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

嵐の宿題くん
Arashi no Shukudaikun
#119
Rate This Episode: Note: There is a rating embedded within this post, please visit this post to rate it.

The guest star this episode was Sato Ryuta, from shows such as Bambino, Rookies, Utahime and many more.

This was your typical episode, nothing really too exciting. Of course there was the spicy food… There is always something spicy. And somehow, it is always funny…

They were trying different ramen, and this episode had something interesting… Ice-cream ramen. I want to try that!!

Another great moment was when Nino revealed that Ohno’s fly was down.

And I’m sorry all Sho fans, but he confessed his love for Sato.

And here’s where I confess my unending love for doria. Mmmmm…

There were a few other shenanigans, but over all it was just an average ep.

ROOKIES
Airing: Saturdays from the 19th of April
Staring: Sato Ryuta, Ichihara Hayato, Koide Keisuke

The story revolves around a high school teacher and coach that tries to reform delinquents by having them join the baseball team

Lots of familiar faces in this one! And a lack of buttons. This is going to be hard and soft subbed by TimeLesSub & Skewed Studios.

GOKUSEN 3
Airing: Saturdays from the 19th of April
Staring: Nakama Yukie, Namase Katsuhisa, Enami Kyoko

In the “I-can’t-believe-they’re-doing-another-season” file, this is being soft subbed by Henna_Sapporo and hard subbed by SARS-Fansubs.

RYOKITEKI NA KANOJO
Airing: Sundays from the 20th of April
Staring: Kusanagi Tsuyoshi, Tanaka Rena, Matsushita Nao

Based on the hit South Korean movie, My Sassy Girl, the character backgrounds and plot details will be changed for the drama. While the protagonists in the original film were college students, this time the pair will be a marine biology professor, Masaki Saburo, and Takami Riko, an aspiring writer.

To be hard subbed by Eternal Fansubs.

And that’s the news, you’re up to date. I was going to have a poll, but I’m having trouble finding a poll system I like. So, poll to follow.

Oishii Gohan: Kamakura Kasugai Kometen

The show is set in a rice shop in the city of Kamakura, Kanagawa. It is a home comedy about an obstinate but compassionate old man, Kasugai Ryuuhei (Watari Tetsuya), who runs an old rice shop, his optimistic daughter-in-law (Fujiwara Norika) and his eldest son (Tokushige Satoshi) who ends up working at his father’s shop when he learns of his father’s illness. It depicts how the estranged family rallies around when Kasugai is diagnosed with illness after years of being worn out by his stubbornness.

Stars: Watari Tetsuya, Tokushige Satoshi and Fujiwara Norika.
Thoughts: Food and Illness storyline. Doesn’t really appeal to me…
Starts: 25th October

Joshi Deka!

Nakama plays an enthusiastic rookie cop whose only strong point is her marksmanship, while Izumi plays a veteran detective with the #1 arrest rate. The two work together to solve crimes, despite differences in their ways of thinking.

Stars: Nakama Yukie (Gokusen), Izumi Pinko, Ryu Shi Won.
Thoughts: Detective story. It’s not really grabbing me either…
Starts: 18th October

Otoko no Kosodate

The show is described as a home comedy depicting the problems faced by a modern family. Takahashi plays a third-rate magazine writer. As an irresponsible father, his reliable wife has always been in charge of the household and their three children. Unfortunately, she suddenly passes away, forcing him to deal with raising the kids for the first time in his life.

Stars: Takahashi Katsunori, Kuninaka Ryoko, Koizumi Kotaro (Hanayome to Papa, Attention Please)
Thoughts: Family comedy… I really have no thoughts.
Starts: 26th October

Utahime

The drama is a comedy set in Kochi prefecture and Nagase will play two characters – father of a daughter who’s called ‘utahime’ and son of the ‘utahime’.

Stars: Nagase Tomoya (My Bossy, My Hero), Aibu Saki (Attention Please), Sato Ryuta (Bambino)
Thoughts: I loved Nagase in My Boss, My Hero. The description says this is a comedy, which I love. I think I’ll check this one out to see what it’s like.
Starts: 12th October

Mop Girl

Kitagawa plays the part of the slow but hardworking Momoko, a low-ranking employee at a funeral services company who carries a mop as part of her job. However, Momoko happens to possess a strange ability. Whenever she comes across the corpse of someone who has left strong feelings behind, she travels back in time to save that person from his or her fate.

Stars: Kitagawa Keiko, Tanihara Shosuke (Yama Onna Kabe Onna), Asami Reina (Attention Please)
Thoughts: I love time travel! I hope this is also a comedy. I will be watching this to see what it’s like.
Starts: 12th October

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.