Last Friends

Saw ラスト・フレンズ (Last Friends)'s preview when I was in Japan in April & managed to complete this jdorama just today. ;) The story is not too bad.
Nagasawa Masami (長澤まさみ) who acted as Aida Michiru is pretty & kawaii in this drama but I prefer Ueno Juri(上野樹里) who acted as Kishimoto Ruka, a talented motocross racer with a hidden secret she cannot discuss with friends or family.
I like her cool-looking hairstyle. Should I have a hair cut like her? *Wink* *Wink*

I can't stand Nagayama Eita (永山瑛太)'s hair in this drama, it's soOoooo U.G.L.Y. Looks just like bird nest. Wahahaha... He acted as Takeru in this drama as a hair and makeup artist acquainted with Ruka. He is a good confidant to females due to his kindness and perceptiveness, and finds himself attracted to Ruka but has a phobia of sex as a result of a past trauma.
The three of them become house mates and through their associations with others, gain the capacity to be positive about life.

'Prisoner of love' is another great hit by Utada Hikaru!

My Rating : 8/10
Should you watch this? Definitely a Yes!

One Pound Gospel

Completed yet another great drama, 1 Pound no Fukuin (1 ポンドの福音) by dearest Kamenashi Kazuya & he is really kawaii in this Jdorama. ;)

Kosaku Hatanaka (Kamenashi Kazuya) is a skilled boxer who turned pro at the age of 19, but he finds himself facing a string of defeats due to his inability to control his appetite, which always puts him in a heavier weight class. One day, due to excessive work out he collapses where he is found by Sister Angela (Kuroki Meisa), a naive fledgling nun and he immediately finds himself interested in her.

My Rating : 10/10
Should you watch this? Definitely a Yes!

花ざかりの君たちへ

Another nice Jdorama from Oguri Shun after the series of Hana yori dango but his hairstyle is really ugly in this drama. Overall, his performance is not bad except his hair is darn ugly lor. Kekeke... ;)

Hanazakari no Kimitachi e (For You in Full Blossom) a drama based on the popular manga of the same name by Nakajo Hisaya, which has already been dramatized in Taiwan.
Horikita plays the protagonist Ashiya Mizuki, a Japanese girl in the U.S. who one day sees the young athlete Sano Izumi (Oguri) compete in the high jump on television. She begins to idolize him, and decides to move to Japan to attend the same school as him. However, Izumi goes to an all-boys school, so Mizuki disguises herself as a boy to achieve her dream of being with her idol.

My Rating : 8/10
Should you watch this? Definitely a Yes!

Gokusen & Gokusen 2

ごくせん, story of a young, idealistic teacher who enters Shirokin Gakuen with hopes of making a difference in the students' lives. However, Yamaguchi Kumiko (Nakama Yukie) is in for a rude awakening when she finds that she will be the homeroom teacher of 3-D, the hardest class to maintain in the school. The students have multi-colored hair, sloppy uniforms, and show absolutely no respect to her. The leader of the class, Sawada Shin (Matsumoto Jun) is lazy but bright and shows some interest in Yamaguchi when he notices that she is very different from other teachers. The students try to bully her to make her quit, but their attempts don't get them very far.
What the class and the rest of the school does not know is that Yamaguchi Kumiko is actually the 4th generation heir to the Ooedo Group, a notorious yakuza clan. Even though her family would like her to take the title of Ojou when her grandfather dies, they have accepted the fact that Yamaguchi would rather be a teacher.
Eventually, the students learn to respect their quirky teacher because of her devotion to them, and even give her a nickname: Yankumi.

My Rating : 8/10
Should you watch this? Definitely a Yes!
_____________________________________________________________________________________

ごくせん２ the continuation of the popular Gokusen series.

Half a year has passed and Shirokin Gakuen has closed down. Yamaguchi Kumiko (Nakama Yukie) finds herself a teacher of a few young kids who don't really benefit much from her style of teaching. Through some twist of fate, she is offered a job as a teacher in Kurogin Gakuen. She becomes the teacher of a delinquent 3D class which make her previous students look like angels. In order to protect her job, she must again hide her true identity — the fact that she is the 4th generation of the Oedo Family, a prominent yakuza group.

My Rating : 10/10
Should you watch this? Definitely a Yes!

Love Supplement

サプリ(Suppli/Sapuri) (which means supplement in Japanese), a story that happen in Tokyo, 2006.
Another 'shigoyi' Jdorama from Kamenashi Kazuya (亀梨和也).
I think I'm beginning to 'fall in love' with this young man! ;)
I am already in the progress of collecting all the dramas that has Kazuya in it & most prob I might start a new blog on him. Hiak! Hiak! Hiak!
The opening theme song 'You' is another great song from Kat-tun!!!

The sub-theme song 'Blue Days' by Ayaka is yet another great song!
Enjoy this clip!

Synopsis:
Minami Fuji (Itoh Misaki) is riding a train along Tokyo Bay. Weary from a day's work, she falls asleep while on the train. Her nap time is obstructed by the sound of somebody's cell phone ringing. She opens her eyes to see the phone lying unattended on a nearby seat. Reluctantly, she answers the phone. It's a man claiming to have dropped his phone. He wants Minami to deliver it to him before his job interview begins. However, since Minami too has a meeting she must attend, she takes the phone to the lost and found department of a nearby station.
On her way to work, Minami spots an old commercial being shown on a big-screen TV. She immediately takes a picture of it with her camera. That is when she realizes that someone else is also absorbed in the commercial. It's Yuya Ishida (Kamenashi Kazuya), the young man who called to have his cell phone delivered. Kyotaro Imaoka, creative director of an advertisement agency, is having a meeting at an insurance company with Kunio Sakuragi and Satoshi Hagiwara. Minami soon joins the meeting. They have come to give a presentation for the new TV commercial for their company.

Meanwhile, Yuya has arrived at the place where he will have his interview. He is immediately given a tour of the office as well as a lecture on commercial planning. He has no idea that Minami has returned to the office and is having a meeting with Kyotaro and the others. Later on, Yuya delivers mail to Minami. At first, she doesn't even look up at him. But when she does, it only takes 15 seconds(the same length as a television commercial) for Minami to realize that she had ran into Yuya while watching the commercial on the big-screen TV, and it was also his cell phone that she picked up on the train.

My Rating : 8/10
Should you watch this? Definitely a Yes!

My Only Love

たったひとつの恋 (Tatta Hitotsu no Koi), a story of pure love between the son of a man who runs a ship repair factory beset with financial troubles and the well-bred daughter of a national jewellery chain store owner.
The backdrop of the story is at Yokohama, a modern port city known for its romantic atmosphere.
I want to go Japan!!!
Jdorama is always the best & this drama is really worth watching!
The opening theme song, 'Bokura No Machi De' (which means in our town) is really nice! I love this song by Kat-Tun, especially the part sang by Kamenashi Kazuya. ;)

The lead actor, Kamenashi Kazuya (亀梨和也)(member of Jpop grp KAT-TUN) is darn pretty! He is prettier than the lead actress Haruka Ayase. OMG!!! His complexion is so darn good.
Ka-Kun kawaii!
But then again, for a 21 years old young man, his acting skill is considered excellent. ;)
Debuted groups under Johnny & Accociates, e.g. Smap, Arashi, Tokio, Tackey & Tsubasa, etc are great actors & singers.

My Rating : 10/10
Should you watch this? Definitely a Yes!

華麗なる一族

Karei-naru Ichizoku, the story is between Manpyo Daisuke (Kitaoji Kinya), a powerful banker, and his eldest son, Manpyo Teppei (Kimura Takuya), the executive managing director of a steel firm.

For some reasons, Daisuke seem to dislike his own son and as Teppei seems to find out the reason for Daisuke's hatred, his whole life is turned upside down with fatal consequences.
Don't know why!?
While watching the last ep, it really make my heart bleed for Teppei & my tears actually rolled down. It seems that I can actually feel the pain Teppei is going through!
'Shigoyi' Jdrama!
I am not a big fan of Kimura Takuya but I watched most of his shows & I must say he is a great actor. ;)

My Rating : 10/10
Should you watch this? Definitely a Yes!

花より男子

I have been rather busy these couples of days & nights trying to complete
花より男子~Hana Yori Dango (Season 1 & 2).
Although, I have been scanning Kdramas but I still prefer Jdramas. The storyline are not so draggy as compared to Kdramas.
The story in Hana Yori Dango is simply cool!
The actors & actress in this drama ROCKS!
Even the theme songs ROCKS!
Especially the song 'Flavor of life' by Utada Hikaru.
Nothing beats Jdramas!!! ;)

After Princess Hours, Hana Yori Dango is another drama, I won't get tired if I have to watch a zillions time. ;) I know 流星花園 (Taiwanese version), which was featured on TV sometime back was the earlier version but I didn't get to watch that because basically I 'DISLIKE' Taiwan idol dramas.
Personally, I feel their acting skills are sucky & a waste of time to watch lor.
Ops! I’m so sorry to say that! =P

Didn't fell in love with Doumyouji Tsukasa ~ 道明寺 司 (I believe most of you will) but in fact fell 'deeply in love' with Hanazawa Rui ~ 花沢 類.

If I can change the storyline, I would prefer Makino Tsukushi ~ 牧野 杉菜 to end up with Hanazawa Rui & not Doumyouji Tsukasa. ;)
Hanazawa Rui, kawaii!

Engine - エンジン

Managed to catch the full episode of Engine on crunchyroll.com
This is a story of a race car driver who meets a woman that changes his life, this was what I thought this drama was going to be about since Kimura Takuya's other dramas have always had romance making up a large part of the plot. However, this drama was not like that.

Instead, the major focus of the story was the kids of Kaze no Oka.
Each episode focuses on a different child.
We see a different part of Kimura Takuya in this drama and it's definitely something very heart-warming. He does so well in portraying the laid-back, at times immature, but thoughtful and caring Kanzaki Jiro. He brings a different point of view for the children and his way with dealing with their problems was sweet.
Koyuki, on the other hand, plays Tomomi-sensei, a very uptight teacher that cares very much for the kids, but doesn't really understand them as Jiro could. Also see changes in the way that Tomomi-sensei deals with the children. Even though romance wasn't a significant part of the story, I felt that I enjoyed the short, but sweet and oftentimes funny interaction between Kimura and Koyuki.
Excellent drama.
The cast acted wonderfully, especially the children, and some parts of the story will surely bring a tear or two to your eyes. Especially the scene when Shunta ran & kept calling Jiro when he drove off after Shunta was left at his new home. This scene really touched me.
All in all, I still feel Japanese dramas are the best although these days, Japanese dramas are not so high in demands compared to Korean dramas.

My Rating : 10/10
Should you watch this? Definitely a Yes!

Last Christmas

The 1st japanese drama I watched was Tokyo love story 東京ラブストーリー by Oda Yuji 織田裕二 in 1991 when I was only 13 yr old.
Oh shit! Those of you reading my blog will know my age but who cares. Haahaa...
Currently at Channel U they are showing Oda Yuji's Last Christmas (ラストクリスマス). Started watching this drama last week though & find the story not bad, actually love all japanese drama by Oda Yuji although he is not as good looking compared to Kimura Takuya 木村拓哉, but he is one of the best actor in japan who can really act (my opinion lah).

The song "Last Christmas" sang by Oda Yuji & Butch Walker in the show is actually one of my favourite x'mas song.
Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
But the very next day, You gave it away
This year, to save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special
Once bitten and twice shy
I keep my distance but you still catch my eye
Tell me baby do you recognise me?
Well it's been a year, it doesn't surprise me
I wrapped it up and sent it with a note saying "I Love You"
I meant it Now I know what a fool I've been
But if you kissed me now I know you'd fool me again

My Rating : 10/10
Should you watch this? Definitely a Yes!

Fighting Girl / ファイティングガール

Was goin through the whole collection of Japanese vcds in my cupboard & realised there's this drama by the title of "ファイティングガール / Fighting Girl" which my dear meimei bought sometime last yr not watch.

This is a 2001 drama & the story is about Fukada Kyoko(深田恭子) plays Sayoko a tough 19 year old with ambition, energy and nowhere to direct it.
Her father clearly favors her blind 16-year-old sister. Junior college is unstimulating. She is fired from her part time job in a dress shop because she is too diligent at catching shoplifters and slaps them around a bit when she does.
Even her boyfriend opts out for a more docile girl, but Sayoko doesn't think she is tough enough.

Coming home on the train, she nonchalantly puts on her makeup and changes her shirt, oblivious to the other passengers' silent glares, until Ami (South Korean actress Yoon Son Ha) confronts her. They stare each other down and Sayoko gets off. The passengers commend the Korean student but she scoffs at them too, asking, "Instead of praising me, why don't you say something yourself?"
A few days later Ami is also the one who comes to the aid of Sayoko's sister, who has sprained her ankle when pushed on the platform. Ami can't understand whether the Japanese are kind or cold. They all look worried about you but no one steps forward to help, she tells the girl.

In gratitude, Sayoko's poor father invites Ami for expensive sushi. She shows up with five friends to make things more cheery and in doing so, shows a lack of cross-cultural understanding herself.
Life gets more complicated when Sayoko goes to the beach to sulk and comes across a frustrated rich kid played by Sakaguchi Kenji(坂口憲二) who she fends off with her considerable kickboxing skills. She loses her new belly-button jewel in the process, a guarantee they will meet again.

Will comment on this drama after I finished watching...;)

My Rating : 6/10
Should you watch this? If you feel bored. Heehee...

幸福の王子

Finally finished watching 幸福の王子(Koufuku no Ouji), OMG I actually took more than 2weeks to finish the drama...
The first episode is just nuts if you can get through the whole episode, it was rather draggy & slow.
After that the story unfolds itself and everything in the first episode makes sense & you would want to continue to watch to find out what had happen to Shuhei & Umi that caused them to split up.
The title itself is contradictory coz the prince is not happy & 幸福 at all lor...
I like the opening theme song, 'Drawing' by Mr Children.

My Rating : 6/10
Should you watch this? I guess, No.

Halu & Aki---Maybe? Must be!

Was watching Pride at 7.30pm...
Can't stand it when Halu kiss Aki on her eye's lip...
Oh My God who will ever do that???
So romantic neh...
This is really a beautiful story & this is the 2nd time I am watching...
The song by Queen really suit the show, chk out the lyrics:

I was born to love you
With every single beat of my heart
Yes, I was born to take care of you
Every single day...

(chorus:)
I was born to love you
With every single beat of my heart
Yes, I was born to take care of you
Every single day of my life

You are the one for me
I am the man for you
You were made for me
You’re my ecstasy
If I was given every opportunity
I’d kill for your love

So take a chance with me
Let me romance with you
I’m caught in a dream
And my dream’s come true
It’s so hard to believe
This is happening to me
An amazing feeling
Coming through -

(chorus)

I wanna love you
I love every little thing about you
I wanna love you, love you, love you
Born - to love you
Born - to love you
Yes I was born to love you
Born - to love you
Born - to love you
Every single day - of my life

An amazing feeling
Comin’ through

(chorus)

Yes I was born to love you
Every single day of my life

Go, I love you babe
Yes, I was born to love you
I wanna love you, love you, love you
I wanna love you
I get so lonely, lonely, lonely
Yeah, I wan’t to love you
Yeah, give it to me

My Rating : 10/10
Should you watch this? Definitely a Yes!

Masahiro Motoki aka The Happy Prince

Bought a new Jap drama vcd (not sure if that's the latest vcd) this noon by Masahiro Motoki by the title of The Happy Prince.. Just watched the 1st espisode, quite a strange story though.
The story is about Shuhei (Masahiro Motoki), is neither a statue nor a prince. Unless, of course, you consider the scion to a wealthy family that owns a large hospital a kind of prince. Shuhei doesn't, though explaining this would give away the story, which is told in flashbacks. In the opening episode Shuhei, with white hair, a large scar on his neck, and speech patterns more appropriate for an 8-year-old, walks into the office of a loan shark and shoots everyone dead. He then walks out and is himself shot by policemen. He is brought to a hospital where he remains in a coma while a teenage girl named Mayu, who requires a heart transplant, is given good news by her doctor, a young man named Ryosuke. Ryosuke was once Shuhei's best friend, he starts telling Mayu, Shuhei's tale, about how he wanted to study music and marry a young cellist named Umi (Miho Kanno), but that his family insisted he become a doctor and take over the family business. They even found a different bride for him. (sound like a boring show)
Actually I am fanatic over J-drama but definitely not a fan over K-drama coz most aunties love to watch including my mum... The story is always so pai mia, cry non-stop & the 1 thing I can't stand is the story is so draggy.. Just can't stand it (haha)..
Aiyah stop talking abt K-drama lah, let's come back to J-drama. My all time fav actor for J-drama will be Kimura Takuyu from SMAP, since sec sch time I love watching his show... Currently at Channel U on mon & tues at 7.30pm they are featuring "Pride" by Takuyu, this is a beautiful story tat I recommend everyone to watch it although don't know what's the reason that they have to censor certain parts of the show...*so disappointed* But there's one thing I look forward to which is the drama's song by Queen - I was born to love you is such a beautiful song...