Fan reviews: Tokyo Friends

chokokokoa · 29 Nov 2009

A blessed dorama by A Beautiful Angel Who Came To The Earth To Make The World Full of Love and Happiness, Ootsuka Ai-chin!!!

slashersam016 · 25 May 2007

Ai Otsuka, my favorite singer of all singers in Japan have this drama. it's her first drama actually. and i was surprise she did a good performance in her first try. not the best, but good. as usual you will see her sing here and she has a great voice here also which i really love about her. same as the movie (continuation of this drama). Samuel Samaniego of Quezon City, Philippines.

Wynter · 30 Mar 2007

I donft usually enjoy short drama series, because I always find the storyline rushed. With limited time, things like character development and plot growth are usually sacrificed. When I finished the first episode of Tokyo Friends, I felt the same way. Everything seemed so rushed (especially the relationship between Rei and Ryuuji ). And how, pray tell, was Rei able to sing in sync with the band when they hadnft even practiced together? Otsuka Ai may be a decent singer, but I didnft find her appealing as an actress. Her acting ability was abysmal in the first episode, but she does seem to improve later on. Otsuka was fortunate enough to have three other good actresses by her side to pull her through.

This was my first experience with Maki Yoko (who plays Ryoko) and I was instantly drawn into her. Although her character had a lot of negative characteristics, I couldnft help but feel for her. Yoko played Ryoko in such a brilliant manner that in the end all of Ryokofs flaws disappear and youfre left with a lovable character.

Kobayashi Mao (who plays Maki) was perhaps my second favourite. I have seen Mao in Taiyou no Uta, but her role was so minor in that drama that it can barely be considered gexposureh. In Tokyo Friends Mao actually had a chance to shine. And shine she did. Her character was mysterious and charming and pure, and Maki was perfect in such a role.

Although I wasnft blown away by Matsumoto Riofs performance in Ace wo Nerae, I was stunned to find her play a completely different role in Tokyo Friends. And she was great. Some more exposure would have been nice, but she successfully carried through with the flakey, ditzy, silly character of Hirono.

The plot was really basic: four friends in Tokyo trying to find themselves by getting lost in a large city. And although the plot is basic, its simplicity is what makes it so great! The plot provided a lot of room for character growth, and although I found the first episode to be a little rushed, the others were nicely paced. Once you come to the realization that time passes between each episode, everything falls into place.

Was the drama brilliant? Not at all, and it doesnft hold up to some of the brilliant dramas I have seen. However, it was really fun to watch and I would probably watch it again. And again. I want to be a Tokyo Friend.

sesil · 5 Nov 2006

When I first watched Tokyo Friends, I thought what one earth is this about. After watching the very first episode I started to understand and wanted to watch more. However the only thing I found was that the series was too short and had only 5 episodes. I was disapointed but I was suprised that the director/producer could fit everything in those 5 episodes. When I finished watching Tokyo Friends on the last episode you had the musical ending, it said there was going to be film about Tokyo Friends. So there's somthing to look forward too.
But overall it was a strong drama for me. It spoke about friends and saying goodbye to them. And 'Friends' the song was strong to, I actually downloaded the song so I could listen to it. But like I said it has a strong meaing to it. I rate Tokyo Friends 8/10

Shindou · 7 May 2006

Didn't have too high expectations for this dorama at first but it turned out well and was unexpectedly more enjoyable than I would have thought. Music was great and the only real bone I have to pick about the acting was the goofiness of White Tights. Other than that, the acting was decent and laid back.

horizon180 · 14 Jan 2006

The story follows the lives of 22 year old Rei Iwatsuki uAi Otsuka, ‘å’ˈ¤v and her three new friends who she meets when she arrives in Tokyo, having left home. Rei's three friends, Maki Abiko uMao Kobayashi, ¬—Ñ–ƒ‰›v, Ryoko Fujiki uYoko Maki, ^–؂悤‚±v, Hirono Hayama uRio Matsumoto, ¼–{仏v are all like her, in that they are each young and attractive single women, living alone in Tokyo. Rei starts working in a small restraunt where she meets the three of them; and it is here that she also meets Ryuuji uEita, ƒGƒCƒ^v and his band, "Survival Company" or "Sabacan". When a fight breaks out in the restraunt between the members of Sabacan, the lead singer quits the band leaving Ryuuji and the rest of Sabacan in a situation where they're left with no choice but to either find a replacement lead singer or disband forever. The impulsive Ryuuji decides to make Rei the lead singer and hence starts Rei's new adventure with Sabacan. The 5-episode series follows the band Sabacan's successes along with the love lives of all four women, each trying to find their own place in the big city. "Tokyo Friends" is a must watch for all Ai fans as her critically acclaimed performance sets the standards for all musicians trying to break into acting. With a high profile production crew, a talented young cast, excellent music by Sin and with brilliant original compositions by singer-songwriter Ai Otsuka, "Tokyo Friends" is not to be missed.