It's been a while since I watched this series, but once I began watching episode 1 of this season (4) I immediately fell right back into one of my absolute favorite shows! I missed this cast, and the story itself was superb; definitely one of my favorite dramas this year! This storyline is definitely true to the (for lack of a better word) flow of this series, but the story itself is something very unique and different to what I have seen in any crime/mystery/detective/police drama before.

The cast for this series really threw me for a loop, too! The past 3 series I almost had it all figured out, who was the bad guy and what the end conclusion would be; however, this series had me completely stumped! The actors and actresses left me in awe; I was afraid to watch this series at night, to be honest, because a couple of the episodes (not to mention Kaminuma himself) just gave me the creeps.

This show is full of wonderful talents and is not one to be missed if you enjoy detective, crime, suspense, mystery, police, or thrilling dramas! Also, this is a good series to binge-watch!

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This drama surpassed all and any expectations I had; I laughed, I worried, I got angry, I cried, I sympathized, I hated, and I loved. The acting talent, skill, and personality, and uniqueness that Yamashita Tomohisa possesses is marvelously portrayed throughout this series; as is Kubota Masataka and Kudo Asuka. Don't get me wrong... the entire cast is fantastic, but, Kubota Masataka and Kudo Asuka and Yamashita Tomohisa just stuck out to me more so. I encourage anyone and everyone to watch this series. This review is my shortest only because I do not want to risk spoiling this superb, spectacular, wonderful drama.

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What Is Real and What is... Fake...?

This is one of the more curious drama story's I've watched in a long time. I was intrigued by the synopsis and the actor Tamaki Hiroshi is one of my absolute favorite actors to watch so I really wanted to not only give this show a chance but enjoy it as well. The progress is quite fast, if you miss a beat you may miss a few important moments; though I never really felt confused or that I misunderstood something in the long run.


I'm curious as to why this only has so few episodes, but while watching it kind of fits the five episode range; toward the end it felt like if more was added then it may feel like it was an improbable idea or a completely different show. Watching Tamaki Hiroshi work as someone who remembered faces was fascinating! I've never seen him work so hard to create such a mesmerizing character. It was nice to see the character's not only succeeding but also failing in their work(s). Only seeing the success of a character(s) is good, but can get boring after a while; so to see that the writers/creators/directors/etc... included the bad along with the mundane and the good was truly interesting and had me on the edge of my seat during the last couple of episodes.


I have to add though, if you aren't good with strong violence, then this may be a show you watch in the daylight or with a partner or not at all. It isn't AWFUL and it isn't too prevalent, there is a few points where I thought "okay time to watch some child cartoons" to try and calm myself down before bed, but that may just be a personal issue. However, the violence does not control the show, it doesn't overtake any point of the story and it isn't too gory or unbelieveable.


This story is honestly great for the five episode line up... Less is more and all that. Each episode was jam packed, though, with so many emotions and mystery and thrills that I was on the edge of my seat, biting my nails in anticipation! If you enjoy thrilling suspense, unsolvable mysteries, dramatic action, and story's that make you think... REALLY THINK what is real and what is fake and what is only in your imagination... Then give this show a try!

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Original and Unique Yet Familiar

The story within this show is most definitely an original script, however, there are a lot of similarities in the show to other shows I've seen before; in a "read between the lines" sort of way, though. It also felt a little familiar to the American show "Criminal Minds", which made me curious if maybe this was an attempted remake or an attempt to "open the door" for a show remake.

Let me restate/re-word the above: this story is definitely an original story, however, the "feeling" and/or the "atmosphere" this show has is familiar. Which makes me wonder if it's the script, if it's myself comparing this story to other story's, if it's some members of the cast (since I've seen them in other criminal/detective shows), or if the creator/creators wanted it to be familiar in a way. In saying all of that, though, I'm not trying to say "do not watch this show"; on the contrary!

The hard work of everyone involved in this show is almost tangible through the screen; watching each case unfold made me want to continue from one episode to the next as soon as possible! While some parts of the episodes are cliche and a little confusing, each episode is clarified towards the episode's end and each episode creates a piece of the puzzle that fits so perfectly together, I was holding my breath while on the edge of my seat.

While some episodes are truly scary, not all of the episodes are, and not all of the episodes are too scary to watch. I have to admit that I did want to watch this story because of a few interesting sentences in the synopsis, though the cast really gave me the extra "push" to continue the show. I wasn't expecting so many popular and famous stars, watching their skill and talents in action really made each episode exciting.

I don't know why only Kitagawa Keiko was set as the "main character" in the listing here on MDL, because after watching the show in its entirety it truly felt like each person had their "five minutes of fame" in the spotlight... Or "limelight" as it were.


If you like thrilling, suspenseful, rollercoaster dramas, or if you're a fan of any actor in this show, then give this show a try!

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Rental Clarity

Its been a while since I've been so emotionally involved with a show. Each episode, from beginning to end, was so intense and left me on the edge of my seat of what would happen next. I feel like this could have been a movie, it all flowed so perfectly together. But I believe this story was made in to a 12 episode show to give viewers time to collect themselves and review (talk about) the information from each episode before moving on to the next and the next, until the end. As the story continued to build, each character really created a special position for themselves within the story. It was really great to watch each character grow as their own person, but it was really nice to see how it reflected on the main characters, too.


As the Kotaki brothers continued their work, it was nice to see how reflections of each character mirrored back to the brothers. It was like watching a strong foundation being built from the ground up, and how each crack and "imperfection" would be fixed along the way to make the best foundation possible. It was interesting to see the differences in humanity, too; supporters, heartbreak, new relationships, etc.


People have compared this story to "Midnight Diner", and I can see why, the ambience or atmosphere of this show is pretty familiar; but that's where the familiarity stops. I think this show is an underrated gem, it has great power to stand on its own as a fantastic story of mystery, familial and friendly love relationships, etc; and the story of humanity at its best. How to get back up on your feet after falling down, how to ask for help even if you don't want to, how to change, or how to be the best version of yourself.


This show really had a wonderful back story. It was extremely interesting to see the differences between, not only the brothers, but in the humans and community around them. It was nice to watch them build up their careers as well; I really like the idea of a "rental person" to help with personal, private, or just random things. The story, without giving too much away, was very beautiful; about building connections, building oneself, and the hardships while doing so. This story is absolutely one of the best I've seen this year.

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Manga Live Action Done Right!

This live action make really holds the manga original very, very close! The similarity in the episodes is uncanny and produced so well, it was like watching the manga float right off the pages, which can be a difficult thing considering this is an extremely original and unique type of story.


Granted, there are some cliche Japanese Drama/Movie tropes within the show, but they really take on lives of their own. They don't come across as too cheesy or ridiculous, each moment has just the right amount of balance for the serious, hilarious, and many more! I've never laughed out loud so much, so loud, and so often within a show as I have with this show; granted, not every episode and not the entire episode(s), either. This is one of the funniest yet sincere, honest, and most beautiful shows I have watched in a long time.


The music was really wonderful, the voices more so than the melody I thought really created a nice atmosphere for the show and built up the curiosity to find out what happens next. There were a couple of episodes where I was on the edge of my seat with anticipation! Hiroshi Tamaki and Kawaguchi Haruna really blended into their roles so well that I completely forgot who they were as an actor and actress and fell totally in love with their characters; its almost as if all the actors and actresses within this show came to life from the original story, they all fit their roles and carried them out with the highest pride, dedication, respect, and, of course, enjoyment! It was nice to see some actors/actresses that are new to me and that I will now follow their paths because I liked them in this story so much, and actors/actresses that I know and already follow in different roles that I'm used to seeing them in; especially for Takito Kenichi. I would really like to know how they did some of these scenes without dying of laughter.


I'm so glad this story continues in so many ways (manga of course, a sequel, a spinoff, the anime, a Netflix adaptation, and a movie) because the world needs to see more of these wonderful people and the story of the yakuza house husband needs to continue. This show is a hilarious yet serious and sincere, honest and genuine, raw true story of love, family, relationships, and life. I've enjoyed it very much and hope more people will, too!

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Otori no Yu is Perfection

First off, let me start by saying: no, this isn't a "typical drama", however, this is one of the most hilarious and epically entertaining shows I have seen in a long time! I laughed out loud multiple times within an episode. I got worried in a couple other episodes. This is a skit show, even says so at the beginning of each episode, though the way the story builds and continues (unlike most skit shows in America) this show is also a drama. A very exceptional even split between skit/sketch comedy and a drama story creating a fantastic show!


I thought the laugh track/live audience laughter would be annoying, but it was kind of helpful in a sense and was really nice to hear as the actors and actresses showed off all of their hard work during the 10 episodes. I wish there were more, or the episodes were a little longer, but seeing how physically demanding, imaginative, fulfilling, and creative each episode was, it's easy to see how the actors/actresses and staff/writer(s)/director(s) were giving the viewer all of their hard work, respect, and dedication to their characters and each other while working.


I like how the setting was created. Building such a wonderful set and atmosphere around the characters, instead of letting the setting build the characters. I saw a few different sides of actors/actresses who I really like and it was ridiculously entertaining. I don't really think this show can be considered a launching pad to put the actors/actresses out in to the celebrity world, but in some ways it sort of felt like it. I really enjoyed watching actors I was familiar with and unfamiliar with come together to create such a spectacular story without making it seem like one actor/actress was more popular or favorited than the others.


The story itself was really interesting! The build up from episode one until the finale was intense, it's small and unassuming, but if you pay attention the story is truly one the more genuine, unique, honest, and emotional stories I've seen. Granted, nothing like murder or the like happens, but this story has got a severe punch to the gut that will take your breath away with laughter!

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Intense Mystifying Thrills

This story is not at all what I thought it would be! I've never seen such thrilling dramatics in my life, except for maybe in a couple of movies. This show had such a fantastically unique story that I had never seen before except maybe in manga or anime; in fact, this story is like an anime or manga come to life, which I'm sure a commenter or reviewer already said (lol). IF you're looking for something different with intense story telling then try this show!


At the beginning, I wasn't sure about the main character's, they seemed like a mish-mash of people from different "acting ranks" (is that a thing?) brought together to somehow hype up the show. However, the more I watched, the more each actor and actress seemed to fit their role(s) perfectly, like beautiful pieces of a puzzle. For a story like this with its curious plot, a "mish-mash" of people involved is quite really the best reasoning. People who are brought together by something bigger than themselves to work together as a team, drawing from everyone's strengths and filling in where there are weaknesses.


The music for the ending really threw me, at first it didn't really fit within the first few episodes, and it kind of annoyed me at times so I skipped it. Though, as the show went on, and I kept watching all the way to the end (to see if the end credits had secrets lol) the song grew on me, and it even made me feel like I had a hitch in my throat; like I was on the edge of a cliff waiting for something to happen with full dramatics... which is usually did in the next episode. The music for this show was spectacular in helping to create such an amazing universe for this story.


This story is intense, very interesting, and leaves the viewer wanting more! The backstory could have been filled in more for a few characters, but I also like the way they left it blank; as if leaving it to the viewers imagination. But it also makes me wonder if this show was meant to have longer episodes, a special, or even a second season. Some things seemed left to the imagination, while others seemed either forgotten or meant to create a type of bridge to another episode/special/season two. I would love to see more if that is a possibility, of course! However, the sword fighting in this show was so amazingly talented, you could see just how respectful and cautious each person was with the scabbards (sheaths?) and the swords, as well. That had to have been a lot of hard work that pushed the body(bodies) to their limits.


The theme of this show is superb, very interesting and great at catching the viewers attention. The synopsis is a great tantalizing temptation, then you throw in the trailer, too.... and I was hooked from episode one!

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The Great Reversal!

This is one of the few times where I have been extremely invested in a story of any kind. It was really wonderful to watch a "behind the scenes" look at how a hotel is always thinking of their guests with consideration! A type of story rarely seen recently, I think, the "behind the scenes" one; but it was amazing to watch how everyone worked very hard to muster up all their courage, pride, motivation, and excitement to create the greatest hotel reversal.


The heartfelt charm and magical skills of each staff member was fantasy like, as if they really went through hotel staff training for their roles. It was really enthralling and exciting to watch them make beds, diligently work hard in their respective area(s), and power through the difficult moments. If you're looking for political or bureaucratic then this is not the story for you.... This is the story of a phoenix of sorts.


The music really added to the charm of the story, creating intimate moments and even suspenseful ones. There was some mystery within this story; episodes 6 and 7 had me on the edge of my seat, and episode 8 was really special! The atmosphere and the sharp attention to detail within this hotel were so amazing to watch as the staff cared for each guest, the hotel itself, and their ally's and coworkers was so sincere and full of respect, admiration, and genuine care that it was almost tangible through the screen!


This story is full of hope, wonder, and magic~ definitely not one to be missed on story alone; I laughed, cried, got mad, worried, and had almost had anxiety a couple of episodes. This story is full of the unimaginable and yet somehow is the most real, unique, and straightforwardly genuine group of people who truly care about their work, their friends, and their guests

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Differences in Kawaii

Everyone has their own idea of what cute is and isn't, everyone has their own thoughts about themselves whether that be self confidence, courage, low self esteem, or bravery to try something new. This show really shined a bright light on what people cherish and how they can be a better version of themselves!


This story is something completely different than what I've seen before, but it does have some feelings of familiarity -- like bits and pieces were taken from different dramas and movies, nothing too huge to be obvious but little pieces were oddly similar to other story's I've seen. The dramatics of this show are completely different to normal slice-of-life or in the office dramatics; this story showed a very honest, raw, very genuine human way of living after finding ourselves lost or disappointed, and how we can build ourselves up to try again!


This is a wonderful story that shows how even if you hate where you are right now, you can still make the best of situations and create something new and fantastic for yourself!

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Becoming a Crow

This show itself is a fantastic stand-alone story because it is one, however, the more I watched the show (from beginning to the end) I couldn't help but find some similarities between this story and a couple of other drama's I have seen within the court/lawyer/investigator genre. Which only fueled my interest and admiration for this show!


Some similarities lie within the cast and others within the "feel of the story", and the story itself. I left a few recommendations for this show on the recommendations page, and they may clarify for other viewers what I mean if they choose to look into the recommendations made. Also, if someone has any difference in opinions or shows that are similar, I would like to hear from anyone, if you feel comfortable enough to message or comment to me, that is.


The seriousness and the humor are a perfect balance, with each episode just as the moment became too dark and mysterious, someone within the "Ichikei" team managed to lighten the mood; whether that be with humor, a confident speech, a story that seemingly has nothing to do with the topic at hand, or just a simple "i agree" as a form of "back up" to whatever plan was created or a person in general. It was really nice seeing everyone within the "Ichikei" team as main characters. Even though it is listed that there are only two main characters throughout the show, I couldn't help but disagree. Everyone within the "Ichikei" team seemed to be "main characters" as per my own definition; the spotlight really never specifically seemed to focus on one person in particular, and none of the characters seemed to fight over who would be most important or more involved as the "main person".


The relationship within each case, and each episode, was obviously built with tangible respect, kindness, and honesty. No matter the rank of the actor/actress held in the story: clerk, judge, lawyer, prosecutor, criminal, civilian, victim, defendant, etc. It felt like the show was continuously giving life lessons within each episode, though as very comforting, self-illustrated children's books (you'll know what i mean if you watch lol). Nothing spoken about in the show, and nothing that happened was too cheesy, confusing, or hard to understand; the show progressed at a very even and thorough pace. Not one bit of this story feels left out or left behind; though the end was a bit of a cliffhanger... I, too, would very much like to see what kind of judge(s) Sakama Chizuru and Iruma Michio will become!


I do like that they took this drama, not from a criminal or law perspective, but from the judge's perspective. It was nice to see human issues that I could relate to in a show that I really liked. The weight of judging a person, the weight of having a stranger's life in your hands, their future, is really terrifying! After watching this show I feel like I can see the truth and honesty of humanity with a very raw, genuine, and unique sight. After watching this show, I feel like I can hold myself to a higher purpose; making sure I always tell the truth, and things of that nature. I'm not going out to pursue the job of a clerk, judge, lawyer, or prosecutor. But I do have to say that this show left a very strong impression on me; something very deep, very beautiful, and very honest. This show is a must watch! You will laugh, cry, get angry, worry, and almost become a detective; it is a very enthralling, mysterious, charming, intense, and immensely entertaining show!

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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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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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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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