Tokyo Friends

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

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.

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.