bakansu [恋のバカンス]
Rating: 10/10 (Bought & Watched)
One of my favorite comedies. You have to see it just to witness all the hilarious scenarios that Akashiya Sanma's character ends up in...and how he weasels his way out of them.
Koi no Chikara [恋ノチカラ]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched)
Koi no kamisama [恋の神様]
(Watched)
Koi Seyo Otome [恋セヨ乙女]
Koi wa Tatakai [恋は戦い!]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched)
Great drama! As many have said, it's very much like Sex and the City without the R-rating. I found it to be a very fun drama that reminded me a little of an up-to-date version of Hitonatsu no Proposal. The characters were likeable (with the exception of Hosho Mai, who I have never liked), but at times, I found the indecisiveness and people not being open with each other really annoying, even though that's how it sometimes is in real life. Highly recommended!
Koi wo nan nen sundemasu ka?
(Watched)
Koibumi [恋文~私たちが愛した男]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
This drama had me angry, sympathetic, and smiling--such an emotional ride. Though I wouldn't consider it a favorite of mine, I found it to be a really great drama that really made me wonder what I'd do in a situation like that. As I'm around the same age as both Etsuko and Kyoko, it was easy to relate to both sides of their story, and although it was wrong of Shoichi to leave his wife to be with his terminally ill ex-girlfriend, it was understandable why he wanted to do all that he could to make her happy. (to be continued...)
Koishite Shinitai [恋して死にたい]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched)
Koizora [恋空]
Konna koi no hanashi [こんな恋のはなし]
Rating: 10/10 (Watched)
Kono ai ni ikite [この愛に生きて]
Kono yo no hate [この世の果て]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
THE darkest Japanese drama ever made. Suzuki Honami and Mikami Hiroshi are excellent as a couple who have a tumultuous relationship.
Konshu Tsuma ga Uwaki Shimasu [今週,妻が浮気します]
Koori no Hana [氷の華]
Koori no sekai [冰の世界]
(Watched)
Koshonin [交渉人]
Kou kou kyoushi [高校教師]
Rating: 9/10 (Bought & Watched)
This is a dark story of a high school teacher who falls in love with one of his students. There are scenes that were hard for me to watch because it felt like I was prying into the secret lives of the people in this drama. Though this drama made me uneasy, fearful, and hateful at times, I thought it was well done. Fans of Nojima Shinji's screwed up stories will eat this one up. Most noteworthy was Akai Hidekazu as Shinjou sensei. Though he seemed like a typical jock-turned-PE teacher, he proved to be a much more complex character by being a caring father and friend and also a protective teacher to the point where he got into trouble.
Kou Kou Kyoushi 2003 [高校教師 2003]
(Bought)
Kuitan [喰いタン]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
What a fun detective drama that centered around food! There was an awesome bunch of characters, but my favorite was IGARASHI!!!, the bumbling sidekick of Momo-chan, the hard-as-nails female cop.
Kuitan Season 2 [喰いタン 2]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
This sequel made me care even more about the wonderful characters and it was especially hard for me to say goodbye when the show came to an end. Higashiyama Noriyuki did a fabulous job as Kuitan.
kusenosu [クセノス]
Kyousoukyoku [協奏曲]
Last Christmas [ラストクリスマス]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched)
One of the few dramas I can stand Oda Yuji in.
Last Friends [ラスト・フレンズ]
Rating: 6/10 (Watched)
I thought this seemed like a good drama at the beginning with all the excitement and different issues, but towards the middle, this show was trying hard to be dramatic and I couldn't have cared less about the characters.
Le Parfum De La Jaolusie (Shitto no Kaori)
Liar Game [ライアーゲーム]
Rating: 7/10 (Bought & Watched)
Exciting first episodes, but loses its steam towards the latter ones. Still, it's worth a watch. (SEE REVIEW BELOW)
LIFE [ライフ]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched)
Lipstick [リップスティック]
Rating: 9/10 (Bought & Watched)
This drama is dark and disturbing but it's somehow touching at times. One of my favorites.
Long Love Letter [ロング・ラブレター〜漂流教室]
Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched)
Long vacation [ロングバケーション]
Rating: 9/10 (Bought & Watched)
Loss:Time:Life [ロス:タイム:ライフ]
Love and Eros [ラブとエロス]
(Watched)
Love and peace [ラブアンドピース]
Love complex [ラブコンプレックス]

I've only seen 2 episodes so far and this seems like a perfect drama for someone with ADD or one who's on drugs. With so many characters and fast-paced screen skipping between each one of them, this drama gets highly confusing and motion sickness-inducing fast. I wish it were shot in a normal fashion because I thought the plot alone sounded good.
Love generation [ラブジェネレーション]
(Watched)
Love Revolution [ラブレボリューション]
Rating: 7/10 (Bought & Watched)
I wasn't too fond of Esumi Makiko's character she placed too much hope, too soon in a man who is somewhat of a playboy. The ugliness of jealousy and the the desperation was hard to watch. ���Ԃ�A�ޏ��̃L�����͂������Ɠ��������� it didn't sit right with me at times and made me a bit upset. Despite that, this was an ok drama.
Love Shuffle [ラブシャッフル]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
One of the best dramas I've seen in a long time.
Love Story
Lunch no Joou [ランチの女王]
LxIxVxE
(Watched)
M no Higeki [Mの悲劇]
(Bought)
Mada Koi wa Hajimaranai [まだ恋は始まらない]
Rating: 9/10 (Bought & Watched)
Is there someone out there who is destined to be with you? That's what this drama is about. Fans of romantic dramas should not miss this one.
Mahiru no tsuki [真晝の月]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched)
This drama portrays a rape victim's life in a realistic way, often making the viewer feel uncomfortable and depressed.
Majo no jouken [魔女の条件]
(Watched)
Makasete darling [まかせてダーリン]
Mama chari deka (keiji) [ママチャリ刑事!]
Mama wa aidoru [ママはアイドル]
Manatsu no Merry Christmas [真夏のメリークリスマス]
Maou [魔王]

(in the process of watching)
Mayonaka no Ame [真夜中の雨]
Medaka [めだか]
(Bought)
Meguri ai [めぐり逢い]
(Watched)
Minikui ahiru no ko [みにくいアヒルの子]
Miss Cinderella
Mokuyoubi no Shokutaku [木曜日の食卓]
Mona Lisa no hohoemi [モナリザの微笑]
(Watched)
Mop Girl [モップガール]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched)
I thought this was a fun mystery-type of drama. Nothing special, but the main character was amusing.
Motto Koi Seyo Otome [もっと恋セヨ乙女]
Mukodono! [ムコ殿/女婿大人]
(Bought & Watched)
Muri na Renai [無理な恋愛]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched)
Boy meets girl and falls in love. Problem is: the age gap is about 25 years and it's awkward to observe...at first. After a while, I found myself rooting for Chappy (the 60-year old man) and Kaede (the 35-year old woman) to get together. The highlights for me were the songs in this drama. "Wasuremono" was a great theme song and "Psyche na Heart" was a catchy tune heard throughout this excellent series.
Musashi [武蔵]
My Boss, My Hero [マイボスマイヒロ]
Rating: 9/10 (Bought & Watched)
Nagase Tomoya plays a soon-to-be Yakuza leader...that is, only unless he graduates from high school. So this 28-year-old gets enrolled in a high school and though reluctant and defiant at first, he finds himself making friends, falling in love, and *gasp* studying. I found this to be a very satisfying drama with the perfect blend of comedy and seriousness. It was really touching in some scenes as well. That's why I'm giving this drama a 9.
My Little Chef
Naguru Onna [殴る女]
(Watched)
Nanisama! [なにさまっ!]
Rating: 7/10 (Bought & Watched)
Naruyouni Narusa [なるようになるさ。]
Natsuko no sake
Nemureru mori [眠れる森]
(Watched)
Never Land
Ningen no Shoumei [人間の証明]
Nisennen no koi [二千年の恋]
Nobuta wo Produce [野ブタ。をプロデュース]
Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched)
This is a really great drama about friendship despite the difference in school status. Popular Shuji befriends not-so popular funny guy Akira and Kotani (Nobuta), a strange, withdrawn girl who gets picked on constantly by her classmates. The strong bond that they have between them starts off from Shuji and Akira deciding to be Nobuta's "producers" in order to make her popular. What started off as a game of sorts, results in a true friendship.
Nodame Cantabile [のだめ カンタビ−レ]
Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched)
Ueno Juri is adorable in this. (SEE REVIEW BELOW)
Nyokei Kazoku [女系家族]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
This is one bitchfest of a drama full of deceitful schemers who fight over the properties bequeathed by their deceased father and associate. Not only are the women evil, but most of the men are evil as well. Fumino (the mistress) seems to be the only sane character in the mix, but she also has a few things up her sleeve as well. Recommended for those who need to take a break from silly happy dramas and want to see a dark drama with vindictive characters instead.
Oatsui no ga osuki? [お熱いのがお好き?]
Odoru Daisousasen [踊る大捜査線]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
A timeless detective drama with a lot of substance. Full of wonderful characters, subtle but hilarious humor, and interesting storylines, it will have you intrigued until the very end. If you can't get enough of it, there are a few movies too!
Ohsama no resutoran [王樣のレストラン]

(Currently watching...)
Oishii Kankei [おいしい關係]
Oishii puropozu [おいしいプロポーズ]
Okusama wa Majo [奥さまは魔女]
Omiai kekkon [お見合い結婚]
Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched)
This is a nice romantic comedy about a couple who meet through an arranged marriage and find themselves growing fond of each other despite a rocky start. Though the 2 main actors are popular, I thought that the comedy relief of the supporting cast made it a watchable drama. If it weren't for them, this would be a mediocre show.
Omizu no hanamichi [お水の花道]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched)
Oni no sumika [鬼の棲家]
(Watched)
Oniyome Nikki [鬼嫁日記]
Onsen e Ikou [温泉へ行こう]
Rating: 9/10 (Bought & Watched)
Kind of strange to say, but at a low point in my life, I watched this drama and Kaoru's "ganbaru!" attitude really helped me out a lot. For this reason, it's one of my favorite dramas.
Onsen e Ikou Season 2 [温泉へ行こう2]
Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched)
Onsen e Ikou Season 3 [温泉へ行こう3]
Rating: 7/10 (Bought & Watched)
I saw this a few years ago and I didn't really like this as much as the first 2 series because they "dumbed" this up by making it silly instead of on the serious side like the previous seasons.
Orange Days [オレンジデイズ]
Rating: 7/10 (Bought & Watched)
Oregon Kara Ai [オレゴンから愛]
Osen [おせん]
Oshin [おしん]
(Watched)
Otoko no Kosodate [オトコの子育て]

(currently watching on KIKU)
Otona no otoko [オトナの男]
(Bought & Watched)
Over Time [オーバー・タイム]
Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched)
Oyaji~ [オヤジぃ]
P.A. (private actress) [ポライべート?アクトレス]
(Watched)
P.S. [Police Station] -Rashoumon- Keishichou Toutosho
Perfect love [パーフェクトラブ!]
(Watched)
Pin to Kona [ぴんとこな]
Pride [プライド]
Rating: 10/10 (Watched)
I put this drama off no matter how many people recommended it because I thought that it was centered around hockey and I'm not a sports fan. How wrong I was. Even though the premise of this story is about hockey, this is more of a love story than anything. I'm still in the process of watching this drama, but I felt that I had to make this point early on. And that so far this gets a 9 from me.
Primadam [プリマダム]
Proposal Daisakusen [プロポーズ大作戦]
Psychometrer eiji 1
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
Pu-Pu-Pu jump
(Watched)
Pure [ビュア]
Puzzle [パズル]

(watching between dramas)
Rasen [らせん]
(Watched)
Rasetsu no Ie
Regatta [レガッタ]
Remote [リモート]
Rennai Kekkon no Hosoku [恋愛結婚の法則]
RHPlus [RHプラス]
rinbukyoku [輪舞曲]
Ring: Saishusho [リング 最終章]
Risou no joushi [理想の上司]
(Watched)
Risou no kekkon [理想の結婚]
ROOKIES [ルーキーズ]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched)
A little boring at first, but the characters grew on me and it was a fun watch after a while.
Ruri no shima [瑠璃の島]
Rating: 9/10 (Bought & Watched)
This is a great story of how a street-wise girl with an attitude turned into a loving and caring girl due to a change of scenery and the love of the people around her. Kohinata Fumiyo was adorable as Shoumei, the island drunk, who changed into the most beloved character in this drama.
Ryokiteki na Kanojo [猟奇的な彼女]
Saabisu [サービス]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched)
Saigo no koi [最後の恋]
(Watched)
Saikou no kataomoi [最高の片想い]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched)
Saimin [催眠]
SCANDAL
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
Has a Desperate Housewives kind of feel to this drama, but I find this a lot better. The interactions between Momoi Kaori (Shindou) and Kohinata Fumiyo are my favorites parts in this show as well as the "Bara Hime no Mori" scenes. Overall, this is a good mystery drama with a lot of female power.
Second chance
Seigi no Mikata [正義の味方]
Seija no koushin [聖者の行進]
Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched)
Seikei Bijin [整形美人。]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched)
Originally an ugly duckling, Honomi gets a full-body makeover including a new face, new chest and liposuction. Though her outward appearance has drastically changed, her brash attitude and immaturity still remained. But through a series of events (becoming a model, making friends, finding a love that's reciprocated), Honomi slowly grows up and becomes a pleasant, considerate woman who thinks of others instead of herself. Though predictable, this was a pretty good Cinderella story.
Sekai de ichiban papa ga suki [世界で一番パパが好き]
(Watched)
Sekai no chuushin de, ai wo sakebu [世界の中心で、愛をさけぶ]
Rating: 9/10 (Bought & Watched)
sekushii boisu ando robo [セクシーボイスアンドロボ]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched)
Semi-double [セミダブル]
(Watched)
Sensei shiranaino? [先生知らないの?]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched)
Shiawase No Shippo
Rating: 7/10 (Bought & Watched)
Shika Otoko Aoniyoshi [鹿男あをによし]
Shin Hoshi no kinka [新・星の金貨]
Rating: 6/10 (Watched)
Shin Omizu no Hanamichi
(Watched)
Shinai naru mono e
Shininin no onna bengoshi [7人の女弁護士]
Shinsengumi [新撰組]
Shiroi Kyoto [白い巨塔]
Shomuni [ショムニ]
(Bought & Watched)
Shomuni 2013 [ショムニ 2013]
Shomuni Final [ショムニ ファイナル/庶務二課]
Shomuni Season 2 [ショムニ 2]
(Bought & Watched)
Shota no sushi [将太の寿司]
Shumatsukon [週末婚]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched)
A dark drama of a rivalry between sisters, each finding ways to make the other suffer. It's amusing to see Nagasaku Hiromi (ex-ribbon member) in such a role because she looks so innocent, and yet, is pursued by two men. Nakamura Tooru was cold, but dashing at times, and Abe Hiroshi was quite a dud back in the day. Overall, it was a great drama, but a bit tedious to see the bitchiness go back and forth between sisters. Still, it was worth to see a drama full of popular actors.
Slow Dance [スローダンス]
Rating: 3/10 (Bought & Watched)
If this drama were any slower, it would be going backwards. (SEE REVIEW BELOW)
Sono ki ni naru made [その氣になるまで]
(Watched)
Sora Kara Furu Ichioku no Hoshi [空から降る一億の星]
Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched)
At the beginning, I thought this was going to be one of those typical romance drama, but boy was I wrong. There are twists all over this drama and the ending was quite screwed up--my favorite type of drama.
Sore wa, Totsuzen, Arashi no you ni... [それは、突然、嵐のように…]
Rating: 7/10 (Watched)
Part Majou no Jouken and part Shall We Dance, this drama is about falling in love with someone even though you are married. Only that someone just happens to be a dance instructor still in high school. I understand why some people thought that this drama was immoral, but from a woman's point of view, I can see something like that happening, especially if life gets into a comfortable (albeit, boring) routine. When someone interesting pops into your life, it can suddenly get exciting, and though most people would choose not to do anything, there are some people who give in to temptation. This drama has a realistic approach to that scenario and I thought it was a good drama.
SP [エスピー]
Stand UP!!
Star no Koi [スタアの恋]
Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched)
I did not see the appeal of Fujiwara Norika's character nor could I understand why the (male) drama fans are obsessed with her. I just think she's average and not as appealing as everyone says. And her 80's looking clothes bothered me. Perhaps it was the trend at the time, but it looked really outdated. Mr. SMAP dude was his usual wooden-self and had no appeal, but maybe he just did what the director told him what to do. The drama itself was not bad at all.
Strawberry Night [ストロベリーナイト]
Style! [スタイル!]
Subarashiki kana jinsei [素晴らしきかな人生]
Suekko chounan ane san nin [末っ子長男姉三人]
Sugao no mama de [素顏のままで]
Suika [すいか]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
What a quaint little sleeper this was and I have to say that it was surprisingly intriguing, despite it being slow-paced. Tomosaka Rie is absolutely adorable in this drama and everyone had their little quirks, which I thought was part of the charm.
Suiyoubi no Jouji [水曜日の情事]
Summer snow
(Watched)
Suna No Utsuwa [砂の器]
(Bought)
Sutouka sasou onna [ストーカー・誘う女]
(Watched)
Sweet Home [スウィート・ホーム/甜蜜家庭]
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
The plot was simple--mothers taking their kids to a cram school in order to get into the elementary school of their choice, but the result was great and the cast was excellent.
Sweet season [スゥイート・シーズン]
(Watched)
Taburoido [タブロイド]
(Watched)
Taiyo no Kisetsu [太陽の季節]
Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched)
Tatsuya (Takizawa) befriends a rich guy and his friends to seek revenge for his father's death. As the story goes along, Tatsuya's enounter with a budding composer (Ikewaki) slowly changes his outlook on life. I never expected this to be such a great dark drama. Tatsuya was deliciously manipulative, yet he had a vulnerable, human side as well. Eiko was sweet, innocent, yet strong and gains independence from her overbearing mother thanks to Tatsuya. The supporting characters were wonderful as well, especially Tamio, the scary maid at Eiko's household.
Taiyou no uta [タイヨのうた]
Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched)
Erika plays another girl with an incurable disease. However, I liked this drama better than 1 Litre of Tears because it focused more on the friendship aspect more than her sickness.
Tantei Gakuen Q [探偵学園Q]
Tatta Hitotsu no Koi [たったひとつの恋]
Ten to Sen [点と線]
Rating: 4/10 (Watched)
A boring murder mystery. Not my cup of tea at all.
Tengoku e no Kaidan
Rating: 9/10 (Watched)
Excellent drama about how an innocent boy becomes a cold and calculating man. Sato Koichi does a fantastic job in the starring role and the rest of the cast are equally as good. While the plot seems a little slow at first, it gets engaging as you go along. Highly recommended.
Tengoku ni ichiban chikai otoko [天国に一番近い男]
Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched)
Tenki-yoho no koibito [天気予報の恋人]
Rating: 6/10 (Watched)
Truth About Cats and Dogs ripoff. Too bad this version was boring and not worth watching.
Tentai Kanzoku [天体観測]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched)
I can't say that I recommend this drama to anyone, but it was pretty good, albeit, slow-paced. Seven college friends find out that their innocent, carefree days are just bittersweet memories as each person has changed due to the harsh reality of the real world.
Teru Teru Ashita [てるてるあした]
Rating: 7/10 (Bought & Watched)
This almost like a coupling to Ame to Yume no Ato ni because of the many references to that drama and especially the similar casting (a few guest appearances as well). That's where the difference ends. Teruteru Ashita is a very slow-paced drama that may not appeal to some people, still it managed to hold my attention because of the mysteries surrounding the ghost girl Yasuko.
Tetteiteki ni ai wa
Tiger & Dragon [タイガー&ドラゴン]
(Bought)
Time Limit [タイムリミット]
(Watched)
Toi Shinseki Chikaku no Tanin? [遠い親戚近くの他人]
Tokio~Chichi e no Dengon~ [トキオ ~父への伝言〜]
Tokkyu Tanaka 3 Go [特急田中3号]
Rating: 7/10 (Bought & Watched)
Tanaka Koki was surprisingly appealing in this comedy.
Tokyo Elevator Girl [東京エレベーターガール]
Tokyo Friends [東京フレンズ]
Tokyo Love Story [東京ラブストーリー]
Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched)
Tokyo Tower ~Okan to Boku to, tokidoki, Oton [東京タワー2007]
Tokyo Wankei [東京湾景]
Tomoko to tomoko [智子と知子]
(Watched)
Tomorrow
Toshishita No Otoko [年下之男]
Trick [トリック]
Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched)
Trick Season 2 [トリック2]
Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched)
Trick Season 3 [トリック3]
Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched)
Tsubasa No Oreta Tenshitachi 1 [翼の折れた天使たち]
Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched)
"Chicken Soup for the Soul," Japanese drama style. Live Chat was my favorite story.
Tsubasa no Oreta Tenshitachi Season 2 [翼の折れた天使たち]
Rating: 7/10 (Bought)
This latest version of "Chicken Soup for the Soul" lost its flavor. I did like the Sakura story though.
Tsuhan-Man
Rating: 7/10 (Watched)
Ue o muite arukou! [上を向いて歩こう!]
Umi made go fun [海まで5分]
Umizaru [海猿]
Unfair [アンフェア]
Rating: 7/10 (Bought & Watched)
Has a slow start, but as the deaths increase, the story gets more intriguing and there are a few twists and events that will screw with your mind. If you like a good murder mystery, you'll like this drama. Also, fanboys will like Ryoko's backless scenes.
Ushi ni Negai wo: Love & Farm [牛に願いを - Love & Farm]
Uso Koi [ウソコイ]
Utahime [歌姫]

(watching)
Utsukushii hito [美しい人]
Rating: 6/10 (Watched)
Virgin Road [バージンロード]
Rating: 9/10 (Bought & Watched)
My favorite Sorimachi drama. Actually, it's one of the few dramas that I can stand him in. This is a touching, yet funny drama about a pregnant woman; her overprotective, but loving father; and a writer who finds himself falling in love with her, despite having a ulterior motive.
Wakaba [わかば]
Warui Yatsura [わるいやつら]
Watashi no Aozora [私の青空]
(Watched)
Watashi no unmei [私の運命]
(Watched)
Watashitachi no kyokasho [わたしたちの教科書]
Water Boys [ウォーターボーイズ]
Wedding Planner [ウエディングプランナー]
Rating: 7/10 (Bought & Watched)
This light-hearted comedy was one of the better ones in terms of casting and subplots. While it is one of those quick-pace type of dramas, it still managed to make me care about the characters. I have to say that even though I was rooting for the main characters to get together, they honestly didn't have much chemistry between them.
With love
(Watched)
Yaoh [夜王〜YAOH〜]

This just seems like a "watch if you're bored" type of drama. Nothing so far has really interested me, but I'll probably watch it till the end. Also disappointed by the "Romeo" hosts. With a name like that, they should've gotten better-looking actors.
Yasashii Jikan [優しい時間]
Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched)
This is a nice story about an estranged father and son, who gradually come to find themselves wanting to reunite with each other. I thought this was a poignant story and the acting was done well. I was particularly surprised at the fine job that Nino did in this drama, as the son with a tormented past. Though this drama is slow-paced, it was a well-told story and I recommend it.
Yasha [夜叉]
(Bought)
Yasuko to Kenji [ヤスコとケンジ]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched)
So far, I have watched the first 3 episodes and I find it to be funny, yet touching, and I'm loving it so far. :) A little repetitive at the end when the older brother always has to save his sister's behind and he and his female nemesis have their ugly face showdown.
Yome wa mitsuboshi [嫁はミツボシ]
Yonigeya honpo [夜逃げ屋本舗]
(Watched)
Yume no California [夢のカリフォルニア]
Zettai Kareshi [絶対彼氏]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched)
Silly drama, but it had a lot of heart. With the exception of the cream puff storyline, I thought it was great. Ending was sad, but I loved this drama. This drama is more like an 8.5, but because some episodes dragged (*cough* cream puffs *cough*), I changed my rating to an 8 instead of a 9 like I originally gave it.

sadacori's drama reviews (9)
Chakushin Ari [着信あり]
Good mystery/horror drama [Rating: 8/10]
Though I originally thought this was a horror drama, this is more like a murder mystery surrounding the unexplained deaths of a few students. These deaths were triggered by an eerie ringtone that signifies a missed call. The phone message is a recording of the few seconds before the person dies, screams and all. Enter Detective Sendo and Yumi, a sci-fi magazine writer/employee. They pair up to find out what is causing the murders and how they can prevent it from happening. The body count is high in this drama and there are lots of cheap scares that reminded me of Ringu and my fear of long-haired Japanese girls (heh). And just when you think the mystery is solved, many other twists come your way.
Darenimo ienai [誰にも言えない]
Deliciously disturbing drama [Rating: 10/10]
This is a stalker drama and of course, no stalker drama comes without an insane character, and this one does not disappoint. Sano Shiro was excellent as a man obsessed with his ex-girlfriend. To the point he collected all her old belongings and occassionally pulls them out to gaze at longingly and reminisce. The madness does not end with him. His equally obsessed wife is just as insane as he is (though much more on the violent side) and his mother-in-law (Nogiwa Yoko, natch) is a fortune-telling junkie who bases all of her business decisions on a psychic. Though this drama is one of the most intense ones I've ever seen, after the climactic scene, the characters find peace and the ending is quite nice. Originally I was giving this a 9, but Matsutouya Yumi's wonderful theme song pushed it to a 10.
Haikei, Chichiue-sama [拝啓、父上様]
Awesome job by a wonderful cast [Rating: 9/10]
This drama is often compared to Yasashii Jikan (another Nino drama), but there's no comparison--this is the more superb drama. This story is narrated by Ippei, an apprentice cook in a traditional Japanese restaurant, and it is mostly of his views about what goes on around him. He tells of his job at Sakashita and the people who work there; his first love; and especially his curiosity about his father, who he has never met. The title of this drama, "Haikei, Chichiuesama" (Dear Father,) comes from his conversation with Tokio, his buffoon of a roommate, who mentions that he writes letters to his father, but doesn't mail them. Hence, Ippei's "letters" to his father as he's narrating. The little quirks of the people (the bartender with his hobby of getting into media pics, the mistress of Sakashita with her secret little excursions to buy red underwear, Hanjiro(?) with his tendency to hiccup when angered) just add to the appeal of this heartwarming drama. Not to add any fangirlism to it, but in this drama, I can really see why Nino is one of the better actors out there. His acting is quite impressive and made me a fan. The rest of the cast has only added to the appeal of this drama and this drama gets a high rating from me.
Hitonatsu no puropozu [ひと夏のプロポーズ]
One of the best romantic Jdramas [Rating: 9/10]
I watched this drama almost 10 years ago and recently, I had the chance to watch it again and it's still as great as I remembered. The main story is about a love-triangle drama between two best friends and a guy that they met through the main character, Megumi's mother. Meg's mother, who is a radio talk show host, bases her shows off the love life of her daughter and friends. She tries all sorts of tactics from bugging her daughter's cabinets, bag, and also following her around to various places to get the inside scoop on her daughter's love love for her radio program, but also to lead Meg in the right direction to get her true love. After all the recent flashy dramas that I've been watching, it's nice to return to a good old-fashion story with no silliness or thrills. This drama almost reminds me of a Korean drama for its simple romantic storytelling, but without the overly melodramatic scenes. If you want a sweet, but mature romantic drama, this is the one for you.
Karei naru Ichizoku [華麗なる一族]
Pay attention or you may get lost [Rating: 7/10]
I have to be honest. This drama didn't catch my attention until the last few episodes. I struggled through it because of all the financial talk, a topic that rarely interests me. That's not to say that this is a bad drama in any way. Along with the financial storyline, this story basically revolves around the strife between a father and son and their rich, yet dysfunctional family. As each episode goes on, it shows how a seemingly-perfect family also has its flaws and its share of dark and dirty secrets. Kimura Takuya was excellent as the lead character in this drama. He was dashing and very likeable as Manpyo Teppei, the elder son of the Manpyo clan. Another noteworthy character is Takasu Aiko (Suzuki Kyoka), the scheming mistress of Manpyo Daisuke. She is cool as ice and just the type of character that you love to hate. With such a grand cast and a great storyline, I wish that this drama was more watchable than people made it seem. Or maybe I watched it when I was in the wrong mood or didn't pay attention to it enough. Whatever the case, I do recommend this, but only if you're into mature storylines. (Fangirls/boys need not apply.)
Kekkon Dekinai Otoko [結婚できない男]
A wonderfully simple drama [Rating: 8/10]
This drama is about Kuwano, a self-centered, eccentric architect who has borderline OCD and lack of people skills. His frequent encounters with his next door neighbor, a female doctor, and co-workers help pave way to make him more sensitive to the people around him and become more "human." I really enjoyed that this drama was more laid-back than other comedies. It wasn't flashy, it wasn't trying too hard, it was simply just a drama depicting someone's life and the scatters of humor that came with it. There little moments that almost seemed "Groundhog Day" like (the bar scenes with a rival architect, his konbini and video store trips; his growing affection for Ken, the neighbor's dog), yet it made me laugh. The drama didn't end with a spectacular moment of Kuwano finally finding the woman of his dreams and having a "just married" scene, but followed the suit of the rest of the drama--a sweet, yet awkward subtle moment. Perfect ending to a wonderfully simple drama.
Liar Game [ライアーゲーム]
Almost like a drama for the mathematical mindset [Rating: 7/10]
This drama starts off as a mystery as Kanzaki Nao receives a huge sum of money and is entered into something called a Liar Game, in which you have to lie, cheat, and steal other players' money. So how does the innocent and naive Kanzaki attempt to do this? Enter Akiyama Shinichi, a ex-convict and expert swindler, who agrees to help her. While the intial first episodes seemed simple enough, the latter games include outsmarting other contestants using mathematical methods to explain how to win, which can get confusing at times. Towards the end, we find out why this Liar Game came to take place and why certain contestants were chosen. While it was intriguing to find out the reasons, it kind of lost the element of wonder (kind of like how you find out that Santa Clause isn't real), which didn't sit well with me. Regardless, I found it to be a great drama. However, I don't think it would appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer simple plots.
Nodame Cantabile [のだめ カンタビ−レ]
Quirky musical drama [Rating: 8/10]
Though this drama may seem serious at first, it also tends to have hilarious anime-like moments such as amusing sound effects when someone is being hit (gyabooooooooooo!). The characters are colorful as well--Nodame, a piano-playing genius, who can't read music and is a slob of a girl with a disaster area for an apartment; Masumi, an afro-clad guy has the hots for Chiaki (also a male); Mine, a violin player with a wild, but funny side; and 'Stresemann, a perverted orchestra conductor, who is supposedly German (with a cringe-inducing accent) in the show, but looks Japanese, with a bad tan and obviously fake nose and wig. :D The main character Chiaki is the one of the serious players in this drama, but there are times when he has his moments (looks of horror and disbelief when it comes to Nodame's outrageousness). Most of this drama is about performing in an orchestra and preparing for the future after graduating from their musical college, but because of all the hilarious moments, this drama is really great.
Slow Dance [スローダンス]
Looking for a cure for insomnia? Look no further [Rating: 3/10]
Slow dance? More like a slow crawl. I practically had to drag my way through the first half of this drama. The second half got interesting, but not by much. Though Fukatsu Eri is her usual likeable self in this drama, not even she could save it. I wasn't able to warm up to any of the other characters very much and felt very unattached to everything in general. Well, I guess the only thing that I really cared about was if she ended up with Tsumabuki Satoshi's character Riichi. Other than that, this drama was a bore and I will never waste my time watching it again. I will, however, listen to the soundtrack (I bought this before seeing the drama) and the theme song, which are the only redeeming factors of this bland show.

   

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