Wakamono Tachi (2014)

During what could be considered a slow drama year, Wakamono Tachi (“Young People,” international title: “All About My Siblings,”) was greatly anticipated from the first. One exciting aspect manifests itself in its status as an anniversary drama, a fact that often denotes heightened quality. Another comes in the form of Shugo Muto, who wrote the script for this remade series as well as last year’s excellent reboot of Kazoku Game and the beloved 2005 Densha Otoko. Yet for an overwhelming number of potential viewers, the prospect of another reunion between cast members Mitsushima Hikari and Eita—with the added bonus of fantastic Tsumabuki Satoshi—constituted the biggest delight. So with all these expectations riding on its back, how did well Wakamono Tachi fare?

Regrettably (how it pains me to begin with that word!) soaring expectations might cost this drama points with viewers. While Wakamono Tachi manages to score a place in the storied collection of worthy Japanese “life dramas,” it cannot be called perfect or even particularly groundbreaking. We follow the trials and tribulations of the orphaned Sato siblings, as well as those of their romantic prospects. Most story arcs focus on one sibling/issue at a time, detailing how the family pulls together so as to overcome it (or not). As might be expected from such a system, certain parts watch stronger than others. Characters Asahi, Satoru, and Hikari are front and center for the better episodes, most of which are warm and emotional. However, as focus spreads to the youngest siblings (and onward to the “girlfriends” and “boyfriend”) it becomes harder to swallow parts of the writing. Certain plots begin to touch upon the melodramatic and the tone/time frame for others ceases to reflect reality, though otherwise most events are thoughtfully placed. As strongly felt as the finale was, I could not but want for better closure. Several more episodes might have alleviated these issues, and I doubt viewers would object to extra time with the Sato family.

My favorite aspect of Wakamono Tachi must be its vibrant and quirky humor. The siblings primarily communicate in high-speed bickering around the dinner table, which often yields audacious and unbelievable dialogue. Many members of the Sato family are also wrestling fans, and so the most difficult emotional conundrums are solved over hearty talks—and outdoor brawls! What results is an unexpectedly lovable and relatable family that, despite any oddity, ends up working its way deep into the viewer’s heart. No matter the issues with the script, one begins to feel as though they will miss them when the series ends. I also believe the financial state our heroes are portrayed in (almost destitute!) helps them remain understandable. It is refreshing to meet with an every-man and his family for once, rather than a privileged member of the upper crust.

Without a doubt, Wakamono Tachi cast well. Tsumabuki Satoshi wins viewer sympathy as the sincere, hardworking Sato Asahi, whose more cliché characteristics are eclipsed masterfully by a strange mix of immaturity and fatherly instinct. A figure inherently good, Tsumabuki-san infuses Asahi with fetching laughter, contagious tears, and a performance most memorable. I'm not afraid to admit I fell in love. The widely lauded Eita settles into another complicated role as Sato Satoru, who explodes onto the scene as a menacing figure—but might his true self be loyal and loving? Mitsushima Hikari is safely one of the best actresses of her generation, and so in Sato Hikari maintains her standard. Hers might be the most precariously balanced story in the series, caught as it is between two moral poles; however, Mitsushima-san dons the role without the barest suggestion of difficulty. As for the other parts of the cast, most performances were passable to good with an almost universal connection of chemistry (particularly within the Sato family). If there were any weak links, I’d point either to Nomura Shuhei (Sato Tadashi) or Yoshioka Hidetaka (Shinjo Masaomi) but only when compared to the “big three.”

For those who concern themselves with music, this series employs a decent enough score with a good sense for incidental pieces and silence. Perhaps the only song worth writing home about would be the beautiful theme. It is provided by sweet-voiced Moriyama Naotaro, “Wakamono Tachi (Young People)” after the title of the drama. This gentle and nostalgic vocal suits the overall feeling of the series with surprising strength, even as it accompanies the credits. These show the characters, interspersed between the candid photographs of other (perhaps real?) examples of the modern Japanese youth.

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This dorama already got great reviews that I totally agree with but thought of adding my two cents as well ;) It was the drama that I was most anticipating of the summer, and maybe of the year. As an anniversary drama, it is star studded as expected. It's the first drama for Tsumabuki Satoshi in 5 years ( except he had a guest role in an episode of Higashino Keigo Mysteries in 2012) since the lead a taiga in 2009. He's reunited here with Mitsushima Hikari (Villain) and Eita (Orange Days, Dororo) rounded off with award winning Aoi Yu. With that cast alone, expectations flew through the roof.

I was certainly looking forward to the reunion of Mitsushima and Eita and seeing Tsumabuki in a drama again after so long sure is a delight. Whether the drama met my expectations or not cannot be answered with a simple Yes or No.

My main reason of watching was for the cast, so in that case I can't say I was disappointed. The characters felt real for me, the relationships authentic, and the chemistry is present. I was invested enough with the family that watching them every episode was bliss. Acting from the main characters was top notch. Asahi's character got many criticism of being over-acted, but I found it was actually well thought out. I think if he were played any other way it would've been too dramatic so I cannot imagine anyone playing it better than Tsumabuki. Other performances varied from great to okay but none felt miscast. Yoshioka Hidetaka didn't really add much to the characters so my shallow self wished it would've been a better looking actor that took the role XD He wasn't miscast but not too great either.

The story overall is heartwarming and sweet, but we had some story lines that were stronger than others, some more relatable than others, hence some episodes stronger than others. The story line revolving around the three older siblings were the most engaging. The story of the 2 youngest siblings was set-aside in the background and needed more attention from the writer. For that reason I found their resolve a bit shallow. Episodes about characters other than the siblings were less interesting. There were also a lot of cheesy dialogs running throughout the drama. It certainly isn't something new to Japanese dramas but dramas without cheesy dialogs have been done and this could've benefitted without as well

The soundtrack was used effectively here and the theme song added this timeless enchantment to the drama.

On the whole, not a perfect drama, but still touching and uplifting, with great performances and memorable roles. I will miss this drama for sure.

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Wonderful family drama which captures you from the first second and do not let go until the end and when it's finished you want to see more, how they continue their lives, how they got married, had kids and all their lives until the death. That's why I gave this score. I mean if you only read the cast you instantly become scared, you become scared whether this drama is going to be some masterpiece or some drama ruined by all those famous names, which happens a lot in American movies and shows. Fortunately, it was the first case- you get to see a masterpiece drama. Why? Well, it is ordinary drama indeed, with a family members living together, fighting, loving, crying, smiling, having many issues which is something pretty usual and nothing special. Yes, it sounds like that but when you watch only a first episode you could see how you're becoming more and more interested in further development, how you're becoming suddenly addictive. At leas I was 'till the last second of a show.

Acting was...BRILLIANT, MIND BLOWING AND INCREDIBLE. As expected from all those actors. 10 points to Eita, 10 to Hikari, 10 to Satoshi, 10 to Aoi, even 10 to Masami (the girl just proved in this drama how good she can be). I don't have to write about their acting, every true Japanese fan knows about them and how genius they are. I'm only going to say that the chemistry they had was so amazing, all of them, between every single family member, how they loved one each other, how they fought, how they protected one another, whatever problems they had, and they had a lot of them through the whole drama, they stayed together because they're family. There is a sentence which Asahi said at the end:" Anywhere we go, we are family. A family that is inseparable. That needs no reason.' And that's exactly the point of a drama. FAMILY.
I think I was the most touched by the eldest son who was honestly suffered the most to achieve all that and keeps of all them together in a place to live, food to eat and proper education to have. And the second son who was played by my dearest Eita, two of them were so fantastic, I've enjoyed in their scenes, and scenes with their only sister who was such a sweet, delightful creature, with every brother she showed different relationship, she was like a soul of their family. All scenes between them, funny, sad, angry, crazy, all the emotions that exist in this world I think that they delivered us all of them in only 11 hours. Simply magnificent.

Music was ok, nothing much but quietly in the background fitted good to the atmosphere.
This drama is a story about human emotions, about family gathered together and their stories and lives, each character was so well written, even the side characters were perfect.
At the end, this sentence really hit me and got deep in the heart. "What's wrong with crying when I want to cry? That's what a human being is supposed to do."
Definitely a drama with so many messages and lessons about life and humans which all of us should listen and be aware of. I'm truly thankful for having a opportunity to see this amazing piece.

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10/10 is an exaggeration? You say that because you haven't watched the 11 episodes.

At first, I added it on my Plan to Watch list because of the all-star casing. Eita, Tsumabuki Satoshi, Aoi Yu, and Nagasawa Masami are very familiar names in the dorama world. Plus, the names Mitsushima Hikari and Hashimoto Ai are also noted for their acting skills.

And so I watched the first episode, first impression~ its old. The song, the setting -- but I wonder why I didn't pause/stop it. I watched the first episode and ended in tears. And so I know I will definitely be watching this! Of course I had to wait for a long time for the series to end and for the English sub to be available.

And it's all worth it. I don't remember ending an episode without crying. One time, when the new episode was out, I hurriedly watched it in the office. I didn't want my co-workers to see me crying so I tried my best not to --- but tears won't stop flowing~

But it's not just that. There are also a lot of lines and conversations which actually make sense. There are humor scenes in each episode which I always look forward. Physical actions are my favorite scenes. You know when siblings fight. Literally.

The song which is the very theme of the drama sounds old, but surprisingly, I didn't get tired of hearing it over and over. The storyline may be common but the conflicts are interesting. I find it more admirable since it's the very NOW. Yet we are reminded about the OLD characteristics we grew up with -- how to be passionate, to believe in others, to find hope, to be given permission to be happy, to chase your dream and realize it. But the highlight is really the SUPERB acting. I'm able to appreciate the drama because the actors are so real in their characters.

I'm trying to say, new/old jdrama fans should watch it. Yes, we watch doramas to be entertained and to just have fun. But watching Wakamono Tachi is really worth your time. Family, relationship, individuality, dream, reality, morality, life, love, money, work, lesson, chances, beginning, crime, changes, hope. It is so relate-able. You'd realize how much you already have. You'd appreciate life as it is. You'd think about your family back home. You'd ask yourself what it really is that you want. It'd make you see life in a different perspective. And allows you to check on yourself.

You're like. "What is she talking about?" I don't know. I'm not very good in explaining things to other as well. I joined mydramalist since May 8, 2011, have a total of 307 on my list, 13, I'm currently watching, 150 are completed, 108 on my ptw, and 36 are on hold. But this is the first time I'm writing a review. Because it is worth it. I want others to watch it. My intention of posting a review is to encourage readers to watch it, not influence you to give it a try by working hard on my writing. I'm no good in writing. English isn't even my native language.

I watch Japanese dramas but i don't check on the technicalities --- ratings from Japanese viewers, who are the writers/directors. Details of this review are purely my opinion based on my feelings while watching the series. Please watch it. I will rewatch it. Because - again - IT IS WORTH IT.

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I've taken such a long time to write my review for Wakamono Tachi, but here it is.

This is a good drama. I don't agree with some of the actions of the characters, but overall, this was a very well-written and well-acted drama. I just turn into mush during family dramas. The love shared between all the siblings, the interactions, how they're there for one another, I absolutely love it. I almost didn't want any of them to find any romantic partners, and just stay and live together forever. But alas, thts unrealistic, and jdramas bring the reality (most of the time).

So Wakamono Tachi is a slice-of-life family drama about 5 siblings who live together (4 boys, 1 girl). Their father died in a workplace accident leaving the eldest, Asahi, to care for his remaining siblings. And he never lets them forget it lol. Not in an obnoxious, overbearing, you-owe-me kinda way, but whenever the siblings are arguing, he throws it out there and everyone's like yeah yeah we know we know lol. Not tht the other siblings are unappreciative, but it's funny how they find Asahi so predictable.

Anyways, Asahi tries his best to be there for his siblings. He dropped out of high school and started working to take care of them. But all of them have their own lives, they have their own issues, they have their own things going on. The second eldest, Satoru, comes back into everyone's lives after spending some time in prison and shakes things up a bit. He brings a new perspective into the rest of the siblings lives, tht they seriously need. The middle sibling, Hikari, has serious man problems she needs to work out, but despite everything, is still likable (at least to me) and intelligent. The second youngest, Haru, is a college student and an aspiring actor. And finally, the youngest, Tadashi, doesn't have much going on tbh, but he does end up in a bit of a mess (tht I do not think is completely his fault). By the end of the drama, all of the issues are resolved, and the siblings must learn to live independently from one another.

I did enjoy the journey they all went through. Hikari's was probably the most frustrating, actually, it most definitely was. I wish I could get into it, because I have a lot of opinions, but it'd be major spoiler territory. Anyways, the acting was phenomenal for the most part, but I could not stand Hikari's love interest. Just looking at his annoyed me, so in my heart of hearts, I could not consciously rate the acting a 10. The music is very fitting, makes me feel relaxed and brings me back to simpler times. Would I rewatch? Probably not. This is not the best family drama out there, but it's a good one. I also wouldn't consider this a must-watch, but if ur a jdrama fan, and ur a fan of the lead actors, it may be a real treat for u seeing them all together.

My favorite part(s) of this drama are the opening sequences, when the siblings are arguing about something or another, and to validate their claim, someone shouts "it needs no reason!" I just love it! I can't explain it, but the continuity of tht phrase throughout the drama made me so fond of the characters and everything this drama had to offer.

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A very realistic drama. Great work of writers, directors, artists and actors.

It just bothered me that some characters are too hot-tempered. Especially Tsumabuki Satoshi's. I thought that he was so much over-hot-tempered, and may be overplaying.

In my opinion, this drama would be as awesome as Soredemo Ikite Yuku if some of the cast didn't overplay. Well, but that's just small flaws. I still admit that everybody acted good enough.
Acting of Eita and Mitsushima Hikari is great and the best of all the cast in both Wakamonotachi and Soredemo ikie yuku.

This drama is more like a good realistic movie. Though it has 11 hours. There is nothing about artificial, glamour or tidy feelings like in the most of asian dramas and movies. Just naked reality is here. It was a honor for me to see that super popular, beautiful actors didn't hesitate to be ugly (with they look and behavior) playing in this drama. I started to respect them even more. It's so realistic that gives cold creeps to my skin, and that I could easily imagine myself there in their story.

The story is so simple that I'd say there is almost no any story, but just everyday life, interactions, problems, joys, wisdoms, mistakes, friendship, love, support and fight. And they DID make it look really exciting, catchy and interesting.

They show strong family bond and friendship that make them feel safe and not alone in this world. I even felt envy (in good way) and a bit sad that I don't have that kind of family. Because this family is something better than a usual family - they are relief, support, friends for each other. I think this is because they are brothers and sister living without parents since childhood - not much of hierarchy, almost similar age, same generation. They teach each other to be better persons. So it's exciting to follow how their relationships go and develop.

Well, it's not possible just to -swallow- this drama in one-two days. It would be difficult or even boring. This drama is not so easy to watch, because it is more the kind of deep work than entertaining show. It's enriched with strong emotions and thoughts. It took one month for me, I needed some breaks while watching.

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/My expectations for Wakamono Tachi were REALLY high. I mean, just look at that cast. That is, simply, one of the best casts in drama history. At the end, this drama turned out quite well.

The story was very simple, but beautiful anyway. It was also pretty realistic, although there were times where it was a bit corny and/or slow.

The acting was the best thing in this drama. The cast was outstanding, but I think Hikari Mitsushima, Yu Aoi and Eita gave the best performances. Satoshi Tsumabuki was great too, but he was a bit over the top at times. The rest of the cast was fantastic too, but they weren't as good as the ones I mentioned, in my opinion.

The music didn't really stand out, for me. The theme song was pretty good, but the rest of the music was not really anything special.

To sum up, Wakamono Tachi is a great drama, with an outstanding cast and a good story, even if it's a bit slow at times.

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This drama is warm! and it says deep things: dreams, sacrificing, hard working, precious of life, family's warmth.. and more, it made me smile and it made me cry
I wanted to see and feel those beautiful feelings, it made me love my siblings more!

I liked how characters were introduced, and I loved how they developed and that everybody has their own story, problems and personality.
And most Importantly, and maybe because I'm the oldest sister, I really loved the relationship between the oldest brother and his siblings, and their deep conversations

I thought about not writing this, but because I consider drama as a chance to know more and more about other cultures and other people, I will say it:
I don't accept some of the problems they had, maybe because of culture/beliefs difference, but if that how it is going there so there's nothing I can do but to learn from it all, right? :)

anyways the drama is good <3
*I think I should re-watch it just for the sake of the conversations, I need to quote them!*
*oh and the song is so good! I wish to find it English subbed :(*

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Ok this drama is the best thing I have ever watched!!!!!.. Every single episode is so so so breathtaking.. I am just so so glad I watched it <3 If you haven't watched it.. GO WATCH IT RIGHT NOW IT IS THE BEST THING EVEEER!!!!! 10000.../10 <3
The actors are all so topnotch they amazed me with their crazy incredible talent literally in every single episode!!! <3
I have always been a fan of "sibling shows" an this one is basically the only PERFECT one that I have watched. It contains no flaws and every single actor does an AMAAAZING job. Amazing doesn't simply begin to describe it. I don't really have a lot of favorites but Satoshi tsumabuki instantly became my fav after watching this drama:)
This drama also has the best reviews ever, which is also another proof of how beautiful i is .. I have watched this drama 3 times already and can't wait for the 4th time:))

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Imagina ter irmãos que se amem de verdade

Comecei esse drama com certa estranheza, afinal achei muito estranho a gritaria e a pancadaria gratuita. Mas depois... que surpresa boa. Cada elemento que a história nos dá é edificante, te deixa mais próximo das personagens, cada trama é única e estranhamente eu consigo me importar com todo mundo ali. O irmão mais velho é um show a parte, e definitivamente o ex presidiário é o meu favorito. Algumas coisas me incomodaram e me deixaram com um sentimento de "porque vocês colocaram isso" tipo o negócio do stalker e o ficar com a namorada do irmão... Mas enfim, é um drama familiar dos bons, com muito soco e amor.
Assistam!

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While looking for the right words to comment on this dorama, I'm wondering whether I should copy&paste the review I wrote on another site for "Kanojotachi No Jidai" ("Scriptwriting 101: the ideal script should have great characters and a great plot; you can still write something nice with a weak (or even no) plot but at least great characters, and you can still come up with something watchable with weak characters but at least a great plot. But if you write something with no plot and dull characters, what you'll get in the end is just a waste of film. Uninspiring.") or if I'd rather take inspiration from what a fellow reviewer wrote on that very same site ("...I didn't really care for the characters, which is not a good thing for a character-based drama"). Or maybe I should be less lazy and, instead of copying&pasting something previously written, I should try writing something new? Then a possibility could be the "Christmas Present Metaphor": you know how some Christmas presents look so beautiful all wrapped up nicely and whatnot (just like the photography, editing and directing in this dorama) but when you finally unwrap and open them up you realize they may have looked beautiful from the outside, but actually there's just a totally plain, dull and uninspiring thing inside? I'll let you pick the approach that you'll find more appropriate. As for me, even taking into consideration the great performances by Tsumabuki Satoshi, Eita and Aoi Yu - BTW, what a waste of acting talent, casting them for this poor script! - and also the lovely opening credit song....still, I can't possibly give this waste of film anything higher than a 4/10. Boring, uninspiring and horribly, painstakingly, intolerably verbose!

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