Where to watch Asian dramas

I know there are people out there who are looking for Asian dramas, especially if you're like me, stuck in a western country with no access to satellite tv! It took me ages to hunt down where to watch... I initially started off www.youtube.com which has quite a few dramas but I found it hard to hunt down the consecutive parts in each episode. Then a friend recommended www.veoh.com which I found it hard to even just search for the series I'm after :( and I also found that alot of the videos on veoh were 'raw' (ie not subbed) and so I couldn't watch it (apart from Chinese/Taiwanese shows). The best sites I found were www.asianrice.tv which has almost every drama that I wanted to watch and more! All were subbed in English too!! The only down side was that sometimes single episodes or videos had broken links. Most recent drama I watched with this problem was Voice (J-dorama) which was missing episode 8. However, I recently "moved" to www.dramacrazy.net which I find is the best because it is the fastest to put up the newest subbed videos. Here is where I watch Tokyo Dogs, Real Clothes and Liar Game 2 :) i also know that they have Shokojo Seira and Gyne updated/subbed very quickly. They also have the most reliable videos uploaded and I found episode 8 of Voice here!

It's not easy work to translate and sub these dramas and it's really a combined effort from so many people that we get to enjoy these dramas! I'm impressed and grateful that they are able to do it so quickly so that we can keep up with the latest episodes (and not wait for the dvd to come out with dodgy subtitling). Also, now that I've mentioned it, the level of subtitling is really great! I've been disappointed with some dvds that I've purchased with subtitles that really cannot make it....

I hope this review of where to watch Asian dramas is helpful and if you know of anywhere else that you would like to share, please add to the comments on this post :)

Liar Game

Title: ライアーゲーム
Title (English): LIAR GAME
Genre: Psychological thriller
Broadcast network: Fuji TV

Episodes: 11
Broadcast period: Apr 14 to Jun 23 2007

Kanzaki Nao is an honest college student who receives a hundred million yen one day, along with a card saying she has been chosen to take part in the "Liar Game". The aim of the game is to trick the other players out of their hundred million dollars. At the end, the winner gets the hundred million and the loser is a hundred million yen in debt. The next day, she receives notification that her opponent is her former teacher, Fujisawa Kazuo. She goes to him, seeking help, but ends up getting tricked into handing her money over. Desperate, she approaches the police for help, but they are unable to do anything. However, she is told of a mastermind swindler, Akiyama Shinichi, who is to be released from jail the next day. Desperate, she goes to him for help. -- DramaWiki

Hope everyone had an awesome weekend!! I spent mine finishing up Liar Game which is awesomely awesome!! It had me guessing and thinking all throughout, wondering when the next twist would come and let me tell you, the 3 hour finale is awesome! Ok, the reason for the lengthiness is really because they do a recap of what has happened so far. But it's not just a recap so you can't just skip down to the end cos they also add new scenes which explains the motive of the organiser of the Liar Game.

I also really want to commend the soundtrack! The music really got me in the mood and really sucked me into the show. I really felt like I was "inside" instead of just watching it. It got my heart beating faster at the climaxes and i was literally holding my breath waiting for the next move each time!

Matusda Shota is brilliant as the cold, calculating and geniously smart psychology graduate, Akiyama. His whole look fits into it as well - the knitted eyebrows, the slitted eyes, the skinny drawn out face. And he just always looks like he's thinking up some new strategy. Even when he's observing the other players in the game, you can see that he's not just observing but really studying them and reading into their character. And everything Akiyama does, it's done for a purpose and nothing is left to chance.

Kanzaki Nao really annoyed me at first, she's like one of those airheads with no personality. But as the show goes on, you really start to sympathise with her and even though she is still so annoyingly naive at times, you can't help but want to reach out a helping hand to her. I really wanted her and Akiyama to end up together but I'm glad they don't because it really solidifies this dorama as a psychological thriller and there are no romantic side stories that digress from the main storyline.

Other notables: When Fukunaga aka "mushroom head" appears in the second round of the game and takes the role of the bad guy, you really don't expect there to be a bigger baddie. But when Yokoya (Suzuki Kazuma) enters in the third round, you just know that he is the ultimate bad guy that Akiyama and Nao-chan need to defeat in this whole game. Suzuki Kazuma really portrays the sinister characters really well and is as brilliant as Matsuda Shota as Akiyama. I first saw him in Tantei Gakuen Q and he really scared me to the bone and sends chill down my spine and it's no exception for his role in Liar Game.

This is a must-see and I'm constantly raving about it to all my friends to watch it :) 5/5!!!

A word from B

I'm currently caught up in the first season of Liar Game. It's really addictive and sucks you right in! I can't wait to find out what will happen next and what is the next twist! I really find Shota's hair soooooo funny in this show, prefer his haircut in Love Shuffle :) he's definitely a guy who can play the mysterious characters, I find him hard to read. He could probably play the suave bad guy too *chuckles*

3rd & 4th thoughts on Tokyo DOGS

At this point you may not want to hear what I have to say about Tokyo DOGS anymore... haha! I can't help it! I just need to rave and get it out of my system :) it's really hilarious!

The third episode focussed more on Maruo with his bros Shigeo and Kuchui. It shows a more personal side of Maruo who mostly comes across as an easy going guy and a ladies man. I guess also because bonds of brotherhood are one of those unbreakable bonds that guys do everything to protect each other.

I found the fourth episode a bit of a "diversion" and more of a police drama. Yuki-chan regains more of her memory and you can see Maruo falling for her. I thought the scene where Yuki falls asleep on Maruo's arm was really cute... but I really wish Yuki and Takakura get together! LOLs I think it will be great if Yuki can warm Takakura's heart :)

Funny moment mentions: (1) when Takakura's mum interrupts him in the middle of work... this time it's because she is shopping for pajamas for him and she doesn't know if he will prefer the yellow or red ones! Ahh... it's like I'm waiting for the next "So-chan...Mama desu" (2) when Maruo and Takakura were on a stake out and Maruo opens up oden to eat and they get into an argument about what kind of food you should be eating on a stakeout. Hilarious moment when Takakura asks Maruo to leave him a yam string (I think that's it, not sure what it is though) but even funnier was the next part when Mejaemi knocks on the window to take over them and Maruo drops his hot food....into Takakura's lap!! Hahaha!

I can't wait to see more of this dorama!!! I will be eagerly keeping a look out for the next installment ;)

2nd thoughts on Tokyo DOGS

Woohoo! Second episode opened with Takakura and Maruo arguing about obento boxes. Its pretty funny how they argue about the most trivial matters. And at the worst timings as well...usually when they're in the middle of arresting someone or on a stakeout.

I think this episode really starts to explore more of Takakura and Maruo's characters. Takakura exposes a more human side when he meets Kousuke-kun and we see him as more than just a cold, elitist who is always ready to criticise Maruo. When Maruo makes a comment about how it would be better if the lawyer had gotten shot, and Takakura tells him never to say that again, I just thought it was so well done. You can almost sense the painful memories that Takakura feels. This episode also sees Maruo's extra-curricular activities: gokon. But it's not what he expects, more of a "gang rally" and I just couldn't help laughing out loud at his kowai expression! Also, there were some hilarious bits of Maruo and Yuki-chan like when she finds out that they will all be living together and Maruo makes such a lecherous expression, then hurriedly saying it was a joke when Yuki-chan gets scared, only to have Horikawa say that it's not a joke at all. And when Takakura flips Yuki-chan and throws her on the floor and Maruo "pounces" on her and she tells him not to touch her in the confusion.

I'm really enjoying this show and how funny it gets with every episode! I was reading yesterday that the time slot for Tokyo DOGS is Mondays at 9pm and the theme is Getsu Kyun, kyun meaning "heart palpitations". Don't you just get that kyunkyun feeling when you see these two main characters running around on screen? Haha!

{pause}

I left my reading glasses at home and I'm really straining my eyes looking at the computer screen....so I'm gonna take a break and be back again with the next installment of Tokyo DOGS! (Hopefully by then my computer is feeling more enthusiastic too!)

For now, I'm listening to Tamaki Hiroshi's Bridge album and it's really good!!! I love it :) and I will share some of my favourites too... 約束、希望の海、ラバイバー

First thoughts on Tokyo DOGS

I finally made it to the end! It was no mean feat.... my laptop is on the verge of a strike I think, it's really laggy and takes ages to do anything! :(

So, after the first episode, I can safely conclude that this is less of a police drama and more of a comedy. Yes, there is the mystery of "the organisation" and Yuki-chan's missing memory, but it's got more laughs in it than any episode of Law & Order I've seen. But I'm not complaining about the genre! I'm already looking forward to the next episode :) It certainly hasn't let me down on what I was expecting... Oguri is so cool (and swoon-worthy) as the serious Takakura and Hiro is so funny as Maruo, the likeable, self-confident "gangster"-type, who just lightens up the mood by his very presence. The partnering makes for great laughs, kinda reminds me of Starsky and Hutch. Both are lovable, I'm torn between having to choose between who I like more! And of course there's the token idiot Horikawa. Meeting Takakura's family was hilarious too, though I do prefer the part where he was talking to his mum over the phone while in the middle of busting the bad guys, than the part where we meet his sister (the long-awaited reunion) and her boyfriend. Takakura's mum calls at the most inconvenient times! *laughs* Well, I guess that really rounds up the comedic factor - ridiculous family of the serious Takakura.

Now, on to the next episode! After I restart my computer........

Kekkon Dekinai Otoko

Title: 結婚できない男
Title (romaji): Kekkon Dekinai Otoko
Also known as: The Man Who Can't Get Married / He Who Can't Marry
Episodes: 12
Viewership rating: 16.9
Broadcast network: Fuji TV
Broadcast period: Jul 4 to Sep 19 2006
Theme song: Swimi by Every Little Thing

Shinsuke Kuwano, a successful architect at 40, enjoys living by himself. He doesn’t like people but somehow is able to design wonderful houses for them.

He has a routine of making himself a delicious dinner and then relaxing to classical music in his easy chair while pretending he is the conductor. One night, he plays the music loud enough to make his next door neighbor, Michiru Tamara knock on his door to complain. When Kuwano answers the door, he suffers a terrible stomach pain and collapses to the floor. Lucky for him, Michiru is nice enough to accompany him to the hospital, where he is treated by Dr. Natsumi Hayasake. He is really rude to Natsumi, but she is still determined to treat him.

Afterwards, Michiru and Natsumi become part of Kuwano’s life. They make friends with Kuwano’s colleagues Eiji and Maya Sawazaki. They all enjoy talking about how strange and eccentric Kuwano is. Is it possible that someone would ever want to marry him? -- DramaWiki

This show was suggested by a friend of mine. He heard I was watching Hotaru no Hikari and was raving on about Kuninaka Ryoko. So since I had no idea what good shows were around, I decided to watch this!

I must admit that I found this show quite boring in some parts. HOWEVER, it may just be that I found it quite slow moving. But I still really enjoyed it, thanks in large part to the funny characters. I think I enjoy shows more if there is that "chemistry" between the characters even if the storyline is predictable because at the end of the day, there are only so many different storylines you can come up with but what really makes the show are the characters, the relationships and how well they "gel" together.

I think that Kuwano is a great character for Abe Hiroshi to play. He just has the right look and delivers the social awkwardness of Kuwano so well. And the rest of the cast are such a great collection of characters and there were plenty of scenes that were hilarious. Especially those involving Michiru, Natsumi and Eiji trying to find out more about Kuwano and figuring out just what kind of man he is! Ken-chan is so adorable as well and I really loved how the relationship between Ken-chan and Kuwano progresses through the show and the sad parting at the end :(

It's been a few months since I've seen this dorama but the most standout scene I have in my mind right now is when Kuwano got locked out of his apartment and he was trying to get in. He gets caught by the security/police and was trying unsuccessfully to explain his predicament when Michiru comes along and rescues him.

Do watch Kekkon Dekinai Otoko if you have time but feel free to skip the "boring" parts, you won't be missing a crucial part of the storyline. I'm struggling between a 3 and a 4 but it's really not so bad so I'll bump it up to a 4/5.

Next on the Watch list

It's Monday morning and my computer is not being very cooperative with me :( I'm just about to watch the first episode of Tokyo DOGS - so excited about that! I watched an interview of Oguri and Hiro on youtube and they were such a hilarious pair! You can see that they would have had a lot of fun filming :) I'm also going to start on the first season of Liar Game! I don't really know what to expect and I'm not going to expect too much. Great expectations lead to greater disappointments! I also want to watch a Korean drama, just to ease up on all the Jap ;) thinking of Take Care of the Young Lady....

Bambino!

Title: バンビーノ!

Title (romaji): Bambino!

Episodes: 11

Broadcast network: NTV

Broadcast period: Spring 2007

Theme song: We can make it! by Arashi

A drama adaptation of a popular comic written by Sekiya Tetsuji. After a year of
working at a neighborhood Italian restaurant, Ban Shogo (Matsumoto Jun), an
enthusiastic, cocky young college student from Fukuoka, comes to Tokyo to
perfect his cooking skills as a chef in Italian cuisine. He discovers he has
much to learn and has to continually prove himself to the very competitive,
quick and efficient staff at the upscale Italian restaurant. -- DramaWiki

I have to admit that I was really looking forward to watching Bambino! since I love cooking Italian food. A few years ago I watched a Korean drama about Italian cooking (spaghetti mainly) and I really liked that drama (can't remember what it's called now...). I also really liked Oishii Proposal which was about a chef in an Italian restaurant.

However, I was left extremely disappointed after just the first episode and really struggled to finish off this dorama. The storyline was ok, nothing that really stood out but nothing that would deter me either. In fact, when I read the synopsis, I was interested enough to want to watch the dorama. The factor that really ruined this whole show for me was Matsumoto Jun. Judging from this show alone, he really can't act to save his life! It has really put me off watching any other show that he stars in. He was just so over the top in portraying the character that it starts to grate on your nerves. I would have thought that Ban's character is one that the viewer would still love despite his flaws (over-confidence, selfish, arrogant, etc) but Matusmoto really pushed this character into overbearing mode. By the end of it, I was so glad that I would never meet Ban again. And instead of thinking the future possibilities Ban could have, I was instead left thinking things like, "does he think he's good enough to go to Italy?" "he doesn't deserve to go to Italy when he's only spent a short time in the kitchen of Baccanele" and other negative impressions. I also really didn't like Ban's girlfriend Eri (Fukiishi Kazue) and found her a really annoying presence in the dorama. I was glad when Ban left her behind in Fukuoka, and when she turned up later in Tokyo, I was relieved that she was only there for a short period and will be gone again soon.

Other than that, what saved this show from being a total write-off and what still got me to watch this show to the end was the other characters. I thought Katori (Sato Ryuta) was really intimidating and I would be scared off working with someone like him! I also loved the trio of Miyuki (Uchida Yuki), Yonamine (Kitamura Kazuki) and Kuwabara (Sasaki Kuranosuke) who are hilarious together! Especially Yonamine who has such a lovable character even though he does come across as a bit of an oddball to me. Karina was great as Asuka, who was such a strong independent person in a workplace full of males, but still had a soft, caring side that reminded others that she is still a woman.

Overall, I found that this dorama is a waste of time and I shouldn't have bothered to watch this in the first place. 2/5 because the other characters made the show that much bearable. I'm really disappointed that Matsumoto Jun won a best actor award for this. Really... I just don't understand....

Where is Episode 3?

Is anybody out there like me? Desperately searching for the next English-subbed episode of Real Clothes?!?! I've found episodes 3-5 but unfortunately, my level and command of Japanese is soooo miniscule that I get lost as soon as the episode starts! This is enough of a reason to get me to really study hard at Japanese! Ganbatte!!!

Real Clothes - Episode 1 & 2

I've just watched the first 2 episodes of Real Clothes and I can't wait for the rest of the series! I love fashion and just watching these two episodes has me drooling, especially the accessories in the second episode :)

I love Karina and this dorama also has her two sisters Nose Anna and Erena in it too. I also really like Kato Natsuki who plays Ryo-san, Kinue's colleague, even though her character's personality is quite mean (s0 far). But I really love the way Ryo-san dresses and her hairstyle!! It's enough to make me want to chop my hair too! At first I didn't really have much of a good impression of Tabuchi Yusaku (Nishijima Hidetoshi) but after the scene where he takes Kinue to do "research" at Goldy, my impression of him has done a one-eighty turn. It was such a funny scene that had me laughing out loud. I know that Kinue has a boyfriend (Tatsuya played by Takaoka Sousuke) but I wonder if this will change in the course of this drama.... I also like Madam Miki (Kuroki Hitomi) and just her poise and confidence. Of course the clothes that she wears are all just so elegant and timeless, I really love her outfits :)

Can't wait for the rest of the episodes!

Hotaru no Hikari

Title: ホタルノヒカリ
Title (romaji): Hotaru no Hikari
Title (English): Glow of Fireflies
Genre: Romance, comedy
Episodes: 10
Broadcast network: NTV
Broadcast period: Jul 11 to Sep 12 2007
Theme song: Yokogao by aiko

Hotaru works for a famous interior design company. It's a glamorous job but Hotaru's private life is totally the opposite of glamorous. She lives alone, and when she isn't working she's mostly lazing about her rented house in training wear. She's not interested in men. In fact, she isn't interested in anything. "I'd rather lay around than fool around," is her motto.

Her landlord is a bar owner, and one day his son, who has just separated from his wife, comes to inspect the rental property, not knowing that someone is living there. He is shocked at the mess, but not as shocked as Hotaru. He turns out to be her boss, Takano. -- Japan Times Online

First of all, this is the first Japanese dorama that I watched (if not ever, then the first in a very long time) and started my addiction to J-doramas.

Hotaru no Hikari is about Hotaru (Ayase Haruka) "growing up". I rather liked this storyline because it reminded me of my best friend. In our first year of college, this best friend of mine was not interested in guys and would rather spend time sleeping in and dress comfortably in tanks and ruggers (an Aussie version of Hotaru's tracksuit pants and T-shirt).

I'm not sure who was more shocked, Hotaru - who woke up to find her boss in her house and claiming back the house and moving back in - or Takano (Fujiki Naohito) - who found his father's house in a mess (like walking into a squatter's home) and that Hotaru is the one living in the mess, the same Hotaru who is efficient and respectable-looking in the office.

Of course, the two end up reaching an agreement that they will keep secret the fact that they are living with each other and hilarity ensues. Hotaru, who was never interested in men, finds herself attracted to the new guy in the office and turns to Takano for advice on love and relationship. Takano, who cannot deal with a messy house and while trying to keep matters in the house professional, splits everything down the middle...but of course, it was only a matter of time before he starts to get to know Hotaru and accepts her the way she is.

Personally, I think it's really sweet, probably because this is the sort of relationship that I always found ideal - to get to know someone and building that friendship full of acceptance and love and nothing to hide. Just the part where Makoto (Kato Kazuki) (Hotaru's love interest) sees the way Hotaru and Takano interacted, without any pretences and totally natural and the closeness between them, and he understood immediately the difference between their relationships. That's when he knew that unless Hotaru and he could move on in their relationship to the level of "comfort" that she has with Takano, there would always be this wall between them. Isn't it deep? *laughs* After watching this dorama I thought to myself, in all my drama watching (mainly Taiwanese), I don't think I've watched one with as much "intelligence" or concise-ness as this! In just 10 episodes it has shown me so much about depth in a relationship...any relationship for that matter. The best relationships I have are definitely those where I can be myself, the good, the bad and the ugly! How fickle are the relationships where one has to put up a front or hide their true self! All right, I've gone off on a tangent and went on rambling. I blame it on recent personal "tragedies".

Back to the dorama! I have to admit that this dorama made me "consider" older men... Fujiki Naohito is just so endearing that I really found myself torn between Manager Takano and Makoto-kun! Also, Kuninaka Ryoko's character Yuuka comes across as a bit of a snob, aloof and quite the perfectionist. I found her acting very commendable, especially after watching her in Kekkon Dekinai Otoko where she is more of the kawaii, sweet and bubbly character.

I definitely recommend this :) it's only a short dorama (10 episodes) so it won't take up too much of your time. It's a comedy that will make you laugh, especially the nicknames that Takano gives Hotaru eg himono-onna and kame-onna (that one had me in stitches). It's so funny too when you see the obvious looks of disgust on Takano's face as he observes Hotaru's behaviour and habits at home. However, I think this is more a girly dorama where you will most likely be able to relate to Hotaru. Or at least I did! *laughs* such as having a crush on a guy, wondering what to do, etc *just thinking back on moments where I sought a male friend's perspective on guys and relationships* So I would say my verdict is 5/5! Definitely take time to watch this!!! :) the ending is not expected but one that I wanted to happen =D

I had lots of fun watching this and I really hope you do too! Watch for the hilarious part where Manager Takano dresses as a himono-otoko!

My picks of Fall 2009 J-Dorama

Lots of interesting new dramas coming up! I really can't keep up...I'm still trying to catch up! The full list of previews can be found at Tokyograph, click here for a direct link to the article, however I've just put up some that I really can't wait to watch.

from Tokyograph:

Tokyo DOGS (東京DOGS)

Fuji TV, Monday 9:00pm, premieres October 19

As a child, Sou Takakura (Shun Oguri) witnessed the murder of his father. Vowing to someday catch the culprit, he grew up to become an elite detective on the New York police force, regarded highly for his composure, discipline, adaptability, and military training. One day, he takes on a case involving a major drug operation linked to his father's killer. Maruo Kudo (Hiro Mizushima), a member of a special investigative division in Japan, arrives in New York to help out. The investigation leads them to Yuki Matsunaga (Yuriko Yoshitaka), who holds some crucial info about the case but has lost part of her memory due to a traumatic incident. Sou and Maruo team up to continue the case in Japan, but their completely opposite personalities may be a hindrance. And as Yuki regains her memory, her knowledge begins to expose a painful past.

Other Cast: Ryo Katsuji, Mikihisa Azuma, Kotaro Shiga, Asami Usuda, Rie Tomosaka, Yoshiko Tanaka, Nene Otsuka, Tomokazu Miura

Official Site: http://wwwz.fujitv.co.jp/tokyo-dogs/index.html

My initial interest in this show was because of Yuriko Yoshitaka - she's dating my beloved Tamaki-san!!! But that aside, I've always liked police/crime/mystery dramas, maybe because I like to be kept guessing til the very end? *laughs* perhaps, perhaps.... So I randomly searched for "Tokyo Dogs Promo" in Youtube and ended up watching an interview of Oguri and Mizushima on a Japanese show, and it was HILARIOUS! They were really cool and funny and I thoroughly enjoyed it, laughing out loud many times during that segment. I haven't seen either of them in any dramas so far so I'm really interested to see how well they do. Regardless, this has been the highest rated first episode in 2009, beating Voice (starring Eita) which was the previous forerunner, and I look forward to it :)

Boku no Himitsu Heiki (僕の秘密★兵器)

Monday 11:00pm, premieres October 5

High school student Hajime Ichinose (Koki Kato) has a "secret weapon." Passed down from generation to generation, the men of the Ichinose family have had a special power - the "Godfinger." If he successfully tickles the girl he likes, a wish will be granted. But because of his insecurities, Hajime can't even approach a girl, much less tickle one. His current crush is his childhood friend Yui (Koto Takagi), who recently started dating a neighborhood delinquent named Yuto. After overhearing Yuto say that he plans on taking Yui's virginity, the shocked Hajime is unsure of what to do, so he seeks the help of the one person who understands him, his younger sister Aoi (Uki Satake)... In addition to Takagi and Satake, this love comedy series features other recent winners of the Miss Magazine gravure idol competition.

Other Cast: Airi Nakajima, Mihato Ise, Ayano Tachibana, Haruka Mori, Misuzu Mochizuki, Aika, Yui Koike, Sakura Sato

Official Site: http://www.bokuno.net/index.html

Honestly, this synopsis got me at "if he successfully tickles the girl he likes, a wish will be granted. But because of his insecurities, Hajime can't even approach a girl, much less tickle one". This has got romance and comedy written all over it and I'm such a sucker for anything romantic comedy.

LIAR GAME 2 (ライアーゲーム ～シーズン２～)

Fuji TV, Tuesday 9:00pm, premieres November 10

The hit "LIAR GAME" drama returns for a second season, which will lead into a movie version being released next year. The new series takes place two years after the first one. The naïve Nao Kanzaki (Erika Toda) and expert swindler Shinichi Akiyama (Shota Matsuda) have not heard anything from the LIAR GAME organization since the end of the previous game, so it seems they may have actually escaped. But Nao suddenly gets another invitation and is once again caught up in the game. This time, she has to team up with Shinichi and one of their previous rivals named Fukunaga (Kosuke Suzuki), facing off against three more opponents in new games of deception, such as "24 Rensou Russian Roulette" and "17 Poker."

Other Cast: Michiko Kichise, Ikkei Watanabe, Rinko Kikuchi

Official Site: http://wwwz.fujitv.co.jp/liargame/index.html

This is another one of the most highly anticipated dramas of Fall 2009. I haven't seen the first season yet (but I will make sure I do before I see the second one!) so I'm not sure how good it will be. However, it stars Shota Matsuda and I loved him in Love Shuffle!

Real Clothes (リアル・クローズ)

Fuji TV, Tuesday 10:00pm, premieres October 13

"Real Clothes" is based on a fashion manga by Satoru Makimura, which was already adapted as a tanpatsu drama special in 2008. Karina and Hitomi Kuroki will once again co-star, returning with most of the main cast from the special. Karina plays Kinue, a saleswoman in the futon section of a department store. One day, she suddenly gets transferred to the women's clothing department, even though she herself is lacking in fashion sense. Kuroki plays the part of her new boss Miki, who soon introduces Kinue to the tough reality of the fashion world. Through this job, Kinue learns about the meaning of life, love, and work.

Other Cast: Sousuke Takaoka, Hidetoshi Nishijima, Kotaro Koizumi, IMALU, Anna Nose, Erena, Natsuki Kato, Yuko Mano

Official Site: http://ktv.jp/real-clothes/index.html

I admit that most of my picks for Fall 2009 are very biased or I have some sort of ulterior motive for watching it... Real Clothes is no exception. I like Karina and she is gorgeous! So I really can't wait to watch her in a show surrounded by fashion (I've only seen her in Bambino! and Love Shuffle). Oh and I really love fashion too!

Gyne: Sanfujinka no Onnatachi (ギネ　産婦人科の女たち)

NTV, Wednesday 10:00pm, premieres October 14

This human drama is set in the Obstetrics and Gynecology department of a university hospital. At the center of the story is Nachi Hiiragi (Norika Fujiwara), an obstetrician in her fifth year of working there. Because of a traumatic incident, she follows a philosophy of never giving up on a patient, no matter how risky it is. Because all of her attention is devoted to her patients, she is lacking in communication skills with those around her, often leading to conflicts. In addition, Nachi's actions are putting the hospital at risk of facing lawsuits, creating even more friction. Still, she only has her eye on protecting her patients' lives.

Other Cast: Yuki Matsushita, Yuka Itaya, Yusuke Kamiji, Yuki Uchida, Naomi Nishida, Norito Yashima, Yuika Motokariya, Yoshimasa Kondo, Riko Yoshida

Official Site: http://www.ntv.co.jp/gyne/

I don't think I've always been into hospital or medical dramas... I blame it on Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice! But Gyne sounds interesting, though I'm not sure why most doctors are protrayed as a bit of a weirdo (cf. Voice).

Shokojo Seira (小公女セイラ)

TBS, Saturday 7:56pm, premieres October 17

Based on the famous story "A Little Princess" by Frances Hodgson Burnett, this drama tells the struggle of a young girl who falls from riches to rags. Talented young actress Mirai Shida stars as Seira Kuroda, the daughter of a widower and wealthy businessman (Atsushi Yanaka). Seira was raised in India, but she is sent back to Japan to continue her education at an affluent boarding high school. Although she has lived in luxury, the well-bred Seira is kind and generous, earning her many friends at the school. One person who dislikes Seira is the school's director (Kanako Higuchi), though she treats Seira well due to the father's fortune. Then, during Seira's 16th birthday party, the director informs her that her father has died, leaving her penniless. As a result, she is forced to work as a servant in order to pay off her school bills.

Other Cast: Kento Hayashi, Seiichi Tanabe, Anri Okamoto, Shiori Kutsuna, Fujiko Kojima, Shinya Owada, Tomoka Kurokawa, Yuriko Hirooka, Yuki Saito

Official Site: http://www.tbs.co.jp/seira2009/

Even though I'm putting this down because of Mirai Shida (so kawaii!!!), I would have picked this anyway since I've always loved the story of The Little Princess.

There are many more good dramas for Fall 2009 but I think this is all I can manage for now!

Happy viewing!