Sounds Good To Me!

• Tokyo Dogs

A strong cast in this one. I’m very excited to watch both Oguri Shun and Mizushima Hiro together (again). It will hopefully be good I have to say that Shun’s hair cut is very flatering. (Plot? What plot? Did someone say something about a… ooh, there’s Shun and Hiro :luvfly: )

• My Girl

Staring Arashi’s Aiba Masaki this is the story about him raising his daughter by his self. It’s a late night one so it might not have much quality in it, but it looks perhaps sweet, plus I like Aiba, so I am looking forward to this one.

• Shokojo Seira

Or “A Little Princess”. Ths was one of my favourite books when I was a child, so I’m very interested to see how they interpret this!

It’s got Miura Haruma in it, do I need to say more? Haha. But this sounds really cool, so I hope it is. He stars as an unmasculine guy who gets a samurai spirit in him or something. It also stars Shirota Yu!

Hmmm… Maybe

• Liar Game 2

OK, so with Liar Game, I actually ended up really enjoying it. It was crap, let’s face it, but I enjoyed the crap for what it was. It certainly wasn’t a show that took itself seriously, so why should I? Liar Game is coming back in November with Liar Game 2 (to end in a movie as well I hear). This is going in my Hmmmm.. list so I don’t think too highly of it and wont be dissapointed, hopefully just pleasantly surprised.

• JIN

Let me quote this:

The story follows a brain surgeon named, Minakata Jin, who falls into a “time slip” that sends him back to Edo during the Bakumatsu era, the period that spelled the end of the shoguns’ rule over Japan. There, Jin ends up using his 21st-century medical expertise to help the people, who are suffering from various epidemic illnesses from the time, with the help of the modern medical knowledge of his era. (from dramawiki)

Sounds interesting. Not sure if I agree with messing with the past, but it sounds interesting.

Nah

• Real Clothes

I wont be tuning into this unless others say it is good. This was a special before it was turned into a TV show. I watched maybe 3/4 of it and was bored to tears. While I love Cinderella stories, this was unoriginal and boring. I’m not sure what the tv show has to add/re-do but *yawn*

The story of Tsukushi Makino, a poor girl who goes to a school filled with rich people. Then there is this group of boys called the “F4″, a group of rich bullies. Well, really, only one is the bully, a Tsukasa Domioji. The group decides to pick on Makino, which is the biggest mistake they could have made as she plans to fight back…

This was one of the first dramas that I watched, and is thus will always have a special place in my heart. I also read (in English) the manga years ago, and was one of the things that contributed to my Japanese learning journey.

This drama was also the start of a love affair with Matsumoto Jun. At first I didn’t get his appeal, but then he had me on his hook – another one Jun baited. We flirted for a while, but eventually I dumped him and moved on to different pastures.

Episode One has Makino get the reg tag, and thus becomes bullied by the school. Makino is a great heroine because she stands up for herself. Tsukasa, on the other hand, is a real piece of work. I’d forgotten how mean he was, how horrible he could be. I was definitely rooting for Rui at the start. I can’t remember if it was the same with the manga, it’s been so many years since I read it.

We do get a bit of insight into Tsukasa’s home life, so we gain a bit of perspective on why he is a huge a hole. The poor (figuratively) boy has issues, that’s for sure.

I love the punch near the end. *Pow*, right in the kisser. And then it ends on a cliff hanger, getting kidnapped by Tsukasa… oooh, what will happen next??

Overall, this is a pretty strong first episode for a drama compared to most. And hey, I already said I’ll probably be a bit biased to this, as it’s like a “precious” childhood memory.

Get Hana Yori Dango on DVD! Hana Yori Dango Japan Version Hana Yori Dango English Version (Hong Kong)

Title: Spring Story
Aired: 2003
Staring: Oguri Shun, Nishihara Aki
Carlie’s Rating:
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Akane is a wannabe fashion designer. Kei is a high school basketball star. This cute drama is about a high school romance, where they quickly grow up, leave school and life gets in the way. Are they ment to be?

I have had trouble trying to find out more information about this drama, but I think it must have aired in 2003. It ran for about an hour as a one off show. Staring Oguri Shun, who is in everything, I don’t think that boy sleeps, and Miss Nishihara Aki, who was the sweet Yuki in Hana Yori Dango.

Akane looks bad with purple eyeshadow. In fact, besides barbie, I’m not sure that there is anyone who does. Um, back to the review…

The main characters do it within the first 10 minutes. That is awesome.

I admire Akane for being her own person. She has to live her own life. She is a very stubborn, strong headed girl. This is both a good thing and a bad.

Kei on the other hand, comes across as very full of himself. Self centred, or at least he pretends to be, probably because I suspect underneath he is insecure.

My biggest complaint about this show is that it moves way too fast. It would have been much better if it was at least an hour longer. Everything could have been fleshed out more, instead everything felt rushed.

I think this show is about finding a balance between personal dreams and love. Both are important. It’s nice to have both.

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Where did I first see him?
Without realising it, I first saw him in Densha Otoko, the tv series. It wasn’t until later, when I knew who he was, that I went back to rewatch and see him there. I can’t remember if I watched Hana Yori Dango or Gokusen first, but I watched both around the same time. It is around this time that I actively became aware of Shun. I’m not sure when I first became to really appreciate him as an actor, but I certainly came to admire him.

My Opinion
Shun is one busy boy. He seems to do a lot. I really like Shun as an actor – he’s someone that I would watch something because he is in it. He is pretty sexy too, in an odd kind of way – and definitely looks better with darker hair in my opinion.

Misc Facts
Shun has Pectus Excavatum, a disorder in the chest which makes a part of it sunken. He’s still sexy.
He’s left handed. Lefties for world domination!
He likes surfing.

TV Shows:
Tokyo Dogs (2009)
Hanazakari no Kimitachi e SP (2008)
Binbo Danshi (2008)
Detective Conan 2 (2007)
Hanazakari no Kimitachi e (2007)
Hana Yori Dango 2 (2007)
Detective Conan 1 (2006)
Densha Otoko Deluxe (2006)
Hana Yori Dango (2005)
Densha Otoko (2005)
Stand Up!! (2003)
Spring Story (2003)
Gokusen SP (2003)
Gokusen (2002)

Movies:
Hana Yori Dango Final (2008)
Crows ZERO (2007)
Sukiyaki Western Django (2007)

Links:
Official Site
Japanese Wikipedia
English Wikipedia

Ah, watching the Hana Kimi special that aired before the final was good therapy. Which I needed soo badly after the depressing final episode. Don’t get me wrong, I thought the final episode was all that it could be plus more, I am so very happy with it, but it’s so depressing that the show is over and there is no more Nakatsu in my life. The special was very shiny, and brought a little bit of a smile back to my face. I’d apologise for the large amount of Nakatsu caps but I’m not sorry.

7 Things I Love About The Hana Kimi Special

(In no particular order)

1. Nakatsu

2. Jan Ken!

3. Lots of Man Kiss

4. Mizuki looking oh so かわいい and of Oscar looking not so…

5. Lots of boys dressed as girls.

6. Tennouji dressed as Rei from Neon Genesis Evangelion.

7. Nakatsu

Hanazakari no Kimitachi e
花ざかりの君たちへ
Ikemen Paradise
イケメン ♂ パラダイス
Episode 6
Review This Episode: Note: There is a rating embedded within this post, please visit this post to rate it.

Back from the beach, Mizuki’s parents visit! Eek! What’s a girl to do? Especially when she is pretending to be a guy… Meanwhile, Sano is still trying/practising/training – there seems to be a lot of Mizuki/Sano tension. Yay! Of course, Nakatsu steals the most screen time – but also all the laughs so that’s ok.

So Mizuki asks Nakatsu to stay in their room a little bit longer, and of course Nakatsu says yes. What follows is a absolutely awesome scene where Nakatsu questions Mizuki about love – and his background keeps changing. And then, of course, he comes to the conclusion that Mizuki loves him.

“Nakatsu… Chikai…”

Next up, much to her horror, Mizuki’s parents arrive. Her mother seems to act like a child and her father doesn’t have any personality at all.

This week’s challenge is to find some treasures hidden around the school. Exciting. In an unexciting kind of way. Just a bit of filler really.

Ah, some meat: Nakatsu senses the tension between Mizuki and Sano, and so sets them up – he watches from a far. Sano says something harsh but then regrets it. Before he can apologize properly, they end up arguing. Great tension!!! I want more scenes like this please.

Mizuki decides to go back to America, but her father and Nakatsu convince her otherwise.

Sano jumps again and makes it! What do ya know, he actually can high jump. Who would have thought. Mizuki runs for him, and *squee* they have huggles! And Nakatsu sees. Aaaaa the tension!

The challenge was highly crap but the Sano x Mizuki made up for it.

OMG The tension! The huggles! The Nakatsu!

Dumb challenge.

Up next… Mizuki is once again leaving for America. Far out girl, make up your mind!

Hanazakari no Kimitachi e
花ざかりの君たちへ
Ikemen Paradise
イケメン ♂ パラダイス
Episode 5
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Oh no! Mizuki is kidnapped!… To the beach, that is, where the boys yet again have a competition trying to prove that they are the best. Meanwhile Sano is trying to jump but he just can’t. Oh, and Mizuki’s identity as a girl is revealed…

So the gang are down at the beach, with Minami flirting with all the girls, until he discovers an ex girlfriend who is now engaged. Then, for those not in the know, there is a run down of who likes who, and Nakatsu asks why on earth it was said he likes Mizuki. I do love the fact that this show is aware of itself, and the fact that there is a topless Nakatsu. And short towels.

Next up, Minami’s mother discovers Mizuki is a she. Shared bathing is weird. Being naked in water with other people is weird. Sure, a bikini doesn’t hide much but it still does cover such a crucial area. Still, one day (soon) I will try this public bath thing, and hopefully I’ll make it out infection free.

So this week’s competition is just random beach activities including capture the flag, an eating contest and a see how many chicks you can get contest. While these contests are fun, I would like to see more development between Sano, Mizuki and Nakatsu. These competitions are also really really stupid, but I think I’m getting used to them.

And then Sano calls Mizuki.. *squee!!* But then he still can’t high jump and has to beg to be allowed on the team. Which I guess means he’ll have to spend more time high jumping and less time Mizuki romping. Dammit!

Nakatsu! Nakatsu! Nakatsu! He really does make the show.

Not enough Sano for my likeing.

Next week Mizuki’s parents visit! What will Mizuki do?

Hanazakari no Kimitachi e
花ざかりの君たちへ
Ikemen Paradise
イケメン ♂ パラダイス
Episode 4

This week we have some kind of dating party which would totally never happen in a normal school because most principals I know are allergic to any humans having contact. Mizuki also investigates Sano’s brother and wonders what the hell Sano is doing staying out late each night. Meanwhile Nakatsu tries his hardest to sleep with Mizuki…

The episode begins with the announcement of the joint sex party. I mean… both genders attending a party. Yes. We also have both Sano and Nakatsu thinking about Mizuki in the shower. Exciting stuff. Stay tuned for my Hana Kimi drinking party, but for now be warned that you will have to skull your drink in this episode. Yay for topless guys! (Inverted boobie I tell you!!)

So Mizuki spies on Sano’s bro and is surprised to see that Sano himself is also there. Darling Otouto punches Sano in the guts. Sano does a bit of splaining to Mizuki about his family life. Yay for one on one action!

Next insert sex party… I mean speed dating segment… Ah, whatever. Don’t these kids have a chance to do this in the play ground? Anyway, Nakatsu cracks me up, I’m glad he’s in this show. He’s just solid gold. It’s a shame Mizuki is destined for Sano, I like the clown. But the deep broody guy is also fun.

Just when Mizuki had given up and decided that she should go back to America, they discover that Sano has been jogging every night, training to start High Jumping again. Cue fake laughing scene which is just awkward.

Nakatsu! Sano reading is sexy.

It’s still silly but nothing I can’t handle.

I am enjoying this show a lot. It’s just a whole heap of fun. How can anyone not enjoy it? It plays on High School fantasies which I think is great, plus there is all the topless scenes…. Also, I think Horikita Maki is doing a fab job as Mizuki. I was a bit worried that she would turn out something like Nobuta, however the character is totally different which is fantastic. Way to go girl!

Next week, some kind of beach party? And Mizuki looks like she is about to get abducted but it reminds me of some kind of initiation ritual. I guess we’ll have to wait to see

Hanazakari no Kimitachi e
花ざかりの君たちへ
Ikemen Paradise
イケメン ♂ パラダイス
Episode 3
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We have a panty thief. We have Sano thinking. We have Mizuki’s brother in town and threatening to take her home. We have some more Nakatsu tension. We have Sano thinking again. Let’s not forget that awesome scene where they once again replay Sano high jumping…

Mizuki gets an email from her brother saying he’s coming to visit her. And Sano has seen the email! However, he just passes out again, silly drunk. So Mizuki goes and dresses all feminine to impress her brother… But he already knows what she’s doing is here to take her back to the US. Mizuki escapes with the old “I’m going to the toilet” trick.

Meanwhile, of course, there is a panty thief. While this is highly entertaining, I wish they would get rid of those silly girls. So damn annoying. The dorms decide to have a “find the panty thief” competition. Yay.

And then Sano finds out that she’s a she! *squee*. Very exciting.

Of course, cue first “thinking” scene. Let’s rehash, for those who have forgotten, “the incident”. Aniki (who was also in Nobuta O Produce) talks to Sano about Mizuki and also about high jump… Cue second “thinking” scene. I can’t quite remember, but I’m sure we get to see the thrilling clip of Sano high jumping again. I think we should all play a drinking game – every time we see this, Drink!

This little talk spurts a fighting scene between Sano and Mizuki. At least, I think that’s what happened. I was only half paying attention because this was the Shirtless Sano scene. See a boy topless? Drink! Is it just me or can everyone else see Sano’s inverted boobie?

So Mizuki has a little cry and Sano thinks a bit. Next day at class Mizuki acts all happy and Sano admires her. *squee*. I think there was some more thinking here too. I like a guy who thinks…

Next it’s some Nakatsu tension! I love his scenes. He gives Mizuki a drink and offers to listen to her problems. Instead she falls asleep on his shoulder. He goes in for the kiss… just as he gets his photo taken. After catching the photographer, he stumbles upon some woman’s underwear. After getting excited and then even more excited that he’s not homosexual, he does a little dance… in woman’s undies.

This starts the whole big panty search – where it turns out it was the dog.

Sano meets with Aniki again and tells him to piss off and leave Mizuki alone. High jumping scene – DRINK! Back at the dorm, Mizuki gets an email from her brother saying he’s left already. Sano gets topless – DRINK! Sano thinks again…

Nakatsu! Lie detector was fun. The drama with Sano was good – the highschooler in me just goes *squee!*

Get rid of the girls.

Next week, the dorms are closing??

Hanazakari no Kimitachi e
花ざかりの君たちへ
Ikemen Paradise
イケメン ♂ パラダイス
Episode 2
Rate This Episode: Note: There is a rating embedded within this post, please visit this post to rate it.

In this episode it is the Mr Osaka contest, with the winner receiving a big TV screen. We learn a bit more about why Sano is the way he is and how he can’t take his alcohol. Did I mention kissing? Did I mention boy-on-boy kissing??

Bam! It opens kiss! Powerful stuff there. Loved it! And then… It closes with a kiss. And not just any kiss, MAN KISS! Awesome!

I also really enjoyed Nakatsu’s inner turmoil about having feelings for Ashiya who he thinks is a guy. I remember liking this bit in the manga as well – in fact this is the only vague recollection I have of the manga that I read years ago… The scenes in this drama do get a bit too stupid which sucks a bit (I really think the stupid humour brings the show down a notch) but there were some funny scenes too.

It was also a bit weird seeing a girl who’s pretending to be a guy pretending to be a girl. But I bought it, I think they did a good job.

Loved Nakatsu’s tension. Loved the kissing!

Still don’t like the silly humour

Next week Ashiya’s brother comes to visit. And Sano finds out about Ashiya’s gender…