Author: Fiona

A friend of mine recommended Tenno no Ryoriban which I binge-watched this past weekend. It’s truly one fabulous tale woven about Akiyama Tokuzo’s life – how he carved his way into becoming a chef of western food and eventually the master chef of the Japanese Emperor. On how he faced and overcame discrimination and prejudice both in domestic and foreign societies. Also, brilliant twists and turns were added to the story not only for his career, but also his relationships with his friends, family and love interests. I absolutely adored his interactions with his gentle and supporting wife, Toshiko, and later his own children. My heartstrings were pulled during many times throughout the series, resulting having a box of Kleenex handy at all times. However, there were equally hilarious and quirky moments that kept the light-hardheartedness and laughter going.

Tokuzo is portrayed by rising star, Takeru Sato, which have I come to like very much and Toshiko by Kuroki Haru. Both were amazing and admirable, I have only seen Sato-kun in Bloody Monday and Tonbi, he is definitely on my radar now. I do recall Haru-san as being Legal High 2 as Jane Honda, she was quite the character there and very different compared to elegant and kind Toshiko. XD I hope that she will receive more role on the small screen as she is very versatile and talented. Also, an applause to Kiritani Kenta who portrayed Matsui Shintaro, exceptionally funny and entertaining as Tokuzo’s friend and side-kick.

…and a bonus, OH YES, he is still smexy with a mustache!

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With Samurai Sensei, I initially watched it for Ryo-chan who portrayed Hanpeita Takechi, but frankly Kamiki Ryunosuke‘s Sakamoto Ryouma was more captivating and interesting. I really did not expect much from this time traveling series, except for the comical aspect which managed to execute it at 100%. Ryo-chan did a very nice job on this. The series itself lacked an in-depth story and character development, but it was still entertaining. Also, the chemistry between Hanpeita and Sakamoto were great, especially when one had the lack of comprehending modern technologies while the other calmly explained it in easily in Edo-ish terms for him. Nice light-hearted drama if you are not looking for any heavy and have a few free hours to spare.

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