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Let's talk about Japanese Dramas!

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Akito

Member
Just finished Last Friends, I thought this was supposed to be great? Aside from Ruka, Takeru and the theme song, pretty much everything and everyone in this show managed to piss me off at some point, not sure when was the last time I've hated a character as much as I hate Michiru, she's the impersonation of aboulia. Sosuke was a psychopath yes but everything could have been resolved after like 2 episodes if she could think for her own for once. Although her friends were not entirely blameless either, why they didn't call for the police after they personally got assaulted multiple times will forever be beyond me. I'm not a fan of Eri and Ogura either but at least Ruka and Takeru were able to run the show for most of the time. I don't think this is a show I'd recommend to anyone unless they are searching for an opportunity to give free rein to their rage.
 

retrobot

Banned
Just recently got into Japanese dramas, I've only watched 3 shows so far. The last show I finished watching today is Kekkon Dekinai Otoko which I thoroughly enjoyed. It set an incredibly high standard for me and I doubt any Japanese Drama I watch after this can top it.
 

Ken

Member
Just recently got into Japanese dramas, I've only watched 3 shows so far. The last show I finished watching today is Kekkon Dekinai Otoko which I thoroughly enjoyed. It set an incredibly high standard for me and I doubt any Japanese Drama I watch after this can top it.

The part where he makes the baby cry is the best.

I like At Home Dad too; that also has Abe.
 

Slayven

Member
Just finished Last Friends, I thought this was supposed to be great? Aside from Ruka, Takeru and the theme song, pretty much everything and everyone in this show managed to piss me off at some point, not sure when was the last time I've hated a character as much as I hate Michiru, she's the impersonation of aboulia. Sosuke was a psychopath yes but everything could have been resolved after like 2 episodes if she could think for her own for once. Although her friends were not entirely blameless either, why they didn't call for the police after they personally got assaulted multiple times will forever be beyond me. I'm not a fan of Eri and Ogura either but at least Ruka and Takeru were able to run the show for most of the time. I don't think this is a show I'd recommend to anyone unless they are searching for an opportunity to give free rein to their rage.
that series became a joke, everytime the song started up I laughed.
 
Just recently got into Japanese dramas, I've only watched 3 shows so far. The last show I finished watching today is Kekkon Dekinai Otoko which I thoroughly enjoyed. It set an incredibly high standard for me and I doubt any Japanese Drama I watch after this can top it.
Glad to have you on board the Japanese drama train. I've yet to watch that drama but I'll keep it on mind. I felt the same way when I first watched One Litre of Tears and still feel that way; no drama will top it ever. Only form of media that made my eyes teary. I laughed, I cried, and felt emotionally attached to Aya. Great drama that will stay in my top of the list until a worthy drama can knock it off. But just a warning, most Japanese dramas are terrible. They start out great but then just get progressively worse. Many dramas fall for this. But it's just like anime, you have to go searching for one that's decent/good.

Speaking about good dramas:
Amachan 62-96
Won't going into depth about the story with this but this drama...THIS DRAMA. I didn't plan to marathon it but I kept saying one more episode, one more episode...until I finally caught up(not really, waiting for someone to upload the next 6 episodes). I love how things fall into place and how the characters you meet never leave, they all play a part in some way. You get a glimpse of Haruko's past around episode 40 but you still miss a huge chunk of it until you come across episode 90. It really explains why Haruko didn't want to do a certain thing before. Anyway, you will experience feels(like episode 70) and laughter(busted out laughing many times); this is the best drama this year. The story, characters, soundtrack, all of it is great so far. My only complaint is what they did to Yui and that
the second part of the story is taking place in Tokyo but it was expected because of where the story was heading
. :( Also, they need to release the full soundtrack. I already have the soundtrack they released last month(or was it June?) and it's missing a lot of the tracks in the drama like different variations of Aki's theme.
I also love how Hiroko Yakushimaru(Aya's mother from 1 litre of tears) makes an appearance in this drama as Hiromi Suzuka. All I can say is that this drama has managed to hold my interest for this long and most Japanese dramas have failed to do this. Easily the best drama this year for me so far.

...now to put Amachan on hold and focus on ending this semester with a bang.
 
Now, some dramas I highly recommend :

Freeter, Ie o Kau


Easily one of my favourite dramas it was one of the first dramas I watched actually! Lots of emotional moments, a real tear-jerker.
You're gonna laugh, cry, smile. Kazunari Ninomiya shines as Seiji, the eternal part-timer aiming to help his mother. Relatable characters and situations, great actors, definitely a must watch.


]

Where can I watch this?
 

survivor

Banned
The second episode of Woman had like the longest preview of any anime/drama I have ever seen. It pretty much gave a complete outline of what the next episode will be about.
 

ZoddGutts

Member
Galileo Special XX was so much better than everything Season 2 shitted out. There was an actual sense of mystery and several good twist. If you liked season 1 of Galileo watch the new special.

Anyways good to know Kazuko Game won awards for best J-Drama of Spring 2013.

http://wiki.d-addicts.com/Nikkan_Sports_Drama_Grand_Prix


Anyways as for something currently airing. Starman has been okay, just watchable enough.
 

survivor

Banned
Just recently got into Japanese dramas, I've only watched 3 shows so far. The last show I finished watching today is Kekkon Dekinai Otoko which I thoroughly enjoyed. It set an incredibly high standard for me and I doubt any Japanese Drama I watch after this can top it.

About 8 episodes into this, really good so far. Abe Hiroshi and Natsukawa Yui are too great together.
 
Mother
iwOzHa2v455I8.jpg

I hope you're ready to get depressed. Full of angst, I promise you that you'll hardly smile watching this drama. Believe or not, the child actor manages to be pretty good and touching! Despite disliking children, Nao does her best to live with the little girl and it turns out to be a beautiful story.

Started to watch this. Goddamit it's powerful T_T

EDIT: Just finished it.
FUCK THE ENDING TO INFINITY
 

survivor

Banned
Finally finished watching Kekkon Dekinai Otoko. Best girl won so the ending was alright, but I just wish the characters were more assertive and honest with their feelings in the last few parts.

Gonna start watching Amachan next.
 
Finally got around to Summer Nude, at first the cast didn't click with me, I felt they didn't have chemistry but after the second episode I"m growing attached to them.
I just finished the third episode, which was the best thus far, but I feel like it's going to go downhill from now on.

Plot going forward has to take a predictiable turn, so I hope it's pulled off making it interesting.

For those that have seen the later episodes (I believe 6 have been aired already), or are watching this show, what are you thoughts?
 

I'm an expert

Formerly worldrevolution. The only reason I am nice to anyone else is to avoid being banned.
Finally got around to Summer Nude, at first the cast didn't click with me, I felt they didn't have chemistry but after the second episode I"m growing attached to them.
I just finished the third episode, which was the best thus far, but I feel like it's going to go downhill from now on.

Plot going forward has to take a predictiable turn, so I hope it's pulled off making it interesting.

For those that have seen the later episodes (I believe 6 have been aired already), or are watching this show, what are you thoughts?

Ep 5/6 actually totally threw me off. Stick with it imo, it's been my fav of the summer.
 

Kurita

Member
I've only watched the first episode of Summer Nude, but I already like the cast.
Really need to catch up.

Watched the third episode of Hanzawa Naoki, and boy, it's still really good.
I'm also watching Amachan. I just love the setting and Aki is so damn cute!
 
FbQddRf.jpg

Amachan seems to be really popular. It airs Monday-Saturdays and each episode is only 15 minutes long. I've seen two episodes of it so far, and it's pretty good. Loving the setting and the main character. I laughed at some scenes here and there. Check it out.

How the hell did I miss this thread? HOW?

Visited Japan in June and took to watching some dramas while there. 'Freaking loved watching Amachan. Watching it was how we started our days. I'm just really bummed that I'm so far behind on it now, but I'm glad to see others are enjoying it in this thread.

Spoiler for story progression:
I'm just before she decides to trek out to Tokyo
 

Windam

Scaley member
If it counts, I watched Furin Kazan a few years ago because I heard Gackt would be portraying a badass warlord. I gave up on it before I got to see him though. :/
 

Akito

Member
I just recently finished the two seasons of The Hero Yoshihiko and had a ton of fun with it, every DQ and/or JRPG fan should go checkt them out.

Mother was the last one that I finished and I can wholly recommend it as well, just be aware that it might rain from time to time when you're watching it.

I'm currently enjoying Amachan like some of you here, this show will cheer you up no matter how shitty your day was.
 
Ep 5/6 actually totally threw me off. Stick with it imo, it's been my fav of the summer.


HAHA. You were right.

I can't believe the girl that was in love with the photographer just decided after finally making some progress after 10 years, to just end it so suddenly; especially since he was able to finally get over his past love.

For some reason, I really like the part-timer that worked at the video store. I really wish that he somehow ends up with her, but with her genuinely wanting him and appreciating him. But that seems highly unlikely no, as this is a drama and you need "drama".


I've been meaning to watch episode 7 since it's been released but I haven't got a chance to get to it.


Too many people are recommending Ama-chan, so I really want to make time to watch it. It's on my list!
 

Kurita

Member
Finished the third week of Amachan today, it's still really solid.
And man, I could watch Aki doing cute faces during hours, she's just so adorable my god
 

I'm an expert

Formerly worldrevolution. The only reason I am nice to anyone else is to avoid being banned.
HAHA. You were right.

I can't believe the girl that was in love with the photographer just decided after finally making some progress after 10 years, to just end it so suddenly; especially since he was able to finally get over his past love.

For some reason, I really like the part-timer that worked at the video store. I really wish that he somehow ends up with her, but with her genuinely wanting him and appreciating him. But that seems highly unlikely no, as this is a drama and you need "drama".


I've been meaning to watch episode 7 since it's been released but I haven't got a chance to get to it.


Too many people are recommending Ama-chan, so I really want to make time to watch it. It's on my list!

Yeah I've got 7 on hold while I've been on a K-drama binge. Looking forward to it.
 

woodland

Member
Where do you guys watch these o.o? Can't find them really and want to watch them to keep up with my Japanese before I head over there.
 

I'm an expert

Formerly worldrevolution. The only reason I am nice to anyone else is to avoid being banned.
Nah Hikaru sucks and we've seen the beach party scene already. I'm just feelin Asahi havin the balls to call chicks.
 

John Dunbar

correct about everything
Anyone know what meat the dude eats right at the start of the first episode of Kekkon Dekinai Otoko? That looked crazy delicious.
 
Fuckin' subscribed.
I've always been interested in Japanese dramas but didn't find the best to watch.
For a beginner, what do you guys recommend?
Also are english subtitles available somewhere?
 

LordCanti

Member
Just saw the recent Galileo special. Is it a bit odd to anyone else that
he was barely in the show and had very little to do with what was going on? They should have just let the older girl star in Season 2 instead of bringing in the more popular young girl, and not relegated her to a special where she barely interacts with him.
It was a good special otherwise.

Fuckin' subscribed.
I've always been interested in Japanese dramas but didn't find the best to watch.
For a beginner, what do you guys recommend?
Also are english subtitles available somewhere?

Subs can be found at d-addicts. I'd recommend a streaming site, but the one I always went to has closed for some reason (anyone know why DC shut down?)

Recommendations:

Comedy (Dramady, really):

Densha Otoko (TV version)
Great Teacher Onizuka (90's version, not 2013 version)
Gokusen
Attention Please
Nodame Cantabile
Hana Yori Dango
Edison no Haha

Police Procedural:

Galileo
Tokyo Dogs

(In making this list, I'm realizing that remembering the names of these things is nearly impossible. I'm also realizing that Ito Misaki (Hermes from Densha Otoko) hasn't been in squat since 2008. I guess married life/motherhood is treating her well.)
 
I'll start with Hana Yori Dango, Gokusen and Tokyo Dogs for now.
It impresses me that all these shows are basically mini-series. Isn't there a good Japanese TV show which lasted like 5/6 years, American-style?
Very curious about this anyway.
 

LordCanti

Member
I'll start with Hana Yori Dango, Gokusen and Tokyo Dogs for now.
It impresses me that all these shows are basically mini-series. Isn't there a good Japanese TV show which lasted like 5/6 years, American-style?
Very curious about this anyway.

Gokusen and GTO have multiple seasons, as do Galileo and Hana Yori Dango. I can't really think of any that have many seasons like an American TV show though. I know they exist (it seems like there's a cop show that went for many years, but I forget the name) but they aren't as common as they are in the US.

The great thing about Japanese TV Drama's is that you watch them and then they're done. They are usually an hour, so you're getting 10-11ish hours of entertainment and story, and that's generally enough for them to tell whatever story it is that they're trying to convey. The brevity keeps them from going way too long like US shows often do, while allowing them to reboot and try something new and refreshing after only a single season, even if the previous season was terrible.
 

Kalamari

Member
Gokusen and GTO have multiple seasons, as do Galileo and Hana Yori Dango. I can't really think of any that have many seasons like an American TV show though. I know they exist (it seems like there's a cop show that went for many years, but I forget the name) but they aren't as common as they are in the US.

Aibou? I loved that show.
 

John Dunbar

correct about everything
Most of the young women in these shows seem to be completely spastic. Is this an accurate depiction of the demographic or it is just how it is on Japanese television because it's supposed to be "kawaii"?
 

LordCanti

Member
Most of the young women in these shows seem to be completely spastic. Is this an accurate depiction of the demographic or it is just how it is on Japanese television because it's supposed to be "kawaii"?

The good shows tend to have more down to earth characters, but yeah, a lot of the "actresses" are really just idols (singers from girl or boy groups) that they're trying to promote this season. They don't know how to act, so it often comes out very high strung. I mean, I'm sure some of them are specifically asked for that and it's not their fault, but it's definitely not the highlight of the J-drama genre.
 
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