13 reviews · average 8.8 / 10
MonsterZero65 · 18 Aug 2010
I found the slow nature of this drama really well done. It left me feeling content and peaceful and I really loved the performances in this drama. Don't expect any major developments or thrills though there are some events it's really not a show that relies on them to keep your interest. I also have to say the soundtrack was perfect for this I loved the theme song especially.
Sakebitosan · 2 Dec 2009
I just finished watching Yasashii Jikan, and I know it will always be one of my favorites despite some criticisms and the lack of a strong theme. The story, characterization and setting were all phenomenal, and the mood overall is so palpable it's almost like another character itself. The Forest Clock coffee house is a place you'll find yourself missing when you're not watching this and wanting to visit when you've finished (it's a real, functioning cafe in Furano, Hokkaido, BTW); Wakui-san, the staff and the motley crew of regulars there seem almost like family - people you will find yourself thinking about long after you've stopped watching. Terao Akira is perfectly cast for the role of Wakui, at times bringing to mind the depth and intensity of Clint Eastwood; Ninomiya Kazunari and Nagasawa Masami fit their roles with conviction and incredible emotional range. Yo Kimiko's elegant and understated Tomoko was actually a scene-stealer in several spots - in the scene where she shows up a little tipsy at Forest Clock and teases Wakui-san, Tomoko managed to be laugh-out-loud funny, adorable and incredibly wise all at once.
My first criticism is that the father-son estrangement story, though generally written and played excellently, missed some opportunities for deeper, more moving drama - like gooseflesh-type scenes where the two almost meet but just miss each other (like HaTa-san and TeruTeruBozu in "With Love,") and I think the two characters were made aware of each other's whereabouts too early on, short-circuiting more dramatic opportunities within the story.
The other criticism is that the ending was anticlimactic after all of that great buildup. Episodes 10 and 11 both seemed a little rushed. There was a noticeably hastened pacing after the previous 9 and a whole lot of resolution points jammed into them, yet other subplot loose ends were left unresolved. Given that the series ran 11 episodes rather than an even 12, I'm speculating that perhaps the production ran over budget and a late decision was made to truncate the series with a hastier wrap-up? I had expected the climactic reunion scene to come to a head at the ceramics competition, an event Wakui's son Takuro was eagerly anticipating, but that event wasn't even presented. Again, I think the ending could've been done in a way that took better advantage of the buildup to that point, but that's not to say I was seriously disappointed either. It's just not the emotional wallop that I'd expected.
Some have commented that they found the conversational scenes at the cafe bar to be boring, but aside from the context of this being a slow-paced melodrama, to me they were one of the most fascinating aspects of it. It was an interesting glimpse into the lives of small-business entrepreneurs and their social and business acquaintances, and some uproarious humor on occasion. Takuro-kun's apprenticeship was fascinating too, and his sensei Ryokosuke was a crackup - almost like he stepped off of the pages of Tolkien or Rowling. Great job by Maro Akaji in that role.
Finally, the theme song "Ashita" is indeed spectacular. That's Hirahara Ayaka? I didn't even recognize her - or more specifically, the song is so overwhelming in its gentle beauty that it left me too spellbound to wonder who gave voice to it. It's as good as "Avec Toi Toujours," the theme song for the dorama "Fufudo," sung by Missa Johnouchi. I wish the rest of the soundtrack were more than just light piano music, but I will likely order it anyway. "Ashita" alone is worth it.
If you are patient by nature, Yasashii Jikan is well worth the time spent - a truly memorable, often magical slice-of-life.
morical · 19 Jul 2009
This drama set up with a really good first episode. It made me watch the whole drama in a row, each episode of it. It got a bit slower at half way and the ending was as expected. Though the ending was the point I was really expecting and it happened :)
This is not a tearjerker but a slowly based basic human drama with amazing acting. I've never liked Nino that much (even though he's been in lot of dramas I love) so I was lucky to find out this one was more about the father than the son. Nonetheless he did a splendid job and I must say I value him more from now on. All the actors/actresses were good ones. Though I disliked the character Masami played at some point :)
If you like slowly paced human drama with not much of surprising twists in the plot and you like the setting, this one will suck you in fully! In the end you get exactly what you wanted in the beginning of the show. That is also the only downside of this one... a drop of surprising moments couldn't have hurt.
Ps. Those scenes of Hokkaido are really making me wanna move there :)
Shindou · 6 Sep 2008
Watching this dorama was comparable to watching a picture in a picture frame slowly change and move you from one tableau to the next. While the pace was a bit slow for me, it certainly was quite appropriate and used the time exceptionally well to present the carefully prepared set and props. Certainly a dorama that heads off the beaten path a bit in presenation but its well worth your time.
Wynter · 13 Apr 2008
Yasashii Jikan is one of those dramas that take you for a slow, peaceful drive down a lane bridged with sweet smelling cherry blossoms with soft light filtering through on the wings of birds.
The story is riddled in a tragedy that unfolds like the tongue of a flame. At first the heat is gentle, and then slowly it begins to warmc then burn. A tale of father and son, I was instantly intrigued by the notion of learning about each character even tho the two never meet until much later. There are various characters that sweep in and out of the storyline and each one is nicely written and incorporated. I donft think there was a single situation that made me feel a character was being misused/overused or simply unnecessary. Itfs rare when a drama is so able to knead importance into each character mold.
Terao Akira instantly captivated me and Ifll be sure to pick up some of his other dramas. Nino managed not to annoy the crap out of me, and Ifm convinced now that he is one of the very rare talented Johnny-boy actors. Nagasawa Masami was okay, but I was very grateful for Yo Kimiko, whom I adore.
I give this drama a 10/10. The theme song is beautiful, the filming is beautiful, the actors are beautiful, and the story is beautiful. What more could you ask for?
dekatrain · 11 Dec 2007
A VERY slow drama about a son who has been emotionally distanced from his father, although actually living physically right beside him since their falling out. To be honest, I was a little disappointed and annoyed with this drama - while the ending was predictable and satisfying, I wasn't moved by it in the way I originally thought I was going to be. And now thinking about it, there really wasn't much of a plot involved but rather a gradual revealing of the son and father's past. It was quite frustratingly slow, and although I usually have the tendency to forgive such slow paced dramas if they finish well, I don't believe the end of the drama justifies the sometimes painful process it took to get there. I felt Nagasawa's performance was incredibly strained and she didn't seem very comfortable portraying her role. While Ninomiya did a competent job, he seems a bit lacking not only in his own input into the character, but the character itself which lacked charm and warmness. The exquisite scenery and the father's acting presence saved the drama from falling into a melodramatic mess. 6.5/10
Eve · 12 Nov 2007
Perhaps the most beautifully told, subtle drama Ive seen yet. Extraordinary scenery and filmwork, first class acting...I could go on an on...........
summershine · 1 Oct 2007
I think the first thing I noticed about this drama was the music. The music is abosolutely breathtaking. Set against the snowy slopes of Hokkaidou, this drama uses Japan's beautiful scenery to the largest extent it can. It provides a beautiful, serenity-filled ambiance. It also, however, sets a rather slow pace - a slow pace that scares off fans who want drama, action, romance, and thrills, and aren't willing to wait patiently for a gentle drama to unfold.
Terao Akira is magnificant in his portrayal as a father embittered by the loss of his wife, and unable to face the son he loves dearly because of the role his son had in his wife's death - a reckless driving accident.
And Ninomiya Kazunari is nothing short of astounding in his role as the tentative son, hoping for the love that he is too scared to seek from his father. Ninomiya learns to deal with his rebellious past and the consequences of his actions, while Terao learns to deal with the loss of his wife.
And over time, the two must come together to reunite - in one of the most touching scenes Japanese drama has seen.
I found this drama captivating, and was glad at the change in genre - for something like Hana Yori Dango, I find it impossible to pace myself, buy would rather watch every episode back to back. But for Yasashii Jikan, I found myself watching an episode a day, and mulling it over before I went to bed every night. It was truly a magnificent drama, and I do pity those who can't finish it because it is too "slow". That is the nature of it, and for those who cannot handle slow, I suggest you seek a faster-paced drama. For those in need of a gentle, dynamically-performed drama, I recommend you take a look at Yasashii Jikan.
10/10
shari · 4 Jun 2007
Masterfully executed with taste and sensitivity, this slow-paced drama is pure delight with its first-rate cast, great music score and a perfectly fitting winter backdrop.
monta · 3 Mar 2007
it's very beautiful and has a very strong setting. a bit slow paced. i just loved it when it nearly got to the end. you have to watch all of it to make a good judgement. very memorable
Susan · 5 Aug 2006
This is a lovely series. I cried a fair bit in just the first few episodes. Such a sad beginning, but what a lovely, graceful ending. Really a must see, with wonderful acting all around and beautiful scenery.
dreamraine · 13 Jan 2006
This is the drama that made me like Nino...finally. From the first few minutes of the drama you know that it'll be good. Nino's acting is amazing and so is the guy who plays his father. The drama is slow, but like a cup of coffee, you have to savour it and take your time. The ending left me in tears. Amazing drama, you gotta watch it.
Kirari Ililah · 10 Apr 2005
I know many people didn't like it, but you have to watch ALL of it, it gets very compelling in the end...the point of the story is to understand the relationship between a father and son split between their own rules of life...The ending was fair, sweet too, but it feels like there should have been a little more to it...I don't know, maybe revealing more of the father and sons relationship when it was healed...
Ninomiya does a very good job in portraying the character, although on some parts, he does seem to...miss a piece of emotion to the charcter...
The location was ABSOLUTELY beautiful, Hokkaido has the best snow I've ever seen, and the theme to this drama was perfect too, Hirahara Ayaka is a wonderful singer...
This drama I recommend for people with patients, want to enjoy a calm, still show, and understands the portrayal of this story...^_^