Valentines Day

True to the original story, this side story helps create a more fuller version of the drama but you don't need to watch this special to understand --- though you do get to relive your love for all the people involved! Which is always wonderful...


With a backdrop setting such as "Valentines Day", this side story is one of the cutest I've seen. It's also one of the more ridiculous stories, but that's okay because it really fit the relationship between Taiyou-san and Saku-sensei perfectly! It was nice to see the other villagers have a part in the story, too; it was like they were helping to build a stronger relationship between Taiyou-san and Saku-sensei. I liked that Masora-san made an appearance too, but since the original show focused on her and her relationship with everyone else, it was nice to see that this side story focused on the other two main characters (Saku-sensei and Taiyou-san) since their relationship was really fantastic to watch grow and strengthen within the main story.


Like the main story, I wish this special lasted a little longer. Though people wish that with any good story, too! I kind of wish there was more to this special story --- not just happenings wise --- but it kind of felt like things were cut short toward the end. I wish there was more time with everyone!


This story is one of the sweetest story's I've seen, the original and this special are two of the best stories I've been able to watch this year. I cried, worried, hoped, got angry, and laughed so hard my jaw hurts!

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Favorite Comfort

This drama put me through so much in such a short time! I have never cried nor laughed as hard as I have when I watched this lovely story. The characters were absolutely perfect; the definition of small town friends and family joining together to create their own picturesque, charming, and perfect community. This is the definition of slice-of-life, there's romance and friendship and family drama(s), but there is also the medical drama(s) even though it isn't too dramatic (like emergency issues under little to no supplies or skills)... But this drama is the absolute definition of "perfection", all around!



The characters and cast were picked so well, everyone fit together so amazingly! I really liked watching everyone rally around Yukino-san; and the interactions between Taiyo(u)-san and Saku-sensei. Their relationship to be boss and subordinate while also being best friends was something really special to watch; also, it was absolutely hilarious! The emotions and reactions of Taiyo(u)-san, Saku-sensei, and Masora-sensei really was fantastic to watch; I laughed, cried, worried and got angry during each episode.... Well, mostly laughed and cried. The feelings within this show are absolutely tangible; I was scared, angry, worried, happy, envious, sad, and enthralled by all of the immense and intense emotions and connections this show portrayed!



The music really helped to lighten or dramatize the moment. The music either chimed in or quietly came to a stop at just the right moment. I believe the music really helps build up a story, or it can tear it apart; even without car chases and explosions, the music really created a wonderful chemistry for everyone.



I really liked watching the villagers come together as a very tight knit community, and grow as their own person or as co-workers or friends, during each episode. To watch all the hard work everyone (staff, camera people, director, writers, producers, actors/actresses, etc) put in to the show come to life was so immaculate and depicted the perfection of raw, genuine humanity, kindness, and love. A very heartwarming, bittersweet, honest, unique story full of talent and fantastic imagination, knowledge, and respect for the human condition -- no matter what!


This show is an instant classic and my absolute favorite! Please do not skip this absolute diamond of a story!

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Seems Simple..... Anything but

Do not take this show for granted! The synopsis, other reviews, comments, etc....... this show is something familiar, but only in the smallest sense (odd partners that grow on each other, computer smarts, people/street smarts, good fighter, introvert, extrovert, etc), and it is also something completely different!


The general idea "if i die, i want someone to delete this" or "if i die, i don't want someone to see this" is a good basis. Definitely something I haven't seen before, usually it's detectives or some "oddball" or "genius" trying to figure out what/who/why someone died or someone killed another. This show is much more than that! I've seen people become upset because of their family issues that lead to someone/something bigger, deeper, darker, more dangerous; and I've seen reluctance in finding the answers... this show seemed to have the latter. They wanted the answers but they didn't want to uproot, demand, or disturb the person (requester or friend/family member), they tried to do their work carefully, quietly, and under the radar so as to not create more dramatics.


But when the story calls for it, the dramatics are there! A couple of episodes I was so surprised to see them happen that I had to rewind and rewatch a couple of times; Yamada Takayuki and Suda Masaki are fantastic during the dramatic moments and during the emotional moments. It takes a lot of emotional, psychological, and physical strength to get through what a few of these episodes showed; but as you watch the show, you can watch them waver as the show goes on, through each story you can see them grow as a partnership and you can see the wheels turning with each "job" they get. Something bubbling up from the very depths of the existential questions of man.


The casting was superb! It was wonderful to see Aso Kumiko, Yamada Takayuki, and Suda Masaki work as a team. They seem like such an odd partnership, but as you watch them "melt together" within their work they are surprisingly a great partnership! Such a deep look in to the depths of humanity was spectacular, it seemed like you could see the wheels turning or the "clock of life" restarting. It seemed like the "battle of good and evil" was almost tangible within a couple of episodes. I have no idea why this show only has 8 episodes, I feel like it could have lasted a few episodes longer!


If you're looking for a great detective show that has a fantastic story before anything else, and then you add in great leading actors/actresses to top it off... Then you will absolutely fall in love with this story! This show will definitely make you think, make you wonder; curiosity killed the cat and all that. It'll make you wonder if the human connection is such a good or bad thing. Please, give this show a chance!

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Familiar with Excellent Originality

***I want to start off by saying that where I watched this series the uploader jumbled up and confused the episode sequence. However, that doesn't really affect the outcome of the show, just need to figure out in which order to watch.***


This story was full of familiar actors, I've been watching newer dramas recently and forgot this one came out in 2011 so I was sort of surprised to see how many actors/actresses I recognized within this show. Each episode really was jam packed full of epic dramatic moments that I don't remember seeing in other medical drama's I've watched, minus a few familiar instances (the on call interns have trouble taking care of patients in the middle of the night; the intern(s) is/are frustrated they aren't assigned where they want to be, etc)


The medical jargon isn't hard to understand, they don't really define what's going on so much as walk you through it. I think it's a little better to see something in action as or after it's explained than to just imagine what will/would happen in your head. There wasn't a lot of blood or gory moments, so if you're squeamish or just beginning in medical dramas then this is a good starting point.


I kind of wish the elaborated on a couple other cast members instead of focusing so intensely on a couple of others (if you watch the show, you'll see my point maybe). There's nothing wrong with who they focused on but it was a little frustrating to see these 5 interns and have the basis of the story (or maybe it was just the synopsis that made me feel this way) be that they were going to work together and build this really strong bond between the 5 of them. But, that changed a little, and for good reason, too! I just would have liked to have seen them all stick together a little more. I'm not asking for a life-or-death bond, like some people think the cast of the American tv show "Friends" has/had, but I would liked to have seen a little more team work among the 5.



This show is a great show to watch, however, if you're looking for an epically dramatic story. If you're looking for exciting happenings that create fantastic stories or would like to see more of the human condition, then this may be the drama for you!

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Drown Your Sorrows or Pick Yourself Up

This is a very warm and charming drama full of human lifestyles that are extremely different, depressing, exciting, full of the unknown... As life generally is. Full of genuine sentimentality, care, generosity, understanding, and patience this story is the definition of "slice-of-life", to me, at least.


The characters within this story really had you falling in love with them and their story(ies) very quickly. One episode I was enthralled by someone dark and mysterious, the next I was crying, the next I was curious, and the next I was laughing! For only six episodes, this show really had a wide opening to the viewers feelings and emotions. It was like each episode the bars' new customers hit the buttons of your own personality, your own lifestyle.


The music really built up the story, kept the viewer wanting more and more of each story. The music kept the audience swooning for each "main character" of each episode; with even the most upsetting of moments, anger or sadness, the music kept the flow of the story going, helped it along just perfect enough to build up the story to it's climax. Kept the audience ready and waiting for more of each character's life, their story. On the edge of their seat is where you want your audience to be with the story, and the music added to the ambience and entertainment of a fabulous bar.


I think if they made this 12 episodes, it would be 50% too much and 50% the best length. This story is not a one-hit-wonder, it is a wonderful story of life and kindness in the deepest parts of humanity. I would have liked to have seen more of Fujiwara Kisetsu
(Nakauchi Satoru, Chef), Morisaki Win (Kobayashi Naoki, Bar owner), and Machida Keita (Amamiya Ryoichiro) together as friends and employees for their wonderful bar. This story is an underrated diamond, a wonderful show full of expectations at the right moment.

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Nothing Can Be Beautiful

This story is exactly what people seem to need these days. A feel good story full of insight to the differences between others; work, love life, friendships, all the way down to morals and ethics, respect, and even the simplest things of happiness or sadness, or self respect and confidence.


This story really seems to teach the viewers something like the above with each episode; but it doesn't shove it down your throat. So it really feels comfortable to watch, it feels like a book came to life and the viewers were watching the script/book as it was written. Almost like I was watching someone videotape the real thing, the real "Rental Nan mo Shinai Hito" in action with each request during the 12 episodes.


The flow between each episode had a clean cut, there was no really spill over from one case to the next, except for a few "hey I saw you do this" or "I followed you because of this". Each episode was filled with new cases of the simplest or more intense aspects of the human condition. Like the simple first request in episode 1 and the emotional request(s) of the last few episodes. The differences of each person were strongly highlighted, their emotions or reasons for each rental were highlighted and continued to show how important each case and each person are, no matter what.


It was wonderful to watch how each person grew during the episode and how Moriyama Shota grew as a person, father, and husband. It was nice to see his interactions with his wife, how they both worked together to protect and grow their family with love and work hard to support each other. It was nice to see a "medical" type drama show off Mental Health as important as well as keeping a good relationship with oneself, friends, and family. This is a very calming, charming, cheerful show; the music is absolutely wonderful, too! I loved watching each ending scene.


This show really cast an importance on taking care of yourself, taking a break or helping someone else if you can. I believe this underrated gem of a true story show will be loved by many!

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Freshly Brewed

...the headline is way too corny, sorry~!


This show was so much more than what I thought it was going to be. The synopsis definitely encapsulates a good portion of the show, but mostly the "silver lining" and hides the "bitter, dark, muddy" stuff for later.


You really do build up an affection for the characters in this show, no matter where Aoyama-san parked his mobile coffee shop. I thought it would be something heartwarming and uplifting, a feel good show about the ups and downs within life and how we can overcome them to be better versions of ourselves.... and I don't want to say I was wrong, but..... I was maybe 50% wrong?


This show really delves in to the "past" versions of how people act(ed) and how they "saved" themselves to recreate their lives, for better or worse, and all the dangers in between. There's nothing like a warm cup of coffee or tea to help relax the mind and body, but with the right atmosphere and human connection, sometimes it can also help to heal your soul. Without being too preachy or corny (like my headline) or belittling, this show really told a fantastic story of how wonderful the human connection can be at times.


This story felt a tad like how "Kazoku Games" plot line did: by getting to the core of the issue and starting slowly from ground zero, piecing things together like a puzzle piece until you've learned what went wrong and how to fix it or how to begin again from where you're standing right at that moment. If you wander around thinking everyone else is wrong and you are perfectly correct all the time or everyone else is too bothersome to deal with or you are too smart/powerful for anyone else, then life gets boring and lonely really quick. This show really stands out by showing the viewers that not everyone is a "lone wolf", while some people need a whole flock to follow them and praise them, some people just need people to be there and listen to them, or to just drink a cup of coffee with them in silence; their company is comforting enough.


The entire world is made up of different people, full of wonderful places and things to visit and be part of. I believe that what this story showed was just that: the comfort of familiar even within the unfamiliar and the strength of humans, even at their lowest, can be immeasurable. There isn't a lot of coffee information, which I thought there would be; but it is discussed in a few episodes. None of it is very confusing, in fact it's pretty interesting! I laughed and cried, got scared in a couple of episodes, even! If you're looking for a "slice-of-life" or romance story, then this may not be for you; it isn't really heavy on either genre. But, if you're looking for something relaxing, with an entertaining story that is packed full of charm, integrity, kindness, humanity, and love... Then this is the show for you!

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Epic Yet Heartwarming

This story did such a wonderful job at telling the good times and the bad times for each patient, regardless of their illness, injury, social status, etc... It has been a long time since I have seen such a heartfelt, raw, genuine, honest, and lovely series within a hospital about not only the people cast but about humanity in general.


The cast was picked wonderfully, even there it seemed there were some unexplored parts of a couple of characters; everyone worked really hard to fit in to their role as perfectly as they could, to understand all the medical terms and how to help patients within each episode. It was really interesting to watch them work during a couple of very dramatic episodes!


I've got to say that I was extremely emotional during each episode... I almost or actually did cry for each 11 episodes. I got angry, I worried, I was scared, happy, curious, enthralled, and mesmerized by how well the pharmacists worked with each doctor, patient, and case.


The technical terms aren't too hard to follow, things are explained very well. If you are looking for a thrilling show this is it! But if you're looking for psychological thrills, maybe not. This is a charming, heartwarming story of how multiple people deal with real life situations from their different points of view, at least that's how I saw a few episodes.


It was really wonderful to watch each character grow, to see their strengths and weaknesses balance themselves out to make them the strongest version of themselves and as a team. I really wish there were more episodes for this story, maybe something a little more character in depth, but if you are looking for a medical and human and lovely story, full of hardships and success... this is definitely an amazing show for you!

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Entertaining Dramatics

Without skipping much in the way of thrills or epic scenes typical to Japanese police/detective dramas (ie: suspect chases, dramatic buddy/partner pairs, exciting cases) this show is one of the most superb stories. I wish there were more episodes, but I do feel that they left off on a good note with more tabs closed than cliffhangers. This story was dramatic, hilarious, heartfelt, genuine, and very smart.


I could see how hard everyone worked (especially since this is during Covid-19) to fulfill their roles. It is hard to wear all of the police gear that they are actually required to, so to see them put it on each day like it was "nothing" or "not that big of a deal" during the summer and Covid, was really something. I think it's very respectable to actual police officers that they cast/writers/staff/director/etc. diligently put in so much hard work for their story to be so accurate, respectable, honest, and relatable.


Some parts of the story were a little predictable, and some parts I kind of got bored with; but those only lasted for a fraction of a second. Its such an even paced show, and the dialogue was really well written. It seemed like everyone was on the same page and were on very good terms while they were working, it's almost tangible within each scene!


If you like the people in this cast line up, even if they only appear for a second or two, then this show is a must watch. They really show off each actors/actresses "best side" when they filmed and created this story. I'm definitely a little sad that its over!

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Unexpectedly Intense

This show was way more involved and intense than I thought it would be! If you're looking for a quick, dramatic, epic show of detective skills that aren't always on the up-and-up or a show that seems to be a little more bad than good, then maybe this show is for you!


Also, if you're a Nakamura Tomoya fan then you should check this show out. It's nice to see him in a light that seems more "on the line" of good and evil than pure good, or pure evil. The "on the line" feeling is what makes this show so intensely interesting and mesmerizing!


I do feel that this show is missing something, I can't put my finger on it but it feels a little lacking in some aspects in a couple of episodes. The dramatics aren't car chases or explosions, but somewhere in the middle of the same type of danger level. It sort of feels like "anticipation" of what's to come is building and building but the "what's to come" doesn't necessarily happen immediately... its the building and building that keeps you on the edge of your seat and keeps you entranced!

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Unexpected Epic

This story is not at all what I expected it to be: with an intricate story and well derived plot and dramatic detective work, this story is so much more than its synopsis!


If you've heard the term "don't judge a book by its cover" then this drama fits within that category perfectly! After reading the synopsis and watching the trailer I thought it would be a feel-good comedy detective drama with an emphasis on food, but I was completely mistaken! I did not expect this show to have such an in depth look into not only the life of a private detective and his cases but the relationship between him and the people he meets, and with humanity in itself.


The characters were picked marvelously! I think with a few tweaks to their personalities it could have been a little better (you may see or hear what I mean if you watch) but its because of those quirks that this show is so amazing! I didn't recognize a few of my favorite actors/actresses while watching, it was like they completely became their character! Which is somehow kind of scary how talented they all are. I also found a couple new actors/actresses that I would like to follow; which is always nice when you watch a show or movie, I think.


The music really set the scene for a few episodes and towards the end I got really involved, I didn't even realize how much time had passed while I was watching. I binge watched this show within one whole day! I'm wondering a few things after the last episode, which I guess you could say is because of a cliffhanger, but I don't think so. I think the show ended relatively well, closing a good number of loose ends. Though I do wish there was a bit more on a couple of characters.... So maybe it's a personal cliffhanger and not one that deals with the show at all (lol)


If you're looking for a crime/detective show where the good balances the evil, the comedy balances the scary, and so on then this show may be for you... I also think this would be a good show for avid detective fans or for a Japanese drama beginner. I really hope more people watch this show... this gem was not at all what I expected it to be, I really enjoyed it!

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Breathtaking Underrated Gem!

This show really took me by surprise! I can honestly say I think this is one of the best crime/detective/police shows I have seen in a long time. I don't think many people give this story a chance or compare it to the Korean parent movie/story too much.


The story is pretty original, but there are some predictable or typical stories that I've seen within other Japanese crime/detective dramas or movies. This story moves pretty quickly but nothing is too confusing or hard to understand; it sort of feels like it could have been a movie, however the 10 episodes were absolutely perfect, and I binge watched them all within one day. The show was so exciting it all went by quick as lightning!


The episodes completely blended together, so the story really didn't waver much or drag because of side stories, and it wasn't too complicated by past stories that were unnecessary. The main cast really held together quite well, it was hilarious and was really wonderful to watch them all grow as police officers and as humans.


The music was really energetic, which led to getting excited and expecting a lot from each episode. I have to say that I did NOT see the ending coming at all! This show has one large mystery that sort of sets the base for the entire show but it doesn't repeat it within every episode, which is nice; though the lead up to the finale is strong and the ending was amazing! I am absolutely positive that this is one fantastic story!

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Underrated Gem!

This show really showed off a side of Katori Shingo that I've never seen before; he became mesmerizing with every episode! I think his voice really helped to create the personality of his character, someone dark and mysterious; tall, dark, and handsome....


This drama quickly became one of my absolute favorites! The plot line itself isn't really new, but it isn't typical or predictable either. Each time I thought I had guessed who the culprit was it felt like I was lead down a winding staircase and the case would go in the complete opposite direction! I like how the cast handled the relationship between Katori Shingo and Sekimizu Arisa's characters, a little stand-offish but still able to work together; sometimes the "i work by myself" attitude can be overbearing or over done, but in this story all of the characters seemed to fit together very well. Every office has their issues, with personal in the same office or higherups or politics, and this story really surprised me in how well they all worked together even though there could have been some differences or contrasting opinions, etc...


The music was a really nice addition! The opening definitely felt extremely compatible to the story, and really helped to create a rise of emotion and expectations for each episode. The story itself moved at a very brisk pace, though nothing was left to the imagination and no part of the story was left out or confused me. I do wish there were more in-depth moments and more episodes too; it kind of feels a little like something has been left out or they're pushing to fill too much within a small(er) space than they may have originally had. I wish there were more episodes or even a special episode, I think this story shows honestly and genuinely what's going on today within society not just in Japan but in every country (fake news, gaslighting, lies, rumors, unrest, etc...)


The last sentence above was a real heavy one and I don't want people to think that that is what I am aiming for with this review, because it isn't. I do think that this drama has similarities to what is going on within the world at this moment, however; the fact that it was filmed during the Covid-19 Pandemic says a lot, too, and they even hint to it during an episode of why there is a lot of "stress" going on. It was wonderful watching the cast of the "Metropolitan Police Department Finger Murder Prevention Office" or "Yubitai" growing and working together in the office as co-workers and as their own person/character. I would love to see more of that; each actor/actress really worked hard to create a certain type of persona for their character and they all really did a superb job!

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Curious Combi

Before starting this show I saw a few comments about how they were unsure of the cast of Ayano Go and Hoshino Gen being partners, or of Hoshino Gen being a police officer.... But let me tell you that that worry is severely unfounded! I mean sure, to each their own with personal biases of favorites or dislikes, but I promise you: Hoshino Gen and Ayano Go make the perfect combination!


The story does follow a pretty interesting turn of events considering it was filmed before and during the Covid-19 Pandemic! The plot line itself is similar in small places to most police/crime/detective dramas but only for short periods of time; nothing is ever too confusing or feels rushed. In fact, in my opinion, it sort of feels like they cut the story short; whether that is because of the Covid-19 Pandemic or it was the original story, though, I don't know.


The cast was superb! Each one filled their roles perfectly; the skill and respect and their talents each were shining and absolutely spectacular to watch! From the dramatics, to the running, to the tricky criminals... MIU 404 is a hilarious, heart felt, genuine, extraordinary show!

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Exciting "New" Sherlock

The plot line follows the origin story(ies) of Sherlock Holmes, however, with a few tweaks and changes, this show is something completely new... yet familiar.


The story does have the comforting (?) and typical feel of Japanese detective shows; but when you throw in the "eccentric Sherlock and his witty sidekick (friend?)" then you get a completely different drama. Combined with the technology, thrills, suspense, and mystery that a Japanese police/detective/crime drama already has plus the Sherlock story itself seems to make this drama quite interesting; something new, yet something old and familiar. Which is why I think it's a "comforting" show. To say it's a predictable show is an overstatement, the feeling of it is but the story itself is something brand new!


I like how they did not dwell on the "major evils" throughout the show, nor did they build up to a big bang finale. Towards the end, the show created the "major evils" one step at a time; sometimes a line, sometimes a person, sometimes an entire criminal plan, etc...


The cast selected made this show what it is, I believe. Dean Fujioka was the perfect choice for Sherlock; though I can think of a few others who I would like to see in a few of the same roles, but it would just be my personal preference(s) based on what I've seen of their acting and because I've seen the entirety of this drama.; so it would sort of be like me superimposing a role from one show in to/on to this show. Which wouldn't be too interesting, but it wouldn't be too bad, either. So I think the cast was chosen with that in mind; something like "pick a couple of A-list actors then fill out the roles with B and C list", sort of thing. The entire cast had me completely mesmerized right up until the end! Their skilled talent full of respect and genuine humanity is what made this show such a success!

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