Editorials 
1
Somebody in Hollywood Hire Satoh, Already!
"An Incurable Case of Love" owes much to Satoh Takeru's stellar performance as a surgeon; his magnetic presence, depth and charisma carries the series. It's a fun series when you need to pass time, relax and switch off your brain.As one of Japan's most acclaimed actors, Satoh Takeru is known for his meticulous selection of roles — he established his own talent agency — and all of his performances are compelling. It is always astonishing to remember that Satoh is only 35 years old, has been acting 18 years, and is already considered a craftsman in his field. He is actually quite an engaging and amusing personality; he regularly appears on his Youtube in absolutely hilarious content and very sarcastic commentary. His "2023 Awards" video, where he decides best movie, music, etc, had me laughing till my cheeks hurt!
A good actor can elevate a lacklustre production Here, Satoh's surgeon is characterised by a stoic demeanor and minimal dialogue and his harsh exterior masks deep repressed emotion. There is also undeniable sex appeal that adds intrigue to an otherwise thin narrative. Viewers are encouraged to overlook plot stretches, age differences and unrealistic workplace behaviours. Skip the first 4 episodes if you're impatient.
We sincerely hope Satoh achieves global recognition and roles of greater depth that further showcase his complex appeal and acting prowess. And surely that's not far off: on Youtube in early 2024, he mentioned that he had met with a leading Hollywood talent agency in late 2023.
*** THANK YOU FOR READING! "Follow" to enjoy my other reviews and discover more exceptional Asian dramas. Thank you. ~Fumiyawagi
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Surprising Depth and Social Truth
Watched this for Akaso Eiji and was truly impressed with this series. The ensemble cast were magnificent and very well selected. Yamada Yuki is the most amazing actor who portrays human frailty and strength at the same time. We watched the entire series in 24 hours. The real magic of this series is the microscope in human behaviour, especially in the 24/7 social commentary age. The script is very thoughtful and intelligent; viewers will be thinking about it, long after. Very enjoyable.Was this review helpful to you?
Humour & Heart That Grows Slowly
Found via Netflix Australia. Initially I dropped this after Episode 1 but returned a few days later. I LOVED it. Would very much like to see a second season with deeper character development. Part legal, part detective show ... All actors are all very charming, entire show is populated with gentle humour and pace is brisk. Legal topics are quirky and courtroom dramas restrained.As the show develops, the audience learns of the various vulnerabilities of the protagonists. I believe there is potential for an intriguing love triangle. In particular, I enjoyed the show's suburban setting. This made a refreshing change from the typical "bright lights, big city" legal dramas. There are car chases, runs through the street, but also a great many plot twists and fabulous funny moments and great musical score to match the fast pace. The show's director has exercised appropriate degrees of intensity and restraint.
This series reminded me of an old 1980s show, "Remington Steele" where Pierce Brosnan assisted a lady detective, where he appeared to be the front of the business but in truth they were an equal team.
I would dearly love to see a Season 2 made, but as this was made in 2022, there not much hope. Well worth watching ... Vote UP and let folks know you want more!
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Shocking, Intense, Glorious Retro. Must Watch
Netflix have some clever folks at the helm these days. Reviving great productions for new audience, is a masterstroke. This one began as a delightful trip down retro lane and halfway became Dynasty with several shock twists. Fantastic viewing, watched it all in a week. Beautiful, moving, perfect dorama. Captain Kimura delivers a well rounded performance; be sure to notice the "three faces" of his character. Take note also, of several co stars who are now big names. 100% Must See viewing. It's also a delight to watch shows that faithfully attempt to reproduce a time that doesn't exist anymore. Costumes, cars, streets and advertising. A sensory experience and delight. Enjoy !Was this review helpful to you?
Spies and Dramedy - Mr and Mrs Smith, Japanese style
I thoroughly enjoyed this drama — the anticipated light comedy turned out to be a clever blend of social commentary, mystery and unexpectedly sharp action. If you enjoy Mr. & Mrs. Smith-style marital intrigue, watch without delay! Be sure not to miss the sequel film on Netflix as well. It's outstanding.Each episode explores a social or moral dilemma through a former heroine who cannot ignore injustice, against the backdrop of neighbours and their lives, and a husband whose apparent naivety becomes increasingly intriguing. There were many thoughtful reflections on friendship, loneliness and marriage.
Nishijima Hidetoshi delivers his signature understated excellence. His restrained performance adds depth to the later episodes and significantly enhances the overall impact of the drama. Watch out also, for an amazing performance by Ryoko Hirosue, famous for the classic 90s dorama Beach Boys.
If you appreciate Hidetoshi's work here, I highly recommend the 2021 film Drive My Car, the excellent series What Did You Eat Yesterday?, and his remarkable early performance in the 1993 college drama Asunaro Hakusho.
I hope this drama aI thoroughly enjoyed this drama—and I genuinely did not expect to. I went in anticipating a light melodrama about bored housewives, but what I discovered was a clever, addictive blend of domestic comedy, social commentary, mystery, and unexpectedly sharp action. If you enjoy Mr. & Mrs. Smith-style marital intrigue, this is well worth adding to your watchlist. Be sure not to miss the sequel film on Netflix as well.
Each episode explores a social or moral dilemma through a housewife who cannot ignore injustice, the people around her who require assistance, and a husband whose apparent naivety becomes increasingly intriguing. Beneath its entertainment value, the series offers thoughtful reflections on friendship, loneliness, marriage, and the roles women are expected to fulfill.
Nishijima Hidetoshi delivers his signature understated excellence. His restrained performance adds depth to the later episodes and significantly enhances the overall impact of the drama. Also outstanding was Ryoko Hirosue, who is well known for her breakout role in the classic and much loved Golden Age dorama, Beach Boys. She has recently returned to her singing career.
If you appreciate Hidetoshi Nishijima, I also highly recommend the 2021 film Drive My Car, the excellent series What Did You Eat Yesterday? and his remarkable earlier role in the 1993 college drama Asunaro Hakusho.
I hope this drama surprises you as much as it did me! For more Japanese drama and film recommendations, follow me on Instagram: @fumiyawagi
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A Great Introduction To Japanese TV and Insight into Tokyo Of Old
Watched this in early 2022 and it kickstarted my renewed obsession with Japanese culture and language, which had been dormant for decades since high school. The pace is energetic, the settings are suitably 90s realistic (we remember those gritty times), the characters and actors deliver realistic cruelty, disillusionment or discontentment and the story is dynamic. It is after all, based on several angles of reality. You'll binge the series in a day and arrive at the end breathless, declaring: "Hang on! I need MORE!" Season 2 review in the coming weeks. "Follow" to get notifications of latest reviews ... Thanks for reading! FumiyawagiWas this review helpful to you?
The Must Watch Young Love Story
I normally steer away from school romances, but this one took me by surprise with its chemistry and I have since rewatched it 3X. Outstanding production, pacing, direction and acting. The two male leads, while fairly new in their acting careers, display maturity and natural talent well beyond many peers. Haru in particular is extraordinary for his first acting role at age 18, and promises to be both a well regarded comic and serious actor in the decade to come. Maeda showcases a full range of intensity from anguish to complete joy, constantly a sheer delight to watch, and this reviewer believes he is destined to become one of Japan's Thinking Actors, akin to Satoh Takeru or Watanabe Ken.Special mention for Leo Matsumoto, who elevates key scenes and adds depth to his support role and Itakura Toshiyuki who brightens the show with humour, as the teacher who relishes handing out detention to bright but lazy students.
Music: Fast paced, lively soundtrack and a gentle acoustic score that lifts the beautiful moments, based on J-pop and performed at times in carefully curated half and quarter tempo. Keep the Shazam nearby and you'll have some wonderful additions for your Spotty!
Translating manga faithfully to live drama is always tricky and there are a couple of overused tropes but the entire series, just 2.5 hours, makes for magical viewing. Enjoy.
Well done Netflix Asia, for promoting this series and please keep syndicating the fantastic Japanese content.
Thank you for reading! Follow to be notified of future reviews! ~ Fumiyawagi
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Polished TV Production Honours Manga Origins
I loved the series and watched it twice over the 2024 new year. I particularly enjoyed the culinary conversations and even learned a few new tips. Jun Shison oozes sex appeal ... and appealing arrogance. Some viewers may be unaware Takahashi is a trained cook and Shison has recently directed a couple of short films. They are both absolutely outstanding actors on an ensemble of amazing talent in front of and behind camera. Would be wonderful to see a Season 2. But please, Director ... lose the awful Gaku bowl cut wig! Hiding the most handsome man in Japan! 😆I would have liked more scenes of Ego Gaku, that period of the show serms too brief but
is very intense and Takahashi Fumiya again cements his potential as an amazing, emotionally powerful and broadly skillled actor at just 22 years of age. He typically plays brooding, moody types; check him out in the new movie release Our Secret Diary. I personally believe he could be a significant talent beyond Japan if he so wishes. Enjoy 👋
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Impressive Production, Fantastic Music, Watched It Twice
We were very impressed with this movie adaptation of the long running manga: a dynamic paced film with fantastic music score, impressive settings and costume, actors who have made considerable effort and trained hard to portray professional grade dancers. Also impressive is the delivery of the few lines of English conversation by the leads. This is a production with the typical high quality Netflix stamp, with minimum waste and maximum enjoyment. For those who have not read the manga, one of the more intense conversations may be slightly difficult to interpret. It's best to keep in mind that both characters are trying to "best" each other, to motivate the other to be true to their ambitions and be their authentic selves. Will there be a sequel? We certainly think so!Was this review helpful to you?
A Masterpiece of Time Travel, Medicine and History
JIN (now on Netflix) is a masterpiece. Set in the 1860s peak Edo period, with detailed costumes, sets, superb script and researched historical moments. As a a time travel/ medical drama, it delivers so much enjoyment. Superb acting, direction and screenwriting. I binged through the whole series in a week, the drama was so intriguing and an absolute delight to watch. The leads are highly reputable actors, some of whom are big stars today. If you love Japanese culture, history and intricate detail, you'll *LOVE* Jin!Was this review helpful to you?
Possibly the funniest recent J-comedy ever
Do Not Miss! 👍🏻 I didn't just laugh at the funny bits, I *HOWLED*. 😂 Then I howled through Season 2, then the spin off series ... a full week of the funniest comedy. If you need to switch brain off, smile again and have a fun time, Ossan's series will do that for you! Fantastic physical acting from key cast, excellent dramatic acting from support cast, realistic sets and numerous outdoor scenes, all add to the light happy feel of the show. Would be wonderful to have another season later, but not sure what that would look like. The 3 MLs are some of the most talented dramedy actors in Japan, with perfect timing and emotion. Brilliant show. Enjoy!!Was this review helpful to you?
Charming, funny and possibly one of Japan's best tv gems
It's easy to see why millions of viewers fell in love with this little gem. You won't regret! TLDR: The person who's 'not your type', may just turn out to be exactly who you need. I really enjoyed this show so much, towards the end I started to feel a bit sad. It's a fantastic production and soooo easy to binge. Both Seasons 1, and Season 2 are 30 minute episodes with a telemovie in between. Shiro and Kenji are an endearing odd couple in their late 40s; Nishijima Hidetoshi nails the emotionally restrained, hilariously frugal and very private Shiro, a small firm lawyer with a heart of gold who favours neutral colours, salaryman suits and loves a bargain; his partner is a warm, enthusiastic hairdresser in white jeans and bright T-shirts who sees ice cream as not a rare luxury, but an essential occasional happiness. Uchino Seiyou, as Kenji (Ken) is a natural physical comic who provides many moments of amusement.Also wonderful to see an ensemble of various characters and ages, that reflect the diversity of real life, work and home. Each actor brings something special to the role. Adachi Naoko's script highlights changing social attitudes in a subtle and impactful way. The directors are also to be commended for creating a tight, easy rolling, easy to binge show that will bring a little smile to your face often.
***THANK YOU FOR READING! "Follow" to be notified of more reviews! Say Hello! ~Fumiyawagi
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Passes time, but wastes talent.
🌟 Welcome to (Less) Sex In The City, Tokyo 2023 style. Is it ok to have ex sex? Why can't we just live de facto and stay in love, instead of being married and miserable? Should i just do the same thing my parents did, or live like a millenial would in most parts of the world?These modern relationship dilemmas are explores through Mukai-kun, a hesitant young salaryman. The show, reminiscent of the John Cusack film, "High Fidelity", navigates love's complexities and missed opportunities. Despite a capable cast aged up to 60 including Akaso Eiji in a role that massively ignores his amazing comedic and emotional talents, the series falls short. Haru shines as a progressive female lead, but the lack of mature plot and physical intimacy diminishes its impact. Okayama Amane is the hidden gem of the show, with his comedic timing and comic physical presence.
The show's pace and limited exploration of modern adult themes, hinder its potential. Like so many modern Japanese dramas, this one largely pretends physical intimacy does not exist.
Still, this show offers a moderate viewing experience, best enjoyed without high expectations and while waiting other releases.
🌟 Thank you for reading! Follow to be notified of future reviews! ~ Fumiyawagi
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Takahashi Is Set For Big Things
One of the few Japanese romances that doesn't rely on the tired old "trip grab and hug" trope. Takahashi absolutely smoulders as a moody ML who has his own private burdens. He is a versatile actor with a big future and it will be very interesting to see which roles he is offered as an older adult. The world is ready for Asian leads in Hollywood and European film, and it would be wonderful to see Japan's incredible talent receive greater recognition and roles.Overall this is a very pleasant teen romance, with fantastic Japanese rock and a fabulous twist when how the two leads finally come to understand each other. All of the actors are highly capable and although it is a school setting with some compulsory scenes, the dialogue is modern and fresh. Stay watching to the very end!
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A TOUR DE FORCE ... NOT TO BE MISSED !!
Mysterious, Intriguing ... Gong Yoo's Finest Acting To Date 🌟Psychological thrillers are not for everyone, especially when paced to tease out the clues like a fine silk web. Gong Yoo displays heartbreaking vulnerability as a shell of a broken man in permanent state of anxiety, in crisis and seemingly incapable of living a normal life. His natural ageing adds realism to his mental wounds. Apparently in interviews Gong Yoo has noted that his face is changing in middle age, but this is attribute will lend substantial depth to future roles.The set designer and music director have gone all out with interiors and score that absolutely invigorate the senses and alert viewers to subtle clues amid all the love voodoo.
Almost every actor, especially the FL, is perfectly selected and the series is a delight to savour. The only criticism one might make is that the ending could have been 10 minutes shorter or open ended.
Give this powerful series a chance - watch at least 2 or 3 episodes, before you decide. And btw, this show is not written for "second screen viewing" ... leave your phone out of reach, or you'll miss a vital clue ... ! Enjoy!
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