Editorials 
Heart Warming Drama with the Theme of Nature
The story that presented in this drama is quite light, because it's about Mone's past, which in 2011 his family experienced the tsunami disaster in Japan at that time. Then theme of nature is followed by the development of a Nagaura Momone (MC) who is looking to be herself and finally decides to become a weather forecaster. The audience can enjoy the storyline in this drama and enjoy this drama while drinking tea and eating biscuits, because this drama doesn't have to think hard and because the genre is slice of life, when scenes take place in Tome, Kesennuma, and Tokyo are shown, the audience can feel transported directly to these locations and enjoy their natural beauty of japan nature.The setting of the place taken from this drama is also good because it connects the nature of the mountains (City of Tome) and the sea (Island of Kesennuma), and the selection of Kesennuma city as the setting is very good considering that Kesennuma city is a small island on the northeast side of the island of Japan which only had a connecting bridge with the mainland in 2017 (though Kesennuma Island and mainland are very close, crossing by ferry)
The cast in this drama is also very good with Kaya Kiyohara (Nagaura Momone), Makita Aju (Nagaura Michi), Imada Mio (Jino Mariana Riko), etc. Because I think the cast in this drama can play characters that match their own personalities. In this drama also the character development is presented very well, how Mone and his friends started as a junior high school student then entered the maturity phase and in the end became an adult who has experience and mature thoughts, all packaged very well. Viewers can feel the character development in this drama like they are actually following them from 2011 to the present. The 120 episodes in this drama are packaged very well with the right pace (not too fast, but in some episodes sometimes it feels a bit slow). In this drama the depiction of a Mone who is a country girl who then comes to a big city is described quite well.
I think the music used in this drama fits the slice of life drama genre in "Okaeri Mone", relaxing and fun songs and also the music accompany Nagaura Momone's character development as well. Bump of Chicken "Nanairo" is the right song to be the OST of this drama, with mixing of quite unique opening because there is an implied message that combines mountains and sea in the opening of this drama.
Verdict, Okaeri Mone is a slice of life and family drama that is very suitable to watch on Saturdays and Sundays or when coming home from work, because the plot presented in this drama is very interesting as well as light and easy to watch while relaxing and with the theme of nature, which is rather rarely used in slice of life dramas). A heartwarming drama with very interesting characters to follow the development from beginning to end.
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Another Great Drama From TBS
It's been more than three years since I last wrote a drama review, but I'll review REBOOT. So far, in my opinion, this is the best drama of 2026. Each episode leaves viewers curious about what will happen next. The pacing is fast and intense, but with enough plot twists and turns to keep things interesting. This might be the J-drama I’ve been most eagerly awaiting since VIVANT, to the point where I’ve been searching for theories about the plot on social media.All the cast members are perfectly suited to their roles. Suzuki Ryohei is very cold, and Toda Erika plays a cunning, mysterious character who also has a caring side, very well. Other support role suits perfectly such as Nagase Ren and Makita Aju (even she's got minor role)
In my opinion, this drama is a must-watch for the opening of the 2026 winter J-drama season.
Update: just finished this drama, i think it's another great drama by TBS other than VIVANT (2023), it's a must watching for action & mysteries lovers because the climax and the plot twist is splendid.
p.s. there's takumi kitamura cameo on last episodes
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Dull At Start But Unexpected Ending !
when watching this drama, it start more interesting halfway of the series, at first the story build up like a puzzle, halfway until the end, somehow the director give the watcher fake suspect, that makes watcher questioning who's the real culprit. Overall the story have a satisfaction ending in my opinion and that's how the story should end!cast and ost is good enough but for me, Sometani Shota act as little brother it's quiet funny if you had watch his other drama, but everything he's doing in this drama is good.
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This review may contain spoilers
Realistic Story and Possible Happened with the Audience
This film presents a story that is very likely to happen to everyone. how love stories can be knitted with each other, how a love story that initially feels beautiful and perfect will eventually become a relationship where both pairs are busy with each other's work hard because they both have the same goal, which is to get married in the future. For viewers of this film who may have been in a relationship for more than two years will feel that the story in this film is very related to their past.in this film, the personality changes of the both MCs are well presented, Suda Masaki as Yamane Mugi has a personality as a person who loves his girlfriend so much even though he finds it difficult to get a job but for the sake of their future he really fights for it. Arimura Kasumi as Hachiya Kinu has a personality who loves his boyfriend so much too and cares for him, but he always wants their love story to be like when they first met. that's what Yamane Mugi can't do because he has to sacrifice time with his girlfriend to work and do his out of town service. this is what makes their relationship cracked because over time they both have very little communication with each other. in the end after a relationship that can't be repaired and fought together again, ending may be the right way and all of this is packaged very well in this film. (because my story is also related to the story of this film).
The shooting in this film is very well done and the music used is also very interesting, such as songs from Awesome City Club (the band's development is also shown very well from its start to success, following the timeline of this film) and Kinokoteikoku band. both of them have a song with very good and meaningful lyrics if you can understand japanese.
I will not re-watch this film because the emotions and sadness in this film have been conveyed at the beginning of watching this film, so maybe watching it a second time will give the feeling of watching a less climax. but i will recomended this film to anyone who liked drama slice of life and romance.
Final words, nothing lasts forever in this world. including love story, everything moves dynamically, relationship can't always be beautiful and same as the first met. because a relationship that feels beautiful is only happening in the beginning, everything will change later on because there must be things to fight for together and in exchange there'll be less time to spent together and also a person's personality will definitely change dynamically over time. if it already cracked and helpless, remember the good thing and forgot the bad things, keep moving on.
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Labyrinth of Hortensia and the Minotaur
2 people found this review helpful
Hortensia and the Minotaur
This drama has a plot that I think is excellent; the mystery and puzzles are skillfully woven throughout from start to finish, keeping viewers wondering what’s really going on. It’s one of this season’s dramas that I watch as soon as a new episode comes out.The casting here is also excellent. The lead character, Ryosuka Yamada, plays Haruka Nanase. In this drama, there’s my favorite actress, Mayu Hotta, who plays Shiharu Nanase; she portrays a fairly important character, though she isn’t particularly prominent. Sei Shiraishi, who plays Yui Ishimizaki, stands out quite a bit in this drama.
This drama has a pretty unique soundtrack, i really love it. It sounds like ancient Greek chants but in Japanese.
As for the drama’s shortcomings, perhaps because it follows the novel’s plot (which I haven’t read yet), the ending—which could have been made even more climactic feels rushed and anticlimactic, so the story buildup established from the beginning feels a bit lacking in impact.
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This review may contain spoilers
Perfect Execution, Great Story
When I first saw the trailer for this film, I was quite interested and finally watched it, the beginning of this film might be a little confusing because the audience is faced with 3 different perspectives and are not related to each other but in the same timeline. but mid to the end of this film it becomes clear how the influence of 2 other side characters' perspectives on the MC story. When I first realized that they were in different time frames, I was quite surprised, because this film was packaged so well that the audience could not guess how the plot of this film would go in the future, plus the ending was quite sad for the characters Shikano Nana and Kosaka Rei. Another uniqueness of this film is that the 3 perspectives displayed have their own uniqueness, each pov from Shikano Nana, Hotta Kyapiko, and Miyasada Jimiko. but in the end it turned out that the three pov had a relationship with each other in the plot of the story presented.Then I like how they shoot the cinematic, this film have very good cinematic quality and using appropriate color grading to match the mood of high school student with the drama that occurs in it. The cast in this film is also very good with unquestionable acting skills and is very in line with the personality of the characters played.
Special mention for this film because it brings up some important issues that are happening all around us but many people turn a blind eye to seeing it. Like a high school student who is depressed and slashes his hands, with no one to care, but instead the environment bullies him. Then the relationship between high school student and adults which in the end they only become adult escapes, and also one sided love(common drama theme).
Verdict, this film has a very unique timeline and makes the audience also wonder whether the pov has anything to do with each other or not, if there is something wrong?. Then this film raises several important issues that become special mentions in my review this time, although these issues are not the main problem in this film, but when this film raises these issues, I think it is quite good to have it. The drawback of this film is the ending, not everyone likes this ending. but in my opinion the ending shown in this film is enough to bring the emotions of the audience in watching this film.
To re-watch this film, I don't think so, because in my opinion a film like this is the type of film that we should watch the first time, when we re-watch it, the feeling given to this film is not as interesting as when we first watched it.
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Slow Paced, Emotional, & Unique
In my opinion, the story of this drama is quite unique; it is the first time I have encountered a narrative quite like this. It touches upon the mental health struggles of the character Seo Mitsuru and explores a friendship between a man and a woman that doesn't necessarily have to culminate in romance. The writer is also responsible for the slice-of-life drama "Silent" (2022), which centers on the life of a person with a disability a show well worth watching. The storyline is well-constructed, and the pacing feels just right, with each episode ending in a way that leaves the viewer intrigued. The conclusion is truly climactic and exactly what I had hoped for; it feels fair, logical, and free of convenient "plot armor."The cast featuring Aoi Yu as Seo Sakiko, Nakajima Ayumu as Sonoda Itsuki, Kaho as Sonoda Azusa, and Matsuyama Kenichi as Seo Mitsuru, creates a well-rounded and balanced ensemble where every character is effectively portrayed. Special praise goes to Kaho for her excellent performance of a rather unique character, and to the Aoi Yu–Nakajima Ayumu duo for perfectly capturing the reactions appropriate to their respective roles.
I think this drama would be in my dorama's list that i will rewatch in the futures.
This drama will tell you about a man and a women friendship, marriage relationship, family, love, and mental health to other level that what you action is, in the future you consequence will come, soon or later.
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This review may contain spoilers
Goosebumps Every Time Kabuki is Played
The story is quite straightforward, with a constantly evolving plot. It depicts the main characters' sacrifices and efforts to achieve their dreams, while selfishness takes over.Yoshizawa Ryo and Ryusei Yokohama portray their characters masterfully. Each of their kabuki roles evokes a sense of pain and heaviness, befitting the kabuki theme they portray. The audience is drawn into and immersed in their roles.
The music in this film is sumptuous and dramatic, but it's a bit of a shame that many plot points could have been explained further, particularly regarding Akiko's fate, the fate of Shunsuke child, and so on. It's certainly not entirely plot sensitive, considering the film's length.
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Trying to forget an unusual girl
I'm quite like this film because, in this film an MC is presented who is left by his lover but as time goes on but he still can't forget that girl, the MC is like stuck in one time (his past) and can't move on. Especially the storyline in this film is also quite interesting because it ensures a film with a backward storyline, where the timeline for this film is 2020 to 199X. by using a backward storyline like this, makes viewers wonder what the real problem is between the MC and the Heroine. The story is also very interesting when the company where MC works shows changes from time to time (quite interesting).The set used in this film is also good, especially when it tells the story of 199X, it feels very retro-Japanese at that time, but there were a few minor misses during the scene on the toll road (when it was about 199X), on the opposite side of the road there was a Mercedes facelift and a New Range Rover (?), yes, but apart from that minor miss, everything seemed to match the time setting shown.
The cast in this film somehow feels right and have strong relationship between them, Ito Sairi as Kato Kaori can portray her character quite well as a girl who has an interest in the unusual things. Moriyama Mirai as Sato Makoto also plays his character very well as a character who can't forget his past and is confused to move on to the future. The other supporting cast also in my opinion are quite good at playing their respective characters. special mention for Sumire as Su and Shinohara Atsushi as Nanase Toshihiko, because these two casts played their characters very well and seemed to have a strong relationship with the MC, then the characters they played also had quite an impact on the MC's character development.
Verdict, this film shows good character development on all its characters (MC & supporting characters) and shows good visuals sets according to the time setting of the story, especially in the timeline before 2000, with sets and properties that are quite accurate and also supported by a cast that is mutually have a strong relationship. The story is quite reasonable to be related to viewers. Worth your time you watch and it's a must !
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Unique Plot
At first, people might be a little confused because in this film Suzu Hirose plays two roles at different times, but as the story continues, it becomes clearer how the plot in this film is arranged. taking the story line back and forth is very unique and provides the right pace, shooting is also very good.in this film the audience can feel the emotions of each character, especially for me personally the emotion of sadness emitted by the character Tono Yuri can be felt for the audience and how Tono Yuri is always number two compared to his older sister. then how desperate an Otosaka Kyoshiro after knowing the bitter reality that Tono Misaki had to experience. but on the other hand, all the players in this film are very good at acting and can convey the emotions of the characters they play well.
to be honest this film can make the audience to cry to feel the emotions experienced by the characters in this film. This film presents the real reality of life, because in life not everything can go well according to our wishes and we must be able to accept how our destiny will be in the future (especially in terms of love).
This film is suitable to be recommended to friends or family who like a slice of life drama film with a touch of romance (tragic romance).
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This review may contain spoilers
Dark and Despair Main Character
I was left dumbfounded when I discovered the incredibly dark backstory of Ishigami character revealed to the audience only at the very end of the film and realized there was still an unresolved mystery regarding the true identity of the primary victim. Tsutsumi Sinichi verey good played as Ishigami, It is no wonder that he remains active in Japanese films and dramas to this day. Also Mastsuyuki Yatsuko is very "bijin-desu", first time im seeing her acting on Asadora Hanbun Aoi (2018), in here (2008) she much-much younger and adorable (of course 10 years younger).The Tokyo cityscape from 2008 evokes a strong sense of nostalgia, and the character casting was spot-on; however, the soundtrack lacked appeal only the ending theme was actually pleasant to listen to.
The plot is not too complex but for Galileo fans I think this is quite accurate to the novel but with a few changes that don't interfere with the main plot. The characters in this film will appear in Galileeo's next films.
Available on JFF Theater (APAC) until November 2026 https://id.jff.jpf.go.jp/movie/suspect-x/
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Enjoyed Every Bit's of the Movie
I really appreciate the plot which isn't overly complex and the way it draws me into thinking about the case at the heart of the film. Adapted from a novel, the writing is excellent; there are also elements that allow us to deeply relate to the relationships between the characters, enabling the audience to truly feel the sorrow and the sacrifices involved.Masaharu Fukuyama, Anne Watanabe, and Gin Maeda deliver excellent performances in this film; their characterizations are strong and feel completely natural. It is a bit of a sad that Yuriko Yoshitaka’s role falls into a somewhat awkward middle ground hovering between being crucial and inconsequential even though her character is actually quite interesting.
Available at JFF Theater (APAC) until november 2026 free english subtitle, https://id.jff.jpf.go.jp/movie/midsummers-equation/
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Fan Sevrice Drama For Mei Hata Fans!
my review is a bit bias on this dorama, but for Mei Hata and Shida Mirai fans, this drama is a must watch, the story is easy to follow and very straight forward with the conflict, it fills with some slice of life moment of the duo. Defo is a must watch!!Other than that, cast is quite good but Okada Yoshinori act as a single ojisan police, has a weird vibe, i think he more fits for role like father of the happy family, lol..
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This review may contain spoilers
Interesting At First Boring At The End, But Cast Great
Just to make it short, everything feels fine until episodes 6, the core of the drama is ichiban boshi act as mediator between perfecture if there's any crime located in the perfecture border that require two different police HQ to solve the crime, but start from episodes 7 until end, it just only tell to uncover the ichiban boshi brother scandal, like wth is this.. suddenly, and also episode 7 until end is very dragging as hell, i think director better bring one more case and just make the final act on episode 8 or jus episode 9.If it's not Tao Tsuchiya or Yuka fill the cast in here, i would stop watching at episode 7.
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Honestly, The Ending was The Suitable Ending for This Kind of Movie
I am reviewing from the point of view of an audience who has not read the original manga of this film. In my opinion, this film brings story plots and themes that I myself have encountered many times, especially in Japanese novels or dramas, namely love between a teacher and student, I think the character development in this film is not good between characters and I also didn't see good chemistry between each character (for some reason like the closeness between each character is less visible), also the meeting of Sishio and Yosano at the beginning of this film is quite strange (honestly). Although i like the story in this film because in the end Heroine chose the right choice (in my opinion), because in this type of story, if the teacher is a winner in the ending, I think it's not fair enough, because the age difference is quite far between the two (quiet strange).Verdict, I think a film like this is very suitable to be watched at leisure time because it doesn't have a heavy story, although the story is a bit generic but, it is very interesting to watch because the setting of the time and place of this film is the school period which I think is very interesting when considering those times. 7,5 seems fine for the score because of all the shortcomings, I still enjoy the romance in this film and attach a little to how Heroine can choose the right choice in the end.
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