I’m looking forward to Atashinchi no Danshi, and from the poll from my Spring Drama introduction post, everyone else is too. The official website has been updating daily with the cast of the six adopted sons in the family Horikita Maki‘s marries into. Let’s take a look at who they are!

New! Check out the bottom of this entry for the CM!

Kaname Jun plays the oldest son at 30 years old. It seems the character is jobless but gets everything handed to him. Kaname Jun has been in shows such as Himitsu no Hanazono and Ryusei no Kizuna.

Okada Yoshinori plays the second son, 27 years old. He is a biker and loves to gamble.
Yoshinori has been in lots of things, including Hana Kimi which I recognise him from… But this will be my first real encounter with him.



Mukai Osamu plays the third son, a 25 year old host. Osamu has most recently been in Mei-chan no Shitsuji, but as also been in Nodame Cantibile, Hachimitsu to Clover, and Bambino.

Yamamoto Yusuke plays the 22 year old fourth son, a fashion model. But he’s still a virgin!
Yusuke is well known to Hana Kimi fans. He was also in Himitsu no Hanazono playing a role which I think was rather pointless to the over all show…

Seto Koji plays high schooler fifth son, a 17 year old ex magician.
Koji is from the tv drama version of Koizora.

Okayama Toshiki plays the sixth son, 12 year old genius middle schooler who trades shares on the internet. I’m not sure, but I think this may be Toshiki’s first role, and it sounds like it’s going to be a good one.

Atashinchi no Danshi will be airing on Tuesdays at 9pm on Fuji TV. It will start on April 14th.

Check out translations of the characters from the main website here.

New! Here is the CM for Atashinchi no Danshi!

I’m Liking The Sound Of…

• Atashinchi no Danshi

Horikita Maki‘s character marries a man who offers to pay off her debts that her father made, and moves into an eccentric family. I think (hope) this will be quirky and fun, and there are lots of well know guys in it: Kaname Jun, Okada Yoshinori, Mukai Osamu, and Yamamoto Yusuke have been announced so far.

• Hyoryu Net Cafe

Toki Koichi leads a pretty dull life. Until he meets his first love again in an internet cafe. Suddenly something happens with the electricity and he and everyone else get stuck in the cafe which has become a strange universe… or something. Perhaps it’ll be something like Long Love Letter, the drifting classroom drama. Stars Ito Atsushi who I hope wont be doing another Densha Otoko take with his character.
Also staring Asami Reina, and KIKI

Hmmmm? Dunno…

• Ghost Friends

Fukuda Saki plays a girl who can see ghosts after a car accident. Then she falls inlove with one of the ghosts. Nishijima Takahiro plays the love interest. Sounds OK, I like ghosts, but also doesn’t really sound that exciting at the moment… I think this one is aimed at a young audience, but I could be wrong.

• Smile

Staring Matsumoto Jun as a half-Filipino with no family and Aragaki Yui who can’t speak…. something about always smiling. Yeah, the story line sounds a bit twee but I’ll watch the first couple of eps for the cast!

• Majo Saiban

Ikuta Toma is chosen as a Juror on the trial of a suspected woman’s murderer trial. Yeah, from that name alone you know I’ll be watching, but at the moment this one feels like it is just going to educate us on the juror (jurial? I’m not sure) system. Hope it proves me wrong.
Also staring Kato Ai and Higa Manami

• Boku no Imoto

Staring Odagiri Joe and Nagasawa Masami, this is another “maybe” because of cast. The two are siblings with a close bond because of the death of their parents. However, Masami’s character isn’t the brightest and makes bad choices, testing the strength of the sibling’s relationship. Could be OK maybe…

Noteables

• Konkatsu!

About a single salary man in his mid 30s. Everyone around him talks about marriage so he begins to think about it as well. Noteable because Nakai Masahiro is staring in this! From Smap, for the past couple of Star Bowling eps that I’ve been watching he’s been wishing to be in another drama. His wish has come true!
- also stars Ueto Aya, Sato Ryuta, and Matsukata Hiroki

CHANGE
Airing: Mondays from the 21st of April
Staring: Kimura Takuya, Fukatsu Eri, Abe Hiroshi

The story begins with the deaths of ruling party’s Fukuoka legislator and his eldest son, his heir apparent, in an accident. It is decided that a by-election will be held, and Kanbayashi Masaichi, the leader of the ruling party, and secretary Miyama Rika conceive the idea of fielding the second son, Asakura Keita, who had been renounced by his father.

After Keita graduated from senior high school, he went on to a university in Nagano because he wanted to live in a place with beautiful stars, and eventually became an elementary school teacher over there. Well-liked by children and satisfied with his beloved star gazing, Keita has no interest in the world of politics. However, at Rika’s persuasion and the pressure of his family, he reluctantly decides to announce his candidacy.

Upon returning to Fukuoka, Keita is given a hearty welcome by supporters. The election strategist, Nirasawa Katsutoshi, arrives there. He is guided by the notion “election is the only permitted legal war” and begins Keita’s election campaign – dramawiki

This drama is going to be Hard and Soft Subbed by Massuki

ZETTAI KARESHI
Airing: Tuesdays from the 15th of April
Staring: Hayami Mokomichi, Aibu Saki, Mizushima Hiro

Izawa Riko is a temp worker in search of a boyfriend, and she ends up in possession of a “robot” known as Night Tenjo, who is programmed to be the perfect boyfriend. However, this creates a love triangle with a distinguished young man at her company who has feelings for her. – dramawiki

It’s going to be Hard and Soft Subbed by S.O.S. Fansubs.
Also just Hard Subbed by SARS-Fansubs.

OSEN
Airing: Tuesdays from the 22nd of April
Staring: Aoi Yu, Uchi Hiroki, Mukai Osamu

Handa Sen is the “okami” (proprietress) of a long-standing restaurant in one of the lower parts of Tokyo. Though she is normally airheaded and loves to drink, she has an impressive mastery of a wide range skills, from cooking to ceramics to calligraphy. While the drama follows various events surrounding the restaurant, one of the series’ highlights is its illustration of Japanese food and culture. – dramawiki

Hard and Soft Subs to be made by Querbeet.

HOKABEN
Airing: Wednesdays from the 16th of April
Staring: Ueto Aya, Kitamura Kazuki, Kato Shigeaki

Ueto plays Akari Domoto, an idealistic lawyer who wants to “rescue the weak.” She joins a large law office, though she is assigned to a lowly department whose only other member is her boss, who was transferred there after making a mistake during a case. – dramawiki

Hard Subbed only by Candypop Fansubs

Thank you to the subbers for all your hard work! Check back for part two of Who’s Subbing What, Spring 2008 edition

Bambino!
バンビーノ!
Episode 6

Ban sucks at being a waiter. Like, really sucks. Ever had pasta in your drink before? Never the less, with the help of his friends, he practises to make perfect. Umm, yeah, not much to it… hey, I watch this for the Ban-perve, what’s your excuse?

Bambi as a waiter goes from bad to worse. But, doesn’t it feel like he is hardly trying? And, well, surely he must realise that everyone starts out somewhere.

Asuka and Masashi come to the rescue. It’s what Ban needs I think, some friends. I think the three of them have great chemistry.

But then Bambi again goes all feeling sorry for himself. It was cute the first time, but it’s episode 6 for goodness sake. It feels so pathetic. And then the snob says something nice to him, and he’s all “I’m so awesome” again. He is full of himself. I’m glad Yonamine came and told him off (even if it was sudden and out of character and pointless).

Oh, and we get some Ban and Katori love near the end of this episode. Yay!

Ban finally gets some friends

Ban feeling sorry for himself. Ban feeling full of himself. I think the show needs more Katori.

Over all… meh. I didn’t even feel like I got a good Matsumoto Jun perve in this episode. *sigh*

Bambino!
バンビーノ!
Episode 5

Ban has to be a waiter, and wait his way into the kitchen. Unfortunatly, his heart just isn’t in it. Cue lots more Ban sulking. However, there is some developments in the relationship between Ban, Asuka and that other guy. I forget his name. And Ban/Katori developments! Woo hoo!

Ban is a HOT waiter. Ban should aspire to become a waiter model. And I really love Jun’s hair in this. I think this show would absolutely suck if it wasn’t for the eye candy. I mean, do any guys watch this show?

I love the weird guy. That guy who doesn’t talk. He reminds me of a chibi character from an anime – I mean a generic chibi character, not anything one/thing in particular. Maybe it’s just me.

You know, I think Jun has perfected the evil smile. I’d love to see him as a bad guy in a drama. More interesting than a wimpy guy.

Poor Ban. His pan doesn’t look non-stick. My pans are not non-stick. It makes me cry.

I love the toilet scenes. There should be more toilet scenes in dramas.

Ah, Ban is completely helpless. Bambi is a very suitable name for him. He definitely is this helpless little faun. He is really immature and needs to learn his place. Not just that, he needs to learn not to take everything to heart. Hopefully he will grow as a character soon.

Ah, Katori is only denying his feelings in this episode. We know he’s inlove with Ban. And Asuka just tells it like it is. You go girl! (wow, that sounded so 90′s).

Ban is way too full of himself. Either he’s feeling sorry for himself or he’s thinking he’s God’s gift to the world. He needs to shape up!!

Bambino!
バンビーノ!
Episode 4

Ban’s back home with his Girlfriend but he dearly misses that place he went to with the food and stuff. So he decides he’s going to quit university, pack his bags and move to Tokyo permanently to pursue his career as a chef. But Eri, the girlfriend, doesn’t want to give up her whole life just for Ban. So she goes on a journey to that restaurant that I forget the name of, to see what Ban is all about.

I really don’t see the chemistry between Ban and Eri. I envision that Ban will realise that she is as important to him as cooking – other wise I don’t really see much point to her being in this drama. Still, there is no chemistry. There is more chemistry between Ban and Katori – they are so cute together.

Do those two share a single bed? Their bed is tiny. How do they sleep?

Their date was very sweet and fun. I love how he was pulling her along but at the end she was pulling him along. Shame it had to end badly. Ban has his passions and he is right to follow them. Just as she is right for following hers. I admire that she will not blindly follow him. She may be homely (which often gives the misconception that the person will do anything for their man) but she is also her own person.

But, as she has stood up for her own wants and dreams, so must Ban. Cooking is obviously his passion and he has a fantastic opportunity here in an upscale restaurant.

So Eri journeys to the restaurant to see what Ban is willing to leave her for. In this scene, man her dress is the definition of innocence and purity. Imagine how she must look to the kitchen staff. Imagine if they knew she was Ban’s girlfriend.

Asuka comes to comfort the teary Eri – Asuka may be tough but she has a kind side to her as well. However, never insult a girl holding a big knife!

So after this whole experience, Eri understands just why Ban wants to – has to!- go back to that place. What she doesn’t realise is he is actually insane – well, if he wasn’t before he is now after the head fight he had with the pole.

Next episode looks like it’s going to be a lot of fun!

Bambino!
バンビーノ!
Episode 3

It’s a busy weekend. Ban starts to realise what he can do to be even better than he can be. And then, it’s comes to the end of Ban’s stay at the restaurant in Tokyo, and yet he still hasn’t done any real cooking. He begins to think about his future and what he wants to do…

In case you are wondering, I write my reviews as I watch…. So, here’s my thoughts on this episode as it happens.

Yay! Smoking is disgusting Ban. Get rid of those disgusting smokes. Ah, that’s better.

The black and white flashes and write looks like its supposed to be in a car racing movie rather than a cooking show. Maybe its suposed to be to give it an edge but it feels out of place.

How can a fancy restaurant not have an electronic dishwasher?

I like the contrast between the calm restaurant and really busy kitchen.

The camera sways side to side, moving in and out to emphasise movement, fast pace. I guess they need something to make a cooking show look exciting.

I am hoping for more character development soon.

Ban tries so hard, which is great, but he takes compliments to heart and can be so full of himself. I do love a show with Jun on the toilet. Priceless.

Ban realises there may be more to running a restaurant than he thought. But cooking is in his blood, as he misses cooking.

He’s crying! Don’t cry Bambi, I will hold you. His lips look juicy in this scene. So very juicy. Am I getting sidetracked from the show? I wonder what gloss he uses.

This show is getting more interesting. I’m glad.

He looks on his time there as a good learning experience. Ban, come cook for me!

I like the strange chef who is always by himself and catches Ban in the toilet. It adds a bit of quirkiness to the show. I like quirky.

I love the end. Choke her! Choke her! I mean… um….

I have to say, I enjoyed this episode. This show is getting better. Next week’s episode also looks exciting. Some character development, not just Ban! Not that there is anything wrong with looking at Ban. I’m glad this is getting better. After a slow start, I’m starting to really like the show.

Bambino!
バンビーノ!
Episode 2

In this episode Ban tries his hardest in the kitchen. Chopping veges and washing dishes, however, isn’t what he pictured he’d be doing. And then, he gets careless and chops off his finger…

Damn Jun is かっこいい！ I mean Ban. This is about Ban. Yes. えと… Ban likes to challenge himself. That’s nice. He’s also very conceited – although I think this is good because it leaves room for personal growth within the show.

Mmmm I love Italian food. How awesome would it be to work in an Italian Gourmet restaurant and have the best chefs cook you lunch. Mmmmm.

Asuka seems to be an interesting character. More interesting than the girlfriend.

I don’t like the black and white flashes. It seems like they are trying to make the show more “edgy” and I don’t think it works. It’s a cooking show for goodness sake!

I like Jun’s hair in this. It looks good. Jun looks good. Am I getting sidetracked again?

The episode looks exciting – except the build up with “Weekends are twice as busy” sounds really contrived. I hope this show starts to get a bit better soon. I’ll keep watching for Jun

Bambino!
バンビーノ!

Bambino is the story of Ban Shogo, played by the one and only Matsumoto Jun, a coutry boy who comes to Tokyo with the desire to be a chef. In his home town of Fukuoka he was praised as being an excellent chef, but in Tokyo he realises that he has a lot to learn. Still, he has a determination to keep at it to be the best chef he can be.

To sum up this episode, it was OK. Of course one of the strong attractions I have to watching this show is MatsuJun, being my favourite Japanese actor (or my Japanese Boyfriend as I like to call him – however my Australian boyfriend doesn’t like it when I say that ). Is MatsuJun enough to keep me amused? Well, yes he is, but I am allowed to be shallow some times in my life.

Not much happens in this episode. I thought the chemistry between Ban and his girlfriend was non existent. Luckily she wasn’t in it much. Ban smoking = two thumbs down. Ban being emotional and crying and stuff = one thumb up. Ban being full of himself = amusing as well. There wasn’t much comedy (something I love)… There really wasn’t much there. But I will persist, and hopefully it’ll get better.