Churasan

Churasan is an agreeable slice of life, a family story of people whose lives revolve around the parallel themes of Okinawan culture and fate. Especially as the series develops, the story teases out the personalities - each quite different - and, so far as the casting in concerned, also decidedly cute.

Churasan is rather mundane in the plot department, but compensates with a thee-dimensional cast of characters that (did I mention this?) are also really cute.

Ryoko Kunikawa is never at a loss for a broad smile (and of course, she's quite the looker), and Kenji Kohashi is almost her match. Tomi Taira is the energetic obasan who provides a running narrative of events. In fact, you might be tempted to ignore the rambling plot and humor that more often than not inspires more smiles than laughs. But for once, the easygoing Okinawan mood is a good excuse for a relaxed plotline, and the characters are (sorry, there's no avoiding it) cute enough to sustain your attention.

That said, Churasan is pleasant, but rarely compelling, It's a good excuse to pour a glass or two of cold sake.

I loved watching this series while living in Japan in 2001. I had to move before the end though and now I can't find it. I really want to watch the rest, anyone know where to purchase or watch online? Once you start to watch this series, you will get addicted to Eri and other strange cast members. :) PM me please! :)

I absolutely ADORED Churasan, and Ifm so grateful that they released three sequels to fulfill the needs of devoted fans.

Although Churasan has a somewhat predictable and almost unrealistic plot, it is still an excellent watch. Sometimes you just need a happy-go-lucky storyline where everything always works out and everyone is left with a smile on his or her face. Churasan is the type of drama that reminds you that there IS happiness and peace in the world and that leaving things to Fate and Time is not such a bad idea after all.

What makes Churasan so wonderful and addictive is the group of memorable characters. My favourite above all is Mariya (Kanno Miho) | the dark, mean (but kind-hearted), realist author of fairytales. Her goofy grin when she receives delicious donuts from Oba, or her groan whenever people barge into her room, or the way she flings herself onto her couch when suffering from writers block, or the way she tries to hide in order to eavesdrop, and the way she is always caught in an embarrassing situationc all these thins contribute to her unique and memorable character. Following at a close second is Yuko-chan (Yo Kimiko), the outspoken, very kind and loving, motivated, aggressive, loyal, and hilarious woman who seems to connect all the characters together. And we mustnft forget Eri, played by Kuninaka Ryoko. Ryoko-chan completely blew me away. Her performance is perfection itself and without her in this role this drama would not be as grand as it is. One will never tire of her big gorgeous smile and eyes that reveal more of the character than just mere actions could.

Of course, there are so many characters in this drama, and each one is memorable. The writers did an excellent job concocting each character, and each actor/actress did a phenomenal job turning those characters into masterpieces.

Watching Churasan is like being part of the family. You laugh with them, cry with them, and above all, you enjoy the time you spend being a part of them. This drama is HIGHLY recommended!