Beach Boys (90s Japanese Drama Review)

Beach Boys Review

Drama: Beach Boys

Screenwriter: Okada Yoshikazu

Network: Fuji TV

Actors: Sorimachi Takashi, Takenouchi Yutaka, Hirosue Ryoko

If you are looking for a slice of life Japanese drama with some of the hottest 90s Japanese actors on it then Beach Boys is for you. It also recently got added to the Netflix library so the accessibility is very good, no reason to watch it on other sites. Beach Boys is such a legendary drama that every time you see a Japanese drama recommendation this drama is on it. Until now there are people in Japan that visit its filming location, a pilgrimage for Japanese drama fans.

I like the symbolism like these two men were brought ashore to this cafe on the beach managed by this old failed surfer dude and his granddaughter with mom issues. If you like found family tropes then this is for you. One is Hiromi, an easy going lucky guy with no direction in life and Kaito, an elite employee of a large multinational trading company suddenly loses the urge to work and decides one day to see the ocean.

This drama is very scenic and has very good cinematography even compared to today's time. Shows how it is like to work on the beach, the fun and the hardship while showing the vibrant people enjoying their vacation. Acting is very good, the comedy is on point, and there is very good chemistry between Sorimachi Takashi and Takenouchi Yutaka. Hirosue Ryoko is very young and very cute so vibrant she is like the sun of the show.

Like any slice of life there are many topics ranging from mother to son relationship to dreams and finding your purpose in life. Some are deeply moving but the drama didn’t stay melodramatic that much. It is light comedy most of the time.

This timeless classic is a must watch for any Japanese drama fans. No excuses, it is on Netflix now. This is the forefather of the healing on beachside genre if you have seen one this would feel familiar.