Perfect for the Optimists

I now consider this the best drama I've seen ever! No matter how many times I see it, I always get teary-eyed and touched by the good-naturedness of the characters. Call me old-fashioned but I find nothing wrong with this kind of worldview. Though, I doubt if anyone's as noble as Dr. Koto (he's just too kind and pure!)

As for the actors, I just love Yoshioka Hidetaka! He's amazing! I discovered this drama while looking for Sakai Masato dramas (only to find out later that he only showed up in the 2nd season). But with just the first ep. of Dr. Koto, i fell in love with him (Dr. Koto) in an instant! Some actors were just as convincing like Izumiya Shigeru (Shige), Sengoku Noriko (Uchi), and of course, Kakei Toshio (Wada). Even Tomioka Ryo (Takehiro) did amazingly well!

And who can forget about the OST! It's just perfect. I love the instrumental versions of Gin no Ryuu no Sei ni Notte and Omoide Dake dewa Tsura Sugiru. One of the best drama OSTs I've heard.

This drama isn't getting that much attention b/c the actors here are not the usual "idols", except maybe for Shibasaki Kou. And the story isn't the usual "love story" either. But I'm glad it was well received in Japan.

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Definitely recommend.

The synopsis is misleading. This is a psychological drama above all else. The thematic question being "necessary evil;"On the surface level it's may seem like a drama that's going no where, but through out the drama many things are being contemplated. The importance of change, Should you be righteous following the truth, or is that righteousness just pure selfishness at the cost of the people closest to you. Should the formation of something signify it's existence now that, that time has passed.

Many may be underwhelmed by Heita since he's not doing anything major, but in actuality he is the glue that connects everything to everything else. He brings out the human side of a drama, and best of all just because someone is doing something evil doesn't mean that they are evil. Heita looks faces the gray world that we all live in.

Sorry my review my seem cryptic, but if you watch the drama you'll understand it. And I don't want the drama to be spoiled.

Watch this drama, but only if you are into nuanced plots.

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Scary Stories--They're True Stories!!

Watching all the stories was frightening and they were all letters from people who experienced the super-natural beings...and the photos sent in were also creepy, which were actual photos from people in Japan...Not a drama but a show of Haunting, kind of like "Weird Travels" on Travel Channel but these are events by people...I think the reenactments were GREAT!!!

The music theme was also frightening, good thing I won't be getting the Soundtrack!!! Its great show if your into haunting, but don't go under the covers if you say you enjoy these kind of stories!!!

Be aware that all pictures that had a bad Omen in this shown, were taken to a shrine and burned, so the sprint in the picture may be at peace...

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Heartwarming drama

Pretty hard warming drama, and it's amazing how a tiny island in Japan with less than 60 inhabitants tries to survive in a modernized world.

Some pretty good lessons to learn from this drama as well

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Worth Watching

After Shotgun Marriage, where we saw a comedic side to Yutaka, he takes on a more serious, gloomier role in this drama. This type of role is what we saw him in before; a serious guy, with serious or gloomy themes, like "With Love" and "Inanimate World". However, the theme in this drama is about psychotic disorders, and that's a bit disturbing to some if that's not what they were expecting. I do give credit to the writers for bringing out quite a few disorders and sticking as close to reality as possible on them. Yutaka tackles these patients and although I think there's always going to be a debate on touchy issues such as this, overall they did a good job on the subject, and I personally thought he suited the role.

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Tugs at the heartstrings

Very few dramas can deliver such a thick plot and at the same time possess a lot of originality. This drama does both, and therefore it is not surprising so many people, including me, gave it such high remarks. The drama doesn't tread on just one single plot, but three or four, but doesn't confuse you by bringing them out all at once, but rather in single increments, and while one part of the story is taking place, another is developing in the background. Also, the drama doesn't leave anything unfinished, nor does it end it in a rush. I really like it when the drama ties everything in nicely and doesn't leave you wandering or questioning some of the plots. To top it off, it just has so many touching moments that it's hard not to like the drama nor the characters in there! A must see!

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An excellent drama about sisterly love and loyalty!

I thought this series was genuinely moving and had a great overall message! The story basically centers around sibling relationships, and what it means to be there for one another when you have nobody else to turn to. Though I was a little disappointed with the limited characterization of all the sisters but Sora (each were given roles that amounted to little more than "wise older sister" or "spoiled youngest daughter," for example), by the end the characters just grew to be so likable that I had the impression they were better written than they actually were. Most of the show's focus is on Sora, and it employs a fragmented format where every episode, she helps one patient come to terms with their illness or a problem they may have. Unfortunately, this means that major plot points like Hiyu's illness sometimes feel like afterthoughts due to how little time is devoted to them, though luckily, they never get (too) mawkish or heavy handed to try to compensate (in fact, possibly 80% or more of the show has a humorous tone). I'm just sad that the whole thing didn't last a few episodes more; I loved the final episode and the ending, but they just came too soon!

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Yuuta! Keita! Desu!

The best part of this drama is the opening theater with the Yuuta, Keita brothers. those to are gems. The story takes place in a hospital, where they set up a school for the longer staying children so that their reintegration with the society is easier when they get better. An a teacher who tries to bring smiles to the children's faces who have given up hope. each episode is you run of the one children at a time drama. but what the true magic of the drama is it's execution. The emotions of the cast, especially the younger children are vivid. They all feel like real children rather than character or plot devices to make the main character look better.

This is a heartwarming drama that has been acted well, has good music and honestly a great re-watch value. noting not to like about it. It's on YouTube so I recommend you try it.

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I enjoyed this drama very much

I enjoyed this drama very much. all the characters are very likable and i especially love the father, he is such a good father...Sorimachi is damn sexy !!!!! It started a bit draggy but after the first episode, I can't wait to see how they will fall in love..ohh and sorimachi is sooo handsome that I wanted to see more of him.. hehehe
The drama emphasizes the role of a parent to a child and the child to the parent. The parnet/parents is to always guide and support their children. Even though their children have their own lives, parents will continue to meddle in their child's affairs because a parent will never stopped loving his child. The drama is also about self discovery. Both kazumi and Kaoru had problems with their identity. Kaoru, having grown up in an orpanage and abandoned by his parents, his heart became cold and distant from human compassion. when he felt the kindness of kazumi and his family, he doubts if he is deserving of that kindness. he puts on an act to runaway from confronting and expressing his true feelings to kazumi, his mother and kiri. ever since she was little and her mother died, Kazumi obeyed his father and always pleased him. She was afraid to live an ordinary life and so decided to go to america to find the life she wanted to lead.

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My favorite Jdorama of all time.

Long Vacation remains to this day my favorite Jdorama of all time. The story, the cast, the OST, the pop culture influence it created - it is simply a classic. The story is simply but very moving and certain scenes left a deep impression on me, especially the conversations between Sena and Minami. Long Vacation is an apt title to describe where the main characters are at - it's about the period of time when people come at a crossroad and they're lost about what to do with themselves. The chemistry between Takuya Kimura and Tomoko Yamaguchi is simply spectacular and untoppable. Tomoko makes her character very fascinating with her bursts of energetic intensity and moments of vulnerability. Takuya shows his true depth as an actor here with his touching portrayal of Sena. Two thumbs WAY UP!

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Sweet and Sorrowful...

It's a powerful family combination of Sugiura, Takenaka, Ayase, Ichihara, Ryunosuke, and Rina. Each one a perfect member of this family that loses their mother. Full od suprises, and adorable quests for Hojo-kun.
The ending was a little odd, for it's not entirely an ending, but it's rejoiceful, however this drama left me at the brink of tearing, and you have no idea what's going to happen next!
This drama is perfect for a family, it shows how powerful the relationship of a family can be when they stick together. Problems can always be forgotten but family is always one!

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Mariko rocks as always! an exceptional

I fell in love with Mariko series since the 1st season! Yasuko Sawaguchi returns back as Mariko Sakaki, a care free woman, who works for the forensic lab. a subdivision of the police force.
Mariko solving accidents, cleverly done crimes and makes impossibe to possible! Science can do anything! They haven't forgotten to add humor scenes too, Mariko being clumsy
The legendary detective Koba san is back and detective Jyomaru too! Mariko helpin em out!
One of the best jdrama I've ever seen!!! Mariko has all the elements for a good drama: excitin, full of suspense, humor, story, characters! If you are into a detective drama, go for Investigator Mariko!!! I guarantee you won't get bored!

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