Yorozu Uranaidokoro Onmyoya e Yokoso (2013)

Let me just say, my main reason for watching this dorama, and the enjoyment I got from it isn't because of the actors or the story per se, but it was mostly atmosphere of myths inspired by shintoism, superstition and stories of the neighbourhood's simple people. That was the main attraction to me that was what I enjoyed most. The story itself is in episodic format which is something I don't mind watching on a weekly basis though I had to watch WAY longer than a week until it got subbed but it was also easy to pick up after a break ;)

The main characters were well casted more or less. This is the first role of Nishikido Ryo that I actually liked. I also think he has an attractive voice when he talks so I didn't mind his "reverse preaching" :P (no I don't follow his music). Kurashina Kana may appear overbearing at first but grows on you. I also found Chinen Yuri okay for the role and don't have much complaints. I like the interactions between the 3 and their relationship and trust that grows over the course of the series. As usual, affection was hinted between Shomei and Michiko but nothing substantial that's been followed through. I would've loved it if they had explored it instead of just hinting it. It would've been fun because their interactions in general is plenty of fun.

Another role I feel that I have to mention is Michiko's grandpa. He doesn't get involved much in the stories each episode but somehow has such a strong presence that you feel the drama wouldn't have been the same without him. The other regulars were mostly there to add more noise and over acted A LOT but it somehow felt appropriate. One of them I liked a lot is Shunta?'s mom. She has this motherly figure sweetness without letting go her her immaturity and silliness.

A light drama that doesn't take itself seriously but bundles a mystical atmosphere and fun characters and comes out with an entertaining and inspiring outcome.

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I found this show because I watched Ryusei no Kizuna and fell in love with Nishikido Ryo's acting style, more so than skill; don't get me wrong, I watched Ryusei no Kizuna for Ninomiya Kazunari, too! Both Ninomiya and Nishikido were great in that series, as was Erika Toda; but, I've already watched her Spec series and the Kagi no Kakatta Heya series and special, so this time it was Nishikido Ryo's turn!

This drama was amazing from the first episode! I was planning on watching another Arashi member's drama, but I couldn't find it, so I decided to watch this series on a whim. And I am so glad that I did! The characters seem completely real with actual scenarios, and I like that the story seems to build and build as you watch without the audience being able to guess the next twist or the next jump in the episode/series. The entire cast is really well put together, they seem to know exactly how the actual person they are portraying would behave, which may be a stretch of complimenting since it's only a television show. But, for it to draw in an audience and only be a show with 11 episodes, that's better than some shows who have multiple seasons... At least I think so! Also, I like that they didn't tell the back story immediately or within the first few episodes; it's not so much to keep the audience watching or guessing as it is just how the story was written and how it is acted out. The opening is really well made, too! This is definitely one of my absolute favorite shows!

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