Hakoiri Musume!

Quite a feel-good and easy-going drama. The after-taste is just like having had a plate of cold soba or a day of walking around the mountain - refreshing and relaxing. The actors are great too (well, except Fukada Kyoko aka Fatty, she is still the one-face-girl). Iijima Naoko as the older sister Hana is perfect. She brings out the character like nobody can (especially when she tries to hide her own sorrow to make others happy). The parents played by Chii Takeo and Yoshida Hideko are sooooo funny, I especially like Yoshida as the mother, so modern and hip (the Japanese version of a former hippy mother, :) ). Tamayam Tetsuji did a great job too as Junpei, the guy who always liked Akari and only tries to make her happy. The gaijin actor who played Keith Corbet, is a little, let's say, low on the acting side and his Japanese is quite mono and horrible as well. However, his ignorant look and boring personality is what fits the character (what do you expect a gaijin character to be like in a Japanese drama other than a gimick and a source to be poked fun at...well, serve them right, look at how they portray Asians in their TV shows and movies). Oh and the fact that he is actually Australian even though the writers tell the audience he is American, not that they would be able to tell the difference.

Overall, a very relaxing fun drama, kind of reminded me of Beach Boys. Not as good, but more exciting and funnier. Watch this, even though Fukada Kyoko is in it, watch it for Iijima and all the other great actors.

Although fukada kyoko's acting has still not improved during the years, the storyline is still acceptable. Ejima naoko gave a terrific acting in the show. She is sometimes funny. Perhaps she can try to take on a comedy next time.

Although fukada kyoko's acting has still not improved during the years, the storyline is still acceptable. Ejima naoko gave a terrific acting in the show. She is sometimes funny. Perhaps she can try to take on a comedy next time.