ThatJapaneseDramaGuy

Drama: Perfect love Japanese: パーフェクトラブ！ Screenwriter: Asano Taeko Network: Fuji TV Actors: Fukuyama Masaharu, Kimura Yoshino This drama didn't aged well I am not talking about the video quality but some of the writing. Modern drama watchers would hate this I mean we have a playboy male lead, a stalker clingy female lead, serial cheater and pervert side characters oh I forgot old school father. But since it is a coming of age romance genre characters grow throughout the story. They learn to be true to themselves, have goals and be independent. Nowadays when it comes to romance I only enjoy old school dramas I just can't explain there is some authenticity in them. The way they look at each other seems real and 90s actors didn't have any problem kissing each other. It also have fun parts great editing made me laugh at unexpected moments. The insert song "Squall" by eiko matsumoto is also darn good makes scenes more romantic, the end of episode 8 is a masterpiece. The...

Drama: Teasing Master Takagi-san Romaji: Karakai Jouzu no Takagi-san Japanese: からかい上手の高木さん Screenwriter: Imaizumi Rikiya Network: Netflix Actors: Tsukishima Rui, Kurokawa Souya I know there is an anime and it is very popular but I haven't watched it so I can't compare. I actually have no plans to watched it until I saw the director and screenwriter is Imaizumi Rikiya my new favorite slice of life director so I decided to check it out. Just like what I expect it is very slice of life. It consists of long shots but not super slow, dialogue heavy but not boring. The drama was separated by different skits in which Takagi is just teasing Nishikata.  The drama has so much youth energy and innocent vibe. They did a very good job exploring youth crushes and the emotions it could bring. The contrast between the personality of Takagi and Nishikata is addicting to watch their chemistry is just that good. The banter never gets boring even sometimes it felt too long already. At times it fel...

Best Slice of Life Japanese Dramas What makes Japanese dramas different from other dramas from other countries such as Korean dramas or Chinese dramas is how diverse it is. From mystery thrillers, Romance Manga live actions, tearjerkers, quirky comedy to job oriented ones, but my favorite and without a doubt their forte is the thought provoking slice of life genre. The slice of life genre is very broad. There are romance with slice of life elements or job oriented dramas with relatable life aspects but I want to focus on purely slice of life like how Japan likes to do it. I watch a lot and I notice there is a formula to it, laidback, meaningful dialogue, fun characters, symbolism, and Japanese sensibility at its core. These Japanese script writers are very good in observing the human connection, exploring the Wabi Sabi philosophy, and inserting the theme of Ikigai into their stories. Nagi no Oitoma (2019) One principle of Wabi Sabi says that we should find the beauty in imperfections b...

Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love Review Drama: Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love Network: AbemaTV Screenwriter: Nakagawa Ryutaro Actors: Yokohama Ryusei, Minami Sara Duration: 30 min. I haven’t watched the Korean drama or read the webtoon this story is based on but it seems this Japanese drama is a less toxic version. I don’t see any super toxic relationship in this drama like most reviews from the korean version is saying. From the main couple to side couples they are still fine to me just to compare this is a more mature, less toxic Coffee and Vanilla minus the cheesiness. There are a lot of indie people behind the production, it was produced by Fujii Michihito (Yakuza and The Family, The Parades, 18×2 Beyond Youthful Days), directed by Nakagawa Ryutaro (Summer Blooms, Mio on the Shore, Tokyo Sunrise) so there is that indie vibe and I love it. Each episode is just 20 to 30 minutes so the pacing can appear fast. The setting is an art school where the female lead, Hamasaki Miu, an art ...

Smells Like Green Spirit Live Action Review Drama: Smells Like Green Spirit Network: MBS, TVK Actors: Araki Towa, Sono Shunta, Abe Alan, Fujimoto Kodai Duration: 30 min. The song “smells like teen spirit” by Nirvana is a song without official interpretation. It is up to the listeners to interpret it, it will mean whatever means to you, and this is where this story came about. Based on the manga of the same name Smells like Green spirit seems like Saburō Nagai, the mangaka, own take on the song, a coming of age revolution of LGBTQ+ people set in the 90s somewhere in Japanese countryside. Growing up in the countryside of a conservative country like Japan, everyone has an eye on you, people will expect you to conform to their social norms. Mishima, the protagonist in this drama, while never coming out is obviously gay and everyone knows it. He was bullied at school for acting feminine and people from their town make fun of him, but he never rattled; he was confident for who he is. One day...

Usotoki Rhetoric Review Drama: Usotoki Rhetoric Japanese:  嘘解きレトリック Network: Fuji TV Actors: Suzuka Ouji, Honoka Matsumoto Set in the early Showa era, the story is about Urabe Kanoko, a girl who can hear lies from people. This ability became a curse to her as she was ostracized in her village even with her own mother. She left her village with no money in her pocket, traveled to another town, broke and began to look for jobs. There she met Iwai Soma who is a detective with no client. Soma spends his day freeloading for food and from time to time does jack of all trades work. Once he discovers that Kanoko can hear lies he offers her to be his assistant. Usotoki Rhetoric is a comedy Agatha Christie mystery type of drama, I am very a huge critic when it comes to the genre but the mystery is surprisingly engaging and fresh that I ended up really loving it. The vibe is an upbeat Showa period drama. The comedy doesn't try hard but it is funny. Since it is a period drama the production q...