Summer Japanese Drama I - 肩ごしの恋人

I don't know how or why, but it just so happens that every time I'm in Japan, it's the start of new drama series for all the television channels. I'd actually be in front of the teley to watch the first or second episode, despite the fact that I'm on my little holiday. Heck, I'm on holiday, I can do what I like. I like watching drama series with new limited edition snacks or drinks from Lawson's (I know there are 7-11, Sunplus, Family Mart, etc. but I still prefer Lawson's). I am a TV addict, especially when in Japan.

So, first on the list was Katagoshi no Koibito, starring Ryoko Yonekura, whom I actually like a lot, especially when she does comedic roles. I have to say that this is another adaptation, instead of an original scenario. As I cannot read Japanese books yet, I am unable to compare a book and a TV/movie adaptation. But from what I can see, all the elements are there for the series and not very well done this time to tell the truth. The other main actress Takaoka (who has been in quite a lot of films) plays a role that seems too weak in the pilot episode, though this role tights up storyline and "meanings" (if there's any) that the story wants to convey. I'm not that disappointed since Ryoko Yonekura is always fun to watch and for someone who is turning 30 (me), I am getting just a bit more out of this drama than previous ones (though tons of shows have focused on aging crisis; but I wasn't at the right age to really feel anything).

Beside the star of the show, there's also a rather rare subplot surrounding the gay scene in Tokyo. It's done in that typical manner; not really degrading but just not something activists would be start applauding about. However, it's fun to watch an ex-ranger to play a gay bookshop owner...Oh yeah, speaking of the male cast, I don't know what this is about but this 17 year-old guy playing a 15 year-old in the series has actually completely grabbed my attention. The photo on websites do not do him justice. He actually looks much better in live action. I don't know what it is but he kinds of remind of this 15 year-old kid who has become a golf sensation in Japan (when I first saw this golf kid on TV, I didn't think that he was 15 at all...he looked more like 18 or 19).

I'm not addicted to this yet but I'd watch more because it's entertaining; at least it helps me destress (don't think that's an actual word but I've been using it for years), especially during the two months of muggy, sweaty, annoying hot summer.