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CHANGE

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Drama Details

Title:	CHANGE
Telecast:	2008-04-21

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TV Station:

Fuji TV

Synopsis

The story begins with the deaths of ruling party's Fukuoka legislator and his eldest son, his heir apparent, in an accident. It is decided that a by-election will be held, and Kanbayashi Masaichi, the leader of the ruling party, and secretary Miyama Rika conceive the idea of fielding the second son, Asakura Keita, who had been renounced by his father.

After Keita graduated from senior high school, he went on to a university in Nagano because he wanted to live in a place with beautiful stars, and eventually became an elementary school teacher over there. Well-liked by children and satisfied with his beloved star gazing, Keita has no interest in the world of politics. However, at Rika's persuasion and the pressure of his family, he reluctantly decides to announce his candidacy.

Upon returning to Fukuoka, Keita is given a hearty welcome by supporters. The election strategist, Nirasawa Katsutoshi, arrives there. He is guided by the notion "election is the only permitted legal war" and begins Keita's election campaign

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Related Videos (50)

CHANGE EPISODE 10 ~FINALE[1/8] 10:12 1,926 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 10 ~FINALE[2/8] 07:40 1,708 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 1[1/8] 08:19 4,094 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 1[2/8] 10:21 3,324 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 1[3/8] 08:04 2,219 Views
CHANGE EPISODE 1[4/8] 07:31 2,214 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 1[5/8] 09:17 2,082 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 1[6/8] 09:52 1,715 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 1[7/8] 10:17 2,186 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 1[8/8] 07:28 3,045 Views
CHANGE EPISODE 2[1/5] 08:33 2,195 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 2[2/5] 09:25 2,117 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 2[3/5] 08:34 1,858 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 2[4/5] 10:45 2,072 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 2[5/5] 09:19 2,129 Views
CHANGE EPISODE 3[1/5] 10:53 2,152 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 3[2/5] 09:41 1,896 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 3[3/5] 09:54 2,300 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 3[4/5] 08:22 2,146 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 4[1/5] 09:37 2,096 Views
CHANGE EPISODE 4[2/5] 10:14 2,691 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 4[3/5] 09:59 2,189 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 4[4/5] 10:39 2,483 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 5[1/5] 08:20 1,914 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 5[2/5] 09:45 1,692 Views
CHANGE EPISODE 5[3/5] 09:48 1,692 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 5[4/5] 10:28 2,053 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 5[5/5] 08:33 1,872 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 6[1/5] 09:02 1,933 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 6[2/5] 09:21 1,899 Views
CHANGE EPISODE 6[3/5] 10:31 1,768 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 6[4/5] 10:23 1,675 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 6[5/5] 07:36 1,763 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 7[1/7] 08:24 1,745 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 7[2/7] 08:42 1,540 Views
CHANGE EPISODE 7[3/7] 08:06 1,528 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 7[4/7] 08:33 1,476 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 7[5/7] 07:21 1,453 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 7[6/7] 09:42 1,507 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 7[7/7] 07:05 1,903 Views
CHANGE EPISODE 8[1/5] 09:58 1,969 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 8[2/5] 08:57 1,516 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 8[3/5] 09:12 1,602 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 8[4/5] 10:17 1,597 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 8[5/5] 08:28 2,175 Views
CHANGE EPISODE 9[1/5] 08:35 1,891 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 9[2/5] 09:22 1,838 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 9[3/5] 10:30 1,782 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 9[4/5] 10:24 2,396 Views	CHANGE EPISODE 9[5/5] 08:17 2,904 Views
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Actor/Actress Cast (5)

Kimura Takuya 木村拓哉 Asakura Keita	Fukatsu Eri 深津絵里 Miyama Rika	Abe Hiroshi 阿部寛 Nirasawa Katsutoshi
Terao Akira 寺尾聰 Kanbayashi Masaichi	Kato Rosa 加藤ローサ

Drama Reviews (11)

!!WARNING!! The review section may contain spoilers! Please understand that you may find out about this drama's endings and plots!
1.	looking forward to CHANGE [Rating: ?/10] i've seen some pics of takuya as an elementary teacher. i guess his character is made geeky initially, before he becomes d PM. wow! dats a change indeed, compared to his previous doramas!! i cant wait. im thinking dis drama is gonna be a big hit!! :)))
Reviewed by kakeru* on 4 May 2008*
2.	HERO revisited. [Rating: 10/10] CHANGE stars Kimura Takuya and Abe Hiroshi from HERO, and also produced by the same director and scriptwriters as HERO. Once again Kimura Takuya plays a pure-hearted man trying to help others, scaled up from a Lawyer to a Prime Minister. I am a big fan of HERO series, but CHANGE was even better for me. Kimura Takuya just has that charisma as a leader, and he is the only person who could've handled this role. It was quite interesting seeing him with those dorky glasses... reminds me of Asunaro Hakusho. Although slightly underused, Abe Hiroshi was also excellent, providing comedic relief for this serious drama. The person I was most impressed with was Fukatsu Eri. Her chemistry with KimuTaku was even better than that of Matsu Takako, and I really connected with her character (plus those black stockings were really hot on her) The cast for this thing is absolutely incredible, they managed to gather an amazing array of established actors, and possibly most amazing guest appearances since Furuhata Ninzaburou series. Admittedly, the plot lacks reality. However, doramas are supposed to be about things that never happen in real life. Though the setting is impossible, character behavior in general makes sense, and impossible scenarios are executed so well that they are touching without being corny. Although slightly too idealistic at times, I love the way they've depicted right and wrong and what truly important values are. This series has the most solid first and final episode of all dorama series I've seen. I espeically loved the final episode, where they've shown how resistant to change government policies are, even for something as trivial as serving teas for a meeting (this was very funny too). The 'climax' with 20+ minutes of uncut scene was very impressive, and there were so many great, memorable scenes throughout the series. This is a really well-made dorama series with very high level of acting all around. The plot addresses the problems with today's election-driven politics, and attempts to make us think more about our roles in a democratic society. It's a series that made me laugh and cry, now one of my favorite series of all time.
Reviewed by 8thSin* on 17 July 2008*
3.	We want change!!! [Rating: 9/10] A well-written, well-cast and well-executed dorama showcasing some fine acting by the cast and an intriguing storyline. This dorama definitely brings back memories of Hero and Souri to Yobanaide with Tamura Masakazu. While not overly different from his other screen characters, Kimura Takuya plays the role very well and has some great chemistry with Eri Fukatsu. Abe Hiroshi was a great addition to the cast adding some nice comedic moments to the series. Kato Rosa was perhaps the only extraneous character who, whether because of her character or her acting, didn't add much value to the series. For those who are interested in this dorama, I would also recommend watching the British dramas Yes Minister and later, Yes Prime Minister which depicts the rigidity of the civil service.
Reviewed by Shindou* on 19 July 2008*
4.	. [Rating: 8/10] I think the main point of this series is that by pulling some strings, people get into powerful positions. It was thanks to Kanbayashi's political influence that helped Asakura into power. Kanbayashi was said to be the real Souri behind the scenes, but he doesn't have the power of Souri. However, this invokes many conspiracy theories that high offices can be (and are) controlled and corrupted. In this case, Asakura is out of Kanbayashi's control. Kanbayashi doesn't like it so he wants to bring Asakura down with more political maneuvering. Maybe a pop quote by Cliff Huxtable from The Cosby Show would work here: "I brought you into this world, and I'll take you out." Change has an excellent cast. Maybe too good? Love Rosa, but they could've done better with her character. Ishiguro Ken is here, whom I always recognize from Shomuni as Ukyo . Even cute Takahashi Yumiko made a guest appearance! She played Rie in Shomuni! I love when I see the Shomuni girls. This is the second time I've seen Nishimura Masahiko in a drama about a Prime Minister -- Souri to Yobanaide. (At least Change touched on some issues compared to that drama.) And theres the man himself, Abe Hiroshi. My head would've exploded if Nakama Yukie made an appearance with him. Playing Asakura's mother is Fuji Junko, who I thought gave a bland performance. I think it could've been written better, therefore I can't give this drama a perfect score. A drama with this much star power has to be given much consideration. There's a couple unnecessary lines and maybe scenes here and there. They tried too hard to make Asakura look like a noble kid who has taken office. The chemistry with the beautiful Fukatsu Eri and KimuTaku was a high point.
Reviewed by bba1* on 20 July 2008*
5.	Good political dorama. [Rating: 8/10] Kimura is slowly moving more complex roles other than those typical romance characters. A political dorama is hard to entertain but somehow, with kimura's magical acting, it attracts the audience. Unfortunately, the ending doesn't seems complete...and madonna's song Miles Away doesn't really gel with this dorama.
Reviewed by popdod* on 21 July 2008*
6.	THE BEST DRAMA OF 2008!!! [Rating: 10/10] Kimura Takuya was absolutely charming in this drama and truly displayed his talent and experience as a dramatic actor. The supporting cast, as well, were all wonderfully charismatic and shared a good level of chemistry with the lead actor. The story itself had the right balance of political intrigue, comedy, and romance to keep me watching on the edge of my seat from episode 1 right until the end. If you haven't yet seen this drama, then please do so!!!
Reviewed by Susan* on 22 July 2008*
7.	GOOD!!!! [Rating: 8/10] It's a good drama. Honestly, I m a big fan of takuya kimura. He's d main attraction to watch dis drama n I hv 2 said he hadnt let me down so far except sora kara furu ichioku no hoshi . the storyline is interestin n I 'd watched de whole drama whithin one day.though d endin bit anti-climax , but overal it's a very entertaining drama.
Reviewed by hirowei87* on 23 July 2008*
8.	WELL DONE [Rating: 10/10] finish watching this drama not long ago..a well done for takuya kimura'a acting skill..he potraits his character very well..n this drama is also really gd as it brings the audience in dept into the politics world without us feeling boriing abt the plot..although this drama is more abt the politics world but there is oso romatic scenes in it..WATCH IT IF U HAVE NOT..
Reviewed by fre3domlin* on 1 August 2008*
9.	"The Election is a War" quote from Nirasawa [Rating: 9/10] I must say that I am satisfied with it’s ending. If it turned out differently I would’ve given this a lower rating than 9. I was empress as to how they made Asakura’s character, he was not just a puppet prime minister but he really did his best in being one, a nice performance from Kimura. Good thing, Fukatsu Eri was chosen as Miyama because I can’t picture anyone else portraying the role. And I really can't hate Terao Akira's role here, since in reality his character really do exists in the world of politics and that also applies to the rest of the political characters involved. As for Abe, he again provided some laughs but he did a good job from being a election planner --> special aide --> cabinet secretary. Additional laughs provided by Kato Rosa, Ohkura Koji and the rest of the Asakura Team. My favorite episode was definitely the Beverly Hills Donuts/Bingham episode (ep5). By the way, I didn’t like the ending theme, a Japanese song could have been better.
Reviewed by aiscess* on 21 August 2008*
10.	Really curious to see the next... [Rating: 8/10] I've been watching 2 episodes and still curious to see more... So far, it seem potential to be great dorama of this year... I want more..I want more...
Reviewed by iwan* on 29 August 2008*
11.	change.. [Rating: 9/10] i wonder why they said tis drama is not as gud as compare to other drama he star...for me it is indeed one of the most excellent drama...takuya kimura proves once again he is a very gud actor...he never failed me...he always up to my expectation... in tis drama they picture him as geek...a kindergarden teacher who loves to watch star, he got no interest in politics until his late father assistant insist him that he should be in caimpagn...along the way he show them the real value of politics...the ending...well...cannot say..=)
Reviewed by epah* on 2 September 2008*

Comments From Users (42)

!!WARNING!! This section may contain spoilers! Do not proceed if you do not want to read about this drama's endings and plots!
1.	Comments by Shindou [Rating: 9/10] Excellent series overall!! Kimura Takuya and Eri Fukatsu were a great team coupled with a great supporting cast. Music was very stately and had a regal feel to it matching the series itself very well. Although the series may be a bit too idealistic/unrealistic at times, it bears enough realism to get across the main idea and message. With many memorable scenes and great comedy, it is definitely one of my favourite jdramas.
2.	Comments by ffrostte [Rating: ?/10] watching ...
3.	Comments by ginger ale [Rating: 10/10] Are you ready for CHANGE? Hell yeah! Takuya Kimura rocks as the youngest PM of Japan.I'm wired from watching ep 3 of this exciting political drama and I want more. Nerdy school teacher Asakura Keita with his broccoli hair is pure love."Explain it to me please like you are talking to a fifth grader." Throw in Abe Hiroshi who is a terrific actor ( Loved him in Dragon Sakura) as the laid back political strategist, Fukatsu Neri ( omg she was super in Bayside Shakesdown !)as the feisty ball busting political aid and the pretty Kato Rosa as the funny political groupie and voila, its a dynamite combination that is sure to make this drama a hit!!! I'm a Takuya Kimura fan-atic so hey I'll watch any video with him in it even if all he does is roll up his eyes!!!
4.	Comments by yanaliao [Rating: 8/10] Downloaded this actually both in English and Chinese~ Nice dorama~
5.	Comments by romi510 [Rating: 8/10] Current season. So far so good, the plot and the way it is been present, keeps you on the edge of your seat. Waiting for Ep 5 (6/11)!!!
6.	Comments by norani [Rating: ?/10] Takuya Kimura ---- 21 - 4 - 08 --- Must Buy
7.	Comments by g_hunter1 [Rating: 10/10] This guy just can play alot of roles. Now only if real politics can change.
8.	Comments by moonchyld [Rating: 8/10] takuya was great as usual. i felt that i was expecting more story/ies - something like Hero..but perhaps it was hard to get everything to fit in in a few eps (from being a teacher to a politician to PM) in 9 eps. i was disappointed at how lackluster the character of abe hiroshi was tho, i mean we all know abe has so much more personality and talent than that.
9.	Comments by aiscess [Rating: 9/10] I must say that I am satisfied with it’s ending. If it turned out differently I would’ve given this a lower rating than 9. I was empress as to how they made Asakura’s character, he was not just a puppet prime minister but he really did his best in being one. My favorite episode was definitely the Beverly Hills Donuts/Bingham episode (ep5). By the way, I didn’t like the ending theme, a Japanese song could have been better.
10.	Comments by Susan [Rating: 10/10] THE BEST DRAMA OF 2008!!! Kimura Takuya was absolutely charming in this drama and truly displayed his talent and experience as a dramatic actor. The supporting cast, as well, were all wonderfully charismatic and shared a good level of chemistry with the lead actor. The story itself had the right balance of political intrigue, comedy, and romance to keep me watching on the edge of my seat from episode 1 right until the end. If you haven't yet seen this drama, then please do so!!!
11.	Comments by williu [Rating: 9/10] Undoubtedly a great script, and brilliant actors. Of course Kimura and Abe do magnificent jobs as always, but the story lacks an extra something to get a perfect score. Still great though!
12.	Comments by aoi_dolphine [Rating: ?/10] KIV list
13.	Comments by slean [Rating: ?/10] Watching at the moment
14.	Comments by TakumaSan [Rating: 10/10] DRama WAS GREAT!!! LOVED IT kimura takuyas dramas are all good, if a director gave him the shittiest part in a drama, he would make it soo good im not saying change didnt have a good storyline.. i think doin a drama on politics is unique and great!!
15.	Comments by liquidlzero [Rating: 9/10] loved the drama up until the end...the end just felt so anti-climactic ...but other than that it was a really fun political drama to watch
16.	Comments by mizz_evy [Rating: ?/10] currently watching
17.	Comments by uchi23 [Rating: 10/10] Im not sure theres a character Kimura Takuya cant play lol.. I thought he was relli great in this drama.. many times i wud get goosebumps durin his speeches cuz i felt like he meant it.. it wud b awesome if we had a president like that.. world wud b much better off =/.. it was also nice to c him reunited wit fukatsu eri.. they make a great onscreen couple.. abe hiroshi n kato rosa were also great supportin actors.. the guy who played kanbayashi sensei also did a great job in the villain role.. im hopin they make a second season or atleast a special =]
18.	Comments by Signo [Rating: 8/10] another great kimutaku show! one of the best and most terrific scene i have ever seen is the prime ministers speech at the end. 22,5 minutes without a cut!!! Kimutaku is realy amazing!
19.	Comments by maguro666 [Rating: 10/10] Watching up to ep 9. Just getting better and better. I can't wait to see the 90 mins ending!!!!
20.	Comments by nienna [Rating: 10/10] Even though I'm still watching this, I have to say that this is one of the best dramas I've watched. It has humour, the characters are witty, talented and interesting. I'm getting more and more addicted to it and KimuTaku is just hilarious but at the same time, I can see that his character is really firm. The things he do to get his thoughts across the Parliament is incredible and amusing. I kinda wished my country's Prime Minister was as good looking, as funny and as naive as he is. Hahaha...
21.	Comments by allouh [Rating: 8/10] watching
22.	Comments by 206 [Rating: 9/10] Political theme of Change is catchy.
23.	Comments by GIGI [Rating: 8/10] Watched up to episode 6. Love the drama! I was worried about the treatment of this drama but I was relieved when the story telling had plenty of humor to spice up the very interesting story. Ganbatta Takuya and the rest of the cast.
24.	Comments by aik0 [Rating: 5/10] Story has potential in political conflicts, power games etc, yet the show is too darn slow, its like you can condense each episode into 12 minutes and you wont miss a thing. The cast is relatively strong (+1 point) but the only one stand out is the female protagonist. To summarize: Could be interesting, but too SLOW, been going downhill like from ep4.
25.	Comments by wanderingfish7 [Rating: ?/10] Watching. Politics....uh...
26.	Comments by Deceased [Rating: 8/10] It is a nice change for kimura to act in political drama...and not the usual lovely dovey drama you watch everyday. A good dorama that worth your time watching.
27.	Comments by Dark^3nforc3r [Rating: 9/10] Superb... takuya kimura's show is always super..
28.	Comments by atheon [Rating: 9/10] July 2008: This is the first Jdrama with political theme I've watched. Being a Japanese language student, my vocabulary has increased, thanks to all these political jargon. Plot wise, I love the chemistry between Kimura and Fukatsu Eri, though I wish that such thing will happen in our political arena (which is kinda impossible), this drama taught me to be more aware of the world of politics and to treat everyone equally, like what Keita does. I was totally blown off by the speech in the last episode, Kimura has done it again!!
29.	Comments by popdod [Rating: 8/10] Kimura is slowly moving more complex roles other than those typical romance characters. A political dorama is hard to entertain but somehow, with kimura's magical acting, it attracts the audience. Unfortunately, the ending doesn't seems complete...and madonna's song Miles Away doesn't really gel with this dorama.
30.	Comments by Milano [Rating: 10/10] A fantastic monologue in the last episode that is long 22 minutes, without breaks. This brings Kimura Takuya in the Olympus of the actors
31.	Comments by kaitosan20 [Rating: 9/10] that was so good it was so intense well all of kimura takuya' movies are great
32.	Comments by oldasianguy [Rating: 9/10] I gave this drama a 9....the last episode and ending was a let-down......Kimura was great but that TV speech he gave in the last episode was pretty lame....even though it was in a way amazing that he did it in one take.....
33.	Comments by ct_subang [Rating: 7/10] didn't showd any interest @ 1st...but then...it kinda grows in u..esp wen u hv Takuya init...a kakkoii PM any1??
34.	Comments by Lee-chan [Rating: ?/10] ( currently watching )
35.	Comments by lynn [Rating: 10/10] Download...data DVD+VCD
36.	Comments by cirrus [Rating: 8/10] Good cast. Excellent OST
37.	Comments by gaijinmark [Rating: 8/10] A marginal 8. It was good, but it had the potential to be great.
38.	Comments by v1olet [Rating: 10/10] Takuya Kimura's dorama is a must watch. It's a serious political dorama, a bit hard to watch with its political jargons. However, Takuya Kimura's charisma as a down to earth fifth grade elementary teacher, very humane politician, was the reason why I enjoy watching this dorama very much. Fukatsu Eri, Hiroshi Abe and Kato Rosa added some comedic flavor to this dorama. Thanx to www.massuki.com. Good works, good translation. Recommended.
39.	Comments by chibichan [Rating: 10/10] KimuTaku as prime minister, love it
40.	Comments by aznkether [Rating: 8/10] Another great one by Kimura
41.	Comments by houndofwinter [Rating: ?/10] watching
42.	Comments by syu77 [Rating: 9/10] i always love watching any drama kimutaku in...and this is one of it.

Users who voted for this drama (7)

1.	v1olet Takuya Kimura's dorama is a must watch. It's a serious political dorama, a bit hard to watch with its political jargons. However, Takuya Kimura's charisma as a down to earth fifth grade elementary teacher, very humane politician, was the reason why I enjoy watching this dorama very much. Fukatsu Eri, Hiroshi Abe and Kato Rosa added some comedic flavor to this dorama.
2.	nienna BEST DRAMA OF THE YEAR!
3.	popdod Kimura is slowly moving more complex roles other than those typical romance characters. A political dorama is hard to entertain but somehow, with kimura's magical acting, it attracts the audience. Unfortunately, the ending doesn't seems complete...and madonna's song Miles Away doesn't really gel with this dorama.
4.	maidori first ever kimura takuya drama...made me a fan
5.	fre3domlin BEST 2008 DRAMA..although politics may seem boring but watching this drama n kimura's acting definately makes it attractive n more interesting..therefore i urge everybody to watch it..its really nice!!
6.	oorono So far the best dorama of 2008 - it is smart and witty, with good balance of fun and serious inthe story, The cast is simply superb. For the lead actor, Takuya Kimura, the role of Asakura was a new challenge, he'd never done something this before - and Kimura-san played this character very well.
7.	halu_jiro my first ever kimura takuya drama.