Fan reviews: Aishiteiru to Ittekure

Wynter · 1 Jul 2010

I hugely enjoyed this show, and I loved it throughout the first ten episodes.

Toyokawa Etsushi completely blew me away. So much so, that I've voted for him as a fav on this site. Not only was he convincing as a hearing impaired individual (his use of sign language seemed so natural!), but he truly encompassed the persona of a true artist. His quiet disposition, what he wore, the way he walked, his gaze... everything about him was so attractive.

I've enjoyed watching Tokiwa Takako in other dramas, but never really appreciated her as actress until now. Although her character faltered in the last two episodes, I found her riveting to watch.

My only complaint about the show was Hiroko's betrayal. Although I can completely understand how it came about and what she was feeling when it happened, I still felt it was out of character. As a result the whole ordeal left a bad taste in my mouth. I'm so glad it ended the way it did, though. A shimmer of hope. I'm really glad that they allowed some time to pass before the final (but hopefully not the last) encounter they portrayed in the show. It gave room for both characters to mature and truly be ready to continue with each other.

Mint · 8 May 2008

This remarkable and melancholic love story stays resilient against the test of time still and is my favourite Japanese drama of all time. It's a gem that is teeming with romance, memorable scenes and powerful performances by 2 of the best actors of their generation, Toyokawa Etsushi and Tokiwa Takako.

Through the solitary world of silence of a deaf painter, a tender romance that transcends the language barrier kindles between him and a young budding actress, but the romance is bound to be inundated by self-inflicted insecurities, misunderstandings and a forgotten past that pose a threat to mar their relationship.

The use of sign language, which was beautifully depicted by Toyokawa, is always brimming with hopes to be reached and understood and because of that, there are countless amount of beautiful and moving scenes that are burnt in my mind, heralding the drama's reputation as being a true classic.

Hats off to Toyokawa for his mesmeric and wondrous performance of a deaf man; his hands move with such grace and precision, and Tokiwa Takako for truly immersing herself into her vulnerable and young character who's besotted with Toyokawa. These 2 elicit amazing chemistry from each other; their love scenes are so natural and romantic despite Toyokawa not uttering a single word, and when they gaze at each other, there's a look of love that is palpable in their eyes. Their scenes together can make me smile with giddiness, fume in frustration and bawl from sadness.

This is a wonderful drama that is highly recommended. I've watched this drama numerous times and I shed tears every single time.

rinarina · 28 Mar 2008

I have to say that this drama is quite good actually for an old japanese drama sice I just finished watching it.

The story is about Hiroko (Takako tokiwa) felt in love with a painter named Kohji who is 10 years older than her and deaf therefore he also couldn't talk so they were communicate using sign language. Hiroko acted impulsively in love and with no pride as woman or too brave since she's still quite young (21th). She's too emotional and stupid. When they got together she didn't trust Kohji she always being jelous of kohji and his ex-girlfriend from 6 years ago. The stupidest thing that she did is she slept with his best friend (ken) out of jelousy and made three of them suffer while the fact is Kohji didn't do anything with her. Ken at 1st was a good friend but after always being listening of Hiroko's problems with Kohji he turned out to be a fox cover as a sheep, he slept with Hiroko and tried to separate Kohji and Hiroko out of his selfishness but at the end he realised that he was being selfish and gave up on her. At the end it didn't explain whether Kohji and Hiroko end up together or not (that's sucks).

I have to say that this story is very Japanese old drama/comic style. A couple who are being together quickly without a really proper introduction to each other and then separated after just 5 months because of some ex- and best-friend turn out to be a lover its just too lame for 21th century drama but it still good to be watched for episode 1-7 then the rest became quite boring. The soundtrack also ok. I just found out from this drama that Takako's breasts are actually quite big Hahaha....

8thSin · 24 Feb 2007

Toyokawa's acting was excellent in this series, but the story is very repetitve. It seems Yada Akiko's character is just lying to Tokiwa's character in the first half to get them apart, and then Tokiwa's character sees Koji with his ex and gets jealous in every single episode in the second half.

There were some good scenes, but overall, the story was very poorly written, and frustrating to watch.

lovejdorama · 18 Mar 2005

And I meant that literally, ppl who have watched both Say you Love me & Orange Days would get my drift. I wish I had watched this drama first instead of Orange Days so I would've been more intrigued by this great yet familiar love story.

The insecurity of Tokiwa's character intensifed in each episode made it almost painful to continue at the end which means she did a wonderful job portraying this innocent young lady in love willingly to give her all without calculating any outcome that is now rare at this fast-paced computer age.

Although a heart wrenching love story, I totally love how it ended with a promising beginning instead of a tragedy.

Great Theme Song!!!

dys199 · 25 Jul 2004

I started watching this dorama because I am a big fan of Toyokawa Etsushi. However I found my attenstion drifting off many times throughout this dorama. Like others have said it is very draggy which makes it hard to keep you focused on the story. Also Tokiwa Takako's character is just so annoying always whining about one thing to the next, it makes it hard to believe that Toyokawa Etsushi's character can even like someone like her. I saw watch this dorama for Toyokawa Etsushi's great acting, but I dont think it is a must watch dorama.

ladyelf · 30 Dec 2003

what makes the show worthed watching is Sakaki's performance. He is simple excellent, so cool and has his own style. He is not exactly gorgeous looking but somehow he is attactive, charasmatic. Don't really like Tokiwa in this show, i think she tried too hard to act cute and lively. Her love for Sakaki is quite childish, or her character is childish in the show. I understand the frustration that will come in when you fall in love with a handicap, but you see, we are talking about Jdorama and so we expect "perfect love". Her love for him is shallow as compared to Die Sterntaler/Hoshi no kinka.

kook05 · 18 Dec 2003

Fantastic acting from Etsushi Toyokawa. first 3/4 of the show is rather enjoyable. but the last 1/4 got a little too draggy.
but overall i still love this show.

katfame · 19 Aug 2003

This love story isn't your typical daily bread and toast...it's really original. Plus the casts are great...it made me want to learn sign language =)

jdfan · 1 Jul 2002

A Classic! This is what Japanese drama is all about. Love story with twists and turns. Great performance from the main actors. Takako was amazing! And this show demonstrated why she is one of the best.

warren.mcclendon · 10 Apr 2002

Both of the leads give extraordinary performances in a cast of lightweights, but I really liked it anyway. The only thing I didn't like was the last couple of episodes where Tokiwa goes for being obsessed with Toyokawa san to flying into a blind idiotic rage because she found the ring, and just destroyed their relationship

Sakuraba Yuichiro · 7 Apr 2002

The show is very sad and touching. Takako truly love Etsushi even though he's deaf & mute and even willing to learn sign language just to communicate with him. Truely endless love.

aleen84 · 7 Nov 2001

This is my favourite dorama! I was so drawn to this story I can't help falling in love with Sakaki Kohji. He is deaf but with the most enchanting personality. I love all the sign language scene. And the background. The park,Hiroko's apartment,Just watch it then you can understand me.

kawaii · 10 Jun 2001

The story is rather touching though some of the parts were quite draggy. Sasaki Koji is an excellent actor. He successfully portrays a deaf and mute lover who is extremly sensitive and caring. Tokiwa also acted fairly well here