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Tiger & Dragon [タイガー&ドラゴン]

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Drama Details
Title:Tiger & Dragon
タイガー&ドラゴン
Telecast:2005-04-15 to 2005-06-24
Season:Spring 2005



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TV Station:TBS
Duration:1 Special
11 Episodes
Viewership:12.8%



Synopsis
The tale of Tiger & Dragon revolves around Rakugo, a traditional form of Japanese comedy that can look back on an impressive 400 year long history. Nagase portrays the Yakuza follower Toraji who goes to a Rakugo performer to collect debts, while Okada plays Ryuji a talented Rakugo player who wants to leave behind the old fashioned world of Rakugo for good. Shortly afterwards these two very different characters happen to cross paths through a girl named Megumi and that's when all the real trouble starts igniting...
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Soundtrack and Theme Songs (1)
1. UTAO-UTAO [V6]

Actor/Actress Cast (25)
Nagase Tomoya
長瀬智也
Yamazaki Kotora (Tora)
山崎虎児 (27)
Okada Junichi
岡田准一
Yanaka Ryuji
谷中竜二 (24)
Itoh Misaki
伊東美咲
Megumi
メグミ (25)
Nishida Toshiyuki
西田敏行
Yanaka Shoukichi
林屋亭どん兵衛
Tsukamoto Takashi
塚本高史
Nakatani Ginjiro
銀次郎 (23)
Aoi Yu
蒼井優
Risa
リサ (20)
Abe Sadao
阿部サダヲ
Yanaki Ryuhei (Donta)
林屋亭どん太 (30)
Nekoze Tsubaki
猫背椿
Yanaka Tsuruko
谷中鶴子
Shunputei Shota
春風亭昇太
Hayashiyatei Donkichi
林屋亭どん吉 
Hanmi Kazuaki
半海一晃
半蔵
Kiritani Kenta
桐谷健太
Chibi T/Takeshi-kun
チ ビ T 
Takuma Takayuki
宅間孝行
日向
Hoshino Gen
星野源
Hayashiyatei Dontsuku
林屋亭どんつく
Fukami Motoki
深水元基
Hayashiyatei Donburi
林屋亭どんぶり
Asari Yosuke
浅利陽介
Murata Susumu/Hayashiyatei Udon
林屋亭うどん 
Gin Pun Chou
銀粉蝶
Yanaka Sayuri
谷中小百合 
Abe Sadao
阿部サダヲ
林屋亭どん太
Shoufukutei Tsurube
笑福亭鶴瓶
Nakatani Ken
組長
Kitamura Kazuki
北村一輝
Tanabe Yasuo
Arakawa Yoshiyoshi
荒川良々
Awashima Yukio/Jumptei Jump
Omi Toshinori
尾美としのり
Ta-chan
Hankai Kazuaki
半海一晃
Hanzou
Matsumoto Jun
松本潤
Yoshiko
Koumoto Junichi
河本準一
Liu-san
Fukazawa Atsushi
深沢敦
 
  

Related Links (1)
1. Official Website

Drama Reviews (23)
!!WARNING!!
The review section may contain spoilers! Please understand
that you may find out about this drama's endings and plots!


1. Kono Dorama wo mite yokatta naaaaa!! [Rating: 10/10]
Having finished watching 'My Boss, My Hero' , I was really amazed by Nagase's performance so I wanted to see more of him!

I was quite disappointed that Nagase character in this drama was almost the same as the one in 'My Boss, My Hero' : The untreatable, cold and scary yakuza o.O I could understand that it fits him really well, but I still have preferred to have a completely different setting.
All this said, you will EAAAAAAASILY forget about and start to fuse with the very rich plot that this drama has to offer!
In order to get right in the middle of the thing, especially if you start watching from episode 1 directly, some basic knowledge of Rakugo would be more than welcome. If you can't/don't want to, you could still watch 'the special' which sets up for the events in the 1st episode... let's say that it's episode 0 :D

Basically, each episode features a different tale that's "masterpiecely" presented and mixed in a clever manner with the real events! The result is so successful that you gotta watch it by yourself to grab a good feel about it!!

One last, but not least, thing to mention is the rock solid performance of Okada which was simply amazing, and was equal, if not slightly above, Nagase's... At least that's the feeling I got.

There's a looot of stuff that could be added, but I think the best is that you experience it yourself, ne? All in all, This Dorama is a one of a kind that DOES deserve your full attention. Watch it and you won't regret it ;)
Reviewed by RedSamurai on 5 April 2007
2. Funniest Evah! [Rating: 9/10]
Now that I've finally completed Tiger & Dragon (it took me three weeks due to my own lack of time management skills) I'm going through a withdrawl! I mean, I finished it last night and already I'm missing it!

There is so much to this drama I don't know where to start. I mean, the cast was BRILLIANT! Seperately the actors/actresses are awesome, but together it's like a whole new realm of creative dynamics has opened up before us! Hands down, Nagase Tomoya and Okada Junichi were the BEST! They're the perfect duo as "Tiger" and "Dragon". Tsukamoto Takashi played the character that made me laugh the most. The way this guy walked down the street made me roll on the floor until it hurt. Nishida Toshiyuki was absolutely brilliant. BRILLIANT! But jeez, he makes the ugliest woman. lol

The story was totally different than what I've seen before. The comedy is sutble and nicely incorporated into an otherwise heavy plot. The flashbacks were excellent and the mix between the Rakuga and gang world was nicely done. Although the basis of the story is simple and perhaps cliche, the way it was handled is practically an artform in and of itself.

This drama has everything for everybody. No matter what genre you like, there's something in this drama that will get you hooked.

For me, it was Tora's tongue. ;)
Reviewed by Wynter on 22 December 2006
3. Endless bag of laughs [Rating: 9/10]
I have been trying so hard to promote this drama to friends and family, but they just don't get my taste. Well, it is an unconventional drama with an unconventional storyline. That's why Tiger and Dragon has to be one of the best dramas. It's in a league of its own.

Nagase Tomoya again excels in his role, and the chemistry between him and Okada is electric. But they don't stand out as the leads - no, everyone is equally great and each and every character has their own little quirk which makes them all special. You remember all of them, and I believe that's a mark of great storytelling - when all the characters play their significant roles in their story and are all of equal importance, and thus, remembered.

I love the opening theme; it's still stuck in my head till now (I watched this in mid-2007) and I still laugh when I hear it.

One limitation, however, is that I watched an English subtitled version. I believe it would have meant much, much more if I had understood Japanese puns and Japanese culture more thoroughly. Still, a rakugo in a rakugo in a rakugo would certainly get even a foreigner like me interested in finding out more about the ancient art of rakugo.

This is a definite must-watch!
Reviewed by Limes on 14 May 2008
4. Tiga- Tiga- Jirettiga-! [Rating: 9/10]
A rakugo in a rakugo in a rakugo.

Rakugo is an old form of entertainment dating from quite a long time ago that consists in telling old tales in front of an audience and rendering them interesting. The teller of the story (alone on stage) as no other support than himself and must act out all the parts of it just through his voice.

In this series, Rakugo is being taken to a new level as it merges with more actual stories in a different way. The story goes from a rakugo in a rakugo in another rakugo. It's basically a non-stop interesting an hilarious ride as stories parts are acted by all main actors dressed in old costumes as well as it's also presented in a 'modern' view. Confusing? It is.. but fun it is also! ^^

A great performance delivered from both Johnny's idols Nagase Tomoya (TOKIO) and Okada Junichi (V6) as well as great support actors and an interesting soundtrack. Bound to make you laugh quite a few times as well as aqueal in delight for fans of the two Johnny's boys! ^^
Reviewed by Nermal on 22 June 2005
5. Innovative and Engaging [Rating: 9/10]
I usually don't review dramas when I'm in the midst of watching it, but this series is absolutely wonderful. The director does a great job of intertwining both the rakugo scenes with modern day life. This drama itself is able to bring back a classic Japanese art and make it both fun and interesting to watch even in our TV-driven lifestyle.

The characters themselves act with such sincerity and are funny when need be. Their situations, especially Toraji's deal with his shishou to pay back his debt, are hilarious to watch even amidst the fact that he is part of the yakuza. The dialogue throughout each episode is witty and highly entertaining.

This is one series that shouldn't be overlooked. ^_^
Reviewed by donna8157 on 17 June 2005
6. For a Good Laugh [Rating: 8/10]
I love how the stories are within stories and how the stories connect with each other. Classic stories retold with a modern twist and yet still retains the overall theme or message. Nagase Tomoya definitely fits the yakuza character and portrays it well. Although the serious parts (which is only probably about 5% of the whole drama) aren't convincing enough, the rest of the drama is really funny. If you're looking for a good plot or something that makes you think then this isn't the drama for you. If you just want something light, entertaining with some witty dialogue, then you won't be disappointed. Overall, a drama you definitely have to watch!
Reviewed by doublemask on 4 October 2008
7. Tiger, Tiger, Arigatiger!!! [Rating: 10/10]
This is easily one of the funniest doramas I've ever seen. The acting, the writing, and the uncoventional storytelling combined to produce some of the most brilliant Japanese comedy I've seen in recent memory. The chemistry b/n the actors was nearly flawless and the multiple personalities of the main players was great to watch. I think this is the best work I've seen from Nagase Tomoya. Winner of the following TV Academy Awards for 2005 45th Television Academy Awards: Best Drama; Best Actor: Nagase Tomoya; Best Supporting Actor Nishida Toshiyuki; Best Screenwriter: Kudo Kankuro; Best Music Arrangement: Nakanishi; Best Opening: Katayama Osamu
Reviewed by Tu_triky on 2 July 2006
8. Genius [Rating: 10/10]
This drama is absolutely brilliant. It's absolutely one of my altime favorites. The script is innovative, the comedy hillarious and the acting is superb. Nagase Tomoya plays the yakuza character as a natural. This series showed me an unfamiliar side to japanese culture and a great form of entertainment. After watching this show you'll speak the following words for several weeks: DON DON DON!!!,... Tiga Tiga Gilletiga... Tiga Anduu Duragon!!! And you'll be licking your lips in exaggerated manner somehow XD
Reviewed by epin8 on 19 February 2008
9. Amazing [Rating: 10/10]
Wow...thats all i can say. I just finished this drama and it has left me speechless. Besides the classic humour, which was exxtremely funny and justly placed, each episode, especially the last few, had a special message for everyone. The cast was all star, and i could definitely feel chemistry between all of them. I must say this is a must watch drama and will probably remain on my top 10 list forever. The only way i can sum up this great drama is... TIGER TIGER GILLETIGER
Reviewed by neomanxl on 30 December 2006
10. Japanese version of "xiang shen" [Rating: 10/10]
This is the first time i've seen rakugo, never knew that the japanese have this. I'm amazed at how well the stories are interwoven in this dorama, the writer & director did a good job in giving a modern touch to old rakugo tales. Very engaging performance by the cast as well, though sometimes exagerated, i think it's necessary in this drama, else it'll not be what it is. Definitely a must watch for a different kind of dorama.
Reviewed by momoechan on 8 September 2005
11. Both Johnny's a Double Hitter! Especially Nagase [Rating: 9/10]
AWESOME, awesome drama with Nagase & Okada. Nagase can pull of that hard core look with ease. Okada is quiet, but has that sweet tone to him that still makes for a good pick in this role. It's hilarious as well as a lesson in the tradition of Japan's comedy. Never doubt how much you can learn from dramas about culture.
I suggest this one for anyone liking comedy, or Nagase's amazing and hilarious abilities.
Reviewed by Kirari Ililah on 14 April 2006
12. Tiger, Tiger, Gilletiger!! [Rating: 9/10]
For a dorama about Rakugo (a form of storytelling), it was a pleasant surprise that this dorama excelled at storytelling. The storytelling was superb and the acting, particularly by nagase and junichi, were top-notch. There is no doubt that this is one of the most humorous doramas i've ever had the pleasure of watching. Along with 1L of Tears and Hana Yori Dango, this dorama ranks among the best of 2005!
Reviewed by Shindou on 10 November 2006
13. Bored.... [Rating: 3/10]
I am one of the minority who was bored by this drama. And I did give it a chance and made it till about 4 episodes. Okada is a great actor and the ONLY great thing about this so-so drama, but even his star power in this drama just couldn't keep my interest. Yawn.....
Reviewed by calico on 20 August 2005
14. highly recommended!!! [Rating: 10/10]
Tomoya Nagase is uberly hot in this drama! very loudmouth as usual... hehehe..being a yakuza is totally matched him and at the same time doing rakugo. the most handsome storyteller in the rakugo world! kakkoi ne~ i like tomoya+okada in this drama..
Reviewed by aizawa^hase on 13 July 2005
15. hillarious! [Rating: 9/10]
This dorama is really funny although this rakugo thing is so hard to understand. didn't really understand episode 1-5, but after finishing the whole show i suddenly understand each episode.
Great ending and soundtrack!
Reviewed by monta on 17 November 2006
16. The tiger has no claws & the dragon has a cold [Rating: 5/10]
An original concept but full of unappealing characters who do a lot of yelling, fighting and overacting. Nagase Tomoya's exagerated facial expressions worked well in My Boss My Hero but not quite so here.
Reviewed by shari on 21 December 2006
17. good jobs [Rating: 10/10]
tomoya nagase really make a big impact on this drama.
im really enjoying and this drama really put himself up to the high standard and proven that his really a good actor.
well done!!!!!!!!!
Reviewed by tomoyachikolennon on 4 October 2006
18. best and really funny! [Rating: 10/10]
i haven't finished watching this drama, but so far until episode 5, i found out that this drama is real funny!especially nagase&okada's face expression in it...should watch this one!!!
Reviewed by jafrea on 9 August 2005
19. One of my top 5 dramas [Rating: 9/10]
Brilliant writing, direction and editing, and most of the cast is quite good as well. Although there are 3 leads, they act as a true ensemble.
Reviewed by prestoli on 4 February 2011
20. love Ito [Rating: 10/10]
Ito,the most beautiful and kawaii..........everytime u see her performence u can't believe ur eyes, she's tall and beatiful,of course kawaii
Reviewed by takumi lee on 10 February 2006
21. Tiga Tiga Jirettiga! [Rating: 10/10]
I LOVE IT. It's so underrated. It's subtle and well though. I enjoyed it so much , after watching it I bought the LE dvd. Well worth it.
Reviewed by Archaenon on 12 August 2007
22. More in love [Rating: 7/10]
I watched this dorama after unubore deka, it made me more in love with tomoya (he's SUPERB in comedy)
Reviewed by ester_grace on 12 February 2011
23. Wish List [Rating: ?/10]
definitely one of my wish list@!! who wouldnt? with okada+nagase... it shud be great..
Reviewed by tInoltin on 6 July 2005

Comments From Users (168)
!!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 donna8157 [Rating: 9/10]
This drama continues off from where the special that aired early this year, 2005, ended. It's about a yakuza member, Toraji who has to collect payments from a man whose son used the money to open an eclectic clothing store. However, Toraji discovers rakugo through the man who later teaches him the art. The situations between the characters were hilarious and the comedy was very refreshing. I really enjoyed how the director was able to create a seamless transitioning between the rakugo story-telling - the re-enactment of thestory itself - and then the current drama happenings. It was very innovative and impressive to say the least. Each episode focuses on a different rakugo story and it was surprising that because of this factor, the series still didn't seem episodic, but still proceeded at a nice pace.

The main characters, Toraji played by Nagase Tomoya and Ryu played by Okada Junichi are both memorable and funny. They each had a specific character type and firmly stuck to it throughout the drama. The other actors also did a wonderful job. The dialogue in this drama was refreshing and witty. Overall, a great drama!
2. Comments by pash [Rating: 10/10]
Having watched this while I was finishing watching "Chiritotechin" - and since both shows focus on rakugo - it would have been hard for me not to compare the two. And what can I say? "Tiger & Dragon" wins hands down!!! Not only is this hilarious (a very short synopsis could be: "Nagase Tomoya plays a yakuza who wants to become a rakugoka - hilarity ensues"), but moreover I think that the whole concept of intertwining the original rakugo stories with funny events - reminiscing of those very same original stories - involving the characters of this brilliant dorama, thus presenting us viewers with a very original take on the classics, well, is simply put a fantastic idea! Apart from being brilliantly written, this dorama is then equally brilliantly acted by the always über funny Nagase Tomoya - with honorable mentions also for Nishida Toshiyuki and Kiritani Kenta. Furthermore, Ito Misaki and Aoi Yu are both as gorgeous as they come (too bad the latter doesn't get enough screentime here!). Oh, and last but not least, "Crazy Ken Band" play the opening credits song! All in all, a perfect 10!
3. Comments by ffrostte [Rating: 8/10]
[After watching this series, one could understand why Tomoya can earn yet another Best Actor Award 2005 playing the role "Tiger"]

To be honest, I didn't quite like this series when I watched the first 2 episodes. Just as the rest of this genius director's works (namely IWGP), it took me quite some time to get used to his style. But this really is a clever drama and it did grow on me after the 3rd and 4th episode.

One could never ever thought about integrating our daily life with the different classic rakugo stories. All the actors did a wonderful job in delivering those classic lines. What a cool thing to do. And I like the rakugo master a great deal!

Unfortunately, ALL the actresses in the dorama got on my nerves. I am sorry to say that I like none of them.
4. Comments by Jessicasoon [Rating: 10/10]
this drama is near perfect. i'd have given it a 10. but well, i haven't given a perfect for anything yet. but i still loved this drama. it's from different from your normal drama. very interesting rakugo and how they converted it to the modern life. nagase is still the best. always making me laugh at the beginning and cry in the last ep. and okada's not bad in this too. i'd add alot of points for okada just for this drama. the downside of this drama is that it's pretty confusing at times. and sometimes hard to understand. i have to rewatch several eps twice to understand it more. ok i changed my mind. i decided to give it a 10 after all. haha.
5. Comments by Tu_triky [Rating: 10/10]
This is easily one of the funniest doramas I've ever seen. The acting, the writing, and the uncoventional storytelling combined to produce some of the most brilliant Japanese comedy I've seen in recent memory. The chemistry b/n the actors was nearly flawless and the multiple personalities of the main players was great to watch. I think this is the best work I've seen from Nagase Tomoya. Winner of the following TV Academy Awards for 2005:

Best Drama; Best Actor - Nagase Tomoya; Best Supporting Actor -Nishida Toshiyuki; Best Screenwriter - Kudo Kankuro; Best Music Arrangement - Nakanishi Kyo; Best Opening -Katayama Osamu
6. Comments by Susan [Rating: 10/10]
Ehhh? It's Rakugo! I have to admit that I had no idea what this series was about when I grabbed the first episode. But I quickly caught on. This drama was simply HILARIOUS! I laughed every episode. It had a wonderful ending and it was well worth the long wait for subtitles. I am not really a Nagase Tomoya fan, but he is VERY funny in this series. He's not someone I can take seriously as an actor, because of his ability to play truly outlandish and eccentric roles, but in this series he did well! Okada Junichi was also very fun to watch. Should I ever go to Japan I would love to see a Rakugo performance!
7. Comments by Nermal [Rating: 9/10]
So far, this deserves a 9 fully! Sort of a reminder of KCE in the style that it doesn't look like anything before it (except the movie Tiger & Dragon on which this series is based... duh!)

Rakugo in a rakugo in a rakugo. The plot developps nicely with hilarious parts and more emotionnal ones helped with the brilliant and great performances of Johnny's boys Nagase Tomoya and Okada Junichi also helped with an awesome supporting cast. Truly an interesting series to watch if you want to laugh hysterically for awhile. Not my favorite, but deserves a mention!
8. Comments by mmyy [Rating: 10/10]
This is possibly Kankuro's best work for me. It's a show that showcases Kankuro's bizarre imagination at its peak, filled with wacky characters, crazy situations, hillarious dialogues and great storylines. Complementing it is the awesome cast that has done their parts so well that almost every role here turns out to be my favourite portrayal from an actor. Highly amusing and funny, this fantasy-like drama is definitely one of the greatest series I've seen that truly defines the saying "imagination knows no boundaries".
9. Comments by nishishi [Rating: 9/10]
At the beginning i wasnt expecting much from this dorama...
But i really changed my opnion after wathing the first episode...!! And it gets better and better!!!

Tiger & Dragon remenbers me of Kisarazu cat's Eye... not only because of the casting (Okada Junichi, Tsukamoto Takashi and Abe Sayado...) but also because the way the episodes are developed...

Nways... i really recommend this one for ppl who r looking for something differente... I had a good time while watching this one!!! Thumbs Up!!!
10. Comments by Sleepingstar [Rating: 7/10]
It's pretty funny how rakugo stories come alive, too bad I don't really like rakugo too much myself, Though learned to like it a little when dorama went on. It was still hard to get some jokes and also cultural boundaries might have been in a way of fully enjoying those stories. Episodes had kinda similar structure (like how every episode ended and how every episode went on, which I don't really appriciate too high, but luckily this dorama was also different from other shows which covered that up nicely.
11. Comments by geezbee [Rating: 8/10]
Very unique and interesting drama..using a storytelling sketchshow (a japanese version, or like standup comedy..im not sure wat its called) as background for each ep. In each ep, the characters will tell a story to an audience and at the same time, it is actually happening in real life! (either by flashback or real time ) I heard the scripwriter is an award winning guy..who writes very unique plots..and it is fully demonstrated in this drama. Great cast as well. (includ Itoh Misaki) Thumbs up!!
12. Comments by matsu_takeiko [Rating: 10/10]
This drama is SUGEE! Many people have already given its good points, may I just say that I also love this because of all the pop culture references and how it cleverly incorporates a lot of everyday things into its storylines. Things like blogs, gokons (group dates), owaraigeinin (comedian) acts (such as Aru Aru Tankentai), and the like. Jumptei-jump is cute (in a funny way) and even though Donta's annoying, you just hafta love him! What a cool way to make viewers appreciate rakugo! SUGEE!!!
13. Comments by ilovedrama [Rating: 10/10]
Gangster, mafia, yakuza aren't my thing so for me to give this yakuza/rakugo drama a 10 after watching 6 episodes should tell you how much I adore this jem. And even if the rest of the episodes happened to suck... doesn't matter, it still deservers a 10. Great original masterpiece as expected from the same screenwriter as Kisarazu Cats Eye. Kudos to Abe Sadoyo. Glad to know that the director recognizes his talents as he stared in IGWP, Kisarazu Cats Eye & Tiger & Dragon.
14. Comments by kaonashi [Rating: 9/10]
Such a terrific drama, it's fast paced, funny & mixes up traditional & modern Japanese lifestyles superbly. And the use of a traditional japanese art of speech combined with the somewhat vulgar Yakuza talk works brilliantly as another absurd contrast. Great chemistry between the whole cast, seems like they had a lot of fun making this drama. This is not only Nagase Tomoyas best drama, it's one of the best drama made in recent years. Highly recommended. 9+
15. Comments by Nobita-kun [Rating: 9/10]
Surprisingly good! I didn't know what to think after the first episode because of the unconventional storytelling format and the over-the-top characters. But I continued watching out of curiosity. By episode 6, I was laughing and genuinely enjoying the series. The way they weave a rakugo story into every episode is extremely clever. Kotaro has to be one of the coolest drama characters to come along in a while. Now I understand why this drama won so many awards.
16. Comments by Asja [Rating: 10/10]
Watching at the moment, but this dorama has already almost got the title "the best one I've seen". A must see thing. Witty, funny, hilarious, absolutely unpredictable, unique, wise and philosophical at the same time. The dialogs are great, the actors did a superb job. Love the way the characters interact with each other.

Yes, it's true - after every episode, every new rakugo story you feel like standing up and clapping the teller.
17. Comments by harshaz [Rating: 10/10]
A very very great story. Before i watch this dorama i haven't got any idea what's this rakuga about. It's funny (of course with both nagase n okada n there) but it's also touched my heart especially in the end of every ep becoz of the hidden message from rakuga's story itself. For me this dorama is special becoz it makes me wanting to hear the story that will b told, n after hearing it, I clapped, along with other audience there.
18. Comments by enen_shun [Rating: 10/10]
this drama is amazing !! i've never come across drama with such story plot ~~ i was actually not used to the drama's plot and pace when i watch the 1st epi ... but as i watch along ~ i began to like this drama a lot !! it has interesting characters and great casts ~ Nagase Tomoya & Okada Junichi is perfect in this drama ~ it's a hard-to-come drama with great plot .. great storyline and great casts !!!! sugoi ne !!!!
19. Comments by kneehard [Rating: 10/10]
Ahhhh rakugo in a rakugo!!!!! It's a great eye-opener for us non-Japanese to another side of Japan's cultural roots. Most of us are familiar enough with ikebana, bon odori and tea ceremonies but not so many knew of rakugo.

This drama is hilarious!!! The clash between the modern and old Japanese culture entwined with family issues and liberally dotted with comedy makes it perfect for everyone, I think.
20. Comments by Oba-chan [Rating: 9/10]
Almost TEN, just because the simple ending, it ruined everything. Funny Drama. There are so much interesting rakugo story, I think i will tell it to my children when i have a family. Nagase and Okada was great duet and of course we should don't forget Nishida Toshiyuki who did very well in his job. Tiger Tiger Jiretaiga..
Soundtrack: UTAO-UTAO [V6] and Tiger & Dragon [Crazy Ken Band]: 10 Point
21. Comments by passionpete2427 [Rating: 10/10]
avant-garde, witty, funny and sabaw.

when i watched this show's first episode 2 years ago, I lost interest. But after re-watching its first episode and having faith on its awards and reviews here, i finally understand that this show's an interesting, refreshing and witty show. more of a guy show, nevertheless, everyone should watch this except kids.
there's no other show like this one.
22. Comments by dreamer10231 [Rating: 9/10]
at first i thought that it's boring...rakugo, nagase as yakuza (again), and okada like bussan (kce)...but eventually, i learned to like rakugo...to appreciate the acting skills of nagase and esp. okada (shown esp when he's doing rakugo)...the humor is different and unique just like kce...wonder why okada's acting project is few given his potential, i've seen him otonari, which i also like...
23. Comments by Sorata [Rating: 7/10]
This is really a funny show with tons of funny characters specialy Itoh Misaki and the chemestry between Tomoya and Okada Junichi, Tomoya was born to play funny Yakuza parts, no one does it better than him.
I just don�Lt rate this higher because i really can�Lt find Rakugo funny and the dorama has tons of Rakugo, so it kills a little of the enjoyment for me.
24. Comments by onigiriman [Rating: 9/10]
This was pretty funny, but the Japanese was pretty difficult for a non-native speaker like me, because the comedy and jokes were centered on rakugo humor, a genre I am not that familiar with. But taking the time to comprehend the jokes and comic exchanges was worth it. I'm not sure anyone could actually subtitle it adequately, but you never know...
25. Comments by Shindou [Rating: 9/10]
Hilarious, simply hilarious! This comedic dorama was unbelievably funny with nagase's and junichi's great performances. the script was generously sprinkled with humour and the whole cast truly came together as a single, coherent unit. the storytelling was very unique and captured the mood and essence of the stories wonderfully well. Bravo!!
26. Comments by michiru3 [Rating: 7/10]
The story was really confusing in the first few eps. But after the story got flowing, it went quickly. I really like Kotora's yazuka-rakugo, haha. Much better than the old stories. I think Aoi Yuu's really pretty good. Also liked her strong personality, haha. Okada needs to calm down though. Btwn this and Kisarazu, he must be really tired.
27. Comments by sasukekun6 [Rating: 9/10]
I loved this drama!! I learned a bit about rakugo last year and had a couple private lessons for very short stories (kobanashi) so I feel like it was easier to appreciate. It was great seeing more rakugo. Also, this drama has an incredible cast. It was like Kisarazu Cat's Eye and a bit of IWGP. Gotta love Nagase <3 haha
28. Comments by Aunty Coco [Rating: 9/10]
A very different type of Jdorama compared to the rest of the spring dramas... The rakugo style of portraying the story is totally unique & impressive... No wonder it won the best drama instead of Engine... Nagase Tomoya really made my day... Really well deserved in winning the best actor for the season...
29. Comments by takuan [Rating: 8/10]
Very enjoyable, well made drama! Stylish and a touch campy, with just the right amounts of heartwarming and hilarity. It may not be award winning material, but it's still highly recommended. All three of the lead actors who play Kotora, Ryuji, and Kotora's rakugo shisho, give an excellent performance.
30. Comments by chokakoi [Rating: 10/10]
really funny.. totally like how they linked their real life encounters in the rakugo story telling at each ending... also especially love to see the cast re-enacting the rakugo at each episode beginning, it is funny seeing them in the period drama attire..... haha.. and both actors did a good job.

Read all 168 comments from users


Users who voted for this drama (50)
1. mmyy
This is possibly Kankuro's best work for me. It's a show that showcases Kankuro's bizarre imagination at its peak, filled with crack characters, crazy situations, hillarious dialogues and great storylines. Complementing it is the awesome cast that has done their parts so well that almost every role here turns out to be my favourite portrayal from an actor. Highly amusing and funny, this fantasy-like drama is definitely one of the greatest series I've seen that truly defines the saying "imagination knows no boundaries".
2. Tu_triky
This is easily one of the funniest doramas I've ever seen. The acting, the writing, and the uncoventional storytelling combined to produce some of the most brilliant Japanese comedy I've seen in recent memory. The chemistry b/n the actors was nearly flawless and the multiple personalities of the main players was great to watch. I think this is the best work I've seen from Nagase Tomoya.
3. enen_shun
another drama written by Japan famous scriptwriter - Kotowu Kankurowu .. i enjoyed watching this drama a lot ~ it's a hard-to-come drama with great plot , great storyline , great characters and great casts !!! the whole drama is fresh and interesting !
4. cutesawada
Okada is kinda weird, but he and Nagase are sooooo cool together. Especially Nagase, he makes me laugh. And the old man is pretty cool too, he scared me at first but really captured my attention with his stories. Wonder if he really does rakugo?
5. Asja
Loved it! So different from most doramas I've seen so far. Refreshing, witty, funny and at times touching. One of my most favourite doramas ever. I would recommend it to anyone, who wants to watch a good jdrama, but hates "all that love-stories".
6. K.T.Tran
what can I say......the cast was great, the story was great and them Rakugo stories was great too.
Its funny, entertaining and you really get drawn into what is going on. If you don't like Rakugo after this....something wrong.
7. sword_of_heaven
Loved this series!!! Its the best!!! First started seeing it because of Nagase, but Okada Junichi's acting is great as well. As is the rest of the cast. Its fun and very interesting and totally, totally worth it!
8. Mylani
We first watched the special (without subs) and were very intrigued by the whole Jekyll/Hyde yakuza/Rakugo scenario. Both Okada & Tomoya do an excellent job and the drama is refreshing and entertaining ^^
9. CheeSauce
This drama was so funny and so good. It started out slow but got really interested. I love to see how all the characters interact with each other and this Drama got be hooked on Tomoya and Junichi!
10. Limes
People don't understand why I love this drama. I don't understand why they don't. Honestly, with this kind of script and two excellent lead actors, it definitely is worth watching - and loving!
11. Mustiiien
What a great drama, Kudo Kankuro shows that he still got it. =P Tomoya Nagase and Okada Junichi, both does a memorable performance. Taiga Taiga Jirettaiga!
12. oluap
At the beginning is a bit hard with all the rakudo history involved but after the 1st episode is just impossible to stop, is the funniest drama ever.
13. shiroi_tora
Nagase Tomoya plays an awsome Yakuza and I love how he and Okada Junichi's character blend together. I also love the stories portrayed in this drama
14. hiroshi
A simply excellent, original drama! Great acting by Nagase Tomoya and Nishida Toshiyuki. Each story was a gem. A series you shouldn't miss.
15. ShoonY
I LOVE this drama. It's my favourite..
Takashi is incredible in it, and i love his hairstyle ;D.. kawaii~
16. ephesus
This drama is hilarious, and even funnier if you take the time to understand the cultural references.
17. kaikochan
The overall story is very unique, and Okada Junichi and Nagase Tomoya make a genuis combination.
18. ryoko293
tomoya and okada are great actors, didn't know that a yazuka dorama could be this funny!?! ^^
19. crazytigerfrog21
something i hadn't heard about, but really one of the best dramas I've seen in years!
9/10
20. strawberryfzz
I love it so much. I never get tired of it no matter how many times I watch it.
21. ikitteru
clever blend of traditional and modern storytelling!
rakugo powaaaaa!
22. gorgeous_in_tears
Funny and... funny. I laughed until my stomach and ribs hurt =)
23. haruhii
it's very unique and funny but touching at the same time ^_^
24. ilovedrama
Very original, well done piece of comedy. Abe Sadoyo rules.
25. Okojo
Kudo Kankuro strikes again!! ^o^
I want to watch it again!
26. Seghal
Innovative story and script, extremely funny.
27. kireiyuhi
One of my newest favorite dramas. amazing
28. jafrea
a must watch drama!!!don't miss it!!
29. aizawa^hase
YOU SHOULD WATCH THIS DRAMA!!!!!!
30. romi510
An Instant Classic, Must Watch!!

Read all 50 votes from users