Kumo Japan Drama

Kyoshi Saisei教師再生– Release Oct 08

2009-07-12T07:03:00.000-07:00

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
A school is going down as news about closing down the school spreads. Teachers are all worry about their future rather than the academic of the students, except one. One new teacher name Sugi Toranosuke (Kamiji Yusuke) 上地雄輔 is still trying his best to help his students. Just that the problem is he might not have the ability to do it. One of his students - Kusaka Shuzaburo (Nakajima Yuto) 中島裕翔 trusted him and decided to back him up with the help of three mysterious transferred students Takasugi Touichi (Yamada Ryosuke) 山田涼介, Yoshida Eitarou (Chinen Yuri) 知念侑李 and Irie Sugizou (Arioka Daiki) 有岡大貴. Four of them decided to help Sugi Toranosuke (Kamiji Yusuke) 上地雄輔 to become a teacher, at least as a simple qualified teacher.

Feelings and comments:
This is a fantasy drama for high school kids. Students are much more capable and dependable then teachers. They even help their teachers solved problems and become sort of heroes. I think this is a drama for high school kids but not for teachers. There are no famous actors in this drama as the main focus is on the four young members of Hey! Say! JUMP. As they are young, their acting skills are still not that up to it. So if you’re not the fan of Hey! Say! JUMP, you’ll pretty much get bored right after the first 20 minutes of the drama.

How do you judge such an occupation like teacher? The first impression might be” it’s an occupation with lots of pride”. That means teaching and helping the next generation to become a better person. Some of the teachers even sacrifice their time, money and personal life for that purpose. The 2nd impression about teacher is that “It’s a great job with lots of personal time and holiday. Plus it’s a government servant job that won’t get fire easily” Probably this is the best secure job that can be easily obtain. Either way, teachers should realize the responsibility when dealing with students. That’s because future of students are more a less affected by teachers. It is true that teachers might not remember all of the students because throughout years of teaching there might be thousands of students. But from the eyes of the students, you might just be the only teacher that they can depend on.

Things that caught my eyes:
The classroom seems to transform from a clean white room to a painted room. Is it just plain dirty or art?

Japan Drama Rating:
Fan of Hey! Say! JUMP should not miss it. If not skip it.

Purchase:
Not available yet

Drama Theme Song: Mayonaka no Shadow Boy by Hey! Say! JUMP

Japan Drama Preview:

Taiyo to Umi no Kyoshitsu太陽と海の教室– Release Jul 08

2009-07-05T23:38:00.000-07:00

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
Sakurai Sakutaro (Oda Yuji) 織田裕二 is a newly hired school teacher in a private school by the beach. Sakurai Sakutaro (Oda Yuji) 織田裕二 was specially chosen by the headmaster for a special reason. Given his experience in pervious occupation, his way of teaching, thoughts and priorities are way much different from other teachers. At the beginning Sakurai Sakutaro (Oda Yuji) 織田裕二 facing hard time communicates and get along with his students. That is because he never did focus on helping his students to score high marks in the university entrance exam. Apparently, he is just teaching his students things that unable to learn from books, which schools don’t teach. As time passes, his students started to understand what he’s trying to accomplish because Sakutaro (Oda Yuji) 織田裕二 is always there to help them, guide them and encourage them.

Feelings and comments:
First of all, it’s really nice to be able to study in a school that located near the beach. Not to mention the small size of classrooms that fits just about 20 students. No doubt it’s a great environment to study. The problem is if you spend quarter of your life just to get a ticket to a university, then you might miss out a lot of things, important things like fun, relationship, love and many more. Nowadays most people only care about exam results. Ends up many students sign up a lot of tuitions just to strive for good results. Seriously, that might not be a good idea. Exam results are just temporally, it cannot help u through your entire life. Take for example your primary school grades are only good as a ticket to get you to high school. Your high school grades are only good as a ticket to get you to a university. After that, these exam results are not much useful in your life. The only thing that you need to obtain in school which benefits for the rest of our life is the ability to keep on learning. If you’re able to continue learning and improving until you stop breathing, then there’s nothing you will be afraid of. That’s the best weapon that will help you get through life rather than just a piece of distinction degree certificates.
We only live once, don’t spend your initial 20 years with just books only. We should include our family, friends and everything that is around us into our lives. Learn to live well and survive is just what we need and that’s just a simple and basic thing.

When we were young, we do not understand most of the things. We become the person right now because of the people that we met. Other than our parents and family members, the closes people that lead and guide us when we were young are teachers. Good teacher are hard to come by. An advice from a good teacher can change the live of a student.

Things that caught my eyes:
This is the best classroom that I’ve even seen. It feels more like a tuition center that focus only in studying. Still, a school that located beside the beach definitely has a lot of beautiful scene.

Japan Drama Rating:
Worth watching. A drama that tells us school is not simply just a place to study and exam.

Purchase:
Original Soundtrack

Drama Theme Song: Kimi no Hitomi ni Koishiteiru by Oda Yuji

Japan Drama Preview:

Ryusei no Kizuna流星の絆– Release Oct 08

2009-06-28T08:02:00.000-07:00

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Japan Drama Story:
A murder case that happened 14 years ago took away both parents of Ariake Koichi (Ninomiya Kazunari) 二宮和也, Ariake Taisuke (Nishikido Ryo) 錦戸亮 and Ariake Shizuna (Toda Erika) 戸田恵梨香. The case was unsolved and the murderer still hasn’t been identified. The 3 siblings have grown up but they didn’t forget the day their parents died. They were lucky to be alive because during that time 3 of them sneak out to watch meteor shower. Ever since that day onwards, they vowed to investigate the murder case themselves as police can’t help much. The painful memories haunted the 3 of them for 14 years but still there is not much clue regarding the case. One day a man call Togami Yukinari (Kaname Jun) 要潤 appears and that’s when the mystery and secret starts to revel.

Feelings and comments:
The cast members of this drama definitely are strong, not to mention the drama also has Nakashima Mika (中島美嘉). That makes this drama one of the must see drama even without knowing the story.
I must say, initially I thought this drama is a sad story with 3 siblings trying to figure out who kill their parents. After watching first episode, surprisingly it didn’t feel that way. The script is written in a way that there are lots of humors in it but with a little sadness behind it. In addition with some detective and adventure ingredients, the well mixture combination of all makes this drama a different kind of taste. You might feel a bit strange but it just doesn’t taste bad. Perhaps it tastes just like the Hayashi rice in the drama.
Bloodline might determine brothers and sisters but it doesn’t create the feeling or sense of the relationship. Every relationship can be well preserve even if they are not bloodline related.

Things that caught my eyes:
The Hayashi rice seems delicious. I suppose no matter what kind of dishes you’re selling, as long as you can make it taste delicious, you can build a franchise with it. Another interesting part will be the appearance of Nakashima Mika (中島美嘉) as Sagi, and the best part will be her singing ORION in between the drama.

Japan Drama Rating:
Worth watching. This drama is special in a sense that it includes partly humor, detective, family, romance and thriller.

Purchase:
Original Soundtrack

Drama Theme Song: Beautiful Days by Arashi

Japan Drama Preview:

Japan Drama NG Scenes:
Click to watch it at YouTube

SCANDAL– Release Oct 08

2009-06-21T03:35:00.000-07:00

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Japan Drama Story:
Shiraishi Risako (Toda Naho) 戸田菜穂 is getting married and she invites 4 of her friends Takayanagi Takako (Suzuki Kyouka) 鈴木京香, Kawai Hitomi (Hasegawa Kyoko) 長谷川京子, Samejima Mayuko (Fukiishi Kazue) 吹石一恵 and Shindo Tamaki (Momoi Kaori) 桃井かおり to attend her wedding. Right after the wedding ceremony, 5 of them get together in a bar in the evening to have a girls night. It turns out that the 4 friends did not know each other but the bride. As they started to get to know each other, Shiraishi Risako (Toda Naho) 戸田菜穂 suggested a game where by each of them try to find a partner and bring them back to the bar. At the end of the night some of them successfully find a partner and some did not. Even so, all of them return to the bar except Shiraishi Risako (Toda Naho) 戸田菜穂. The next day onwards, she was reported missing by her husband.

Feelings and comments:
This drama is about woman. It’s about their lifestyle, characteristics, vision, thoughts, love, marriage and family. It’s is also a story of how these women pursuit their own version of happiness. This drama totally reflects the minds of woman. I actually think that this drama is more suitable to view by woman. Of cause man are welcome to watch it. Just that you might find it a bit boring. From a different point of view, you might just learn how woman really thinks.

Things that caught my eyes:
4 different characteristics woman with 4 different style of living standard can be seen in this drama. Perhaps the most interesting part of this drama is the singer Fukuhara Miho who sings the theme song “Love ~winter song~” with her incredible voice.

Japan Drama Rating:
Fan of those actresses should watch it. If not skip it.

Purchase:
Original Soundtrack

Drama Theme Song: LOVE ~winter song~ by Fukuhara Miho

Japan Drama Preview:
Not available.

Innocent Loveイノセント・ラヴ – Release Oct 08

2009-06-12T08:32:00.000-07:00

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Japan Drama Story:
After a terrible incident that destroyed her family, Akiyama Kanon (Horikita Maki) 堀北真希 still having difficulties going through life by herself. Even though after 7 years, people are still talking about his brother Akiyama Yoji (Fukushi Seiji) 福士誠治 who killed both parents and burn the house. Akiyama Yoji (Fukushi Seiji) 福士誠治 was then convicted and jailed, leaving her sister Akiyama Kanon (Horikita Maki) 堀北真希alone to face the world. She was unable to find any job because the locals cannot accept her brother’s action. Even so she still believes her brother is innocent. In order to survive, she decided to move to the city and change her name. Still, finding a job and working in the city is not easy. As she was feeling down, she found her love in first sight - Nagasaki Junya (Kitagawa Yujin) 北川悠仁, the person that captures her heart with a warm happy smile.

Feelings and comments:
This drama tries to bring out the feeling of love from different point of view. Different kind of love can be found in this drama but mostly just single sided love. Apparently love is all around, just that only few of them respond to each other. The music and the theme song help a lot in conveying the feelings, which makes this drama a nice romantic story to watch. Of cause the casts did a good job too, especially Horikita Maki (堀北真希).

What is love any way? Is there a guarantee of what we’ll get in return if we put all our heart or love in it? Perhaps this drama might give you the answer. Love is definitely fragile. We can’t smell it, touch it, taste it or see it. We can just feel it. The question is how do we feel it? You might get a lot of feedback explaining the feeling of love but the truth is we need to go through and experience it ourselves to learn it. Ironically some of us take a whole life time to learn it and most of the time we learn it after losing it.

Things that caught my eyes:
The small cubical music box definitely makes a wonderful gift, especial a present for a girl. ( Check out this video to find out a secret to this drama)

Japan Drama Rating:
Worth watching. A drama that well describes what love actually is.

Purchase:
TV series, Original Soundtrack

Drama Theme Song: Eternally Drama Mix by Utada Hikaru

Japan Drama Preview:

Kaze no Garden風のガーデン– Release Oct 08

2009-06-06T07:43:00.000-07:00

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
Shiratori Sadami (Nakai Kiichi) 中井貴一 is a talented and well respect doctor that works in Tokyo. Despite the success in his career, his personal life is a disaster. His playboy life style causes his wife to commit suicide. Right after the incident, his father (Shiratori Teizo ) 緒形拳kicked him out of house and forbids his two children Shiratori Rui (Kuroki Meisa) 黒木メイサ and Shiratori Gaku (Kamiki Ryunosuke) 神木隆之介 from staying with him. After 7 years of dedicated working life, Shiratori Sadami (Nakai Kiichi) 中井貴一 found out that he has cancer and was too late for any treatment. All he can do is try to reduce the pain before the end of his time. With the remaining of his time he went back to his hometown for a glance of his children but dare not return home. The only thing that he can do is staying close to the garden that his wife left behind, a flower garden call “Garden of Wind” which he once live happily together with his family.

Feelings and comments:
Flower is one of the characters in this drama, a character that represent the emotion and characteristic of human being. The most common flower that we known might just be red roses as it represents the love towards another person. It’s a flower that we seen in many places as well as in movies and dramas. As for this drama, it shows you different variety of flowers that are as beautiful as red roses but with different style and characteristic.
No doubt that we all make mistakes. Perhaps if we know how serious the damages will be, we might be more careful but sadly we learned that after things happened. Forgiveness is what we always look for. Either praying for it or talking about it with friends, the only one that we always seek for forgiveness is ourselves. That’s the first important step. From this first step then we seek for forgiveness from others.

Things that caught my eyes:
The flower garden is the main spot light. Wonderful story about family, songs with sweet vocal and touching music makes this garden heaven on earth. The theme song by Hirahara Ayaka (平原綾香), also known as Himuro Akane in this drama definitely brings out the best of this drama with her extraordinaire vocal.

Japan Drama Rating:
Worth watching. Especially for those that love flowers.

Purchase:
Original Soundtrack

Drama Theme Song: Nocturne by Hirahara Ayaka

Japan Drama Preview:

Bloody Mondayブラッディ・マンデイ– Release Oct 08

2009-05-29T07:37:00.001-07:00

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
Takagi Fujimaru (Miura Haruma) 三浦春馬 also known as Falcon the hacker is a high school student that lives with his sister Takagi Haruka (Kawashima Umika) 川島海荷. Their father Takagi Ryonosuke (Tanaka Tetsushi) 田中哲司 works as a government agent Third I and always not around home. One day an incident that wipes out the entire population of a small town in Russia initialize a terrorist attack towards the peaceful Tokyo city. As a famous top computer hacker, Takagi Fujimaru (Miura Haruma) 三浦春馬 has the ability to gather and crack secret information. His ability is very concerned by either the government agent Third I or the terrorist group. His action might determine the success or failure of terrorist attack towards Tokyo city. His father Takagi Ryonosuke (Tanaka Tetsushi) 田中哲司 understand the ability of his son and trying hard not to involve his family into this incident. Unfortunately things turn badly within minutes as Takagi Ryonosuke (Tanaka Tetsushi) 田中哲司found himself trap or setup by the terrorist and the only advice that he can give to his son is the two words “Bloody Monday”.

Feelings and comments:
This drama involves a lot of people. Apart of the main actor Miura Haruma (三浦春馬), every cast within this drama has the chance to show their talent in acting. A lot of actor or actress that I never lay eyes on before are now craft inside my mind. This is definitely a drama that brings out a lot of talented actors.
As for the drama itself, the story is very exciting with the script written in a way that you’ll keep on watching it nonstop. The only thing that probably might drive you crazy is that you can’t figure it out who’s the good guy and who’s the bad guy. That’s how it is when involves secret agents.
Perhaps the so call terrorist attack might not be the most dangerous thing that can happen. The fear within public about terrorist might just be equally dangerous. Steering up public fear can be lethal as it causes panic within society. The drama shows that by controlling information you basically control everything. Nowadays all information has its price. Sometimes the price is much more expensive then a human life.

Things that caught my eyes:
Seems like thumb drive is much more important than a notebook for a hacker and is much more convenient.

Japan Drama Rating:
Worth watching. Not many exciting drama just like this one. Some similarities from US award winning TV series 24 can be found in this drama.

Purchase:
TV series, Original Soundtrack

Drama Theme Song: Over the rain ~Hikari no Hashi~ by flumpool

Japan Drama Preview:

Tomorrow – Release July 08

2009-05-16T09:07:00.000-07:00

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
Moriyama Kohei (Takenouchi Yutaka) 竹野内豊 used to be a surgeon 8 years ago. Due to a medical mistake he quits his job as a doctor and moved to a quiet country side. He started his life by working as a public servant in the city hall. After so many years working peacefully without letting others know that he used to be a doctor, he was then assigned to help rebuilt the local hospital. A talented doctor and also a hospital manager name Endo Saya (Ogawa Tamaki) 緒川たまwas assigned to rescue the hospital from bankruptcy. Due to the insufficient of doctors around, Moriyama Kohei (Takenouchi Yutaka) 竹野内豊 once again pick up the scalpel for the sake of the local people. His decision was mostly influence by a nurse name Tanaka Aiko (Kanno Miho) 菅野美穂.

Feelings and comments:
The first impression this drama gives me is that doctors are humans too. They are just like ordinary people with their own problems and secrets. There are not many people that can successfully become a doctor or a surgeon. The demand of doctor is always high. It will be a waste if a doctor quits. That goes the same to hospital too. It will be a big problem for a place that does not have a hospital close by. Imagine if you need to drive few hours from where you live just to reach the nearest hospital. Sometimes patients might not be able to wait that long to reach the hospital.

I don’t see much action from Takenouchi Yutaka (竹野内豊) either in movie or drama lately. So it’s kind of nice to be able to see him in this drama. Still after so many years, his acting doesn’t seem to improve much. I think Kanno Miho (菅野美穂) shines brighter in this drama.
As usual there are a lot of moral and ethical topics in this drama as it is related to medical. The main issue that you’ll find in this drama is that money is still very important no matter what. Nothing is free. Somebody else needs to pay for the medical fees in order to keep the hospital operate.

Things that caught my eyes:
Such a big hospital but still can be run and operate by just few stuff. The nurses seem to be able to look after so many patients and help out in the operation room.

Japan Drama Rating:
Worth watching. Besides, we don’t get to see much action from Takenouchi Yutaka (竹野内豊)

Purchase:
TV series

Drama Theme Song: Hikari by Hoshimura Mai

Japan Drama Preview:

Yume wo Kanaeru Zo夢をかなえるゾウ– Release Oct 08

2009-05-10T07:28:00.000-07:00

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
Hoshino Asuka (Mizukawa Asami) 水川あさみis a young office lady that always dreams to marry a fine young man and live a happy life. At her 25th birthday as things seems to be going well, everything changes over night as she lost his boy friend and her apartment. What’s left for her is an unsecure job, a bag of cloths and a small old temporally apartment. As she is crying out loud for her bad luck and the losses, the elephant god Ganesha (Furuta Arata) 古田新太 appears. Apparently this is the same old apartment that the elephant god Ganesha (Furuta Arata) 古田新太helps Nogami Kohei (Oguri Shun) 小栗旬few years ago. This time it is Hoshino Asuka (Mizukawa Asami) 水川あさみthat needs help to regain her happiness.

Feelings and comments:
No doubt that the story of this drama is crazy and interesting. You can find a lot of teaching in this drama that is useful in our daily life. Honestly I really have a hard time watching this drama at the beginning. Perhaps maybe it is because of Oguri Shun (小栗旬). I was expecting to see more of Oguri Shun (小栗旬) but instead he only appears few minutes in the first episode only. Maybe due to this disappointment that makes me difficult to continue watching this drama. After dragging this drama to episode 2 and 3, I finally get into it as the story seems interesting.
I suppose the special edition of this drama should move to the end until this drama finish. That will give Mizukawa Asami (水川あさみ) a chance to actually build up her character into the audience.

Sometimes we are taught by our grandparents about things that we should do and should not do. These teaching are difficult to understand by youngsters as it only can be justified later. These teaching have been passing on from generation to generation as it was proven by time and experience that it is meant for good. As time passes by, a lot of these teaching disappear and lost as they are no longer suitable nowadays. Still we have to remember it. We don’t have to practice them but at least we need to preserve these teaching as it is evidence or a historical proved that our grandparents existed.

Things that caught my eyes:
The elephant face with the long nose sure is interesting. But I’m more curious about the quotes and the famous historical people. Especially the quote “If you don't have bread eat cake".

Japan Drama Rating:
Fun to watch. There are lots of crazy ideas towards the pursuit of happiness.

Purchase:
Original Soundtrack, Special

Drama Theme Song: Continue by SEAMO

Japan Drama Preview:

OL NipponＯＬにっぽん– Release Oct 08

2009-05-01T02:21:00.000-07:00

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
Kanzaki Shimako (Mizuki Alisa) 観月ありさ works as an office lady in a big company in Japan. In a competitive business world, outsourcing is one of the method company used to stay running. One day her company decided to outsource to China where labors can be bought in a cheaper price. As a result, 2 Chinese girls are sent to her department for training. Kanzaki Shimako (Mizuki Alisa) 観月ありさ is responsible in teaching them and guide them to work on service manual projects. While worrying when her job will be replace by them, a cultural collaboration between Japan and China takes place in the department.

Feelings and comments:
This is not the first time Mizuki Alisa (観月ありさ) acts as office lady. In fact her acting has improved when compare to her previous OL drama. The Chinese actors also add some flavors into this drama. Even though their Japanese language sounds strange but it’s interesting to listen as it creates a lot of jokes. Another thing that this drama talks about is outsourcing and the value of employees. China and India no doubt are 2 main countries that companies outsourcing target. It does save a lot of labor cost but getting people from different culture to work together is not an easy task. From the employee point of view, both workers from Japan and China are struggling hard to keep their job. In order to survive is to work hard, keep on learning and adept to the changes around.

Things that caught my eyes:
The cultural difference between Japan and China is the most interesting part. It seems working together is the best way to really understand each other. Even though conflict happens but that’s just the process of learning.

Japan Drama Rating:
Fan of Mizuki Alisa (観月ありさ) should not miss this. It’s more like an education drama that talks about outsourcing and cultural shock.

Purchase:
not available

Drama Theme Song: Ashita no Sora by SPEED

Japan Drama Preview:

Room of Kingルームオブキング– Release Oct 08

2009-04-25T07:49:00.000-07:00

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
9 different people with different background and occupation are brought to a big apartment. They are offered a very low rent by the landlords. Actually they are invited to play a game by the landlords, a game to see who will become king. 9 of them are freelancer (Mizushima Hiro) 水嶋ヒロ, bank officer (Suzuki Anne) 鈴木杏, gynecologist (Igawa Haruka) 井川遥, stylist (Watabe Atsuro) 渡部篤郎, chef (Itao Itsuji) 板尾創路, housewife (Ishino Mako) 石野真子, IT worker (Fukazawa Atsuji) 深沢敦, movie producer (Hirayama Hiroyuki) 平山広行 and NEET (Ohkura Koji) 大倉孝二. The one that crown as king will win the apartment.

Feelings and comments:
It’s actually nothing special about this drama. All we have here is the lifestyle and story of 9 different people. Each person has their own problems and sometimes meeting the right people can help solve it. We survive by helping each other.
Another thing to expect is who will first become successful in their career and crown as king. It seems that no matter what job we hold has the opportunity to end up good. Like is just full of surprises. Well, perhaps the story that we heard or watched might be too perfect compare to real life.

Things that caught my eyes:
The only thing that interests me is the apartment with 9 rooms. Sadly the apartment doesn’t seem as grand as I expected.

Japan Drama Rating:
Fan of Mizushima Hiro (水嶋ヒロ) should watch it. If not watch it only when free.

Purchase:
Not available.

Drama Theme Song: Ai NEED by kimaguren

Japan Drama Preview:
Sorry, not available.

Giragiraギラギラ – Release Oct 08

2009-04-16T08:03:00.000-07:00

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
Nanase Kohei (Sasaki Kuranosuke) 佐々木蔵之介 got lay off by company and unable to get a new job for quite some time. He is married and desperately needed a job as he is the only source of income in his family. Nanase Kohei (Sasaki Kuranosuke) 佐々木蔵之介 does not has an education degree and that makes it difficult to get a job anywhere. Finally he has no choice but to return to the occupation that he’s use to be the good at, a male host. Nanase Kohei (Sasaki Kuranosuke) 佐々木蔵之介 used to be No.1 host at his former host club. After leaving his former host club for about 10 years, the club is not the same as it used to be during his time. Furthermore at the age of 36, it’s a bit too old for the job. It’s a survival competition in the world of male host and advantage is towards those 20 year old youngsters. Without his wife knowledge, he returns to his former male host job and challenge other young host to prove that he still has what it takes to become No.1 male host. This time he has to struggle to fight for his family and his survival in the male host world.

Feelings and comments:
When a man loves a woman, he’ll do anything to make her happy and protect her. Well, that’s the strong message that I get from this drama. Another message will be no matter what good reason you have for keeping a secret from your wife, it’s still not a good idea as you always end up backfire.
This is the first time that I witness Sasaki Kuranosuke (佐々木蔵之介) as lead actor in a drama. Even though he still has a lot to improve for his facial expression but overall he did a good job in this drama. The story line is a bit rush but you won’t feel bored watching it. I still feel a sense of not enough from this drama, perhaps there might be a special version coming out later.
You can always look good if you put money and effort on to your appearance, but it’s the personality, knowledge and the value within that makes a person attractive and charming. There are things that you can’t buy with money. You can only win it with your heart, and that is the most treasures thing in the world.

Things that caught my eyes:
The suits that the hosts wear is very fashionable, mostly can be seen from celebrities only.

Japan Drama Rating:
Worth watching. It’s an exciting experience into the world of host club.

Purchase:
not available yet

Drama Theme Song: Jonetsu no Daisho by GIRL NEXT DOOR

Japan Drama Preview:

Oh! My Girl!!オー！マイ・ガール！！– Release Oct 08

2009-04-08T06:44:00.000-07:00

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
Yamashita Kotaro (Hayami Mokomichi) 速水もこみち use to stay alone in a small rented room. He is poor and always works hard for the rental. He works in a magazine publisher company and dream of one day that he is able to publish his own work. Even thought he published his work in cell phone version of digital novel for free, his work doesn’t receive much comment. One day a six year old girl name Sakurai Anne (Yoshida Riko) 吉田里琴 appear in his life and clams to be his niece and was force to be her temporally guardian. Sakurai Anne (Yoshida Riko) 吉田里琴 is the daughter of a famous actress also known as his sister. Along with Sakurai Anne’s manager Fuji Mineko (Kato Rosa) 加藤ローサ, three of them started a new life by looking after Sakurai Anne and her young acting career. Having to take care of a 6 year old girl is hard enough for a 20 year old poor guy, plus he has to keep it a secret that Sakurai Anne is staying with him and she’s the daughter of the famous actress.

Feelings and comments:
Being the children of celebrities is not easy at all. Privacy is always the thing that celebrities fight for in order to have a balance between work and family. In most of the cases, children eventually become the victim. Still that is not always the case. We also have seen lots of children that come from celebrities’ background gain success at a very young age. It is always interesting to listen to their stories.
Even with the present of 2 talented actors like Hayami Mokomichi (速水もこみち) and Kato Rosa (加藤ローサ), Yoshida Riko (吉田里琴) still seems to be the brightest star in this drama. Honestly, she is so cute in this drama.

Things that caught my eyes:
No doubt that most of my attention on this drama is the cute young star Yoshida Riko (吉田里琴). Her char in this drama as a young actress gives her a lot of opportunities to show her talent. She might be the next big star in years to come.

Japan Drama Rating:
Nice to watch. It’s a drama suitable for family of all ages. The main attraction is the young star Yoshida Riko (吉田里琴).

Purchase:
not available yet

Drama Theme Song: Toki no Ashioto by Kobukuro

Japan Drama Preview:

Team Batista no Eikoチーム・バチスタの栄光 – Release Oct 08

2009-03-30T09:40:00.000-07:00

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
Taguchi Kohei (Ito Atsushi ) 伊藤淳史and Shiratori Keisuke (Nakamura Toru ) 仲村トオルare brought into an investigation regarding a case of 3 consecutive death on the operation room in Tojo University Hospital. The surgical team involves is specialize in Batista operation. Since the formation of the team, they set a record of 27 success operation without any failing. After that the team continuously received 3 failures during the operation causing the death of 3 patients on the operation table. As Batista operation is a difficult heart operation, cases of patients die during the operation is normal. But for the case of 3 consecutive deaths, chances are something has terribly gone wrong. The cause of the death might not simply be just medical mistake, worst of all this might the work of a murderer.

Feelings and comments:
At first I thought this is just another medical surgical drama but I was wrong. It’s actually a detective investigation drama with the crime scene in the surgical room. The scrip of the drama is well written in a way that you’ll keep on watching it once started.
No doubt that doctor carries great responsibility in saving lives. I can’t imagine if doctors start killing patients simply for their pleasure, glory or anything else. Even so we can see that doctors still make mistakes just like everyone else. The difference is they reduce the chances of mistakes using knowledge, rules and experience. Still nothing is perfect, we can only hope for the best. At the end of the day, doctors might be the best choice we have.

Things that caught my eyes:
It’s another drama that introduces Batista surgical procedure. Most important of all the drama also tells us that doctors are ordinary people too. They can’t save everybody and they are not perfect.

Japan Drama Rating:
Worth watching. It’s actually a very interesting investigation drama, detective story that took place in the hospital.

Purchase:
not available

Drama Theme Song: Mamoritai Mono by Aoyama Thelma
Japan Drama Preview:

Celeb to Binbo Taroセレブと貧乏太郎 – Release Oct 08

2009-03-21T00:22:00.000-07:00

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
Mitazono Alice (Ueto Aya) 上戸彩 comes from a rich family. She is young, beautiful and fashion talented. She is a fashion icon and owns a fashion company. She is a famous celebrity in Japan. Sato Taro (Kamiji Yusuke) 上地雄輔 is a poor father that has no permanent job. He is also a single parent of 3 children. The 2 different people from totally different background met and started out a relationship between a poor and a rich.

Feelings and comments:
The story is not much interesting as it’s basically a relationship between a celebrity girl and a poor father. The question that might keep you into the drama is that “Will both of them be together at the end?” As you start to watch the drama, that question won’t be the main thing that keeps you watching it.
If you’re a fan of Ueto Aya (上戸彩) then you’ll definitely love this drama. It’s pretty much about having Ueto Aya (上戸彩) doing all the stuff that she’s good at and making the story go around her. In the end you have a fun and enjoyable sort of fairy tale, which is good to view for family and all ages.

Things that caught my eyes:
Having fresh egg for breakfast is really something special. It’s definitely different form the one that we bought from the market because you still can feel the warm temperature from the egg. That is if the drama really uses fresh new eggs, but I doubt it.

Japan Drama Rating:
Fun to watch. It’s always fun to watch Ueto Aya (上戸彩) in different costumes.

Purchase:
TV series, Original Soundtrack
Drama Theme Song: Kimagure Romantic by Ikimono-gakari
Japan Drama Preview:
Japan Drama NG Scenes:

Yasuko to Kenjiヤスコとケンジ – Release July 08

2009-03-09T06:17:00.000-07:00

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
Yasuko (Tabe Mikako) 多部未華子 lives with his brother Oki Kenji (Matsuoka Masahiro) 松岡昌宏 ever since their parents died. His brother takes up the responsibility to raise Yasuko and work as girl comic writer (shojo mangaka). Before that he was a leader of a motorcycle gang rider. After the death of their parent, he then quit the gang to take care of his sister. After 10 years his so call rival or the lady gang rider Tsubaki Erika (Hirosue Ryoko) 広末涼子appear in his life again wanted to capture his heart one more time. She has been in love with Oki Kenji 10 years before. At this time Yasuko (Tabe Mikako) 多部未華子already grown to be a young high school girl hopping for a romance teenage life. As his brother Oki Kenji (Matsuoka Masahiro) 松岡昌宏 is very strict with her social life and everything else, it will be hard for Yasuko to have a normal high school life.

Feelings and comments:
Having strict parents that watches your moves all the time really does feel annoying, but then that’s because they care too much until about you. After all about family and everything can be discuss and solved. Seriously it’s tough being in the position of Oki Kenji (Matsuoka Masahiro) 松岡昌宏 where he has to take care of the sister in his young age.
Tsubaki Erika (Hirosue Ryoko) 広末涼子 and Yasuko (Tabe Mikako) 多部未華子is the only 2 actresses that is really good in this drama. Their acting can be consider natural enough to keep me continue to finish the drama. Especially for Tabe Mikako 多部未華子 I think she is going to do well in the coming drama.

Things that caught my eyes:
The brother Oki Kenji (Matsuoka Masahiro) 松岡昌宏 seems to know their location at the end of each episode.

Japan Drama Rating:
Fun to watch. If you’re a fan of Hirosue Ryoko広末涼子 then you must watch it.

Purchase:
TV series, Original Soundtrack

Drama Theme Song: Amagasa by TOKIO

Japan Drama Preview:

Gonzoゴンゾウ – Release July 08

2009-02-16T00:48:00.000-08:00

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
Kuroki Toshihide (Uchino Masaaki) 内野聖陽 is the chief of equipment department in the police station. Due to an incident 3 years back he was transferred to the equipment department. Ever since then he spend most of his time doing things other than police job. One day a murder case that involves a stuff – Endo Tsuru (Motokariya Yuika ) 本仮屋ユイカin the police station happens. The case was highly concern by the public and police department as it involves attempted murder of a police woman. An investigation team was then assembled to take on this murder case. That is the time when Kuroki Toshihide (Uchino Masaaki) 内野聖陽 involvement is requested as he was used to be the top investigator, a legendary police investigator that used to lead the police investigation team.

Feelings and comments:
There are 2 things in this drama that make me finish watching it one shot. First is the scrip that is well written as you won’t find much bored moment in the drama. Second is the brilliant acting of Kuroki Toshihide (Uchino Masaaki) 内野聖陽. The drama is able to lead audiences from one incident to another incident which eventually related to the murder case.
I’ll say this is one of the best detective Japan dramas that I ever seen. It’s actually not the murder case that I’m anxious to know who the killer is but the story behind each of the character that is attractive.

Things that caught my eyes:
The police department equipment section seems to be a nice place to sleep, play, work and a hideout.

Japan Drama Rating:
Worth watching. The Story line of this drama is well written and each episode links up just nice. Once you started watching it, you can’t stop till you finish it.

Purchase:
TV series, Original Soundtrack

Drama Theme Song: Who by Misako Odani 小谷美紗子

Japan Drama Preview:
Sorry, no preview available.

Gakko ja Oshierarenai! 学校じゃ教えられない！– Release July 08

2009-02-08T22:42:00.000-08:00

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
A girl school started to accept male students as a change to keep up with the competition. The initial group of male students consists of 5 people only. In order to help these 5 male students get use to the special environment, Aida Mai (Fukada Kyoko) 深田恭子 invited them into social dance club together with 5 other female students. Being in a school that surrounding by thousands of female students really is exciting for these boys, but apparently things are not what they expected.

Feelings and comments:
The title of this drama says it all. It’s all about the things that school doesn’t teach. Things like love, opposite sex and friendship are part of growing up in school. You won’t learn it from the text books but you’ll eventually know them for sure from friends, teacher and parents.
Imagine if you really admit into a girl school, what kind of school life will it be? I’m sure lots of things will happen.

Things that caught my eyes:
A girl school with only 5 male students really is interesting, absolutely an unbalance situation where these 5 boys might get eaten alive.

Japan Drama Rating:
Interesting to watch. Mostly about stuff that teenagers faces when growing up, especially about love and sex.

Purchase:
TV series, Original Soundtrack

Japan Drama Preview:

Lotto 6 de 3 oku 2 senman En Ateta Otokoロト6で3億2千万円当てた男 – Release July 08

2009-01-22T22:42:00.001-08:00

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
Tachibana Satoru (Sorimachi Takashi) 反町隆史is the lucky guy that won the lottery ticket of 320 million yen. He is a poor salary man with no savings and a divorce marriage. He has no talent and nothing good that he is proud of. Basically he is a loser. He even writes a blog diary about his pathetic life. The only treasure that he has is his son. Perhaps the time that he spends with his son is the only happy moment. On day he bought a lottery ticket when he’s with his son. That’s when his life changes. That’s the day he strikes lottery first prize of 320 million yen.

Feelings and comments:
Money is not everything but life can be difficult without money. Tachibana Satoru‘s income can be considered low. Compare to his yearly salary of about 3.5 million yen, the lottery money is almost 100 times of his yearly income. In other words, it takes 100 years for him to earn that amount of money. It’s not really a good thing in getting that much of money in short time. Psychologically people might not prepare for it. Either you might be too happy and spend as much as you can or afraid and cautious towards anything or everyone that might steal your money. I’m sure most of us will go crazy winning that lottery ticket. It’s not a surprise that they recommended an adviser on how to deal with that much of money.
One thing for sure that there are things that money can’t buy. That’s happiness. We have to really work for it.

Things that caught my eyes:
Definitely the money, plus sleeping and taking pictures with money.

Japan Drama Rating:
Fan of (Sorimachi Takashi) 反町隆史 should watch it. Frankly speaking, it’s unbearable to watch how to lose money.

Purchase:
TV series

Drama Theme Song: My Fantasy by Exile

Japan Drama Preview:
Not available.

Shibatoraシバトラ – Release July 08

2009-01-09T23:13:00.000-08:00

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
Shibata Taketora (Koike Teppei) 小池徹平 is a policeman with a baby face. As he looks very much younger than his actual age, he is promoted as a detective to solve juvenile crime. His mission is to go undercover to schools and other teenage community. As it is illegal to carry out undercover operation by Japan police officer, Shibata Taketora (Koike Teppei) 小池徹平 has no protection and will get fired if his identity expose. Risking his career, Taketora (Koike Teppei) 小池徹平 still accepted the task because he wanted to be a great policeman just like his father. With his specially ability to foresee the death of others, he went undercover to help teenagers that involved with juvenile crime. Taketora (Koike Teppei) 小池徹平 solved a lot of juvenile crimes together with the help of his best friends Hosho Mizuki (Ohgo Suzuka) 大後寿々花, Fujiki Kojiro (Fujiki Naohito) 藤木直人 and Hakuto Shinsuke (Tsukaji Muga) 塚地武雅.

Feelings and comments:
I have to say Koike Teppei (小池徹平) still has a lot to improve in acting. The way that he looks at others trying to show his concern is just not there. Honestly, I think some of the supporting cast acting is better than him. But still he has the looks that capture the soul of many people, especially girls.
This drama is actually base on a famous manga series. Most of the characters appeared in the drama but the story is a bit different with the original manga. There will be some unexpected scene even if you already read the manga version.
It’s hard to really trust someone, especially if you’re living in a city. People lie and that’s the fact. How do we know who to trust? That’s the thing that we have to keep on learning. One thing for sure, life will be very much difficult if we can’t trust anybody. There is a chance that you might get hurt but that’s the best way to find some good friends.

Things that caught my eyes:
There are lots of scenes on “Looking and finding someone”. But I think the most interesting part is using a marker pen and a tooth brush to fight.

Japan Drama Rating:
Worth watching. There are lots of actions with detective or undercover scene.

Purchase:
TV series, Original Soundtrack, Special
Drama Theme Song: あたらしい日々 by Every Little Thing

Japan Drama Preview:

Japan Drama NG Scenes:

Muri na Renai無理な恋愛 – Release April 08

2008-12-24T08:10:00.000-08:00

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
Tachiki Shogo (Sakai Masaaki) 堺正章 is a 60 year old rich music producer who use to be a member of a rock band. At his elderly age, he has everything except one. That is a partner or a lover that can accompany him throughout the years. Before he met Nagano Kaede (Natsukawa Yui) 夏川結衣, he spend most of his time party with the youngsters and singing in Karaoke. After meet up with Nagano Kaede (Natsukawa Yui) 夏川結衣, he began to fall in love with her. It’s not easy for Tachiki Shogo (Sakai Masaaki) 堺正章 to pursuit his love as there are lots of barriers that he needs to get through. Couple of things ahead is the big age gap and a young handsome guy that might be Nagano Kaede (Natsukawa Yui) 夏川結衣 boy friend.

Feelings and comments:
Age is not a problem when it comes to love. That’s not entirely true, especially when you have a big age gap. The sentence should be written this way “Age will have a lot of problems when it comes to love, but all can be solve”. When couple has a large age gap, there are things that need to be considered. Things like being same age with the father of the bride or maybe older and the ability of having children are among some of the issue that need to be discuss. Most importantly the thoughts and goals are different at different age. Still it is possible for love to fit in, just need to tune it right.
Honestly the main cast of this drama did not attract me at all. Even so I’m pretty amaze by the passion of actor (Sakai Masaaki) 堺正章. He doesn’t really looks like a 60 year old man.

Things that caught my eyes:
Lots of guest stars including Sakaguchi Kenji (坂口憲二).

Japan Drama Rating:
Watch it if you like love story. It’s a big age gap love story with no famous cast. Not much interesting stuff to keep on watching it.

Purchase:
TV series

Drama Theme Song: Wasuremono by Masaaki Sakai

Japan Drama Preview:

Osenおせん – Release April 08

2008-12-04T23:11:00.000-08:00

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
Handa Sen (Aoi Yu) 蒼井優is the owner of a Japanese restaurant that serves Japanese dishes traditional way. Preserving the original taste has always been the main goal of this restaurant. Even as the owner of the famous Japanese restaurant, Handa Sen (Aoi Yu) 蒼井優 is still a 20 year old girl. She loves to drink a lot but when it comes to cooking she is still the best. The present of Handa Sen (Aoi Yu) 蒼井優 makes this famous Japanese restaurant special. Then came Ezaki Yoshio (Uchi Hiroki) 内博貴 who wanted to learn to become a chef. As he starts working in the restaurant, he learns more than just cooking.

Feelings and comments:
It’s difficult to get a taste of handmade traditional food nowadays. No doubt that preparing food traditional way does taste better and healthy. The problem is that it takes a lot of time and effort just to prepare a meal. If you’re living in a city, you don’t have that much time for cooking. That is why most of us that live and stay in city are mostly customers of fast food. Some of us don’t even have time to slow down and get a taste of what we’re eating. All we can think of is eat to work.
There is a time for me that I have ketchup for almost all my meals. No matter what I’m having for lunch or dinner, I just need to add some ketchup. I never really know how to taste the food until a friend point this out. After that I learned that even if I’m having same dishes every day, it might taste differently. That’s when I started to taste the original flavor of the food.
This drama really makes me have a delicious Japanese meal with my eyes. The food and dishes presented are no doubt nicely presented.

Things that caught my eyes:
The food and dishes presented is enough to capture the attention. I did pick up some tips for preparing some Japanese food.

Japan Drama Rating:
Nice to watch. It’s a delicious drama that shows variety of Japanese food.

Purchase:
Not available yet.

Drama Theme Song: Odore by Micro, 恋詩 Koiuta by タッキー&翼

Japan Drama Preview:

Code Blueコード・ブルー – Release July 08

2008-11-18T00:55:00.000-08:00

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:

A new concept where doctors are rush to the scene of accident to save life. Doctors are highly train for emergency rescue out from surgical room. A helicopter is use specially to send doctors and patients between scene of accident and hospital. As it is a new concept, only a few doctors are highly train to handle this special condition. Kuroda Shuji (Yanagiba Toshiro) 柳葉敏郎 is one of the best doctors in this profession. In order to make this concept successful, increasing the number of skillful doctors is a must. As the best doctor, Kuroda Shuji needs to train 4 new interns to be able to handle patients at the scene of accident independently. This starts the training session for young surgical interns Aizawa Kosaku (Yamashita Tomohisa) 山下智久, Shiraishi Megumi (Aragaki Yui) 新垣結衣, Hiyama Mihoko (Toda Erika) 戸田恵梨香 and Fujikawa Kazuo (Asari Yosuke) 浅利陽介.

Feelings and comments:

Yamashita Tomohisa 山下智久, Aragaki Yui 新垣結衣 and Toda Erika 戸田恵梨香 as the main cast of this drama is enough to attract lots of viewers. Even as they only wear blue surgical uniform but they still look good. Plus there is a helicopter that most of us can’t stop looking at it. That makes it a must see drama this year.
Being a doctor is not easy. A part that doctors need to be medical knowledgeable and skillful in operation, doctors also need to be mentally strong. Sometimes critical decision needs to be made and there is no room for emotional feelings. Despite saving life, doctors also faces a lot of death. How long does it takes for doctors to get use of a person dying in front of him/her? In order to become a good doctor or a surgeon, lots of sacrifices need to be made, sometimes even placing the job in front of the loves one. That’s what makes me wondering we are not paid for their services but their sacrifices in order for us to live longer.

Things that caught my eyes:

The helicopter sure catches a lot of attention in this drama. I’m sure it’s fun to be able to get on that helicopter even if it’s just for the purpose of making this drama.

Japan Drama Rating:

Worth watching it. Just like the famous drama “Grey’s Anatomy” where surgical interns practice their skills with helicopter as their transport.

Purchase:

Original Soundtrack

Drama Theme Song: Hanabi by Mr. Children

Japan Drama Preview:

Japan Drama NG Scenes:

Around 40アラウンド40 – Release April 08

2008-10-27T09:31:00.000-07:00

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
Ogata Satoko (Amami Yuki) 天海祐希, Morimura Nao (Otsuka Nene) 大塚寧々 and Takeuchi Mizue (Matsushita Yuki) 松下由樹 are good friends. They always hang out together having lunch or dinner at Ohashi Sadao (Tsutsui Michitaka) 筒井道隆’s restaurant. Ogata Satoko, Morimura Nao and Takeuchi Mizue are all around age of 40. 2 of them are still single and 1 already married for years. 3 of them are perusing different kind of lifestyle but with same goal in mind. That is to be able to live happily ever after. Is marriage necessary for living happily?

Feelings and comments:
“Getting married or not” that is the question that most woman always talk about. Especially when age are catching up and still remain singles, this sort of question often pops up during conversation. No matter which way we choose, it doesn’t matter as long as we’re happy. “Happily ever after “or not, that’s for us to decide. There are also couples that did not sign the marriage paper but still able to have a happy life together. Marriage doesn’t guarantee a happy life but it does give you certain security.

The drama shows us 3 different stages from single, getting married and married for years. All of them have only 1 goal in mind. That is to be happy in their life. One thing for sure, no matter which path we choose there will be problems and difficulties. All we need to do is try to deal with it and keep on moving.

Things that caught my eyes:
There is a quote shown on TV whenever Ogata Satoko (Amami Yuki) 天海祐希 walk pass the corridor in the hospital. A different quote every time but it makes us think about a lot of things.

It sure is nice to have a restaurant like that where friends can hang out. Especially the owner of the restaurant is one of our buddies.

Japan Drama Rating:
Interesting to watch. It’s a story about 3 women in different lifestyle around the age of 40.

Purchase:
TV series, Original Soundtrack

Drama Theme Song: Shiawase no Monosashi by Takeuchi Mariya
Japan Drama Preview:

Shichinin no Onna Bengoshi 7人の女弁護士 (season2)– Release April 08

2008-10-04T00:37:00.000-07:00

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
This is a drama about a law firm with 7 female lawyers that aim to help women. They are Todo Maki (釈由美子) Shaku Yumiko, Ijima Taeko (原沙知絵) Hara Sachie, Sugimura Misako (野際陽子)Nogiwa Yoko, Yoshizawa Kanako (中島知子) Nakajima Tomoko, Kawamura Ayako (三浦理恵子) Miura Rieko, Miyata Shizuka (東ちづる) Azuma Chizuru and Nakamura Saki (滝沢沙織 )Takizawa Saori . They work as a team to solve cases and help innocent female victims.

Feelings and comments:
If you like the first season, then you should continue watch the 2nd season. It’s just the same old style of drama with a case to solve in each episode. Honestly I feel that this drama is more like a detective drama then a lawyer drama. Perhaps it is better to describe as a group of women detectives that helps women and solve cases. A bit of girl power is written all over this drama.

Things that caught my eyes:
Obviously the main attraction of this drama is the 7 lawyer actress and a whole bunch of guest stars.

Japan Drama Rating:
Fan of detective investigation should watch it. If not skip it.

Purchase:
Not available yet.

Drama Theme Song: Kissing you by BoA
Japan Drama Preview:
Sorry, not available