JDrama Recommendations

EstherM wrote: I thought it would be a great time to attack my first-ever Taiga drama.

Which one would you recommend (knowing that the one with Takky isn't probably for me)? :mrgreen:

The best Taiga I have watched was Aoi--Tokugawa Sandai from 2000. The first couple of episodes overwhelm you with names, places, and dates, but if you persevere, it will all become clear. The prologues to each episode are extremely clever and extremely informative, and the acting and script are of a quality not even remotely seen in dorama these days. And the best part is this was made before NHK's unconscionable decision to flood its Taiga with execrable fanboy and fangirl favorites.
Genroku Ryoran which aired in 1999 is very good; the principal actors are excellent in this one, and the story is arguably the most iconic one in Japanese history.
A lot of history purists hated Shinsengumi from 2004. I thought some of the casting was ridiculous--like having Katori Shingo play the lead--and yes, it had a decidedly non-traditional feel to it, but on a purely entertainment level, it was worth watching for me, because screenwriter/director Mitani Koki is a genius at his craft, and even subpar-Mitani is something not to be missed.
Toshiie to Matsu from 2002 is a safe choice; I thought it was a solid dorama.

ChiisanaSam wrote:

Edit: Ah~ And I forgot to add. I'm picky about the time frame that the drama came out and ended. I don't know why but old-ish (in my definition of terms) are farther from 2006. So. 2006-present, please.

Hmm, you're really missing a lot then. The best ones, the classic ones, the engaging ones are all from before 2006. You will be missing the best of Jdoramas then.

ChiisanaSam wrote:Hm. I was wondering if I could get recommendations with a happygolucky/comedy/romance drama.

Edit: Ah~ And I forgot to add. I'm picky about the time frame that the drama came out and ended. I don't know why but old-ish (in my definition of terms) are farther from 2006. So. 2006-present, please.

Yeah, not many to choose from...

Hana Yori Dango 1+2 (the first series is before 2006, I never knew anyone referring it as old though)
Attention Please?

shin2 wrote:

The best Taiga I have watched was Aoi--Tokugawa Sandai from 2000. The first couple of episodes overwhelm you with names, places, and dates, but if you persevere, it will all become clear. The prologues to each episode are extremely clever and extremely informative, and the acting and script are of a quality not even remotely seen in dorama these days. And the best part is this was made before NHK's unconscionable decision to flood its Taiga with execrable fanboy and fangirl favorites.
Genroku Ryoran which aired in 1999 is very good; the principal actors are excellent in this one, and the story is arguably the most iconic one in Japanese history.
A lot of history purists hated Shinsengumi from 2004. I thought some of the casting was ridiculous--like having Katori Shingo play the lead--and yes, it had a decidedly non-traditional feel to it, but on a purely entertainment level, it was worth watching for me, because screenwriter/director Mitani Koki is a genius at his craft, and even subpar-Mitani is something not to be missed.
Toshiie to Matsu from 2002 is a safe choice; I thought it was a solid dorama.

Hi Shin2!
Thanks a lot for your suggestions - a lot for me to check out :victory:

ChiisanaSam wrote:

Edit: Ah~ And I forgot to add. I'm picky about the time frame that the drama came out and ended. I don't know why but old-ish (in my definition of terms) are farther from 2006. So. 2006-present, please.

Go until 2005 - in 2005 there was Nobuta wo produce, Tiger & Dragon, Densha Otoko and H2. Newer funny dramas, besides the ones recommended by xploring: Akihabara@deep, My boss my hero, Yamada Taro Monogatari, Mirai Koshi Meguru, ...

I've already seen HYD 1&&2, Attention Please+SP, My Boss My Hero, Nobuta wa Produce, and Yamada Taro Monogatari.
I've consider Densha Otoko but a few friends of mine told me it was quite annoying, how the main male character gets on people's nerves.
I'll check up on Tiger and Dragon, though I'm sure I saw it somewhere before but it didn't catch my attention. H2, I'll check as well.

Anyone seen Top Sales, with Natsukawa Yui?

I'm downloading it right now... :victory:



EDIT: Ack, there's no subs. :puppydog:

bmwracer wrote:Anyone seen Top Sales, with Natsukawa Yui?

I'm downloading it right now... :victory:



EDIT: Ack, there's no subs. :puppydog:

Don't that suck? I've got about 4 series needing subs... but none to be found.

Anyone knows a drama similar to Densha Otoko?
And a drama with a tsundere girl that a guy falls in love with.

ChiisanaSam wrote:Hm. I was wondering if I could get recommendations with a happygolucky/comedy/romance drama.

I enjoyed..a lot. @__@ And I'm running out.

Seiki no Mikata
Hotaru no Hikaru
Nodame Cantabile
Gokusen I - II - III
Zettai Kareshi (Had a hard time finishing it. Kinda draggy)
First Kiss
Puzzle (2008)
Yukan Club
Tantei Gakuen Q
Hana Kimi

etc. ._. I think my genres are kinda swappy. They switch but, it has..something in common. I'm hoping.

Edit: Ah~ And I forgot to add. I'm picky about the time frame that the drama came out and ended. I don't know why but old-ish (in my definition of terms) are farther from 2006. So. 2006-present, please.

You might enjoy

Kekkon Dekinai Otoko

And I'm also looking for a drama comedy in the essence of Kekkon Dekinai Otoko. Something that isn't a manga-esque comedy like Gokusen, GTO or Nodame, but more on witty script.

Mr. Potato wrote:

You might enjoy

Kekkon Dekinai Otoko

And I'm also looking for a drama comedy in the essence of Kekkon Dekinai Otoko. Something that isn't a manga-esque comedy like Gokusen, GTO or Nodame, but more on witty script.

Have you seen Muri na Renai? It also has Natsukawa Yui in it.

Mr. Potato wrote:

And I'm also looking for a drama comedy in the essence of Kekkon Dekinai Otoko. Something that isn't a manga-esque comedy like Gokusen, GTO or Nodame, but more on witty script.

The most cleverly written, wittiest comedy dorama are from pre-2000.

Ohsama no Resutoran, Sweet Home, News no Onna, Renai Kekkon no Hosoku, and Odoru Daisousasen come immediately to mind.

There's been also many intelligently written Japanese film comedies that have come out in the last 25 years from the likes of Itami Juzo, Suo Masayuki, and Mitani Koki.

shin2 wrote:

The most cleverly written, wittiest comedy dorama are from pre-2000.

Ohsama no Resutoran, Sweet Home, News no Onna, Renai Kekkon no Hosoku, and Odoru Daisousasen come immediately to mind.

Thanks for that. I didn't know about Rennai Kekkon no Housoku before. http://jdorama.com/drama.332.htm I think I am going to try that.

marspeach wrote:Have you seen Muri na Renai? It also has Natsukawa Yui in it.

Have you seen it?

What do you think?

bmwracer wrote:
Have you seen it?

What do you think?

I'm sure I posted about it! It was really good. Natsukawa Yui was great in a really different character.

bmwracer wrote:
Have you seen it?

What do you think?

I've seen it and Natsukawa Yui is at the top of her form, possibly better than Kekkon Dekinai Otoko...she has more freedom here because her character is far less restrained than the doctor she played in KDO...
of course, a great supporting cast does'nt hurt...
It's a great show and definitely worth your time...

^ Thanks for the input you two... I was really impressed by her in Kekkon Dekinai Otoko...

I'm downloading Top Sales (with Natsukawa Yui) right now, but there's no subs. :puppydog:

Mr. Potato wrote:

And I'm also looking for a drama comedy in the essence of Kekkon Dekinai Otoko. Something that isn't a manga-esque comedy like Gokusen, GTO or Nodame, but more on witty script.

A couple of recent ones you may like are Ashita no Kita Yoshio and Shikaotoko Aoniyoshi. Both are rather different from the average j-drama and their writing is of the highest quallity.

I'll also echo the comments about Muri na Renai. Great writing and performances, and Natsukawa Yui is outstanding.

Any great dark drama? Perhaps something like Byakuyakou, Maou, etc. I've been thinking of giving either Warui Yatsura, M no Higeaki or Koori no sekai a try, any thoughts? Thanks.

Lifo wrote:Any great dark drama? Perhaps something like Byakuyakou, Maou, etc. I've been thinking of giving Warui Yatsura & M no Higeaki a try, any thoughts? Thanks.

I haven't seen those two yet, but I remember someone asking about dark dramas, so here are some of the responses:
http://jdorama.com/viewtopic.2708.3760.htm

I just finished watching Unfair, and damn. That was one hell of a good drama :shocked: The acting was perfect. I especially liked Ando (Eita).
Now I need more :shamefulcry: Can anyone recommend something similiar to Unfair? :bow: