[Drama] 1 Litre of Tears

Autumn 2005

Episodes: 11

Starring: Sawajiri Erika, Nishikido Ryo, Yakushimaru Hiroko, Jinnai Takanori, Fujiki Naohito, Narumi Riko, Sanada Yuma, Matsuyama Kenichi...

In 1986, a girl named Kito Aya, aged 15, was diagnosed with an incurable diseased called Spinocerebellar Atrophy. As part of her rehabilitation treatment and in order to help the doctor understand more of her situation, she was asked to keep a diary about the details of her disease and how it affects her daily life and also how she feels about practically everything. This diary was later published and inspired many patients to hang on in their battle against various sicknesses. This diary was the basis for this drama.

The drama follows the story of Ikeuchi Aya, 15 years old. The eldest daughter of a tofu shop owner with a caring and warm family. Aya has always been a happy, kind and hardworking girl with an optimistic view in life. The drama opens on the day of Aya's big entrance exam to high school. On the way to school, Aya tripped and knocked down a row of bicycles. By chance, a boy named Asou Haruto was contemplating to not take the entrance exam when Aya's accident happened. Haruto had no choice but to help Aya rearrange the bicycles and then sent Aya to the examination hall. A teacher later permitted the two to take the exams despite being late.

Aya continued to excel in studies and sports, being part of the highschool female basketball team and also the class representative. She also was dating a senior named Kawamoto. The future was seemingly bright for the 15-year-old until her mother noticed that she was tripping and dropping things a lot. When she fell and hit her head on a date with Kawamoto, her mother put her through a medical examination and it was found that she has a disease called Spinocerebellar Atrophy.

The disease will affect Aya's ability to move gradually. Her limbs would soon be difficult to control and speaking and breathing would prove to be a difficult task. Despite such a knowledge that her life would be greatly changed over the coming years, Aya decided that she should just try her best at what she was able to do and graciously accept the help of those around her although she felt bad for troubling them. She later realized that she had to give up a lot of things as Kawamoto decided that dating a sick girl was too much for him to handle and basketball was something that she could no longer do. But then there were those who remained helpful such as Aya's friends Mari and Saki, and also Haruto, who was always there to silently help her and cheer her up. Aya's family was also doing their best to ensure that Aya's life would to change drastically because of the disease.

However, the disease, being incurable, showed no signs of slowing down and soon, highschool seemed too much for Aya to keep up with. She was later transferred to a school for disabled people and had to bid goodbye to the highschool which she loved so much. When Aya felt down because of she could no longer do the things that she could do before the disease, that she was so different from the active self that she was, she would continue to write in her diary words of encouragement to herself. And apart from her family, Haruto was an important support for Aya.

The drama continues to follow Aya's situation and a decade later, when Aya was 25, her body finally gave in to the disease...

*****

^^ I just realized that my crap-talking about this drama was too crappy and was also left in another blog and that didn't do it justice as this was THE drama for me. This drama sparked my drama interest. Though I watched various Japanese dramas on TV, I wasn't particularly into them. I just watched and that was it. And this drama came along. With a brilliant soundtrack and pretty people starring in it. The storyline is great too. What more can one ask for?

It is strange though, when I watch this drama, I cannot see how Sawajiri can be this nice and then be such a bitch in real life. xD But hey, it is because she was in this drama that no matter what she does, I'll still be remembering her as Ikeuchi Aya. The same with Nishikido Ryo. This drama is probably the best thing that happened to them both, as actors. Sure, Ryo was famous as a Johnny's Junior, his group activities were fine too, but it is this drama that introduced Ryo to many non-Johnny's fans and overseas people who watched Japanese dramas. If the two on-screen lovebirds had any chemistry, it wasn't translated through the screen.

However, since then until now, Nishikido hasn't been the leading character in a drama before. I am a bit disappointed with that and am still intently waiting for him to get an opportunity to lead. I knew he wasn't ready yet, even during "Last Friends", but perhaps in a few more drama season's time. I hope he is not going to play second fiddle for the rest of his career. Nishikido Ryo can be a total impudent, rude asshole in real life. I don't care. xD One great character and the actor's image will be stuck to my head as that character. ^^ Hey, it is the first step towards seeing the best in people, though I have yet to do that with the people I know in real life.... xD

Anyways, Narumi Riko was also very impressive in here. To think that she was 13 when she was filming this... even more impressive. I foresee great things from her. She's very pretty too. Though I have problems watching "Hachimitsu to Clover", it isn't her fault though. I just really disliked the movie version with Aoi Yuu playing Hagumi. I like Aoi Yuu, but her portrayal of that character pissed me off to no end. TO NO END.

Sawajiri Erika. Married and has not been involved in a drama OR a movie since 2007. Such a waste! And the man is like... 44 years old. 22 years her senior. I mean, she can do better, richer, hotter. What the hell is she thinking? I don't rule out the possibility of love. I would too marry someone that much older than me. That is, if he looks like McDreamy. Gosh, McDreamy is hot. That hair~ But hey, whatever floats their boat, mmmkay?

But it is a disappointment that she isn't working more. She could have done more. I won't be satisfied if I had to give up a career that has yet to peak just because I am getting married. Such a waste. Anyways, her life, not mine.

The drama is one of the must-watch. It didn't achieve high viewership ratings, but it is warm, moving and inspiring. Keep in mind that there was this girl who was struggling with this disease. The hardships portrayed were not fiction. And she persisted and hung on to life as it slips through her fingers. Regardless of all the pain, she hung on to life. A life that those without any disease would waste away.

And among all that, I was initially pulled in by Asou Haruto. Who is probably a fiction, drama-only character. I can't help it. Fangirl instincts. And Ryo's shy and reserved portrayal of the character makes the character reminds me of him. Only a bit kinder and I cannot ever imagine Nishikido Ryo crying. I have seen it numourous times on TV, but as someone else. As Asou Haruto, as Oikawa Sousuke, as Ariake Taisuke. Not as Nishikido Ryo... I just think he's a dead-inside psychopath. xD What? I have a thing or two to say about his hair in here. Didn't suit him, but it was better than that red/blonde perm he had way back when. Erika looks best here, to me.

And young love. It is when we were young that we would be so reckless to get involved in hairy situations. Falling for a sick girl IS a hairy situation. As we grow older, we are too rational to do things like that. Everything becomes something that one should think about carefully, balance the pros and cons. See if there is a chance of having a good return on your investments. Investments of time, effort, affection and money. But when we were younger, such things didn't matter. What I would give to be able to be reckless and brave like that again. To have the freedom to act without thinking about the consequences. I didn't appreciate or make use of the chances to do that when I had them. T_T Oh well.

The songs "Konayuki" and "3 Gatsu 9 Ka" became frequent visitors to my playlist. Even now. ^^ I have gradually forgotten why I liked them so much apart from the songs being good, but after re-watching the drama, a song that is being tied to a good drama is twice as good.

Reitings: 4.5/5

[Drama] Ryuusei no Kizuna

Autumn 2008

Starring: Ninomiya Kazunari, Nishikido Ryo, Toda Erika, Kaname Jun, Ryo, Nakashima Mika, Shitara Osamu

Three siblings - Koichi, Taisuke and Shizuna - snuck out one night to see a meteor shower without their parents' permission. When they returned home, their home transformed into a bloody murder scene as their parents lay motionless on the floor. The two policemen in-charge found themselves feeling sympathy for the three children but helpless when it comes to solving the case due to a lack of suspect and evidence. More than a decade later, during the year the statute of limitation runs out, the policemen found renewed motivation to attempt on solving the case.

The three orphans grew into young adults who remained close while none of them forgot the resolution that they made all those years ago - to seek out the murderer themselves and kill him.

Koichi currently works in a restaurant owned by an interesting man. The smart, calculating one. He responsibly took up the role of a big brother as he looked out for his younger siblings after their parents' death. He undoubtedly was the most affected by the loss of his parents as he led the 'Ariake trio' towards the path of swindling and seeking out the murderer of their parents.

Taisuke works part-time at various shops and most often in a porn shop. The second son who is more often than not carefree and flaky. Often thought to be stupid by his siblings, Taisuke never managed to keep a part-time job for long, let alone a steady job. Taisuke plays a pivotal role in their quest to seek out their parents' murderer as he was the only one who saw the murderer leaving their house during the night of the murder.

Shizuna, their stepsister, just got fired from her job due to constant bullying from her superior. Pretty and overprotected, Shizuna's brothers always had her back after the tragedy that befell them. Though not related by blood with the brothers, they genuinely cared for Shizuna and always put her before themselves. Shizuna was also used as bait for their swindling activities.

The drama picks up the story from this point in time. To get on in life and earn a few extra bucks, the siblings committed fraudulent acts to various people using various comical schemes and succeeded everytime without being exposed. That was until they set Togami Yukinari as their target and what followed was a string of events which may or may not lead to the solving of the case more than 14 years ago.

*****

I don't love it, to tell the truth. It is not even half as engaging as I expected it would be. It is somewhat bland and dull. Though the snippets of fraud scenes were minorly amusing. It is lacking something, I have yet to find out what. Somewhat whimsical and ridiculous at times, I get that this must be the Kudo Kankuro influence as can be seen in Kisarazu Cats Eye, it is just that, I am not liking it. I don't get the humour.

Is Mika's character necessary? No. Do I enjoy her? Always. But I don't like how counterproductive her character is. If they want to add a character designed for her, at last make her useful, let the character contribute to the storyline. Well at least she looks nice in here.

I don't like Yukinari. Probably because I really enjoyed that scene where Shizuna was strolling with Taisuke while talking about Mika's character and Koichi. And I was hoping that it would progress to something romantic (despite the disgusting-ness of it if it were to happen in real life. We call this a drama for a reason.)

Bananaman's Shitara showed a different side to him. Though he might be playing a character. xD Nino is... ugh... can I say "not my favourite performance"? I like Ryo's character though, quite a departure from "Last Friend"'s Sousuke. And all the costume wearing helps with the likability.

I repeat - I don't love this drama. But I will finish it. Because I am sure I will have committed a crime punishable by death if I miss a drama starring two of my favourite Johnny's bois. xD Oh yes, I said it.

In episode 7, when the brothers were discussing about Shizuna and Yukinari's relationship and how Shizuna was falling for the son of their enemy, that final yell that Koichi let out was creepy. He scares me now. That face, the anger in his eyes - almost maniacal. I had goosebumps. That yell was not the whiny ones that Nino would make when an Arashi member was being dumb. It was lower, (with a teeny hint of Ninoness.) Creepy.

It always struck me as strange how he would yell and be mean to Taisuke but is all nice to Shizuna. So the little sister needs all the love and protection and the little brother can be pushed around. And... was that a confession when Taisuke confronted Shizuna about Yukinari? That part about how Koichi wasn't the only man who gets worried about Shizuna coming home late and stuff.

We wonder. We sure hope that pulls through because Taisuke's character is... Okay, I have the tendency to fall for idiots like that. I sure fear for myself with a taste like that. Anyways, is Shizuna not stupid? I mean, like, if you know falling for him would not give you a happy ending - at least not easily, then don't. It is simple as that? I mean, you can, at one point, choose to like or not like someone. It is not that I trivialize feelings like that, but people are all independent by nature. You don't have to love someone to live. There are other things in life.... like... I don't know... YOUR FAMILY? Your career? Geez, instead of moping like that, maybe Shizuna should try to... I don't know... get a job?! I mean, rich spoiled boys are really annoying anyways. Always walking around with a sense of... entitlement. It is rich boys like these who are able to be nice like Yukinari is because situations did not force him to be a bit more selfish to survive. Their world is all bright and shiny. I hate rich people. But I do intend to be one. xDDD

In episode 8, when the cop was asking Koichi what would he do if the murderer was made known. The way Koichi would answer "I'd kill him, I guess," so easily. Is that not creepy? Koichi officially scares me. Now that I think of it, he decided to kill when he was young. That is very creepy. Can he actually be, like a sociopath? Cos I think Nino is one. I will explain that later.

The FINAL episode just aired last night, I think. I am satisfied. Though the process of getting towards the ending is long and rather boring, filled with redundant scenes and 'family love', the ending was very engaging. With the sudden turn of events, the murderer turned out to be NOT whom they thought it was. With Togami Yukinari's father off the hook, Shizuna can have her happy ending. I didn't understand why Koichi had to turn himself in for the swindling, but I guess they want to instill moral values in all who watch the show. All goody-goody and happy. I find Nakashima Mika's character unneeded and forcefully written into the show. Though I don't mind it, I like watching her seduce Koichi. And Ryo. Oh... so... hot. So hot. I like Shitara as a cop. xD Very believable too. And strangely, I grew to like Yukinari. Oh well. It was a happy ending as the siblings picked up the restaurant where their parents left off.

Nino, Ryo and Erika delivered wonderful performances. Nino especially. My feelings for Arashi aside, you have to admit that he was great when he realized and confronted the murderer (whose identity I won't reveal for the sake of keeping it non-spoilery for those who have yet to watch the drama) and when he saw the handle of the umbrella and when the truth hit him. Very intense, I like. Ryo's acting improved. I mean, the upbeat, happy character of Taisuke might have suited him well or something. He is not as stiff as I remembered back in "Attention Please". I am glad. Erika too was good in here. I skipped "Code Blue" so I don't know how she performed there, but she has almost always been believable. This is the first time I saw Shitara Osamu, one half of the comedic duo - Bananaman play a serious character, and of course, that is new. Mika... her performance is... funny. Better than Nana. xD

Rating: 3/5

[Talk] Ryo and Erika

Adorable, aren't they? When I learned of the non-blood-related thing, I was half expecting a TaisukexShizuna or KoichixShizuna. Not happening though. Sad.

This is probably the reason for my dislike for the character Togami Yukinari.

[Talk] Crap That Should Not Be Here

The things I find most endearing about certain people from Johnny's Jimusho.

1. Arashi's bond
   
2. V6's bond
3. Ryo, Pi and Jin
   
4. Chinen's adoration for Ohno

And I have this especially soft spot for Ryo and Pi when they are combined. Separately, I don't think they would appeal much to me.

Cos Pi's face is usually... that expressionless and he is usually THAT boring and Ryo is usually that much of a meanie asshole.

But when they are together. Its like, expressions found their way back to Pi's face and Ryo's 3rd grade bully behavior suddenly becomes endearing when Pi, who usually has too much pride to take anyone's shit, is willing to take Ryo's shit. You know? Its like, Ryo would be the only one who is able to just walk around and act like a rebel and Pi would just let him. Ryo would just ask Pi to shut up and Pi would do it. Pi would prepare a special dish for Ryo (during the Never Ending Wonderful Story DVD Bonus scenes) and Ryo can be an ungrateful bastard and complain that its already cold even if Pi prepared it JUST FOR HIM and others had to share the other remaining dishes. Its that sort of thing that makes them so endearing to watch when they are together.

And their handshake. I used to have a handshake with my group of friends back in high school. Ryo and Pi would do it before they go on stage. (And Pi and Jin and Ryo and Jin too.)

And I know the three of them would them march around and think that they're hotshots. Its like you know back in school, the jocks will always be feared and looked up upon? They're the jocks. They're the men about town. That is exactly what I don't like about them. But the bond between them is very endearing.

If you read back in my entries, you will find that I really dislike Jin in KAT-TUN. And yes, I am not retracting it. I really dislike him in KAT-TUN and his expressionless face. But if you happen to come across any footages of Jin with Pi or Ryo, you'll know what I am talking about.

It is like, they don't do anything for me as individuals, but when they come together, I get hyper and excited like a fangirl does. Weird.

We have Ryo, Pi and Jin in their little circle that excludes others. Sure, they're really cocky people. But I just have a soft spot for friendships like that.

Why do you think Arashi and V6 are my top two boybands again?

V6 is mostly made up of recluses who don't quite know a lot of other Johnny's. Only perhaps TOKIO. And that is only for Tonisen. Who Kamisen are friends with, I have no idea.

In Arashi, we know that Nino and Jun are very popular people who are friends with lots of people including Johnny's people. Aiba does so too, Sho, probably. But Ohno... well I think he is opening up, which is good for him.

I have a backpain.

[Talk] Nino... What...? Ryo?

I... Nino... he... Ryo's...

What the feck?



I cannot wait for the their drama now. CANNOT WAIT.

Its his damn shoulder that Nino kissed. SHOULDER.

Nino is a pervy molester.

And for Sho to say that shoulder-kissing/molesting is common in Arashi.

Well... yeah, I am not surprised. But, you see... they don't have to broadcast to the world that their a great big orgy group now do they?

^^ There's the two idiot again.



I have a problem deciding who is gayer, Jun or Nino. And everytime Nino does something like this, I like him a little bit more.

About Ryo. I understand why he is so mean to Shige, but I don't know why he is so mean to Shige. Am I making sense here? I understand because I am that mean (or meaner) to certain people before, but I don't know why he is that mean because I don't know why I am this mean as well. xD Its the nature of a person, I guess.

I don't like Ryo as much anymore because, from what I see, he is... actually a posing, egoistical ass. But I still like him. xD It don't know... its... During the tour documentary, I bet he said all those stuff just cos there's a camera. And I don't doubt a lot of the performers are like that. But at least he should make an effort to try and hide it, instead of just carrying it on like he doesn't give a shit.

He has been hanging out with Jin and Pi too much. (Right, just like me, stating the obvious.) But perhaps he should show Shige a bit of a respect in front of so many viewers. Just a bit of a respect. At first I thought it was just for fun, bullying Shige and laughing along with everyone. I thought that he didn't really just want to make Shige suffer. But yeah, I kinda realize that Ryo is the devil and he really is trying to make Shige suffer.

I was watching Never Ending Wonderful Story when Ryo told the fans that "I love you guys more than Kato Shigeaki." and now I am watching Pacific and he ignored Shige's offer for a handshake on purpose for so many times. You kinda feel bad for Shige yet find it a bit funny that Shige just keep taking it in.

Yes, bullying is happening within that group. That much is obvious.

[Buzz] Fall Drama - 流星の绊

HERE

T_T I have tears in my eyes. (No I don't. Its a sentence that merely expresses great joy indescribable by anything else.) Oh~ No wonder I woke up today to find the sky bluer and the sun brighter. Oh~ Oh~~~~~~~~~~~

xD Yeah, I should stop that shit. Basically, the drama will have Nino, Ryo and Erika playing siblings whose parents died 14 years ago. Someone killed the parents. Something about taking revenge for their parents or trying to catch em.

Apparently, it is replacing Maou! It will be on TBS, Friday nights at 10 p.m.. Some mysterious dude was the original writer. The script was written by the same dude who wrote "Ikebukuro West Gate Park" (The one that has Nagase Tomoya and Yamapi, apparently it was rather critically acclaimed. Didn't even finish watching that shiet.) this drama will be the dude's first work since that drama 12 years ago. (WOW)

Can I express how much I love the cast? Nino and Ryo... well I don't really have to highlight how much I love to have them in the drama! Erika~ I am pretty sure I saw her the first time with her playing MisaMisa in the Death Note movies. I really liked MisaMisa's style back then. The clothes, I mean. (I was a teenager, people make mistakes. Or not.) Her character in "Nobuta wo Produce" was great too. I watched "Galcir", "Tatta Hitotsu no Koi", "HYD 2", "Liar Game" (So didn't finish that one.) and now "Code Blue". I have "Ushi ni Negai wo" and "Yukinojo Henge" but didn't find time for the former and the latter was too disturbing, having Tackey crossdressing made me nauseous.

Ryo was in "Ganbatte Ikimasshoi" which I went through quickly because Suzuki An was getting on my nerves. Then he was in the very, extremely popular "1 Litre of Tears" which I watched repeatedly and was very, very much lovin it. Then came "Attention Please". Then I was screaming how he was typecasted. Always the nice dude who stood by the female main character. Like, I know already, give me something new! Then came the much fussed about "Last Friends". Thus he was able to break away from playing the main character's boyfriend!

Then it is Nino~ I vaguely remember seeing him in "Minami-kun no Koibito" before I got into Arashi. Didn't watch it religiously because the concept of the drama is stupid. Loved "Namida wo Fuite" though, "Stand Up" was a bit too weird and Suzuki An was bugging me again, then came the SPs "Marathon" and "Sukoshi wa, Ongaeshi Dekitakana", both being brilliant, I tried watching "Haikei Chichiue-sama" but it was too boring. Then "Yamada Tarou Monogatari" was hilarious and fun to watch. Watched too many of his movies too! Oh but "Amagigoe" was kinda horrific in a very bald-Nino sorta way.

Yes, ah~ I am excited. Whee~~

If they should anyhow change the three actors for the three characters, I will be offended and then sad and then um... move on?

[Buzz] 流星の絆 Drama

Okay, I am not sure about the title of this new drama. It is either "Nagareboshi no Kizuna" OR "Ryuusei no Kizuna". Frankly, I don't quite care. They can call it "Unko no Kizuna" and I will still watch it if the rumoured cast is for real.

Its about swindler siblings. A mastermind, a master of disguise and a seductress. But they weren't always like that, their parents died and they had to find a way to live. Or something. Whatever.

The best part is that Nino is rumoured to be casted as the eldest. Ryo or Toma is casted as the second and a girl is casted as the youngest, I shall make a daring assumption that it is Toda Erika because she is in the rumoured cast list.

I visited various sites to read up on the rumour and a few sites mentioned Nishikido Ryo will be playing the younger brother, some said Toma. I personally think that Nino and Ryo can make a good duo, since the two are like so short and so full of evil. BUT, a lot of Japanese sites said Toma will be playing Nino's character's younger brother.

T_T

I hope its Ryo. Cos I had previously thought that the two would make a good duo, and if they get along well, the people around them will suffer from their poison tongues, if they don't get along well, then serious poisons will be spitted.

Please be true. The drama. I don't care, I want another double-Johnny's because I am like that.

[Drama] Last Friends

11 Episodes

2008

Starring: Nagasawa Masami, Ueno Juri, Eita, Mizukawa Asami, Nishikido Ryo...

This drama follows the story of Michiru, a frail young woman who aspires to be a hairdresser and to create a new happy family for herself. She saw her dreams crash and burn when her supposedly caring and loving boyfriend, Sousuke, turns out to be a violent abuser. In a twist of fate, she met Ruka, her friend from school whom she lost contact with. The two subsequently restored their friendship and kept close contact.

Ruka, a young woman in the motorcross sport, she seems tough on the outside but struggles with a secret. She lives in a sharehouse that keeps expanding in terms of number of people living in it. Originally shared between Ruka and Eri. Soon Takeru, a bartender cum hairstylist joined along with Ogurin, a man who works at the airport who found himself out of place when his wife brought another man back to the home they used to share. When Michiru found the abuse from Sousuke to be unbearable, escaped into this sharehouse.

Soon the six young adults found their lives to be intertwined with conflicts and struggles as each strive to find their own happiness and place on earth.

*****

Spoilers alert!

After episode 8, I feel that I can just go ahead and write this entry. The ending is pretty much predictable by now. Ah, this drama has been marketed as a drama that deals with the problems and issues faced by the young adults these days. Domestic violence and homosexuality being the centerpiece of the so-called issues. Family negligence, contradictory personalities being the others.

I can see why they made Michiru the main character, apart from her level of involvement with most of the issues. She is the most regular one. There's a Michiru in every street corner. Everyone needs to be loved, some more so than the others. Especially when you were deprived of it since childhood. I get her. She clung onto Sousuke despite being abused, why? Because she believed with all her heart that Sousuke loved her despite the abuse, and I think Sousuke did, in all actuality. People express love in twisted ways sometimes. Sousuke just happens to express it wrongly. We will touch on Sousuke in a bit. Michiru found that Eita cared. So she moved on to Eita. Hoping to find love in the pair of caring arms that Eita would willingly offer at anytime, on account of friendship and on behalf of Ruka. Michiru is just love-deprived and needy. It cannot be blamed that she seeks love, but her mistake is that she sought them solely from men.

Which leads us to Ruka. Ruka isn't really that much of a tough nut to crack. She is confused and has always been confused. According to what Michiru said, she hung out alone in Middle School, her only friend was Michiru. This might explain why Ruka only has feelings for Michiru and not other women. I think its not really that she's gay or anything. She did open up to Takeru a lot, told Takeru things that she never told anyone else. What Ruka might have felt with Takeru should be security. She distrusts men, that's all. What Ruka felt for Michiru must have been by no means sexual. However, she did contemplate on being a transsexual and not for Michiru's sake, really. She decided that when she handed Michiru over to Takeru. I think her career plays a big part in her decision as well. Being a motorcross racer, a career that rarely involves women. She just feels like she wants liberation regarding the gender barrier. In Japan, men are still men and women are still women. The divide is clear.

Takeru just fears intimacy with women. He is not gay. Imagine if you were bitten by dogs, naturally you would have a lingering fear for dogs. Depending on the intensity of the injury, your level of fear varies. Although it has not been revealed, his sister must have imposed some pretty kinky and perverted sexual 'favours' on him which results in his fear and agony. It takes a lot to drive a man away from sex, because men are sexually driven creatures. Takeru feels for Ruka. He stated that he wasn't sure what the feeling was, but there was something. He cared for Ruka, he took care of Michiru for Ruka. And what he likes about Ruka is probably the fact that Ruka does not offer sexual favours to him. Or he sees himself in Ruka. The two have similarities in the sense that they do not react to the opposite gender the way the majority of the people do. Such issues are still frowned upon in most Asian countries, but I didn't expect it to be such a big deal, especially in Japan where you cannot be sure of the genders of quite a large portion of the entertainers.

Eri does not believe in everlasting love that accepts all weaknesses and conquers all obstacles. Eri has been disappointed by men. Despite the cheerful shell, Eri is lonely. The drama should place more focus on Eri because her character deserves it. Eri's solitude drove her to be prone to be deceived by men who appear to be loyal and loving. Even in the most wrong and twisted ways. Which was why she succumbed to Ogurin. Her feelings for Ogurin is rather hazy because of all the airtime dedicated to that Michiru and Ruka. ROAR them. I haven't really WATCHED the drama. I browsed them through, to tell you the truth. So I might have missed important bits and pieces. But Eri seems to have something for Ogurin. She was attracted to him because of his loyalty to his wife, he seems to be a good man because of that. But it was that same loyalty that makes it hard for Eri and Ogurin to even have a chance.

Although Sousuke should come first instead of Ogurin in the hierarchy of character importance, I have decided to save Sousuke for last because of his... distance from the rest. His character is not in the share house. His character is not friends with the rest. Ogurin is your typical wimpy husband. Step all over him like he is a doormat, cheat on him, bring your lover into your house, have sex with your lover on the bed you shared with him. He'll just shut up or walk away. Worst, he will swallow it willingly. But that is what he is good at. Being loyal. Loving. I think he doesn't really see what Eri has for him yet. (up to episode 8.) Which is sad. But Eri is like the popular girl in high school and Ogurin is the Akihabara type. So, he wouldn't have dreamed of it would he?

Sousuke. The main antagonist. You feel like you get him for one moment, the next, you lost him. His contradiction is driving him crazy, you can see it. He loves yet he abuses. He is cruel yet he saves lives. I believe this to be the result of a wrong method of upbringing. He did run away from home. But I don't think that his situation can be an excuse for his twisted personality because many people have more fucked up lives and did not reduce themselves to a woman-beating loser. Apart from that, there's loneliness in him. Sousuke is just a lonely guy who yearns for companionship but the abusive nature in him prevents him from getting a companion. Its contradictory indeed.

The viewership ratings are picking up gradually, though still not as high as I expected. I think this series generated a lot of internet buzz. I look forward to the ending. Just to solve the big question mark.

Who died and who inseminated Michiru?



The poster. What a pretty blend of colours and symbolism. Everyone has tried to decipher what is that blasted poster trying to convey. I have my own set of interpretation. But since I really haven't focused 100% on an episode since the first episode. Its hard for me to know exactly what it is. I'll try though. Takeru's eyes are the only ones that are open because he seems to be the only one that seems to be clear about the happenings around. He is the one that understands that there is something that Ruka is struggling with yet he doesn't know what it is until he read that letter. He is also clear from the very beginning that he took a liking to Ruka. He is clear about what he wants, what others are suffering from. OR, it could very well mean that he will die in the end. I don't know yet. I'll just watch the ending. xD

The red threads are clear though. In both Chinese and Japanese beliefs, people's relationships and fates are stringed together by red threads. The Chinese believe that there's this old dude with long white beard stringing everyone up or lack thereof. Sousuke is the only one with a black piece of garment on him (in some posters and in the opening), so it might imply that he's the only one with a bit of evil within him OR it could mean that he will die. You know, there are a lot of ways to interpret it but only after the drama ends that we will know for sure.

Further updates will be added to this particular entry and no new entries will be added on this subject matter to prevent repetitiveness.

Update @ 13 June 2008, upon watching episode 10.

Spoilers. Don't read if you don't want em.

NOOOOOOOOO SOUSUKE! Yes, despite him beating up Michiru, Ruka and Takeru mercilessly, I still sympathize him. Because underneath all that cruelty is one insecure, lonely and tormented soul. His loneliness drove him to do fucked up things. But imagine running away from a unhappy family at a young age, having no one to rely on but yourself. The world is a cruel place, sometimes, people just strayed down the wrong path, got a few screws loose. But there's a reason for everything.

Upon realizing that Michiru found greater joy elsewhere, Sousuke realized that his behaviour has caused his lover great pain. People lose their rationality sometimes. It happens. Just that the level of damage done when you lost it is different, in Sousuke's case, its really, really bad. I have to say Sousuke had it worst among the characters. Really. How bad is the inner torment that you take your own life like that? It has got to be pretty bad.

At least Ruka has her family, Takeru is loved and cared by friends, Michiru is loved by everyone, Eri and Ogurin... they belong somewhere, and it is in that share house that they belong. Sousuke is just lonely, and Michiru's departure (though for good reason) just caused him to be even lonelier. Thus he beat people up to take that the beacon of light that he thought will sooth his loneliness back. But then he repented did he not? He realized he was wrong thats why he left like that. He couldn't bear the loneliness anymore and he could no longer hold Michiru back. Sure, the damage he caused cannot be taken back, like his sins. But he loved Michiru, the wrong way, but nevertheless, it was love. Twisted, though.

Sousuke's cruel irrationality was caused by loneliness and eventually caused him loneliness. Its a tragic end to a tragic life. T_T

Michiru leaving the house upon knowing of Ruka's feelings. I know it seems like she is being heartless as Ruka did so much for her. But remember that Ruka did it all without telling her her feelings, she did all that without Michiru telling her to. She did all that willingly. And it was just shock, really. Can't blame Michiru for it. Imagine your best friend (male, female, I don't really care... its not about sexuality that I am arguing right now) told you he/she likes you. And all the while you thought that that person is nice to you on account of friendship. But then you realize that its because of something else, on a certain level, you feel deceived. You know? Its just... they want something else from you, that is why they are so nice. Its just... rather disappointing thats all.

And Ogurin... geez, go back to your wife you spineless wimp.

Updated 21 June 2008, upon watching Episode 11

Yeah... I think I prefer Sousuke more than the others.

What? Bite me. I did dislike him for a while, so its not about being a Nishikido Ryo fan that I feel sorry this character. Its just that you finally see the character come a full round, from being a seemingly psychopathic villain to a character that actually feels, just that he is not good at expression.

Eri is too good for Ogurin's fat protruding ass. Seriously.

The ending is illogical but... its fiction. So, like, whatever. ^^ I guess its good, since Takeru can't have sex but loves Ruka. Ruka likes Takeru but loves Michiru but Michiru doesn't love Ruka the way Ruka loves her. So the three can strike up a relationship whereby they rely on each other like that. Since Michiru did have a crush on Takeru. So I guess, since sex is a no-go this is the furthest they can get.

Oh, yeah, I am ending this post. Its getting boring.

There's an SP and a movie announced. Will do that in another post.