JDorama review: Hito ni Yasashiku

Title: Hito ni Yasashiku Also known as: Be Nice to People Broadcast dates: 1/7/02 - 3/18/02 Number of episodes: 11 Genre: Drama Cast: Katori Shingo, Matsuoka Mitsuru, Kato Koji, Suga Kenta Plot: Three men with no "real" family live together. One day a boy appears on their doorstep with a note from his mother asking them to care for the boy. Maeda Zen (Katori) takes it upon himself to care for the boy until his family returns. What is good: The interaction between the men and Akira (Suga) What is bad: The storyline drags at the end. Letter rating: C

I am a fan of Katori Shingo and there were references to this show in an episode of SMAP X SMAP so I knew I had to watch it. As you should know by now, it took me a long time to get through this series, even though it's only 11 episodes. There just wasn't anything to make me want to watch it. Yes, I loved the playful teachings of Zen (Katori, Taro (Matsuoka), and Ken (Kato) but it wasn't enough. I'm glad I watched it. I think it would have been better if it was a little longer.

Jdorama review: Shiawase ni Narou yo

Title: Shiawase ni Narou yo Also known as: Let's Be Happy Broadcast dates: 4/18/11 - 6/27/11 Number of episodes: 11 Genre: Romantic Comedy Cast: Katori Shingo, Kuroki Meisa, Fujiki Naohito Plot: Takakura Junpei (Katori) is one of the most successful advisors at a company that helps people find their marriage partners. Yanagisawa Haruna (Kuroki) is a beautiful yet heartbroken woman who suddenly decides to enter the company as a member. When Takakura falls in love with Yanagiawa, life turns topsy turvy. What is good: The path Takakura and Yanagisawa's relationship takes is slow but very realistic. What is bad: Some of the side characters were a little annoying. Letter rating: B

I am a big fan of Katori Shingo but I've never really watched any of his dramas. Luckily, I enjoyed it. I thought that all of the main actors did very well. Though, I have to admit that my favorite character was the bumbling Komatsubara Susumu played by Ohkura Koji. I almost wish he was the main characters of the series.

If you do decide to watch the show, keep in mind that it is about relationships. Therefore, the story doesn't progress particularly fast. Also, there are a few throwaway characters that are brought in to either cause problems or just fill some time. Neither of these problems are enough to keep the show from being entertaining.

Also, if you've watched Boss, keep an eye out for the cross-over collaboration. Boss will take over the drama world!

Favorite Friday

Katori Shingo is a member of the ultra-famous Johnny's group, SMAP. Sometime around 2000, he starred in a new show where he would cross-dress as Shingo Mama and let tired housewives have the morning off. He would show up at someone's house bright and early in the morning to perform all of the duties of a housewife - waking the family members up, making them breakfast, seeing them off to work/school - doesn't your mother do that? It was extremely popular, especially with children. So, Shingo Mama recorded a song and released it as a single. Now I present it to you.