你令爱了不起 (Kimi No Te Ga Sasayaiteiru)
Starring: Takeda Shinji, Kanno Miho
Ratings: 4.2
Story: Love story of a deaf girl Takeda Mieko (Kanno) and a white-collar worker Nobe Hirofumi (Takeda), that tells you from the time they become colleagues, fall in love, and bring up a child. Naturally, there are many obstacles along the way, like miscommunication, a disapproving mother, many emotional struggles within Mieko, and then, the pains of raising a child when the mother is deaf.
Comments: Although the whole plot sounds a little bland, and at times the pace got a little slow, I like this drama. It can be pretty touching at certain parts.

Arranged Marriage 相亲结婚  (Omiai Kekkon)
Song: "Sakura No Ame" by Matsu Takako
Starring: Matsu Takako, Yusuke Santamaria, Kubozuka Yosuke, Sato Tamao, Kawahara Ayako, Imai Masayuki, Shimizu Shogo, Judy Ong, Ishida Ayumi, Tayama Ryosei
Ratings:4.5
Story: A light-hearted comedy that centres around a couple who meets each other through a match-making session and the good friends around them: Nakatani Setsuko (Matsu) is an ex-air-stewardess who quits her job to marry her fiance Hiroshi, who she later discovers to be a two-timer. She is criticized to have a poor taste in men and her mother Nakatani Kinue (Ishida) persuades her to go for a matchmaking session, where she meets Hirose Kotaro (Yusuke), an ordinary white-collar employee in a trading firm who is about to be posted to Milan and who is equally reluctant to be match-made. Kotaro is given a wrong impression that Setsuko is a traditional and virtuous lady and begins to like her, but Setsuko does not feel the same towards Kotaro. However, they meet again in a gathering arranged by Kawai Mika (Sato) and Ohata Junichi (Kubozuka). Many triangular relationships ensues between their friends, and in the meanwhile, friends and family members attempt to pull Setsuko and Kotaro together.
Comments: Some parts got a bit boring but on the overall this drama is worth watching. As a bonus for watching, you get to see childhood photos of the main stars in the drama in the end credit.

At Seventeen  热恋十七岁  (Ju-nana Sai)
Song: "Survival Dance (No No Cry More)" by TRF
Starring: Uchida Yuki, Issiki Sae, Takeda Shinji, Isaki Munenori, Yamamoto Taro, Shubert Aya
Ratings: 4.5
Story: The story centres around 7 teenagers who grew up together. Talks about the friendship and love between them.
Comments: The first J-drama that caught my attention.

Beach Boys  海滩少年  (Biichi Booisu)
Song: "Forever" by Sorimachi Takashi
Starring: Sorimachi Takashi, Takenouchi Yutaka, Hirosue Ryoko, Inamori Izumi
Ratings: 3
Story: Two men from different walks of life became good friends after both went to a beach resort for vacation...
Comments: One of the few dramas that talks about friendship.

Beach Boys Special
Starring: Sorimachi Takashi, Takenouchi Yutaka, Hirosue Ryoko, Inamori Izumi
Ratings: 3
Comments: For Beach Boys fans! After the two guys went different ways, they started to lead different lives...

Beautiful Life  美丽人生  (Byuuteifuru Raifu)
Song: "Konya Tsuki no Mieru Oka Ni" by B'z
Starring: Kimura Takuya, Tokiwa Takako, Mizuno Miki, Watabe Atsuro, Hara Chiaki, Ikeuchi Hiroyuki, Nishikawa Takanori
Ratings: 4.2
Story: Machida Kyoko (Tokiwa) is a girl who is bound to the wheelchair after falling sick at 17. Okishima Shuji (Kimura) is a hairstylist who has not yet been recognised for his talent. The story starts when they met on the road, on their way to the library where Kyoko works...
Comments: Despite its popularity, this is not my fave drama. Perhaps one of the reason being that I have no preference for emotional dramas and sad endings. Or maybe because I have watched 'Aishiteru to Itte Kure' before this. However, I find that the story is not really extraordinary, for it tells how two people meet and fall in love, overcoming their differences, love rivals, stuff like that along the way, with some minor twists, of course. No offence to Takuya's fans: I think he appears too 'cool' in the drama, and doesn't have the look of love in his eyes when he's looking at Tokiwa. At least there seems to be chemistry between him and Yamaguchi in Long Vacation! Nevertheless, Beautiful Life is a beautiful yet sad love story. Rather solemn though.

Beauty | Le Bel Homme  美丽的人  (Utsukushii Hito)
Song: "L'aquoiboniste" by Jane Birkin, "Yesterday, Yes A Day" by Jane Birkin
Starring: Tamura Masakazu, Tokiwa Takako, Takao Osawa
Ratings: 4.6
Story: Miyuki (Tokiwa) was a woman brutally beaten by her husband. Desperate to escape from him, she seeked the help of a plastic surgeon Kyosuke (Tamura) to transform her face into any person but herself. However, she was rejected initially, the reason being "there was no need for a surgery" because she was already very beautiful! But the surgeon finally agreed when he learnt of her plight, and gave her the same face as his deceased wife. However, Miyuki's trouble did not end with her new face, as her husband continued to hunt her down...
Comments: Tokiwa at her most beautiful! Throughout the show, I was feeling nervous for Miyuki, in case her husband managed to find her! Was good until the end, which leaves me a little bewildered. Although it is weird to see Tamura and Tokiwa as a couple, their good performance has made up for it.

Big Wing   
Song: "Graceful World" by Every Little Thing
Starring: Uchida Yuki, Kashiwabara Takashi, Sakai Maki, Taguchi Hiromasa, Kurotani Tomoka, Nogiwa Yoko
Ratings: 3.5
Story: Yoshikawa Kumiko grows up with one and only one ambition - be a part of Big Wing. Her dream finally comes true, but on her first day of work, she makes a lot of blunders, causing her colleagues to dislike her meddlesome nature. However, the customers see her in a totally different light. And little does her supervisor Kuriyama (Kashiwabara) realises that she is very much like himself when he just started out.
Comments: Each episode has a story on its own, but on the overall, I don't find the plot as attractive as what one will expect from a manga.

Boyhunt  猎男族  (Booihanto)
Song: "Oh Darling" by Convertible
Starring: Mizuki Arisa, Seto Asaka, Ishida Issei, Sakai Miki
Ratings: 3.7
Story: Two girls, Tatase Riri (Mizuki) and Nakada Chisato (Seto), got to know each other after a misunderstanding, and subsequently became the best of friends. Together with a group of girls in the same university, they began on an adventure of boy-hunting. However, things began to get complicated after Riri confessed that she had had a crush on a DJ Hoshino Kei (Ishida) ever since they met during a fireworks party. And this man happened to be Chisato's boyfriend. Chisato decided to give him up, and he began a relationship with Riri. However, Chisato could not forget him, but had to keep it to herself for the sake of her friendship with Riri...
Comments: Quite a refreshing change from the usual romance drama, although it also talks about friendship between the girls.

Bright Half Moon In The Night  相爱月明时  (Tsuki No Kagayaku Yoru Dakara)
Song: "Koyoi Tsuki No Youni" by Elephant Kashimashi, "Moony Moonlight"
Starring: Esumi Makiko, Kishitani Goro, Kimura Yoshino
Story: About the family ties behind a ramen shop, with a man who is once in the yakuza. Jukiko (Esumi) is the eldest daughter who is left after the death of her father to take care of her younger sister and brother, and also the ramen shop. She has a white-collar worker fiance, but as the story progresses, she develops feelings for the ex-convict whom her father had taken in.
Comments: Missed the first half of the whole drama, so I will not give a rating for it.

Brothers 兄弟
Song: "Taisetsu" by SMAP
Starring: Nakai Masahiro, Kimura Yoshino, Kishitani Goro, Harada Yoshio
Ratings: 2.5
Story: A story about the Fujiwara family - a widowed father and his 4 sons - who ruuns and lives in a temple. It starts with a homeless girl Hatori Nana (Kimura) whom Shinjin (Nakai), the second in the family and also the 'housekeeper', takes home when he is drunken. Realising that this family is hiring a housemaid, Nana grabs the opportunity and thus starts to live in this house of men, and in her own ways touches the lives of the Fujiwara guys, and they her own's.
Comments: Not quite my cup of tea. Don't expect a good old typical ending though.

Bus Stop | Sweet Destiny  车站  
Song: "Not Found" by Mr Children, "Pearl" by Shiro
Starring: Ijima Naoko, Uchimura Teruyoshi, Yanagiba Toshiro, Uchimura Rina, Yoshizawa Yu, Kokubun Taichi, Hoshino Mari
Ratings: 3.9
Story: A romance between a high-flying career woman Kotani Natsuo (Iijima) and a rather simple, down-to-earth bus driver Miyamae Musashi (Uchimura Teruyoshi) for Tozai Bus Company, a subsidiary of Sasajima Corporation at which Natsuo works. Natsuo is facing the downs of her life, a separation from her boyfriend Sasajima Kojiro (Yanagiba) the heir to Sasajima Corporation and a demotion due to a blunder, she takes the last bus one night, driven by Musashi. The latter falls in love with her at first sight, and starts his pursue for love of his life, with the help of his sister Matsuri (Uchimura Rina) and her brother Fumiya (Yoshizawa). Just when Natsuo is accepting him gradually, her unforgotten boyfriend returns...
Comments: From the same scriptwriter of 101 Proposals, these two stories are not totally unlike each other. Well, it is pretty predictable who Natsuo ends up with. The drama starts off well, but near the end it got a bit irritating when almost everyone around Natsuo starts to psycho her which (I think) ultimately has some effects on her choice.

Cheap Love   廉价的爱  (Chiipu Rabu)
Song: "Wildflower" by Northern Bright, "When"
Starring: Sorimachi Takashi, Tsuruta Mayu, Naitou Tsuyoshi
Ratings: 4
Story: A love story of Junichi (Sorimachi), a pimp, and Nanami (Tsuruta), a music teacher in a junior high school.
Comments: Was good, until the ending which could have been much better.

Concerto  协奏曲  (Kyousoukyoku)
Song: "Alfee" by Vanessa Williams, "That's What Friends Are For"
Starring: Tamura Masakazu, Kimura Takuya, Miyazawa Rie
Ratings: 2
Story: A young promising architect Kikura Kakeru (Kimura) who is down on his luck has a weird encounter with a well-dressed man who appeared from the sea one day. Little does he know that this stranger is his most-admired architect, Ebisawa Kosuke (Tamura), when he brings the later to his house in which he lives with his girlfriend Sakaki Hana (Miyazawa). Kosuke later learns of his talent and decides to employ him, but things become complicated as Hana falls for Kosuke, who is old enough to be her father.
Comments: A little too slow for my liking, and I didn't like the character of Hana, who was fickle and undecisive.

Dangerous Relationship   危险的关系  (Kiken na Kankei)
Song: "There must be an Angel (Playing with my Heart)" by Ide Mariko
Starring: Toyokawa Etsushi, Fujiwara Norika, Inagaki Goro, Ishiguro Ken, Shinohara Ryoko
Ratings: 4.8
Story: Shinji (Toyokawa) was an impoverished taxi-driver with an inferior complexity, who seriously injured his former classmate Tsuzuki Yuichiro (Ishiguro) after Yuichiro repeatedly poked fun at his present plight, since Shinji was an outstanding student in the past. Shinji, thinking Yuichiro dead, dressed in his clothes and impostered him as successor to a supermarket chain Miyakoya, since nobody had seen Yuichiro for 19 years. However, hot on his heels were a policewoman Yukiko (Fujiwara) and her reporter boyfriend. In the meanwhile, Shinji had to face threats from Yuichiro's stepmother who discovered he was fake, and also to convince everyone else of his abilities while committing more crimes in order to cover his crimes.
Comments: One of the most unusual jap drama that I've watched! This drama shows the two sides of human, the good and the evil. Shinji is a rather complex character in my opinion, who appears kind, gentle and humble at one moment, then a senseless murderer the next. The unexpected events that unfold themselves in each episode kept me wondering what would happen next, as Shinji sank deeper and deeper into his abyss. If you're looking for a romantic drama or comedy, this is definitely not for you.

The Daughter of Iguana  变身   (Iguana No Musume)
Song: "Your Song" by Elton John
Starring: Kanno Miho, Okada Yoshinori, Kawashima Naoko, Enomoto Kanako, Sato Hitomi
Ratings: 5
Story: This is a modern-day fairytale about the fate of the daughter of an iguana princess, who after falling in love with a handsome veterinarian, has a witch to turn her into human form. Her wish is granted and she becomes a very beautiful woman and later marries her prince charming. Just as the princess Yuriko (Kawashima) thinks that life will be a bed of roses with her prince, her first child Aoshima Rika (Kanno) turns out to look like an iguana which only she can see, no matter how cute other people say Rika is. Since she has forgotten her real identity, she cannot accept Rika who she thinks has been cursed for looking like an iguana, and turns all her attention to the second daughter Nami (Enomoto) who looks perfectly normal, while Rika grows up to be a withdrawn person with low self-esteem. Although Rika is aware of her identity, she still falls for Noboru (Okada) who has attended the same schools and classes as her since young and once saved her from committing suicide. Would she regain her self-confidence and win the love of her mother and Noboru?
Comments: Quite a weepy drama, simply because the plight of Rika is so pitiful. Kanno's character here is the direct opposite of that in Koi No Kiseki. Rika is a very forgiving and kind-hearted girl who never blames her mother despite the cold treatment she has been given ever since she can remember, and also fights to become a normal person while learning to accept herself as an iguana. I am sure that those who relises childhood fairytales will find this drama very enjoyable.

Dearest Daddy   亲爱的爸爸  (Sekai de Ichiban Papa ga Suki)
Song: "Kitto Doko Kade" by Tube
Starring: Akashiya Sanma, Hirosue Ryoko, Hagiwara Masato, Toda Keiko, Hara Sachie, Okada Yoshinori
Ratings: 4
Story: After the death of her mother, Tami (Hirosue) moves in with her father Okada Zenzo (Akashiya) who lives above his law firm. Tami has been blaming her father for abandoning them, and on the other hand, Zenzo wants to control his daughter to do things his way. The alienated two spend their days bickering, and often, Zenzo's colleagues have to be mediators...
Comments: A light-hearted comedy about the father and daughter relationship.

Don't Be A Cry Baby | Ghost's House  鬼之栖家  (Oni No Sumika)
Song: "Kumori Nochi Hare" by Siam Shade
Starring: Fukada Kyoko, Nakamura Aimi, Kelly Chen
Ratings: 4.4
Story: After a car accident kills both her parents, the 16-year-old Ayumi (Fukada) and her brother are adopted by their aunt and uncle respectively. Their nightmares begin after they move in with the two families. Ayumi is forced to quit school and work in Water Inn, which is owned by her aunt's husband, who seems to be filled with hatred for Ayumi. In the inn, Ayumi is surrounded by people who seems to either hate her or dislike her. Her only friend is Lin (Chen) who is an illegal foreign worker. When she runs into troubles, she has 3 guardian angels who takes turn to help her: her aunt, Lin, and Sasaoka Yuzuri, the son of a politician and who has a promising future. Yuzuri's interest in her, however, incurs the jealousy of her cousin and the wrath of her uncle who loves his own daughter Yuriko (Nakamura) very much. In the meanwhile, she also has to find ways to bring her brother under her own protection, after she finds out that the Aomori family does not welcome him at all...
Comments: Personally, I think that this drama is really touching. It is a little like a fairytale, although the focus is more on kinship than anything else. As the story progresses, the viewer finds out more and more about Ayumi and her relationship with the inn, and also why her uncle hates her so greatly...On the overall, the only 'dissatisfaction' is that the ending has not turned out the way I have wanted.

Don't Call Me Prime Minister | Farewell, Mr. Premier   不要叫我总理  (Sori to Yobanaide)
Starring: Tamura Masakazu, Suzuki Honami, Tsutsui Michitaka, Tsurata Mayu, Nishimura Masahiko, Sato Aiko
Ratings: 4.4
Story: A ridiculous comedy about the life of an unpopular prime minister and the people around him.
Comments: Funny! Also look out for the theme music!

Emergency 24 Hours   救命病栋24小时  (Kyomei Byoto 24-ji)
Song: "Asaga Mata Kura" by Dreams Come True
Starring: Eguchi Yousuke, Matsushima Nanako
Ratings: 3.5
Story: Shows the lives of doctors working in the ER.
Comments: ...

Food Fight  大胃王  
Song: "Lion Heart" by SMAP
Starring: Kusanagi Tsuyoshi, Fukada Kyoko, Miyazawa Rie, Tanabe Seiichi, Sano Shiro
Ratings: 3.6
Story: Ihara Mitsuru (Kusanagi) has a stomach that is as big as the universe. He makes use of his special ability of being able to digest any amount of food to take part in an underground food-eating competition and donates anonymously all his wins to the orphanage which raised him. To the children in the orphanage, he is the role-model, a big brother whom they look up to, since he always appears in a suit and seems to be a successful businessman in a big corporation. In every episode, the chairman of the corporation which organises the competitions will find Mitsuru a new challenger, with the hope of beating this reigning champion who seems to be turning into a legend.
Comments: Guess appearances in every episode - stars include Ishida Issei, Morning Musuume, etc. After a few episodes, I got a bit sick of watching the competition. This drama looks kind of dark to me.

The Files of Young Kindaichi I & II  金田一少年事件簿  (Kindaichi Shonen no Jikenbo I & II)
Song: (Part I) "Hitori Janai" by Dohmoto Tsuyoshi, (Part II) "Kiss Kara Hajimaru Mystery" by Kinki Kids
Starring: Dohmoto Tsuyoshi, Tomosaka Rie
Ratings: 4.6
Story: Kindaichi was the grandson of a famous detective, and although had an IQ of 180, did not do well in school. He cracked many cases using logic and the leads he could find at the scenes of murder. Although the murderers could be predictable at times, it is interesting to see how he solved the mystery.
Comments: If you like mysteries and suspense, this is for you! The last story left the deepest impression on me, as the story was quite complicated. It is also one that I have failed to guess correctly the real murderer! Even if you have watched the anime series, it's worthwhile to watch this drama, because some of the plots have been changed. However, it is not very rewatchable, because the kick lies in solving the mystery.

Gift  礼物  (Gifuto)
Song: "Tokyo Joe" by Brian Ferry
Starring: Kimura Takuya, Muroi Shigeru, Shinohara Ryoko, Suzuki Kyoka
Ratings: 4.1
Story: Instead of finding her boyfriend Kishiwada with whom she has embezzled 50 million and is planning to run from the country, Koshigoe Naomi (Muroi) discovered an unconscious and badly battered man in a cupboard of her boyfriend's home. After this mysterious man regains his consciousness, he cannot remember his identity and his past. Since he is the only lead to the whereabouts to of Kishiwada, Naomi takes him in, employs him as a courier in her agency, and gives him a name - Hayasaka Yukio (Kimura) - while counting the days till this man remembers the past. In the meantime, the drama brings you to the different situations Yukio encounters while doing his deliveries, along with some suspense.
Comments: The story is not too close to reality, but after watching so many 'realistic' dramas this is a refreshing change. As the story progress, you start to wonder who is Yukio's real identity, a spy, a police, or a gangster? However, there is a little twist at the end, although at the last few episodes little hints have been dropped at you. As a plus, you get to see guest appearances by Kusanagi Tsuyoshi (as another messenger), Hazuki Riona, and a few others.

God, Please Give Me More Time!  神啊，请多给我一点时间！  (Kami-sama Mou Sukoshi dake)
Song: "I For You" by Luna Sea, "In the Sky" by Kuda Shizuka, "Kirara" by S.E.N.S., "Wish" by S.E.N.S.
Starring: Kaneshiro Takeshi, Fukada Kyoko, Kato Haruhiko, Nakama Yukie
Ratings: 4
Story: A touching love story about a girl Kano Masaki (Fukada) who contacted HIV after selling her body in order to earn money for the concert of a famous composer Ishikawa Keigo (Taneshiro). After the concert, Keigo saw Masaki chasing after his van. She was drenched, and thus Keigo took her to his apartment, where they spent the night.
Comments: Very touching towards the end.

Great Teacher Onizuka  麻辣教师
Song: "Poison" by Sorimachi Takashi
Starring: Sorimachi Takashi, Matsushima Nanako, Kubozuka Yosuke
Ratings: 5
Story: GTO is an extraordinary teacher who graduated from a "low-grade" university. Every episode shows you how he changes his students in some outrageous ways who have lost trust in teachers and adults.
Comments: Sorimachi really brings out his character well. This is one of the dramas that keeps me chasing after every episode.

GTO Special
Starring: Sorimachi Takashi, Matsushima Nanako
Ratings: 4.7
Comments: The story supposedly continues from the drama, with Onizuka sensei turning into a relief teacher in a girls school...

Hero  
Song: "Can You Keep A Secret" by Utada Hikaru
Starring: Kimura Takuya, Matsu Takako, Abe Hiroshi
Ratings: 4.8
Story: The modern-day hero comes in the form of Kuriyu Kohei (Kimura), a prosecutor who has never attended a university. Just transferred from the Aomori Prefecture to Tokyo, he looks not in the least like what he is supposed to be, being in jeans all the time and keeping his pin either in obscure places of his clothes or in his pocket. However, his ability to crack case is uncanny, and his enthusiasm gradually changes the people around him. When everyone is convinced that a suspect is guilty, he goes all out to find truth.
Comments: A light-hearted detective series, I would say. In case you're wondering, there is relatively little romance element in the drama, but mainly between Kohei and Amamiya Maiko (Matsu) who finds herself impressed with him. I find it quite amusing that Kohei is so obsessed with those TV-order products that he would buy whatever new product which has appeared on TV. There are many guest-appearances by familiar faces, like Ijima Naoko, Utada Hikaru, Ryo and Toda Keiko.

Hypnosis 催眠  (Saimin)
Song: "Meiro" by Tina
Starring: Inagaki Goro, Seto Asaka, Yada Akiko, Fuji Tatsuya
Ratings: 3.7
Story: Saga Toshiya (Inagaki) is an outstanding psychiatrist who suddenly quits his job and becomes a fortune-teller, through which he meets a mysterious woman Aoi Yuka (Seto). Soon, he finds himself involved in the case of the purple butterfly serial murders, and the woman he loves is a prime suspect. However, before he can solve all the mysteries, he has to help Yuka regain her lost memories. Are the victims under hyponism? Is Yuka really innocent?
Comments: Recommended only if you like suspense and is tolerable towards slow-paced dramas. One of the more "artistic" dramas around. At the start, it seemed to me as if quite a number of doctors in that hospital were suffering from some kind of mental instability as well. The drama towards the end will guide you to the real murderer before the truth is revealed. The gross is nowhere near that in the movie version.

I'll Be Back  回到原来世界  (Kimi To Ita Mirai No Tameni)
Song: "Yamenaide, Pure" by Kinki Kids
Starring: Dohmoto Tsuyoshi, Nakama Yukie, Naito Takashi, Endo Kumiko, Sano Shiro
Ratings: 3.8
Story: About 3 people who are trapped mysteriously in a world in which they cannot live beyond the year 2000, but are repeatedly sent back to the 1990s. They make use of the chance to realize their dreams, but unfortunately, one of them abuses his knowledge of the future and turns evil...
Comments: The mysterious atmosphere is there, which made the drama look a little creepy sometimes. (One contributing factor is the background music, I must admit though!) Well, in the last episode, you will be told of the real reason behind the time-travelling mystery, which I have found a little absurb. But the curiosity to know what will happen in the next time these characters go back in time makes me chase on episode after episode.

The Ideal Japanese Woman  大和抚子  (Yamato Nadeshiko)
Song: "Everything" by Misia
Starring: Matsushima Nanako, Tsutsumi Shinichi, Yada Akiko, Nishimura Masahiko
Ratings: 5
Story: Be charmed by Jinno Sakurako (Matsushima) in this light-hearted romantic drama! Having lived through poverty since her childhood and looked down on by other people, Sakurako sets her mind on catching the wealthiest man as her husband, no matter how old or ugly he is. She is the queen of group dates, and no man on whom she bestows her favors can escape from her. Even though she is seeing a very rich doctor who is head-over-heels in love with her, she is not satisfied. During a group date with doctors, she meets Nakahara Osuke (Tsutsumi) who is wearing a pin that shows he is a horse-owner. Without realising that Osuke is an imposter, who is really a fishmonger in the same town and is keeping the pin for a rich customer, Sakurako is determined to marry him. The truth is soon exposed and she ditches him without a second thought. However, the fates of these two people do not end here, as Osuke keeps on helping her when she is in trouble, and Sakurako in her own way encourages Osuke to return to study mathematics in which he excelled before he quitted halfway to inherit the fish shop. Will she eventually change her mindset that money is above everything?
Comments: Before I watched this drama I have already heard of how good it is, and in the end it turned out to be much better than I expected! Sakurako in a way is quite pitiful, as her obsession for marrying the wealthiest man has blinded her to her own feelings. In the drama, it seems like the only person who knows what is good for Osuke is his friend Mariko, who always stands on the side of Sakurako, while his other friends advise him to avoid the materialistic woman. One thing to commend is that the story is so nicely fabricated in such a way that every episode ends with the two leads meeting and Sakurako walking away while Osuke watches after her. Gotta be one of my fave dramas!

Imagine  爱情梦幻
Song: "Kirameki No Shunkan" by Fukada Kyoko
Starring: Fukada Kyoko, Kuroki Hitomi, Nakamura Shunsuke, Abe Hiroshi, Suzuki Kazuma, Takamine Yo
Ratings: 4.8
Story: Two different women shares a very special relationship: they are not only mother and daughter, but also very close friends. The daughter Iijima Yu (Fukada) is an OL who is shy, indecisive and innocent, but who is a good housekeeper. The mother Iijima Mitsuko (Kuroki), on the other hand, is independent, strong and decisive, and she is also an outstanding architect who works in her own firm. Both falls in love: Yu with her new colleague Tanaka Yohei (Nakamura) who comes from Sendai, and Mitsuko with Honnoji Yoshihiko (Abe) who is an editor of a magazine.
Comments: Quite a heart-warming drama that depicts a hard-to-find mother-daughter relationship. It is also one drama that is closer to reality compared to most others.

Inanimate World | Ice World  冰之世界  (Koori no Sekai)
Song: "Diamond Dust" by Kyosuke Himuro
Starring: Takenouchi Yutaka, Matsushima Nanako, Uchida Yuki, Nakamura Toru, Kaneko Ken
Ratings: 4.4
Story: Investigations on a mysterious woman Toko (Matsushima) started when Sonoe, a teacher, was found dead. Eiki (Takenouchi), sent by the insurance agency, and Takeshi (Nakamura), an ambitious police detective, found links between this case and the deaths of Toko's 3 fiances...
Comments: The first half did not really keep me interested, but the excitement picked up in the second half of the drama. One remarkable thing is that throughout the show, everyone started to look suspicious at one point or another, to mislead viewers to make incorrect guesses. Because of this, I was quite shocked when I saw the face of the real criminal who, on the hindsight, did not really have a place in the story until the truth was out!

It Started With a Kiss  恶作剧之吻  (Itazura na Kiss)
Song: "Steady" by Speed
Starring: Sato Aiko, Kashiwabara Takashi, Naito Takashi, Asada Miyoko
Ratings: 5
Story: Late for a meeting, Kotoko (Sato) was running along the corridor in school and bumped into Naoki (Kashiwabara), their lips meeting. Naoki showed his disgust, but Kotoko started to idolise him, who was good at everything from studies to sports. When Kotoko's house was burnt, her father's good friend Machiko (Asada) invited them to move in with her family. It was then that Kotoko realised Naoki was the elder son of Machiko, who took up the role of a fairy-godmother to bring the two together...despite the fact that Naoki was disgusted. Not discouraged, the clumsy and not-so-bright Kotoko started to do everything that would change her impression on him. Gradually, the icy-cold Naoki who disliked girls started to feel for Kotoko...
Comments: A very funny and cute romantic comedy! The story is not exactly great, but I gave it a five for the feel-good entertainment. Unlike some other dramas, it did not drag the story on and on unnecessarily.

Kidnap of the Heart | For Tsugumi 诱拐  (Tsugumi E)
Starring: Tsuruta Mayu, Nakamura Toru, Kaneko Ken, Yamazaki Tsutomu, Sato Tamao
Ratings: 3
Story: The happiness of a small family of 3 is destroyed when their 7-year-old daughter Tsugumi is found injured in a nearby park. The police labelled it as an accident immediately after the child is pronounced dead, but the mother Yumi (Tsuruta) believes it to be the doing of their new dentist Yoshimura Masaki (Kaneko), who has been stalking her after her first visit to the clinic. Most of the drama is on how the parents cope with their anguish and fight to start their lives anew, the media who go as far as intruding their private lives just for the sake of a huge headline or fabricate stories to boost their own sales, how they attempt to convince the police that the child was indeed murdered, and also how they have to restrain themselves from taking revenge.
Comments: You will need a lot of patience with this drama; it is serious and there are a lot of emotional scenes. I am not totally satisfied with the ending because an outsider has been involved in enforcing justice which the law cannot do to the murderer. You can say that this guy is sick of living, but he does not need to die in such a way. And I think he is partly provoked to behave in that way by the parents. For the rating I gave, I must admit that the song that is repeatedly played throughout the drama has in a way disturbed my viewing pleasure. This is potentially a great novel, but as a drama I do not particularly like it.

La Période Bleue  青涩时代  (Aoi No Jidai)
Song: "Aoi No Jidai" by Kinki Kids
Starring: Domoto Tsuyoshi, Okina Megumi, Ando Masanobu, Shinohara Ryoko
Ratings: 3.3
Story: Ryu (Domoto) is a teenage delinquent who is abandoned by his mother after he stabs her boyfriend. He befriends other hooligans and even resorts to robbery. During once, he meets a lawyer dedicated to helping delinquents like him. In the meantime, he also falls for Akane (Okina) who is a kind-hearted undergrad working in the library...
Comments: The storyline is a little similar to Lipstick, talking about teenage delinquents. However, it is more on how the teens change gradually, with some spice added to the drama itself.

Last Love  最后之恋  (Saigo No Koi)
Song: "Tsutaetai Kotoga Arunda" by Oda Kazumasa
Starring: Nakai Masahiro, Tokiwa Takako
Ratings: 4.8
Story: Shinozaki Aki is a Pachinko shop assistant who since young has been taking care of her younger brother Jun who has a heart problem. As her brother's condition deteriorates and needs a huge sum of money for a heart surgery, she starts to work as a prostitute at night. At the same time, she meets a houseman Natsume Tou and they start to develop feelings for each other. Even after Aki quits being a prostitute, her past continues to haunt her and Tou as well. At the same time, Misako, a fellow classmate and good friend of Tou, also tries to get in the way...
Comments: Before I started watching the drama, the storyline did not seem appealing. However, after starting to watch it I was nicely surprised. This drama reminds me of Aishiteru To Itte Kure , but towards the end, it got a bit long-winded. It was a good watch on the overall.

The Last Song   末世纪之诗   (Sekimatsu no Uta)
Song: "Love" by John Lennon, "Stand By Me" by John Lennon
Starring: Takenouchi Yutaka, Yamazaki Tsutomu, Sakai Maki, Kimura Yoshino, Yoshikawa Hinano, Matsumoto Megumi
Ratings: 3.2
Story: Wataru Noa (Takenouchi) was dumped by his bride on the aisle, therefore, attempted suicide. While he was about to jump off a building, doing the same thing was Matsuo Momose (Yamazaki), a university lecturer. There, they met a mysterious girl Mya (Sakai) who appeared dumb but wise at the same time, who laughed at them. Together, they started a new lifestyle, with Momose building a submarine to fulfill his childhood dream. In each episode, Noa learnt the different attitude towards love, through the people around him and Momose.
Comments: Quite an unusual drama that reminds me of the X-Files. The whole drama explores issues on love, although I find that certain things are too profound for me, like Momose's philosophy of love, and the ending. Of all the Yutaka dramas I have watched, this must be his most innocent role so far, a contrast from his usual role of an elite. Another attraction of this drama is probably the different guest stars who appear in each episode. They include Hirosue Ryoko, Mikami Hiroshi, Takao Osawa, Joey Wong, Juuna Risa and so on.

Lieutenant Furuhata Ninsaburo   (Furuhata Ninsaburo)
Starring: Tamura Masakazu, Nishimura Masahiko
Ratings: 4
Story: In each episode, Furuhata (Tamura) will tell you the story of a crime he has solved (with a lot of emphasis that he cracked the SMAP case too). This is not your ordinary police officer, but someone who is extremely observant and intelligent. A little clue left behind by the criminal will not be left unobserved and based on some elements of human psychology and puzzle-solving, Furuhata will bring the real criminal to justice, and he is never wrong.
Comments: Tamura is pretty humourous here. We have seen him act in many different roles, like a prime minister and a doctor, but I think this is one of the most entertaining characters. There are many guest stars, including Eguchi Yousuke and Tanaka Misako.

Lipstick  堕落天使
Song: "Friends" by Rebecca, "ID227"
Starring: Mikami Hiroshi, Hirosue Ryoko, Ishida Issei, Tanaka Minako, Kubozuka Yosuke
Ratings: 4
Story: A touching story that tells you the other side of youths in a detention centre, with the focus on Ryoko's character Ai.
Comments: Very moving towards the end.

Long Vacation  修长假期
Song: "La La La Love Song" by Kubota Toshinobu with Naomi Campbell
Starring: Kimura Takuya, Yamaguchi Tomoko, Takenouchi Yutaka, Ryo, Matsu Takako, Inamori Izumi, Hirosue Ryoko
Ratings: 5
Story: Minami (Yamaguchi) was a deserted bride who moved in with Sena (Takuya) who lived with her fiance so as to hear from him again. However, their friendship developed into love gradually...
Comments: A light hearted love story that is highly entertaining! Gotta be one of my favourites!

Love 2000  二千年之恋   (2000-nen no Koi)
Song: "Yesterday & Today" by Do As Infinity
Starring: Kaneshiro Takeshi, Nakayama Miho
Ratings: 2.5
Story: Romance between a secret agent Nogami (Kaneshiro) sent on a mission to Japan, who fell in love with a systems analyst Rieru (Nakayama).
Comments: With all the promotion on this drama, it turned out to be somewhat disappointing.

Love And Peace  爱与和平
Song: "Love And Peace" by Tokio
Starring: Matsuoka Masahiro, Sato Aiko, Nonami Maho, Sano Shiro
Ratings: 3.6
Story: After a fatal accident that kills his brother and sister-in-law, Kenta (Matsuoka), who calls himself a "Love and Peace Warrior", takes up the task of taking care of his brother's 3 children. At the same time, he has to cope with his policeman career that is just starting to take flight and also find time for his fiancee Ashitaka (Sato). However, it is not as easy as he thinks: the 2 elder kids are skeptical and reticent, his fiancee does not approve of his decision, and his job demands much of his time.
Comments: A family drama brought across in a comical style. The plot is not unpredictable, but it's still watchable.

Love Generation  恋爱世纪
Song: "Shiawase No Getsu Matsu" by Ohtaki Eiichi
Starring: Kimura Takuya, Matsu Takako, Juuna Risa, Uchino Masaaki, Fujiwara Norika, Kurosaki Takeshi
Ratings: 4
Story: Katagiri Teppei (Kimura) is a promising creative agent, but whose attitude gets him transferred to the sales department. He has to learn to adapt to the new working environment, which includes cutting his precious locks of hair to create a neater and more appropriate image. Helping him along the way is Uesugi Riko (Matsu), whom he tried to pick up along the street earlier but was tricked by her instead. Riko does not have a good impression of him at first, but falls for him gradually. However, Teppei runs into his ex-girlfriend Mizuhara Sanae (Juuna) who is now the girlfriend of his brother Soichiro (Uchino). Consoling him is Riko, whom Teppei likes gradually. Just when Teppei and Riko start dating, Sanae realises that she still likes Teppei...
Comments: The drama started well, but things got somewhat draggy near the end.

Love Holic 恋爱中毒 (Renai Chuudoku)
Song: "Loveholic" by Yakushimaru Hiroko
Starring: Yakushimaru Hiroko, Kaga Takeshi, Okamoto Kenichi, Sakurai Atsuko
Ratings: 3
Story: Take a look at how dangerous a woman can be when she is consumed by jealousy... A happy little housewife finds her life wrecked when she discovers her husband's infidelity and is betrayed by him. She does not take it lying down, and harasses and threatens the mistress until the latter becomes mentally unstable. However, the law catches up with her and puts her under probation. Just 3 months before she is free again, a famous author takes a liking to her, and thus throws her into a web of intrigue with his wife and mistresses.
Comments: You will need some patience with this drama. The first half was not so interesting, and I was quite vexed with the female lead for being so persistent when it was obvious that her husband did not deserve her. Her lack of self-control had again and again put her into trouble with the law. But a love story is still a love story, for a man came in time to cure her love poison. This drama is not my kind, and partly because of the leads.

Marriage At 20  二十岁的结婚 (Hatachi No Kekkon)
Song: "Love Locker"
Starring: Yuka, Yonekura Ryoko, Anzai Hiroko, Hirayama Aya, Miyazaki Aoi, Oshio Manabu, Nakao Akira, Miyazaki Yoshiko, Matsuo Yuuichi, Sakaguchi Kenji, Samejima Takumi, Masuda Keiko
Ratings: 4.5
Story: The story centres around the Chuganji family who runs a horticulture farm. On the 20th birthday of their second daughter Renko (Yuka) she meets and falls for Shimamura Eiji (Oshio) who rides the ferris wheel with her. The plot continues with the wandering father's return to settle down, and he brings with him Eiji, whose background is a puzzle.
Comments: Just a sweet and fun little (Yuka) drama. If you do not like Yuka, you'd probably give it a miss because some scenes seem to linger a little too long on her facial expressions. There are a couple of new faces in this drama, so don't have too high expectations in their acting.

Midsummer Merry Christmas  真夏的圣诞夜  (Manatsu No Merry Christmas)
Song: "Angel Song" by The Brilliant Green
Starring: Takenouchi Yutaka, Nakatani Miki, Kato Ai, Yamada Maiko, Sugimoto Tetta
Ratings: 3
Story: After the death of her adopted mother, Hoshino Haru (Nakatani) decides to leave Okinawa for Tokyo, to look for her childhood friends from the orphanage. Untouched by the sophistication of the outside world, her innocence nearly lands her into trouble with a pimp, when Kinoshita Ryo (Takenouchi) saves her. And Haru later learns that this hooligan is one of her childhood friends whom she has been wanting to meet for years. On the other hand, Ryo is an ex-boxer who is on the verge of falling into the 'wrong company'. On meeting Haru, he decides to make an honest living to get her recognition...
Comments: The plot is somewhat corny, which explains for the rating.

Miracle of Love  恋之奇迹  (Koi No Kiseki)
Song: "Kaze No Jidai" by Fujii Fumiya, "Everyday Clear Sky" by Ishii Seiko
Starring: Hazuki Riona, Kanno Miho, Hagiwara Masato, Tanabe Seiichi, Nezu Jinpachi, Akiyoshi Kumiko, Fujii Fumiya
Ratings: 4.5
Story: Tsukamoto Taeko (Hazuki) is an obese girl with doting parents, living happily despite her appearance. Things starts to change when her father brings home a mysterious "relative" called Kurata Yukino (Kanno), a girl with an angelic face and who seems eager to please them. However, Taeko and her mother Ayako (Akiyoshi) starts to question her motive in moving into their house when Yukino seems to behave suspiciously. Taeko's mother is killed after making a call to Taeko, saying that she is on her way to investigate Yukino's background. After the incident, Yukino told Taeko that an ugly person has an ugly heart, which hurt Taeko so deeply that she tries to kill herself. At the crucial moment, a man who is about to change Taeko's entire life saves her. He is a respectable doctor, Ijiri Tatsuhiko (Tanabe). He helps her to overcome her obesity, and a year later, Taeko becomes a changed person. Only when Taeko returns home that she realises her father is missing. Her only clue lies in Yukino, and she becomes a makeup artist to get close to her. However, her beauty does not go unnoticed, and Yukino is jealous. As Taeko starts her path to stardom, Yukino uses many despicable methods to stop her, and also snatches away Taeko's love interest Kai Masato (Hagiwara)...
Comments: Quite an interesting story, although some parts look a little illogical to me, like the sudden change in attitude in Yukino's mom. Although the drama managed to sustain my interest, the ending was a little weak in my opinion, or else I would have given it a higher rating.

Mona Lisa's Smile 蒙娜丽莎的微笑 (Mona Lisa No Hohoemi)
Song: "Stay" by Dutch Training, "Slow Dancer" by B'way
Starring: Eguchi Yosuke, Ibu Masato, Hazuki Riona, Okada Junichi, Ohshima Satoko, Matsumoto Koshiro, Okayama Hajime, Kobayashi Yumie, Ishihara Yoshizumi, Sugimoto Tetta, Maeda Aki, Kusakari Masao
Ratings: 4.6
Story: Tachibana Masayuki (Eguchi) is a top-notch appraisal who gets transferred from the London head-office of Weisz to Tokyo's branch. His main purpose is to find the missing Mona Lisa Number 2, but in the meanwhile, he helps Weisz Tokyo discover many valuable artifacts which will otherwise go unnoticed, as well as expose fake ones. Also looking for the painting are his colleague Orihara Chizuru (Hazuki) who although is almost as good as him in appraising, prefers to remain in low profile by being a repairer of paintings in the auction house, and also a multi-millionaire Tsunashima Kiichiro (Matsumoto).
Comments: A surprisingly good drama which can prove humourous at times. There is a different guest star in every episode, one of whom is a striking look-a-like to Matsushima Nanako! Another thing to mention is the catchy tune that fits the story very well.

My Unfair Lady | Bride At 16  十六岁的新娘  (Hanayome Wa 16 Sai)
Song: "Love In My Life" by KIX-S, "Unbalance"
Starring: Tomosaka Rie, Nakayama Hideyuki
Ratings: 4
Story: A 16-year-old Tadano Natsumi (Tomosaka) is just down on her luck, jobless and greatly in need of money for her best friend Chiaki who has to stay in hospital for long-term. One day, while distributing pamphlets on the street, a man approaches her and she is asked to play the imposter of a rich girl Sayuri, who has just ran away before her wedding to the young chairman of another company. Initially, it is only a 3-month assignment to Natsumi, but as time goes by she begins to feel the warmth of a family she has never experienced before and also falls for her "husband". But things are not so easy, as she has to deal with a disagreeable aunt, a jealous cousin who loves her husband, and a secretary who is all out to expose her.
Comments: A romantic cinderella-like tale, but the actors' acting skills could be polished. I guess the most likeable character in the drama has got to be the youngest brother in the family.

Nanako on Training | Nanako, The Amateur Doctor  杏林俏医生  (Kenshui Nanako)
Song: "Shapes of Love" by Every Little Thing
Starring: Sato Aiko, Hosaka Naoki, Kokubun Taichi, Ito Shiro, Shinoi Eisuke
Ratings: 4.5
Story: About 3 doctors on training, how they overcame their weaknesses to become good doctors.
Comments: It reminds me of Kyomei Byoto 24-ji which I had watched earlier although it is a more recent production. A light-hearted comedy with Sato Aiko as a clown (again) after Itazura na Kiss.

Naomi | 3 Teachers & Students "Less Ordinary"  直海老师  (Naomi)
Song: "Girls Be Ambitious" by True Kiss Destination, "Hearts" by Tohko
Starring: Fujiwara Norika, Ryo, Sato Aiko, Morimoto Ken
Ratings: 4
Story: An extraordinary teacher Toudou Naomi (Fujiwara) is hired by a school undergoing reforms to be the teacher-in-charge of a problematic class. With her very unusual way of teaching, she changed her students and influenced her colleagues, including the other 2 Naomis: Kai Naomi (Ryo) and Yashiro Naomi (Sato).
Comments: Could have been better if it didn't look like it had ripped off the story from GTO.

Narita Divorce  成田离婚  (Narita Rikon)
Song: "Sunny Day Holiday" by Matsutoya Yumi
Starring: Kusanagi Tsuyoshi, Seto Asaka, Fukatsu Eri, Abe Hiroshi, Morimoto Leo
Ratings: 3.7
Story: Hoshino Ichiro (Kusanagi) and Tanaka Yuko (Seto) bumps into each other while watching a fireworks display. Love blooms and soon they marries. However, their honeymoon in Rome does not turn out well. Yuko cannot stands his ways and a quarrel breaks out in the Narita Airport, where they decide to divorce. Their cowardice in announcing their lightning divorce that has followed a lightning marriage leads them to continue living in their love nest, until they find a buyer for the house. Along the way, things get complicated as they start to understand each other better, finds that they still have feelings for each other, and when love rivals come into the picture one after another.
Comments: Divorce is usually a solemn issue, but it is presented in a light-hearted, comical way in this drama. I actually like Reiko (played by Fukatsu) who is a colleague and also a secret admirer of Ichiro more than Yuko most of the time, as I think Reiko's character is much sweeter, gentler and considerate.

The Newswoman | Anchor Woman  新闻女郎  (News No Onna)
Song: "Sanpo Michi" by Mary and Judy
Starring: Honami Suzuki, Takizawa Hideaki, Nagatsuka Kyozo, Fujiwara Norika, Mitsuru Fukikoshi, Takehiko Ono, Fukada Kyoko, Nishimura Masahiko
Ratings: 5
Story: A double happiness - promotion to become the anchor woman of the glamourous Channel 2 (a satellite TV station), and a marriage to a politician - is soon followed by the tragedy of her husband's death and a teenage stepson Ryu (Takizawa) whom she dislikes thrust upon her. She has to cope with Ryu who seems to have an attitude problem, and also her new position which is constantly eyed by the weathergirl Natsumi (Fujiwara).
Comments: A surprisingly good drama.

One Way Ticket to Love  爱的单程车票  (Koi no Katamichi Kippu)
Song: "Montage" by Makihara Noriyuki
Starring: Esumi Makiko, Inagaki Goro, Takashima Reiko, Henmi Emiri, Naito Takashi
Ratings: 5
Story: Narumi (Esumi), a "trouble-maker", returned from Brazil after 11.5 years to inform Tatsuya (Naito), a fatherly figure in her life, about her marriage. She was mistaken for Harumi (Esumi) by the people who knew Harumi, and met Mori Shinichi (Inagaki) who had a secret crush on Harumi. Cheated of her money by her fiance, she had to turn to Shinichi for help. Gradually, Shinichi developed feelings for Narumi. On the other hand, Shinichi's girlfriend Maiko became jealous of Narumi and tried hard to break up the two...
Comments: This is a heart-warming and funny family/romantic comedy that did not make me feel in the least bored.
Here are 3 reasons why you should watch this drama:
(1) If you like romance comedy.
(2) If you are a fan of Inagaki or Esumi. Inagaki with that nerdy pair of spectacles actually reminded me of Christopher Reeves as Superman!
(3) If you regret the ending of Overtime.
A wonderful, old-fashioned love story!

Overtime  三十拉紧报  (Ooba Taimu)
Song: "Sono Speed De" by The Brilliant Green, "Believe" by Yamaguchi Yuko, "Kaede" by Spitz
Starring: Esumi Makiko, Sorimachi Takashi, Kimura Yoshino, Shiina Kippei, Ishida Yuriko
Ratings: 3.5
Story: Kasahara Natsuki (Esumi) and Kaede Soichiro (Sorimachi) first met on the corridor of their hotel on New Year's day, without knowing that Soichiro was the younger brother of her buddy. Later Soichiro moved in with them and their friendship blossomed...
Comments: Great music throughout the show. The ending was not too bad, just disappointing.

Power Office Ladies  庶务二稞   (Shomuni)
Song: "On My Own" by IZAM with Astral Love, "Soreja Bye Bye" by Surface
Starring: Esumi Makiko, Hosho Mai, Kyono Kotomi, Sakurai Atsuko, Takahashi Yumiko, Toda Keiko, Toda Naho, Ishiguro Ken, Morimoto Leo
Ratings: 5
Story: Shomuni is a comic-based comedy about 6 pretty office ladies, with Chinatsu (Esumi) as the leader of them. They worked in the General Affairs Section 2, a department which was a "dumping ground" for the female staff, and they were despised upon by the rest of the people in the company who thought they were trash. However, they were the ones who saved the day when a critical situation arose... There is no central plot, but each episode has a story on its own.
Comments: Very entertaining! One of my favourites!

Power Office Ladies 2  庶务二稞2   (Shomuni 2)
Song: "One Way Drive" by Esumi Makiko
Starring: Esumi Makiko, Hosho Mai, Kyono Kotomi, Sakurai Atsuko, Takahashi Yumiko, Toda Keiko, Toda Naho, Sawamura Ikki, Ishiguro Ken, Morimoto Leo
Ratings: 5
Story: Shomuni is back to Manpan in this sequel. More uncanny actions from the 6 OLs! New in this sequel is a white-collar employee turned security officer because he is so awe-inspired by the Shomuni girls. In many occasions he offers them help simply because he has certain privileges as he is in charge of the security room.
Comments: Just like an extension to the original series, but in the second part, Tokunaga Azusa (Toda Keiko) is married (continued from one of the Shomuni special episodes).

Power Office Ladies Special
Starring: Esumi Makiko, Hosho Mai, Kyono Kotomi, Sakurai Atsuko, Takahashi Yumiko, Toda Keiko, Takahashi Yumiko, Ishiguro Ken, Morimoto Leo
Ratings: 5
Comments: This is just like an extension to the original drama (Part I), and just as entertaining!

Pu-Pu-Pu  
Song: "Over" by V6
Starring: Morita Go, Miyake Ken, Okada Junichi
Story: 3 teenagers got acquainted on their way to studies in LA. However, many unfortunate things happened when they arrived, and in the end, had to return home. Then, they started on a journey of self-discovery. Watch how their parents start to understand them.
Comments: I am relunctant to rate this drama, because I have skipped some parts (either deliberately or because I was too busy).

Say You Love Me | Tell Me That You Love Me  跟我说爱我  (Aishiteru to Itte Kure) 
Song: "Love Love Love" by Dreams Come True
Starring: Toyokawa Etsushi, Tokiwa Takako, Okada Hiroki
Ratings: 5
Story: Sakaki (Toyokawa) was a deaf artist who lived an isolated life until he met Hiroko (Tokiwa), an aspiring stage actress. Hiroko fell for Sakaki at first sight, without knowing that he was deaf, and even after knowing that, her feelings did not change. In order to communicate with him, Hiroko worked hard on learning the sign language. However, they had to overcome their differences and obstructions from other people...
Comments: This is a classic drama, with compelling performances by both leads. It was a great hit in Japan in 1995, influencing many to pick up the sign language. My favourite J-drama!

Shining Brightly 法医柔情  (Kira Kira Hikaru)
Song: "Nishi E Hagashi E" by Mr Children
Starring: Fukatsu Eri, Matsuyuki Yasuko, Suzuki Kyoka, Toshino Yanagiba
Ratings: 4.9
Story: Just when the freshly graduated medical student Tatano Hikaru (Fukatsu) is pondering in which area she would want to specialise, a fire breaks out at the graduation ball that she is attending. Amidst the chaos, a pathologist Sugi Yuriko (Suzuki) turns up at the scene to examine one of the fire victims. What she says - because a dead man will no longer be able to talk, by doing a post-mortem we can listen to the last words of the deceased - deeply inspires Hikaru, who at that moment decides to become a pathlogist. During her training, she finds out that Yuriko works for the same forensic department, and together with another senior and a headstrong police inspector they form a 4-women team who often dines together to chatter and gossip, and of course, crack cases. Although her naiveness and emotions which sometimes got the better of her exasperate her colleagues, she often manages to prove her point in the end.
Comments: An entertaining and educational drama, as it explains rather scientifically the reasonings behind how the pathologists conclude a case. In each story, there is a theme behind which through the eyes of Hikaru, the truth is slowly revealed. I didn't give it a 5 because it is not as watchable as some other dramas since the truth is already known.

Shota's Sushi | King of Sushi  将太的寿司  (Shota No Sushi)
Starring: Kashiwabara Takashi, Kitahara Masaki, Sugimoto Tetta, Kimura Yoshino, Hirosue Ryoko, Kaneko Ken, Ide Kaoru
Ratings: 5
Story: A comic-based comedy about the young and talented Shota (Kashiwabara) who set a goal of becoming the no. 1 sushi chef in Japan to save his father's sushi shop. To learn the art of making sushi, he became an apprentice at the famous Otori Sushi. Each episode sees him picking up a new skill, and going a step towards his goal. However, many obstacles stood in his way, including a harsh and cold senior Sachi (Sugimoto) who was jealous of his talent.
Comments: An enjoyable comedy! Don't expect too much reality cos this comes from a comic anyway!

Star Struck | Love with Superstar 爱上大明星 (Star No Koi)
Song: "Stop! In the Name of Love" by Globe
Starring: Kusanagi Tsuyoshi, Fujiwara Norika, Toda Keiko, Anzai Hiroko, Furuta Shinta, Katsumura Masanobu, Kakei Toshio, Morimoto Leo
Ratings: 4
Story: Story of love between a mega-superstar and an ordinary office worker. Nakata Sousuke (Kusanagi) is like any ordinary employee who often has difficulty to find ends meet, while Kirishima Hikaruko (Fujiwara) lives in a totally different world, being a nation-wide recognised face. One day, Hikaruko unexpectedly drops by his office and falls asleep on a chair as she is filming a movie nearby. From there, their relationship begins with twists and turns.
Comments: Pretty watchable. It is interesting to note that Hikaruko and Fujiwara are similar in at least one aspect - they are both queens of commercials - and not to mention that both are megastars. And ironically, Sousuke and Kusanagi are living in totally two different worlds since the latter is a member of SMAP! He can't be too bad! LOL Watch Fujiwara acts as a sophisticated woman who is yet awakened to love, and a little "act-cute".

The Story of One Century  百年之物语  (Hyakunen No Monogatari)
Song: "Only Love" by Nana Mouskouri
Starring: Matsushima Nanako, Kuroki Hitomi, Kanno Miho, Takao Osawa, Watabe Atsuro, Harada Ryuji, Yamaguichi Yuuichirou
Ratings: 4.8
Story: This is first of the super TV programs produced by TBS to commemorate the turn of the century. It tells the stories of 3 women in 3 different eras: Taisho (1912-1926), Showa (1926-1988) and Heisei (1988-). In the first generation which takes place in the 1920s at the time of the Great Kanto Earthquake, Togura Aya (Nanako) who comes from a wealthy and influential family, marries against her will to a wealthy man Yokoyama Heikichi who can help her father tide over his financial difficulties. It seems a wrong move, and life goes on meaninglessly for her, until she makes up her mind to follow her heart (Kota Yashiro, a man with a humble background). However, inequality between men and women prevails, and Aya meets many difficulties... The second woman Junko is the daughter of Aya. The story starts just after Japan surrenders in WWII. Life is hard, and she has to look after her younger brother who has grown up under the Imperialism influence. However, her life changes when she meets a Japanese-American soldier... In the 3rd era, Chiyo is the focus. An independent, self-centered career woman, she embarks on a journey of revenge on her mother who has abandoned her 24 years ago when she is only 4 years old, after receiving a call from her mother who wishes to meet up...
Comments: A pretty good drama that can sustain attention until the last episode. It is a refreshing change from the other dramas I have watched, and it reminds me that the freedom women of today enjoys comes only after the hardships suffered by the past generations. It seems a bit incredible how little say a woman had in those days, since I do not belong to that period, but nevertheless, it is pretty real. And also, it reminds us how a war can wreak happy families, leaving the loved ones who have survived to grief in bitterness, and of course, to suffer in poverty.

Style  造型师  (Sutairu)
Starring: Motoki Masahiro, Takeuchi Yuko, Sakai Maki, Toda Keiko, Sano Shiro
Ratings: 3.9
Story: Tsuzuki Kaoru (Motoki) is a man who has everything. However, his luck takes a turn when he makes the mistake of fooling around with the daughter of an influential man which in result foils his chance of going abroad. Instead, he is transferred to a newly set-up department which is based on the revoluntionary concept of helping shoppers pick out their clothes and accessories. Just when he thinks this is where he can make use of his special flair as a lady-charmer, he must first deal with the head-strong women who works under him.
Comments: A nice drama to help you pass your time.

Summer Snow  夏日之雪  
Song: "Summer Snow" by Sissel, "Seven Angels" by Sissel, "Mou Kimi Igai Aisenai" by Kinki Kids, "Natsu No Oosama" by Kinki Kids
Starring: Dohmoto Tsuyoshi, Hirosue Ryoko, Ikewaki Chizuru, Oguri Shun, Imai Tsubasa, Nakamura Shunsuke
Ratings: 3.8
Story: Shinoda Natsuo (Dohmoto) is a down-to-earth bicycle shop owner who takes care of his younger brother Jun and younger sister Chika after their parents died in a car accident. Although only 20, he nags like an old man and is full of philosophy. Not only does he change the lives of people around him, he also makes Katase Yuki (Hirosue) who has a heart problem feel alive again. They fall in love, but obstacles are on their way...
Comments: What is supposed to be a touching love story between two young people who belonged seems like a mixture of Titanic and Beautiful Life to me. However, I think Dohmoto has made a breakthrough in his acting career here. You get to see his comical acts and as a nagging master-of-the-house. There are heartwarming scenes in the Shinoda family too.

The Sun Shines Forever  太阳不下山  (Taiyo Wa Shizumanai)
Song: "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" by Elton John, "Journey" by Takizawa Hideaki
Starring: Takizawa Hideaki, Matsuyuki Yasuko, Yuka
Ratings: 4.3
Story: Masaki Nao (Takizawa) is an ordinary high school student whose life (and that of his family) changes after his mother Teruko dies suddenly. The hospital says that she has died of overwork, but suspicion arises after a surgical knife is discovered in his mother's ashes. Together with a lawyer Kirino Setsu (Matsuyuki), they search for the truth that the hospital is trying so hard to hide from everyone. And little does he know that the girl he likes, Isetani Ami (Yuka), is the daughter of the director of this hospital.
Comments: Some episodes are rather slow-moving, but on the overall, the suspense is there, making you wonder what is the truth behind Teruko's death.

Tabloid  八卦新闻
Song: "Be With You" by Glay
Starring: Tokiwa Takako, Tomosaka Rie, Sato Koichi, Kashiwabara Takashi, Kyono Kotomi
Ratings: 4.5
Story: About the team behind a tabloid newspaper. Katayama (Tokiwa) is a reporter transferred from a respectable newspaper to a tabloid paper. At first, she was not used to digging scandals of famous personalities, and instead, tried to change the ways of her new colleagues: instead of just reporting the scandalous news, find out why it has happened. Along the way, she met a murder suspect with whom she fell in love. Will she help him clear his name, or will she be made used of?
Comments: Despite some poor reviews I have read from other sites, I find this drama not as bad as I had thought. Perhaps having a cutie like Kassy running in the background does help in some way!

Team  (Chiimu)
Song: "Kaze No Mukumama" by Canna
Starring: Kusanagi Tsuyoshi, Nishimura Masahiko, Mizuno Miki, Kuroki Hitomi, Toda Keiko
Ratings: 4.9
Story: Kazumi (Kusanagi) was sent to train under policeman Tanba (Nishimura) who was inclined to use violence. Together, they investigated juvenile crimes in each episode, while trying to accomodate to their different opinions. Slowly, Tanba began to recognise that Kazumi indeed had a talent in dealing with youths, while Kazumi learnt how to deal with criminals from Tanba.
Comments: Entertaining! It shows you the different stories behind the 'problematic children'. There are some touching moments, as well as humourous ones.

To Heart  希望为爱而死  (Koishite Shinitai)
Song: "To Heart" by Kinki Kids, "Life" by Desree
Starring: Dohmoto Tsuyoshi, Fukada Kyoko, Akai Hidekazu, Hara Sachie, Yoshizawa Yu, Azechi Reiko
Ratings: 4.8
Story: Miura Toko (Fukada) is a young and innocent girl who works at a crepe shop situated on the rooftop of a departmental store. She believes in superstition, and is hoping for something exciting to happen before the predicted doomsday. Tokieda Yuji (Dohmoto) is an aspiring and promising boxer who helps out at a flower shop in the day and trains at night. An incident in which they take by mistake each other's rented tape left them both a bad impression of each other. Toko thinks Yuji is a dirty old man who likes porn, and Yuji thinks Toko is childish and he is sure that she does not have a boyfriend. However, when Toko spots Yuji exercising in the park one day, she starts to fall for him and tries to get near him, without knowing that Yuji already has a soft spot for his lady boss Sakura Kaori (Hara).
Comments: I would say that Fukada is good in her role. In the part when she discovers that Yuji has spent a night together with Kaori, I actually feels empathy for her and got annoyed with Yuji.

Twist of Fate  邂逅  (Meguri Ai)
Song: "Heart" by Fukuyama Masaharu, "You" by Fukuyama Masaharu
Starring: Tokiwa Takako, Fukuyama Masaharu
Story: Shuji (Fukuyama) was a university research student who got to know Eri (Tokiwa), an aspiring dancer, in a supermarket where Eri didn't have enough money to pay for her goods. Little did they know that Shuji who just moved into a new apartment, was Eri's new neighbour. They became good friends, then lovers, after Eri was cheated of all her savings by her boyfriend. However, they splited after a quarrel and Eri flew off to New York to pursue her dreams...
Comments: The drama is rather slow-paced, although it spans 7 years. It is like a merry-go-round love story of Shuji and Eri, how they went through different lovers and misunderstandings before getting together.

Two Of Us   (Futari)
Song: "Yume Janai" by Spitz
Starring: Okina Megumi, Issiki Sae, Kawamura Ryuichi
Ratings: 4.8
Story: Two sisters of two totally different personalities - the elder sister Chizuko (Issiki) is an all-rounder and well-liked by everyone, whereas Mika (Okina) is somewhat sloppy and has a low self-esteem. On the first day of her high school, Mika (Okina) finds her life totally changed when her elder sister Chizuko (Issiki) is killed in a road accident. Because she has been dependent on her sister all her life, she finds herself suddenly helpless. Her parents obviously loves the outstanding Chizuko more, and at school, she is known as "the little sister of Chizuko". Just when the pressure of life becomes unbearable on Mika, the spirit of Chizuko appears to guide her. (As the two are closely-linked in their hearts, only Mika can see her spirit.) Gradually, with the encouragement from Chizuko, Mika learns to stand on her own feet...
Comments: A touching drama. When I first read the plot I wasn't quite attracted to it, but watching the drama has been a totally different experience. It seems such a great pity that a nice girl like Chizuko should have such a tragic ending, but then, the focus is on the change in Mika, who is literally 'forced' to be stronger by circumstances. Fans of Luna Sea should not miss this drama, for the sake of Kawamura Ryuichi. His role is a rather cool but caring guy who is a high-school dropout because of a violence incident.

Virgin Road  天使之路
Song: "Can You Celebrate?" by Amuro Namie
Starring: Wakui Emi, Sorimachi Takashi, Tetsuya Takeda, Hosho Mai, Yasufumi Terawaki, Kitahara Masaki, Masato Furuoya
Ratings: 3.5
Story: Sakurai Kazumi (Wakui) met and fell in love with a famous jewellery designer while studying in New York. When Kazumi learnt that he was married, she was already pregnant with his child . At that time, her brother Suguru told her that their father was critically ill in order to make her return to Japan. She met Yoshimi Kaoru (Sorimachi) on the flight home. Seeing how gentle Kaoru looked when he picked up a girl who nearly stepped on her contact lenses, she decided to ask him to put up an act in front of her family...
Comments: Although the storyline is strong, the pace of the drama is somewhat too slow.

Voyage to the Future  超越时空的少女  (Toki O Kakeru Shojo)
Song: "Ningyo" by Nokko
Starring: Uchida Yuki, Hakamada Yoshihiko, Kawai Gamon, Suzuki Ranran, Amuro Namie
Ratings: 2.5
Story: Story of a man who travelled back in time and met a girl Tazuko, who gained a special ability to travel back in time after smelling a strange fragrance.
Comments: This is a science-fiction romance.

Wedding Story  理想之结婚  (Risou no Kekkon)
Song: "Kimi ni Ai takunawa tara" by Zard
Starring: Takenouchi Yutaka, Tokiwa Takako, Nakamura Tamao
Ratings: 3.5
Story: A story of how two people who were dumped by their boy and girl friends met on a plane, poured out their hearts, fell for each other, and overcame all obstacles to their marriage.
Comments: Good for entertainment. One of my friends who has watched this too commented that it was very noisy when the two families quarrelled!

Witch's Requirement | Terms for a Witch  魔女的条件  (Majo no Joken)
Song: "First Love" by Utada Hikaru, "Never Let Go" by Utada Hikaru
Starring: Matsushima Nanako, Takizawa Hideaki, Kuroki Hitomi, Shirakawa Yumi
Ratings: 4.5
Story: The life of a timid high school teacher Michi (Matsushima) changed after a transfer student Hikaru (Takizawa) came to her class. Both fell in love, but had to face the opposing world who looked upon their relationship as immoral and insane.
Comments: A rather unusual story. Worth watching!

With Love  网络情缘
Song: "Destiny" by My Little Lover, "Miniature Garden" by Kaori Kawamura
Starring: Takenouchi Yutaka, Tanaka Misato, Fujiwara Norika, Oikawa Mitsuhiro, Hara Sachie
Ratings: 5
Story: It all started when Takashi (Takenouchi), a talented composer who could not write a love song ever since his girlfriend Rina left him suddenly, accidentally sent an uncompleted piece of his latest work to Amane (Tanaka) via email. Deeply touched by his music, Amane wrote back to him, without getting a reply. Amane continued writing to him, pouring out her thoughts. Only when she signed as "Teru Teru Bozu", did Takashi responded with a mail saying "WHO ARE YOU?", because what Rina left him as a farewell gift was a teru teru bozu!
Comments: The first drama that caught my attention since At Seventeen. It is a bit slow paced, but it remains as one of my favourites anyway! Very beautiful music throughout the show! Although many people do not like this drama, it has withstood many times of watching in my case, which is why I gave it a 5.

You Don't Know That, Teacher? | Teacher, Don't You Know?  木下老师  (Sensei, Shiranaino?)
Song: "Itsuka Haretahi ni" by Yamashita Tatsuro
Starring: Kusanagi Tsuyoshi, Ishida Yuriko
Ratings: 4
Story: A high school dropout, Kinoshita Yusaku (Kusanagi) hopes to be a teacher that he always wants to have himself. The drama begins with his first day of work at an elementary school. However, the class that he is teaching has 'problematic' children, and the first thing that he must do is to arouse the courage in them to speak their minds. His seemingly childish ways are disapproved of by his colleagues and some of the parents, but soon, he proves himself, and also influences a pretty teacher Nakada Haruna (Ishida) along the way...
Comments: I was reminded of GTO when I was starting this drama, and it did seem to be the gentleman version of our Onizuka sensei. But what really struck me was the matured ways the students spoke. Not as exaggerating as GTO though. This drama is closer to reality.