Archive for the ‘Jdrama’ Category

Arashi’s Kazunari Ninomiya (27) is confirmed to be starring in a new drama series this fall. Titled “Freeter, Ie wo Kau,” the show will feature Ninomiya as a part-time worker trying to get his life back together for the sake of his family. Karina (26) will play the female lead.

The show is Ninomiya’s first starring role in a drama series since the 2008 “Ryusei no Kizuna.” As an actor, he has recently been focused on filming for his upcoming movies “Ooku” and “GANTZ.” In contrast with those spectacular big screen roles, his character in this home drama will be a “freeter” (a term used to describe young people without full time employment, not counting students and homemakers).

The story is based on a book of the same name by Hiro Arikawa, published last year. The story revolves around a young man named Seiji Take (Ninomiya), who quits his job after three months. With no dreams, no savings, and a poor relationship with his family, he becomes a hikikomori (shut-in) in his own room. However, after his mother falls ill with depression, he ends up having to take on a part-time job at a construction site. Because of that, he soon decides to work towards rebuilding his life: “Even though I’m just a freeter, I’m going to buy a house for the sake of my family.”

One of the people he meets at the construction site is Manami Chiba (Karina), who graduated from a top-class university and joined a well-known general contracting firm. Manami, proud to be working as an on-site supervisor, is the complete opposite of Seiji. But while their personalities clash at first, they gradually come to understand each other.

Filming already started earlier this month. The show will air on Fuji TV on Tuesdays at 9:00pm, starting in October.

From Tokyograph

Woot, I can’t believe it has been two years since he’s been in a drama. It feels like yesterday that I was watching the last episode of Ryusei no Kizuna. Freeter sounds interested and very Nino-like. LOL I cannot wait to see this.

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What is my most favorite dorama? Thanks jicks for leaving me this to ponder on. This was such a good question! Though, it might be a simple one, it is difficult to answer. For me, there are simply too many on my must-see list.

Alright, after brainstorming for some time, the choices were narrowed down to two. Gomen, just was not able pick one or the other. Drumming roll please…LOL…Nodame Cantabile and Gokusen (season one). This is only for Jdorama, I’ll save my Chinese favorites for another day.

I’ve always been hesitate to watch live-action manga counterparts as they tend to be lackluster and ridiculous, however, Nodame had taught me otherwise. The series was brilliant adapted and can be considered portrayed even better than its already-excellent anime counterparts. I adore the story, love the classical music and was charmed by the well-developed characters. It was a pleasure watching how their struggles intertwine with their relationships and lives. Also, the chemistry between the hentai pianist and the talented musician/conductor was astounding. It was fascinating on how the story was illustrated their never-ending passion for music and of course, their love for one another. Flying sparks can be sense whenever Nodame/Chiaki are together. They felt and looked so natural as a pair, as well as, compliment each other’s weaknesses. Maybe it was just me, but I am positive that Tamaki-kun would steal glances at Juri-chan (evident during the making of clips) as I had always hoped that they were a couple in real life. He seems so blissfully and utterly handsome at those times. Gyabooo!

As for Gokusen, it was certainly not love at first sight. (Please note, this is strictly for season one, I haven’t been too fond of additional ones.) When a friend of mine had recommended this, my initial thoughts were yet another school drama and a GTO rip-off. I had no idea why there was so much hype about it. Though, the first viewing had left a good impression since it fun and entertaining, but my level of fascination did not reach its height. In addition, I had found Sawada Shin’s (portrayed by MatsuJun) mean-tempered troublemaker attitude displeasing. Okay sue me, I was naive and was clueless of who and what JE was.

I believe it was a few months later and for some unknown reason, I had wanted give the series another try. ….and no it wasn’t for Jun-kun, my interest in him hadn’t sparked yet. (Though, I was pretty obsessed with Chikai-sempai at that time. ) Well, I now had cursed myself for letting this gem slip. The humor in the series was certainly cute (overbearing nor exhausted); the situations were fresh, and the characters were charming. Overall, it was quite entertaining and the cast had brilliantly performed each of their roles. Somehow, I had found Shin to be simply kakkoii and very mature this time around. You always get a good laugh, especially when watching the interactions between him and Yankumi. Can you feel their attraction toward each other? I’ve been a Shinkumi shipper even since! It was such a disappointment on how the Gokusen franchise (TV series and movie) had left off with no reflection of topic. I’ve been relaying on the manga and fanfics to fill the void. Let’s all pray for a Shinkumi reunion soon?!

So what is your favorite Jdrama?
Read the rest of this entry »

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Did you miss me, maybe just for a teeny bit?

I had spent the last two week out west visiting friends and relaxing under the gorgeous summer sky. It was such a blessing to put work aside and to sleep to my heart’s content. I wouldn’t mind bring you along next time, as long as, you are able to fit into my suitcase. LOL Many thanks for those who had commented/sent mail, I’ll be getting back you as soon as I can.

I just couldn’t resist and had to add this:

Kyaaaaa~ it cannot get any hotter than this! This little clip gives me such good vibes, Jun-kun and Yoko-san’s interactions are so cute. Their chemistry is simply amazing and they look gorgeous together ne.

…and now I need to catch up on news related to this and Arashi!

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This is such exciting news, so happy that Jun-kun will be making an appearance on Oh-chan’s drama. Juntoshi!

He looks adorable with those ears, as well as, very handsome as a butler. At first glance, doesn’t he resembles someone from Star Trek? Yes, yes Mr Spock ne!? hehe lol Definitely looking forward to this!!

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It has been confirmed that Arashi’s Jun Matsumoto (26) will star in Fuji TV’s Monday night drama series next season. He will be the first member of the group to appear in a drama during that time slot, and this will be his first lead role in a full-length Fuji TV series.

The drama, titled “Natsu no Koi wa Nijiiro ni Kagayaku,” is an original love story by “Buzzer Beat” screenwriter Mika Omori. The female lead is being played by Yuko Takeuchi (30), who starred in “Lunch Queen” and “Fukigen na Gene,” both also written by Omori.

In the show, Matsumoto plays a struggling actor who has developed a complex due to his father, a famous actor. The character is described as being “tsundere,” a term referring to people who are normally cold in personality but become overly fawning when they are around their love interest. In this case, that love interest is an older woman being played by Takeuchi, whose character is said to be spirited, but also mysterious due to certain circumstances.

“Natsu no Koi wa Nijiiro ni Kagayaku” will air Monday nights at 9:00pm, starting in July.

From Tokyograph

Kyaa~~ this made my day! I absolutely adore Yuko-san and simply love her acting. This is such a dream come true, pairing Jun-kun and her in the same drama! Pure brilliance ne?! Also, the story sounds very interesting — the love story between a tsundere man and a very cheerful/energetic woman. I am MECHA excited!! I bet Nino is envying Jun-kun at this moment lol. Now, we all know who will be visiting the set every now and them.

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The website has been updated w/ new info, please click on image to access it.

Just received an email from CDJapan regarding newest Arashi’s CD single, Monster, it will be released on 05/19/2010. This is the themesong to Oh-chan’s live-action drama, Kaibutsu-kun. Don’t you think the song’s name is cute? Oh the joy, Arashi brings me each day!

Below is the description from CDJapan:

Arashi/Monster[w/ DVD, Limited Edition] CDA
1400 yen US$15/95.4
Description:Single release from Arashi featuring theme song to TV drama “Kaibutsu-kun” starring Satoshi Ono. Also features dance number as B-side. Limited edition includes a bonus DVD with music video. *Unless otherwise indicated, DVDs are region-2 encoded (Japan, Europe, and Middle East), and carry no subtitles.
*********************************************
Arashi/Monster[Regular Edition] CDA
952 yen US$10/95.4
Description:Single release from Arashi featuring theme song to TV drama “Kaibutsu-kun” starring Satoshi Ono. Also features dance number as B-side. Regular edition includes Karaoke version of each track.

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Jun-kun is so adorable here, love the hair. It’s so windy up on the rooftop, but all of the cast looked great. I am definitely looking forward to this.

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Kyaa~~ Riida will be appear as a guest in Sho-kun’s drama, Tokujou Kabachi!! as a lawyer. I believe his name is Honda-san. Does that mean Naruse-san has been resurrected and came back for revenge?! lmao He does really look him except a bit chubbier and cuter. I really hope that Sho-kun and him will have a scene together. I love how the members appear in each other dramas; though Jun-kun is lacking, maybe he will in the next one.

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