Kita no Kuni Kara (1981)

Dear Keiko-chan,

Hope my letter finds you even better than I left you. The journey I spend with you here was most certainly a special one, the one I'll cherish for a long time. I couldn't say goodbye just yet so I decided to write this to you and talk a bit more.

Now where to begin. Surely, a father and his two children coming to a rural place to live in the middle of nowhere would definitely not sound so pleasing to everyone. On top of that when there is a 40 year (not everyone is a fan of age-gaps,okay) difference between us.
I myself wasn't really fond of everyone in the beginning. Just like Jun, even I had a hard time adjusting to the surroundings in the remote Rokugo. Everything felt so boring and mundane. There was nothing happening and all I could do was complain. But soon things changed and everything grew on me. I found a place for me there. The shack started feeling like a home. I wanted to study together with everyone in Ms. Ryoko's class. How I wished I could have fed the fox with Hotaru and have Yukiko beside me to comfort me whenever I was feeling down. And all the little adventures we had here. Like the construction of the pipes and wind-mill, and the time we saw a UFO in the mountains. And not to forget the boat race where everyone had so much fun and Sota was gloomy because he had no partner. Never knew that living in snowy places was such a struggle and is not the way it is generally romanticised.

Talking about all the people here, I think I found a family. They are not the most perfect people and come with a load of flaws and problems. Everyone complains so much and even create many problems at times. But I believe that's what made them special. Because they were like real people, they felt so close and their lives, struggles and happiness felt like my own. Also I think little Jun gets unnecessary hate. I mean he does behave like a brat at times but he was the most relatable person there. Not everyone likes the idea of leaving a life in Tokyo only to settle in a tattered shack with no electricity and water and only bears and foxes as neighbors. And the way he was done with everyone up there in Furano was a mood. But just like the seasons, he too changed and became a more responsible son and a dependable big brother. Though there were not many people up there, but everyone I met will live with me for a long time.

It's already been 3 days since I came back from my trip to Furano but I already feel like going back there and meeting everyone once again. The trip was a bit long but I took my sweet time with everything without rushing and the results left me more than satisfied. Somethings are better enjoyed slowly.
I think it's time for me to end this letter. I am sure I will revisit this place often whenever things become a bit rough and I need a reminder to take it easy. It's good to know that I have something to take me through a trip of heavy nostalgia, back to the simple times where the most mundane things are the ones which give me all the comfort I need.

Goodbye Keiko-chan and until next time.

Read More

The story is good. It portrays a family that is living in a new harsh environment and lifestyle. The family experiences the process of going through a divorce and living in the middle of nowhere, Hokkiado. With the help of the father's childhood family and friends the main characters overcome many obstacles.

What really stuck with me is how genuine all the characters are. As if you are really seeing real people. This is extremely rare with TV shows. It is beyond good acting its real.

I recommend this drama if what I wrote interests you. It is a drama worthy of high ratings.

Read More