Fan reviews: Itsumo futari de

Sakebitosan · 23 Aug 2017

...look at book publishing in Tokyo.

This is basically a soap-opera romance, formerly available on Crunchyroll as "Always The Two Of Us." It's completely predictable, but being predictable is not necessarily a deal-killer in terms of entertainment. Despite what some have said here, the two leads - Matsu Takako as Mizuho and Sakaguchi Kenji as Hachi/Kenta - have perfect chemistry for the roles of childhood friends who suddenly have to confront the emergence of romantic feelings.

There is a disappointing blandness to the drama in this series, but it's still good entertainment and a good, if thoroughly predictable, romance. It just could've been a whole lot better.

What's most worthwhile about this series is its focus on the publishing industry in Tokyo. The e-book revolution has rendered the whole spectacle of authors grovelling at the feet of big-name publishing houses as an anachronism, but that context makes this story interesting anyway. The character Yamazaki Shou (played excellently by Nakamaru Shinsho - who weirdly enough is not even credited on this page,) is a famous writer who's retreated to the status of a bookshop owner under an assumed name - and of whose identity Mizuho eventually learns and whom she convinces to return to writing. His character is the best part of this story, and a hint of how good it could have been if every character had had his depth and gravity.

Another excellent aspect of this series is Mizuho's acceptance of reality and the choices she makes. She comes to Tokyo as the dupe of a fraudulent scam, pursues her dream to become a great writer, only to be told that her talent for writing is lacking. After much soul-searching she acknowledges that as truth, but instead of giving up and retreating, she chooses to find a new dream and pursue it with equal dedication. She becomes an editor, and soon learns that the mysterious bookshop owner - who's revered as a judge of literature and who tells her she has no talent as a writer - is in fact her favorite author. She convinces him through sheer determination to return to writing, with her as his editor. Throughout this process we see her accept harsh reality and deal with it constructively - rather than attempting to fake it.

So lots of interesting material, but presented within a somewhat bland romance. It's entertaining enough to be worth the time spent watching it, but it could've been much better. As dramas about books and publishing go, Antiquarian Biblia Bookshop's Case Files and Ghost Writer were better. Bottom line: Not a bad show, but could have been better.

ester_grace · 26 Mar 2011

Simple and funny love story, kenji and takako played well.

Hage · 22 Nov 2006

Firstly, I don't think Sakaguchi and Matsu have the chemistry. I've enjoyed previous works of both artistes and the two of them just ain't compatible. Secondly, it is indeed a shame that Kashiwabara had to be replaced. Naoyuki was a fun character that contrasted with the seriousness of Mizuho and would have added colour to the drama. His replacement doesn't bring out the fun that well. Thirdly, I think Naoyuki could have been given a bigger role in the show since Mizuho and Morinaga's relationship just seems to progress somewhat slowly without a really big obstacle. That said, I think the drama is relatively well-written, the surprising factor being that the main story is about how the two main characters eventually fall in love, and not about the two character's romance itself. Concluding, the drama steps on all of the safe spot while still being entertaining, worth a watch.

Shindou · 12 Mar 2006

A pretty enjoyable drama. Kenji and Takako were a pretty good couple and it was too bad that Takashi left after the second ep. Somehow, the colours in the apartment just felt a bit odd to me and reminded me of Slow Dance. As for the plot, most of it was pretty predictable material. An enjoyable series to watch but not particularly enrapturing.

mysticalgal84 · 28 Oct 2004

I used to avoid Sakaguchi Kenji's dramas after seeing him in IWGP coz i thought that he could only do violent scenes... but after seeing him in this, my impression of him is totally changed! This is such a cheesy drama and so predictable but it's one of those dramas where you watch right to the very end coz you can't help it! I suppose that this kind of role is what Takako Matsu is best in, but she's so good at it! The kissing scene at the end was the best. It was so sweet!!!!!!! The directors sure know how to build up the perfect scene!

obmik · 18 Oct 2004

This show had a lot of promise in my opinion, but after Kashiwabara Takashi left after episode 2, it felt thrown together messingly. Don't get me wrong, I liked his replacement (who's name i'd like to know) but I felt him (kashiwabara) and Matsu's character, Mizuho, could of been a better romance than her and Sakaguchi Kenji's role as Kenta. Kenta and Mizuho to me were just best friends, and I felt it shouldn't of even been anything more than that (though I enjoyed her being jealous). One character I felt that could of been gone from this show completely was Hasegawa Kyoko "Yoko" I thought her acting was really plain and boring. She should of been something more of a smaller role, and people who I thought were interesting and talented like Mizuho's friend who was played by Sato Hitomi *I think* given more than a small supporting role. Another good thing about this show was the beautiful women in it... Matsu, Sato, "Chika" kenta's brother's girlfriend, and Yoko's nurse coworker.. the kinda taller woman. I thought Fuwa was a pretty interesting fellow as well, too bad in the later episodes he sorta faded away. In closing, this was a pretty good drama, but if it was in the right hands it could of been something special.

pcmodem · 7 Oct 2004

Kashiwabara Takashi dropped out after Episode 2, which sucks as he brought quite a bit of electricity to the dorama. Hasegawa Kyoko (also in Sutaa no Koi) is serious eye-candy and once again a bridesmaid. Matsu Takako plays Mizuho nearly identical to her role as Riko in Love Generation; Mizuho and Sakaguchi Kenji's Hatchi/Kenta character make a cute couple. Fuwa-san and Yamazaki-san were great supporting characters.

lordgus · 30 Jun 2004

What can I say? The female main character is extremely annoying and the male maincharacter is totally spineless. I wouldn't have tolerated it, if someone suddenly decided to move into my apartment against my will and then start to insult me.
As for the story, it is very predictable. No surprises here.

J · 6 Jun 2004

In response of ichiban_noodles' question:

Kassy had a major illness...a major split headache that forced him to withdraw from the drama after the 1st episode. I think he rested for 8 months ??!!! and i've heard that its very very serious.....

ichiban_noodles · 25 Apr 2004

Anybody know why Kashiwabara was suddenly replaced by a different actor in the 3rd or 4th episode? They made a little joke about it. One character saying something to the effect of "He's like a totally different person!"

Drama overall was a little above average. It was predictable, but a light, fun watch.

RenYa · 19 Apr 2004

when u watch Mizuho and Kenta sit together that makes ur heart bring up!!! when I see them I don't know why I'm smiling XDD
It's so cute, very cute...thats why I love this drama so much!!!!Heart Beat ^^

cupidarrow · 7 Apr 2004

wow after watching this show i fell in love with Jdramas man..so damn cool lor... i love this kinda romantic shows...and funny at the same time...ahhh.... kawaii neh :P

Nagisa Rei Yamato · 11 Mar 2004

It's so Kawaii drama. I like Hasekyo and Matsu!.

yoshizawa takashi · 23 Feb 2004

actually in this winter 2003,,i yearn for this drama,...before this drama showing.i was crazy and go and buy the OST..nice music inside..and nice theme song as well..well i nv let go any getsu 9 drama since i started watch dorama.and this drama,let me feel the smell of winter..and matsu takako also act a good character..and theme song is suitable for this drama...

juliana_phang · 21 Feb 2004

kassy played just for a momenT..i'm not really satisfied with the casting..
kassy was replaced by another "unknown" actor..
overall : watch this only if u have nothnig to watch.. it's a predictable drama..u basically know what will happen next

DragonSpirit164 · 15 Feb 2004

I like this very much. Matsu Takako is very cute in short hair. But then she's cute whatever it is :) This is a light hearted, easy to understand drama, with more than its fair share of touching moments. I was especially touched when Mizuho said she'll stay by Hachi's side forever, but he pushed her away instead!! I felt so much for her when she broke down afterwards... Great chemistry between Takako and Kenji, portraying the deep understanding between childhood friends really well. Highly recommended!!!

FierceStriker · 14 Feb 2004

This show is GREAT!!!!! I have never been so moved and happy for the couple to end up together (even if it was obvious) since Long Vacation. Great dynamics between the leads. Who says Takako has to pair up with KimuTaku, she is fantastic with Sakaguchi Kenji kun - the perfect sweet couple. A highly recommended feel-good drama.

Just a note here: the change of Kashiwabara's character bothered me at first, however, the replacement actor did a good job as well and gave an excellent performance as well. Why wasn't he listed in the cast section???

Ratu · 22 Nov 2003

I think this drama was good storyline... but story is common love story 'they don't know that they love each other because they so close'. I also like the story about takako dream to be a writer then change to editor. I will rate 10 but Kashi dropped out after 2 or 3 episode, so I minus 2.

Nightcall411 · 12 Oct 2003

It is really good ok Predictible but how they get there is the great part I would recommend anyone to watch it . if U seen it then U know how good it is if U have not seen it U need to.

yuka · 6 May 2003

The draw from the start is Kashiwabara. He is outstanding as the flippant and lax young chief of the publishing firm where Matsu works. A tantalizing provocateur to the Matsu-Sakaguchi to-be romance. I feel there is more animation between Kashiwabara & Matsu than Sakaguchi & Matsu. Unfortunately, Kashiwabara dropped out of serial after the second episode. His replacement is lackadaisical. From that point, the beat of the drama weakens considerably.

Nothing very happening until Matsu realizes her feelings for Sakaguchi is not entirely platonic. For the sentimental soul, the beat picks up. Nice touch at the end when Matsu cannot help but giggles as Sakaguchi attempts to smooch her. It underscores the transition from just being childhood friends to lovers.

Eye candy drama for the cast of Kashiwabara, Matsu and Sakaguchi. Also for the trendy apartment lighted with a festival of splashy colors