So I’m actually updating from my teacher’s computer (she’s not here at the moment- for some reason has decided to abandon us). I’m planning to do a little article on the surge of foreign singers in J-Pop. I’ve been seeing A LOT of fresh non-Japanese singers rise in the ranks these days. Maybe I’ve just been out of the ranks these days, but there seem to be more fresh foreign faces than ever before.
I’m planning to do a little intro a couple of singers such as HIMEKA (who sang Valkyrie’s OP) Tiana Xiao, ALAN, and whoever else I can find =P

So it’s been a YEAR since I’ve last updated this blog. Hey guys. Howdeedo? 

So this being my Junior year of high school and all, I’ve hardly had any time to sleep, let alone go on the internet and blog. Like my mom has been screeching in my ear all year, “Study first! Life second!” 

This is my final week of finals (after AP testing and SATs, this should seem like a breeze to me) which means I’ll have to hit the books for fourteen odd days and ten I’m done with this wretched school year for good with nothing ahead of me except for a summer full of doing nothing. 

Well, I like to not dwell on my epic failure as a blogger for more then a sentence. So let’s get this ball rolling and hope I’ll keep it up- at least for the summer.

Some news that you may or may not care about- I’m going to China this summer! Woot! I may or may not be blogging about my daily experiences there- this isn’t a personal blog, so I probably shouldn’t. But I probably won’t be watching any dramas. Perhaps some music reviews? Ah, I’m not sure which direction to take from here.

This is just a re-intro for those of you who have never laid eyes on this blog (and I trust there are a fair number of you, judging by my stats) and to let you know that come June 20, (the end of the school year comes extremely late for me) I will actually have some kind of freetime on my hands. Possibly.

So look forward to some posts from now till then~!

P.S: I suppose I will still be doing the long-overdue Koizora review, although I don’t think anyone would be interested in my reviews of past J-dramas. The only one I’m interested in following is Seigi no Mikata (I actually have a draft of the first episode post that I never got around to posting.) If you would like me to blog that, leave a comment please~!

Okay, so I’ve just checked the Tokyograph preview, and sure enough, I missed quite a few of the upcoming dramas. I was using the dramawiki index of upcoming dramas when I did the first 2-part preview, and I don’t remember seeing these on there. Although ironically, I had already heard that some of these were coming out this season, and there are actually quite a few that I’m interested in. I just forgot about them when I didn’t see them on the dramawiki list. I’ll just use the summaries Tokyograph had on their previews page, since I’m too lazy to write anything semi-coherent for these dramas this early in the morning D=. So, let’s take a quick look.

Walkin’ Butterfly

 

 Genre: Comedy…?

Broadcast Company: TV Tokyo

Series Run: July 11-?

Synopsis and info: Chihiro Tamaki’s “Walkin’ Butterfly” manga series is getting the live-action treatment, with teen model Aoi Nakabeppu  as its star. She plays a young woman named Michiko, who has long had a complex about being too tall. While working as a pizza delivery girl, she gets sent to drop off an order at a fashion show, where she gets mistaken for a model. Now drawn into the world of fashion models, she has to overcome her height complex if she wants to become successful.

Impressions: I’ve been meaning (sort of…) to read the manga, but I never got around to it. So, I think I’ll actually check this one out. It sounds sort of like Lovely Complex meets Paradise Kiss, both of which I thoroughly enjoyed (I marathoned Paradise in one day XD). Not sure how those two shows would mix, but I guess I’ll be finding out. I will be doing a first impressions on the series- completely unsure whether I will actually follow the whole thing, though.

Here is Greenwood 

Genre: Comedy

Broadcast Company: Tokyo MX

Series Run: July 6-?

Synopsis and info: Yukie Nasu’s classic shojo manga “Here is Greenwood” has given life to this screen adaptation, which will air on independent stations across the country (with varying schedules). Set at the all-boys school Rokuto Academy, the story revolves around the inhabitants of the unusual Greenwood Dormitory and their misadventures. Hotch Potchi’s Yuki Izawa plays the protagonist Kazuya Hasukawa, a late arrival to the school. His first surprise comes when he discovers his roommate is Shun Kisaragi, who appears to be a girl…

Impressions: I’ve heard a bunch of things about this manga, and this drama sounds a lot like Hanakimi reversed (I never finished Hanakimi… it was too much manga wank…) here’s to hoping that it won’t be as ridiculous as Hanakimi. I check this one out if I feel like it. As of right now though, I don’t think I’ll be seeing to many gender-bending dramas. Seriously, gender-bending should stay in manga- it seems too wacky to be acted out in live-action. Maybe watching XD.

Natsukoi

 

Genre: Romance

Broadcast Company: TBS

Series Run: June 30-?

Synopsis and info: In this afternoon drama, talento Chiharu stars as a mother living in the Gunma prefecture with her husband (Toshimori Omi) and teenage daughter Natsuki (Mitsuki Takahata). One summer day, Chiharu is unexpectedly reunited with her first love (Yasuyuki Maekawa), leading to a complicated relationship. Meanwhile, young Natsuki has her own reunion with her first love.

Impressions: Wow, this one’s already started. It seems interesting enough, what with the parallel love lives of mother and child. It sounds like it could appeal to both young and middle-aged audiences alike. I may check this one out, seeing as its already aired.

Shiro to Kuro

 

Genre: Romance, Comedy?

Broadcast Company: Fuji TV

Series Run: June 30-?

Synopsis and info: Aki Nishihara is the star of this daytime series, titled “Shiro to Kuro” (”white and black”) to indicate two sides of love. She finds herself in a sort of love triangle with two brothers, opposite in personality. Katsuya Kobayashi is the “good” older brother, while Tomohito Sato (formerly known as Yuki Sato) plays the “bad” younger brother.

Impressions: Bleh. Maybe. I don’t know. I don’t think I can stand much more romance in my drama season this summer, but it sounds interesting. Just reading the summary, I start wondering who she’s going to choose in the end. Presumably, it would be the “Kuro” brother- because its always customary in J-dramas to disregard the kind lover and go instead for the guy that acts like a jerk and gives you the cold shoulder. I guess its Japanese nature to chase after unrequited love? Maybe watching. Again, this is already aired, so I guess it wouldn’t hurt to check it out, if only for first impressions.

Ehhh… so I’m really not up to writing anymore previews anymore. Not sure I want to do something this thorough next season, but hope you found this preview useful~  I will be updating the “To-Watch” Post soon.

Hot off the press from Tokyograph:

American movie studio Vertigo Entertainment is apparently working on a remake of the popular franchise “Death Note,” which has been turned into three live-action films in Japan. The news was quietly revealed in production notes for the horror films “Shutter” and “The Strangers.”

According to the notes, Vlas and Charles Parlapanides have been tapped to pen the screenplay. They are currently writing for the upcoming TV series “Undercover” on The CW.

No other details have been revealed at this point.

Rumour has it that Zac Efron may be casted to be Light Yagami/Kira.

After watching the Youtube video I have to somewhat agree that he looks like Light. But… that’s about the only thing he’s got going for him in getting this role. I still stand by my comment about him having too much of a musical image as far as acting goes. Also, wouldn’t playing a role like this hurt his image? I don’t think too many parents will be happy when they find out that Disney HSM’s Troy is playing a morally twisted wannabe dictator.

 

So, since I just typed a looong reply to the d-addicts thread about this, I’ll just paste it here, =D. Here’s my take on this:

Seriously, when I first saw this thread I was like “WTF??!” I thought this was a joke. I mean, Death Note is AWESOME, but it also has a really niche audience (i.e: only fans of the anime + manga). And it isn’t exactly the typical Japanese horror film that the U.S usually imports either. It’s really low on action/gore etc. which is usually what appeals most to audiences on this side of the world. I know this sounds horribly stereotypical, but I don’t know many Americans who watch movies to listen to some smartass teenager slowly explain his mastermind plans for conquering the world while writing in a notebook.

So, based on those assumptions I would say that this movie adaptation is going to be adjusted to the “more action/killing/blood/gore” and less “slowly dissecting intricate strategies”. And I truly, truly hope that I’m not right- because if I am, I will be majorly pissed.

There’s also the issue of names. Sure, “Light” sounds okay in the Japanese version, and for most weathered Anime fans that are used to the Japanese coming up with random English words as names, its pretty acceptable. But I’m pretty sure this will have to be changed for American audiences. Not that I consider this a problem- Light, even in the original version, is supposed to appear as a studious, well-behaved, bright young man, so giving him an ordinary name will just help perfect the illusion. Actually, I’m sure everyone’s names (save for L’s, perhaps) will be changed so the story appears to be occuring in “America”, because God forbid anything exciting be taking place in any other place in the world lest we find it hard to relate to them and thus fail to take an interest in the movie. (the same principle applies for almost every movie around the world of course, so I can’t really complain).

I wonder what “Kira” will be transliterated to though- “Killer” might work, although I think that name somewhat lacks the impact of “Kira” (that’s just me of course- I realize the two are practically one and the same).

There is of course, bright sides to this. If this movie proves successful (whether it is a butchered action/gore version or, preferably, a version that is relatively faithful to the original Japanese plot) it may be able to expose Death Note media in other mediums (anime, manga, novel etc.) and ultimately even anime to mainstream audiences. Of course, that’s all quite a stretch, but its possible.

I don’t really know what to expect from the adaptation. Hopefully I’ll go see it when its released, just for the heck of it, but if I do I won’t be setting any expectations. This could be great, or this could be horrible. Or it could be somewhat in between. Now that I’ve gotten past the “WTF?!” factor of this news, I realize that this is just another Japanese imported movie that’s going to be adapted for American audiences. Nothing to be that excited about, I suppose.

Okay, maybe I haven’t gotten past the WTF factor yet, because apparently there’s more to come? Zac Efron=/=Light! If he is cast and he can actually pull the role off, I will respect him 1000x more then I do now. But considering his current reputation for starring in Disney musicals… er… well, let’s hope for the best. It could be worse, I suppose (it could, but I just can’t think of how.)

—-

Sorry if this post was completely incoherent, but seriously, I was distracted by the WTF~!

-Lycoris

Okay, so I think its time to compile exactly what I’ll be watching this season. This will pretty much be in order of importance/priority, the first on the list being my most anticipated drama and the last being one I least anticipate. =D I figured I better get this list out there since some of these dramas are starting in Japan within a few days.

Definitely Watching… 

1. Koizora- will definitely be blogging this~~ unfortunately it isn’t starting until August.

2. Seiji no Mikata- Probably will be blogging this too. God, it looks cute. Shida Mirai is so much <3!

3. Cat Street- Probably the only manga-based drama that’s appealed to me this season. Maybe blogging.

Checking out for first Impressions

4. Taiyo no Umi no Kyoshitsu- Everyone needs a school drama!

5. 33pun Tantei- yay~ dumb!detective drama

6. Maou- well, it could be good… I guess. It was popular in Korea!

And that’s it~ wow, out of the tons of dramas I previewed (see preview parts I and II) I’m only watching 6… guess that rules me as a picky viewer, huh?

well, look forward to future first impressions and episodic (or not… haven’t really decided exactly in what format I will be doing these) posts once these dramas begin. Oh, and I am working on that Koizora (Movie) review. I’ll probably squeeze that in sometime soon, between drama posts… in any case, I’ll have it out before the drama version of Koizora starts in August =3.

Feel free to share what you’ll be watching this season! 

Ja ne~

-Lycoris

[EDIT] Obviously my cerebral cortex was malfunctioning when I wrote this post. I listed dramas as 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9. O.o Yeah. Right. Well, its corrected now, so everyone can rest assured that I did indeed learn how to count in kindergarten. =D

 

Woot, part two! The only reason I decided to do this part now… is basically because I have nothing better to do, and what better way to keep myself awake for no reason then blog about upcoming dramas? The new summer anime that have been revealed thus far doesn’t seem too promising, so I’m glad there’s still some drama to fill my summer days XD. I’ve got a crapload to cover, so lets just cut to the chase, shall we?

Lotto 6 de San-oku Ni-senman En Ateta Otoko

Genre: Comedy

Broadcast Company: TV Asahi

Series Run: July 4-?

Synopsis and info: Your typical lower-middle-class Japanese salaryman Satoru Tachibana is working his ass off at an advertising firm under a younger boss, for a meager salary. With a vicious pachinko habit, a recent divorce, and no savings, the desperate Tachibana enters the lottery in hopes of winning enough money for child support. He later discovers that his ticket won the jackpot, turning him into a millionaire overnight. This drama stars popular actor Takachi Soramichi as its protagonist, Satoru Tachibana.

Impressions: wow… interesting premise. I’d say my interest in this one is about… 50%. I mean, as far as I can tell this isn’t based on a manga, so it probably won’t be that wacky… but then again, we’re talking about J-drama and “overnight millionaires” here. Anything’s possible. I don’t know. I may give this one a try, but its pretty low on my “to watch” list for now. Ehhh… I guess I’m not in the mood for writing much at the moment.  

Maou

Genre: Crime

Broadcast Company: TBS

Series Run: July 4-September

Synopsis and info: One of the most anticipated dramas this season, “Maou” is a remake of the popular 2007 Korean drama “Mawang”. The story revolves around a vengeful lawyer who seeks revenge against his relatives. This drama will boast some budding actors from Johnny’s Entertainment, including Ohno Satoshi as the lead character, member of popular J-pop group ARASHI (this will be his first regular appearance in a drama as well as his first lead role) as well as Ikuta Toma (Hanakimi ~Ikimen Paradise~) as a detective who investigates a series of murders.

Impressions: there sure has been a whole lot of ype about this series in JE fandom. I can understand that, after all, Ohno is finally landing himself a role in a drama! And a lead role, at that. That’s pretty impressive. But because everyone’s been pimping this drama so much, I’m starting to wonder if I really want to see it or not. The set up seems interesting, and I may just see it for the whole crime-solving aspect… because I’m a sucker for detective drama. But then again, I’m really not sure whether to see this as a “horror” drama or just a plain dective drama. Ugh, I suppose I’ll have to give it a shot. So its a yes for now, at least for the first couple of episodes. Whee~

Dageki Tenshi Ruri

Genre: Action, suspense

Broadcast Company: TV Asahi

Series Run: July 25-?

Synopsis and info: DTR follows the adventures of Ruri, a seemingly ordinary girl who one day discovers that she possesses an awesome power generated by her anger. With this power, she defeats bad guys. This drama is an adaptation of Yasuhito Yamamoto’s manga, which was originally serialized in Young Jump from 1998 to 2000. Actress Rei Kikukawa stars as the angry heroine, Ruri

Impressions: Bleh. I’m pretty sure, that being a manga adaptation, it will be just as ridiculous as it sounds. No. Definitely no. Not watching this one. I mean, a girl who beats up bad guys using her bitch power? Uh. Yeah, sounds like a female version of Dragon Ball Z. No go.

Kagero no Tsuji 2

Genre: Historical

Broadcast Comapany: NHK

Series Run: ?

Synopsis and info: Well, here’s the summary of the first season according to NHK: “A story about a gifted swordsman who faces with various troubles brought to him with strong sense of justice and genuine sympathy to commoners. Sakazaki Iwane is a ronin who spends idle days in Edo. Until a few months ago, he was a promising son and successor to a powerful family in Bungo. He has came back to Edo, where he lived for a while for swordplay training with his two best friends, after a tragedy in the three’s home domain—both of the two friends died, one of them killed by Iwane by command of the domain lord’s chief retainer. Iwane left his home for Edo, leaving behind his fiancée, a sister of the friend he killed. Eventually, Iwane detects the conspiracy behind the deaths of the two friends and struggles to reform his domain.” I’m assuming all original cast members will be returning for this season, although I have yet to confirm that. Expect Yamamoto Koji back as the lead for the second season, and hopefully the rest of the cast as well.

Impressions: Well, you see, when I don’t bother writing a summary for the drama myself, its most likely because I have no intention whatsoever in seeing it, as it is with this drama. Although I have no doubt that this is a good drama for those who have followed it through season 1, I have yet to see an episode of the original series, and with a crap load of AP history homework piled up for me to do this summer, I don’t think I can handle much more. Not watching.

Koizora

Genre: Romance

Broacast Company: TBS

Series Run: August 2nd-?

Synopsis and info: based on an enormously popular “cellular” novel by the same name, “Koizora” tells the story of two teenagers drawn together by a lost cellphone. After talking for months on the phone, Mika, a typical high school girl, falls for the carefree, silver-haired Hiro, shortly after their first, face-to-face meeting at school. However, the new couple’s love is challenged by a series of unbelievably tragic events, and the two young lovers find themselves struggling to decide whether to leave one another or to hold on. This heartwarming story (apparently based on the experiences of the author, “Mika”) was originally adapted into a movie in 2007, and enjoyed enormous success. This season, the same production team that brought us Koizora the movie reunites to create the drama version of this much loved story. This drama will feature a completely different cast from the movie, showcasing the talents of some young, undiscovered actors and actresses including Mizusawa Elena as the female lead, Mika, and Seto Koji as Hiro. Other confirmed cast members are Miura Shohei and Kishitani Goro.

Impressions: Gahhhh! Definitely watching this~ as I’ve mentioned in an earlier post, I have recently watched the movie version of Koizora and will be writing a review of it. Although I must admit that the movie wasn’t as stellar as some made it out to be, I saw alot of potential in expanding its storyline into a drama format. Its a story that has so much to tell, but was given so little time to tell it. Although I am sad that the movie cast will not be returning, I can’t say I’m not pleased with the casting thus far. Let’s hope that these budding actors can put on a performance that’s as pretty to look at as their faces. Okay, bad simile… er. Let’s hope they can actually act~ hehe. Anyway, I’ll absolutely be catching this one. Yes, yes, and yes~!

Yasuko no Kenji

Genre: Comedy

Broadcast Company: NTV

Series Run: July-?

Synopsis and info: former gang-leader Kenji has now turned away from a life of violence and now works as a shoujo manga artist to support his younger sister and himself. However, when he takes off his glasses, he reverts to his violent nature in order to protect his sister from danger. The drama also follows the story of Kenji’s sister, Yasuko, who falls in love with the dashing Jun Tsubaki. It just happens that Jun’s older sister, Erika, is also a former-gang-leader, who now runs a flower shop. Back in the day, Erika used to be in love with Kenji. This drama is based off of a manga by artist Aruko, originally serialized in Bessatsu Margret in 2006-2007. J-pop band TOKIO’s Masahiro Matsuoka will be starring in his drama as Kenji, with Tabe Mikako co-starring as Yasuko. Also, Okura Tadayoshi will be playing the handsome Jun, while Hirosue Sayaka will play Erika.

Impressions: None of these manga adaptations are appealing to me this season. All of them seem to have too much potential for a ridiculous amount of wank, which I’m not quite in the mood for. I’m almost tempted to say yes, because I sort of am attracted to the “former gang-leader” aspect of it, but really, I think this is just another predictable (if slightly wacky and ridiculous) romantic comedy to fill the timeslots. Meh. Probably a no, but mayble I’ll check it out eventually. Don’t count on it though.

  33pun Tantei

Genre: Comedy

Broadcast Company: Fuji TV

Series Run: August 2nd-?

Synopsis and info: Popular actor Domoto Tsuyoshi returns to the drama scene with this drama, playing a dim-witted sleuth who always accuses the wrong person of crimes, while the audience will be able to pick out the real culprit immediately. Each episode will last exactly 33 minutes, not counting commercial time, hence its name, which can be translated as “33 minute detective”

Impressions: This actually sounds like a lot of fun. I could use a little stupid now and then in my woefully uneventful summer. I think I’ll be checking this one out just for the laughs. Watching, probably. Yup, feeling really beat now. Just one more drama to go and this preview is finished~ lets get this over with!

Tomorrow

Genre: Medical drama

Broadcast Company: TBS

Series Run: July 6-?

Synopsis and info: a municipal government worker returns to his career as a surgeon after deciding to help out a local hospital on the verge of bankruptcy. Takenouchi Yutaka plays the lead role, while Kano Miho co-stars as a fellow nurse.

Impressions: Well, its a medical drama. I didn’t bother to find anything but the bare minimum of info for this drama… and well, I remember randomly watching a trailer for thsi drama a few weeks back, and it wasn’t too appealing. I remember only the disturbing image of a CG heart beating against a blank background. Ugh. Ew. I’m sorry, not watching.

It’s…. done. I have no energy for eloquence at the moment. Okay, so I still have to figure out exactly what I’ve said I’d watch this season, and hopeful I’ll post that up by tomorrow. Hoepfully. But now that the whole preview’s over, why not let me know what you think? What’s on top of your list this season?

P.S: pictures will be added as soon as my computer stops being constipated. D=

-Lycoris

[EDIT]- All available promo pictures are up. Enjoy~

Ahhh, summer is just around the corner (or, where I live, its pretty much here already), and I’m just about ready to kick back and enjoy some much needed j-drama supplements. I’ve been meaning to watch dramas all year, but somehow I have only managed to finish a handful of series during the past few seasons. It may be a bit early for a summer preview, but I think I’ll go ahead anyway. Now that school is finally out of the way, I think I can sneak some time between SAT Prep to get some drama-watching done at last. Yay~ Here we go!

Ando Natsu

Genre: Comedy

Broadcast Company: TBS

Series Run: July-September

Synopsis and info:Ando Natsu tells the story of a young woman striving to become a pastry chef. This drama was based on a manga by Yuji Nishi and Terry Yamamoto by the same name. Its manga counterpart is currently being serialized in Big Comic, and has sold over 700,000 toukubans (independently published manga volumes). This live-action adaptation will star Shihori Kanjiya as its protagonist, along with Jun Kunimura, who will play Kanjiya’s mentor, and Toshimori Omi. The series is scheduled to premiere on July 7th. (Tokyograph)

Impressions: Well, this looks like a season regular. There’s always a drama based off a manga- they appear every season without fail. As for this, well, it a simplistic manga plot a la Ichi Pound no Fukuin. Doesn’t really spark my interest, but I may just take a peek come July. Perhaps if I can find a trailer of this somewhere to get a better idea of the story it would help, but as of the moment this drama is pretty low on my “to-watch” list.

Taiyo no Umi no Kyoshitsu

Genre: School Drama

Broadcast Company: Fuji TV

Series run: July-?

Synopsis and info: TnUnK follows the adventures of a well-meaning but somewhat dim-witted teacher attempts to guide a group of senior students at a Shonan prep-school. This drama will star budding actress Keiko Kitagawa (Mop Girl) alongside popular actor Yuji Oda. Other confirmed cast members include Okada Misaki, Kitano Kii (LIFE), and Hamada Gaku.   

Impressions: Wow, for a series with such a mouthful of a name, it sure doesn’t sound like it has a lot to offer. Reminds me a lot of GTO, and just about every other teacher-student drama ever produced, what with the “stupid” teacher trying to “guide” his students. But I’ve always been a sucker for school dramas (give me Gokusen I, II, and III, and I’ll watch them all XD), so I may as well check this out. It doesn’t sound promising, but who knows? It may just to be out to be alright. And the fact that Yuji Oda (photo above) looks pretty damn hot is always a plus XDD.

Shibatora

Genre: Comedy

Broadcast Company: Fuji TV

Series Run: July-September

Synopsis and info: Based on a manga by the same name by Tadashi Aji and Masahi Asaki, Shibatora revolves around an unusually young-looking named Taketora Shibata (dubbed Shibatora) who regularly uses his deceiving appearance to help him resolve problems in the many juvenile delinquent cases.  This drama stars fresh-faced actor Teppei Koike (Lovely Complex Movie) as Shibatora, while Suzuka Ohgo plays the heroine. Also featured are Miki Maya, who portrays a former genius hacker, Daisuke Miyagawa, and Taku Suzuki. Broadcast is officially scheduled to begin on July 8th.     

Impressions: This series actually sounds like a lot of fun! It’s been a while since I’ve seen a Teppei drama, and god, he looks oh-so-cute in the drama promotion picture (?). The idea of Teppei as a cop is hilarious in and of it self, if you ask me, so I’m definitely tuning in for a few laughs. Count me in on this one.

Monster Parent 

Genre: Law

Broadcast Company: Fuji TV

Series Run: July 1st-?

Synopsis: The tokyograph description of this drama reads, “a lawyer dispatched to the board of education to resolve problems between schools and the so-called ‘monster parents.” This supposedly refers to parents who forcefully demand too highly of their children. The protagonist ”is intelligent and fashionable, but she struggles with the assignment as her expertise is originally in business law.”. The drama boasts Yonekura Ryoko as its female lead, and also features Hiraoka Yuto and Sasaki Kuranosuke in its cast.

Impressions: Well, this drama certainly sounds… interesting. The “Monster Parents” certainly isn’t a novel concept in Jdramas, but the idea of a “lawyer” coming forward to confront these cases is somewhat intriguing. I think the bizarreness of this series may just be its selling point. I’ll have a look at this, I think. Am I the only one that found the synopsis for this series in the least bit strange? XD.

Gakko ja Oshierarenai!

Genre: School, Comedy

Broadcast Company: NTV

Series Run: July 15-?

Synopsis: Due to severe declines in enrollment, a private all-girls school admits its first male students. The first five males feel as if they have entered paradise, but concerned teacher Mai Aida decides to help them adjust to the school by creating a social club and inviting five girls to join. These ten adolescents thus become the focus of this drama, which is a story of teenage love. Fukada Kyoko portrays Mai Aida in this drama, co-starring alongside Tanihara Shosuke.

Impressions: Wow. I really don’t know what to say about this one. On one hand, I think it could be really interesting. On the other hand, it may just turn out to be a live-action harem, which is something I’d really like to avoid. The romance factor that is hinted at in the synopsis sort of appeals to me though. I’m still really undecided on this drama. None of it particularly jumps out at me at all, so I’m not that enthusiastic about it, but hey, why not give it a chance. Maybe I’ll catch an episode or two when it comes out. Not promising any blogging though.

Gonzo: Densentsu no Keiji

Genre: Police, Detective

Broadcast Company: TV Asahi

Series Run: July-?

Synopsis: According to Tokyograph, the term “Gonzo” is used to refer to a policeman who has the ability and experience, but is unable to do the job. Kuroki, once an excellent cop, became an unmotivated accounting clerk after a traumatic experience that left him with post-traumatic stress disorder. But one day, a case finally arises to bring back the detective in him. Masaaki Uchino has been confirmed to play Kuroki, and his will actually be the actor’s first police detective role. Michikata Matsui also appears in this drama as a fellow cop who looks down on Kuroki, while Yuika Motokariya portrays a female detective at Kuroki’s police station. Other cast members also include Nene Otsuka, who plays a psychiatrist helping Kuroki with his mental illness, as well as Issei Takahashi and Katsuhiko Watabiki.

Impressions: Er, this sounds like housewives’ fare. I don’t recognize any of the names on that cast list (not that really is a deciding factor  at all…) and frankly, even though this set up sounds interesting enough, I don’t think I’ll be catching this one at all. I don’t usually enjoy police dramas that much, and this one simply sounds very… mature. And boring. And god, it doesn’t take a genius to guess that the “female police officer” will be Uchino’s love interest in this drama. Can we get any more obvious than that? For some reason, everything about that synopsis just… turns me off. Maybe trailers will change mind, but for now it’s a definite no. It’s weird how I write more for my “rejected” dramas then the ones that I’ll be watching under impressions XDD. Perhaps its because I always feel more of a need to justify something I don’t like then something I like.

Seigi no Mikata

Genre: Comedy

Broadcast Company: NTV

Series Run: July 9-?

Synopsis and info: Yoko is a young fifteen-year-old who is constantly tormented by her malicious older sister Makiko, a government office worker who graduated from a very prestigious university. However, despite her unkind ways, Makiko’s actions always end up somehow benefiting the lives of those around her. Thus, many praised her as the “ally of justice”. This drama is yet another manga-based drama in the summer lineup, and its manga counterpart is currently being serialized in Shueisha’s monthly magazine, Chorus. SnM casts popular young actress Mirai Shida (14 sai no haha) as Yoko, and Yu Yamada as her older sister Makiko. Also appearing in this drama will be Shiro Sano and Yoshiko Tanaka, who will portray the parents of the two sisters.  

Impressions: Well, this is a must-see for me. I’ve been a fan of Mirai Shida ever since 14SnH (the first drama I saw her in, as a matter of fact,), so I’m looking forward to see if she has progressed in her acting in this new drama. Also, the premise sounds very interesting, although the brief synopsis I found doesn’t give me much of an idea of which direction the story will take. I like the idea of semi-realism (er, the following may or may not make sense) that the set up has to it- somehow, Makiko is being very malicious and very kind at the same time. I wonder, is she intentionally being kind or being mean? Or both? This premise makes me think that everything will be very “subjective” in this drama. For example, looking at Makiko’s actions from Yoko’s point of view and then viewing it from someone else’s point of view, and basically “seeing both sides of the story”. Okay, I feel like I seriously am making no sense at all anymore. I need to learn to express myself properly. Anyway, this is definitely one of my highly-anticipated dramas.

Otome no Punch

Genre: Boxing

Broadcast Company: NHK

Series Run: June 19-?

Synopsis and info: From what I could gather… its about a woman. Boxing. Sorry, that’s about it. I have no idea what this drama is supposed to be, but er… I’m guessing its like Ichi Pound without the love interest (or reverse love interest? Who knows?). I found a few pictures of the same actress on Google, so I’m assuming the picture you see above is in fact the protagonist. I guess I really do have to wait a while for this one. Yet it’s the one drama (thus far) that will be airing during June.

Impressions: Uh… I won’t be watching this one.

Cat Street

Genre: Comedy

Broadcast Company: NHK

Series Run: August-? *confirmed source

Synopsis and info: An adaptation of a manga series by the same name, Cat Street tells the tale of a sixteen-year-old former child-actress who stopped acting after a traumatic experience. She shut herself away for society for years, until she enters a school of “stray cats”, or outsiders, like herself. Originally created by manga-ka Yoko Kamio (author of the famous Hana Yori Dango, a manga series which has also spawned not one, but two into a highly successful drama series, and which also has a highly anticipated live-action movie release this season). Although Kamio-Sensei ceased working on this manga, it has been announced that she will be drawing a short piece called Matsuri Special in Shueisha’s Jump Square Manga magazine to celebrate the release of the drama in May.

Impressions: Wow, we certainly have no shortage of manga series this season! I’ll have to count up the number of manga-based dramas when I get to the end of this list. Well, as for the drama itself- I’m actually looking forward to it. Although I have no info concerning who will be playing in it as of yet, I will scour the internet until I do, because it certainly sounds like quite an interesting storyline. Child star trauma? Wow, isn’t that a novel concept. Nonetheless, I haven’t seen many dramas that actually deal with the “bad” side of the entertainment business in a serious manner, and I’m wondering how this series will be going about it. Of course, I realize this is a manga adaptation, so I also expect excessive amounts of wank. It’s coming in quite late in the summer lineup though, which is probably why I can only scrounge up so much info on it at the moment. I’m looking forward to it!

Sono Otoko, Fuku Shocho 2

Genre: Crime

Broadcast Company: TV Asahi

Series Run: July 3-?

Synopsis and info: A sequel to the previous series “Sono Otoko Fuku Shocho” that during the last summer season, Sono Otoko is a crime mystery drama starring Eiichiro Funakoshi. Many returning cast members from the previous drama include Misato Tanaka, Takashi Ukaji, Koji Matoba, and Hisako Manda.

Impressions: Since I haven’t even watched the first series, I definitely will not be watching this one. Definitely a no go for me.

Yotsu no Uso

Genre: ?

Broadcast Company: TV Asahi

Series Run: ?

Synopsis and info: YnU revolves around four women in their 40’s. After an accident, hidden secrets between the foursome come to light. Shifumi, played by Nagasaku Hiromi, is an attractive woman who stole her friend’s boyfriend in school and married him despite criticism from others. However, she is currently divorced and is in a relationship with a younger man. The other three women are Shifumi’s former classmates: a housewife, a workaholic doctor, and an adulterous wife named Minami. These three female leads are played by actresses Terajima Shinobu, Takeshima Reiko, and Hada Michiko.

Impressions: definitely housewives’ fare. Although it sounds somewhat intriguing, I think I’ve had enough of mystery dramas for now. Probably not checking this one out.

Code Blue

Genre: Medical Drama

Broadcast Company: Fuji TV

Series Run: July 3-?

Synopsis and info: Code Blue’s concept was based on Japan’s proposal to use helicopters equipped with medical facilities in order to rush doctors to patients in need as fast as possible. Last June, a bill was passed to encourage the widespread adoption of this helicopter system. In this drama, popular J-pop idol and actor Yamashita Tomohisa (Nobuta wo Produce, Proposal Daisasuken) stars as a flight-doctor-in-training who rushes to the aid of emergency patients. Other well-known young actresses Aragaki Yui (Koizora 2007), Toda Erika and Asari Yosuke co-star as fellow trainee-doctors.

Impressions: wow, this drama seems to be all the buzz in the JE fandom. But Yamapi, Gakky and Erika, all in the same drama? It seems all too good to be true. Given the huge amount of “idol-actor appeal” this drama has, I’m pretty worried that it will have very little to no coherent plot. Besides, the whole premise of the drama already makes it sound episodic. Basically, we’re going to be watching Yamapi, Gakky, Erika and Asari look pretty while saving lives in a helicopter. Woot. Lets hope there’s something more to the plot here, because the whole “rushing in to save to day” routine will get old, fast. I guess this drama is supposed to have more of a “commercial” purpose than anything else- to promote the use of medical helicopters, right? Get Japanese youth to support the bill? This drama will probably be more interesting to watch from a Japanese perspective, knowing that a similar system of medical aid will be implemented in the near future. Never the less, I shall check this drama out just for the heck of it. I don’t have very high hopes for it though.

Phew! that is it for Drama Preview Part 1~ look forward to part 2, there’s still a lot in store for the summer lineup this year! Please keep in mind that most of the information on this post is subject to change, so check back regularly for updates. Also, trailers, and series’ that are currently missing promotion pictures, etc. will have them added as soon as possible.

… And I officially hate obnoxiously long post titles. Ah, well.

Currently, I’m planning on reviewing some dramas of the latest summer J-drama season. I’ll be posting a preview of the summer drama season soon. I’m also writing a review of the movie version of Koizora, so there’s something for you to look forward to. I think XD.

Well, I hope you’ll bare with my incoherent writing skills from now on~

-Lycoris