Recos Corner: Japanese Drama #1
So before I got into Korean dramas I was a huge fan of Japanese Drama. Japanese dramas are typically more quirky. They are generally fun to watch because unlike Chinese dramas which typically has 40-80 episodes, Japanese drama has 10 episodes or so. Most the dramas are typically formatted in a way that the 1st episode is a bit of the intro, 2nd to 9th episodes the story arc are more unrelated and then there is a cliff hangover at end of 9th (it was slowly build up from 2nd to 9th) and then 10th episode is the ending and conclusion. 2nd to 9th episode is not very sequential (if I mix up a episode or two you won’t realize much) and the story begins and ends within the episode itself.
I might have ruin the format for you, but the plot is interesting enough to keep you watching - trust me.
I will list top 5 drama of all time for me, and similar to my previous drama recommendations, I will talk about the brief synopsis of the series, why it is on this list, and is it still watchable in 2020?
5. Nobuta wa Produce
What is it about? About two boys in high school that help a high school girl come out of her shell.
Why is it on the list? This is my first ever Japanese drama and if you ask me what to watch I will still recommend this. The story tackles bullying and friendship. Also this turned the 3 main actors into household names.
Is it still watchable in 2020? One interesting thing about this drama is it is still very relevant today and other than the picture quality - you will not feel that this drama is dated.
4. Nodame Cantible
What is it about? When a whimsical piano music student meets a perfectionist conductor music student.
Why is it on the list? It is a beautiful story about classical music. This is originally a manga, therefore many of the characters has the same manga comedic relief while you learn more about classical music. It just brings a light and happy mood for everyone watching it. And there are two movies following this drama.
Is it still watchable in 2020? Similar to many of the great Japanese drama, the story and characters ages very well.
3. Liar Game
What is it about? A girl who can’t lie was invited to a “game” that requires the player to out “lie” each other.
Why is it on the list? This is originally a manga, but the concept is so interesting and the plot twist at the end of each episode are so compelling. There are many remake of the show, include a Korean version. There is 2 seasons, and 2 movies. I only watched the 2 dramas and they were awesome. This is also a popular genre in Japanese fictions and drama - think of this show as a sneak peak into the genre.
Is it still watchable in 2020? Yes and no. No, because there are some technology that would be obsolete it today’s world. But definitely yes for people who loves mysterious and logic puzzles for the plot will keep you guessing.
2. Gokusen
What is it about? The daughter of a yakuza leader becomes a homeroom teacher for a class of misfits.
Why is it on the list? It is a great coming of age drama with manga comedic reliefs. I personally love it because the main character breaks many stereotype for women at that period of TV. There is also 3 seasons of this drama, and you know it is a popular show when there are so many seasons. I would recommend the first two seasons, as the third seasons begin to lose its creativity.
Is it still watchable in 2020? I think it is hot blooded enough overlook some of the dated references. Plus the main characters are played by some of the really big Japanese actors today.
1. Hana Yori Dango
What is it about? An average girl meets the Japanese super elites called F4.
Why is it on the list? The manga this drama has been based off of has been remade into dramas in all the East Asian countries. This one is my favourite remake because it is to the point and kept to the manga, as one should expect from a manga remake. There are 5 versions of this manga and 3 seasons of this Japanese version.
Is it still watchable in 2020? The first live action drama for this manga dates 1995 and the latest one was 2018 - I think it paints a picture of how timeless this manga is in the foundation of East Asian pop-culture.