Thrilling Mystery

This may be one of the most roller coaster suspenseful mystery shows I've seen in a long time. At first I wanted to watch the show because of the cast and synopsis, but as I continued through the episodes its like I was trapped in a trance. I couldn't get enough of the story, or the characters. While the story itself seemed familiar, it did not seem like anything I had ever seen before; what I chose to believe was familiar, however, were bits and pieces within the story as a whole, instead of the entire show.


It was nice to see Masuda Takahisa in a suspenseful role while showing off his comedic timing as well. He is one of a few actors that I like who seems to be able to dive so deeply into his character that he seems to truly become them. It was also nice to see a few new faces that I began to like because of this show; in fact, I thought Ukisho Hidaka was Hirano Sho considering their voices sound so similar. Watching Ukisho Hidaka was intense; this is my first time watching a show/movie of his and he is extraordinary! The way he practiced in the dojo, the way he carried himself as an influential person yet somehow under the radar, while still being the definition of a teenager and somehow seeming so grown up. Ukisho Hidaka is truly a mastermind of acting; it would be nice to see lots more of his talent and skill.


The music genuinely paired well with the show as well; it hyped up the story or kept me on the edge of my seat with the suspenseful thrills! I truly could not figure out who did what, or when; or even what was to happen in the next scene, let alone the next episode. To watch Ukisho Hidaka practice in the dojo was honestly beautiful; the way his body moved with force, while staying calm and confident of his movements and handling were incredible. Which only makes me more excited to see him in future castings.


The show is familiar, yet completely different; it has some of the same scenarios that each Japanese crime/mystery show seems to have... But definitely surpasses your expectations, and is most assuredly nothing like anything you've seen before!

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Fun~

Before I start the review, I want to put a disclaimer that I only began this show after reading the manga and watching the anime, however far back that was, and thought of giving the show a chance, too, and I was not disappointed!

The cast worked so well together that I didn't even realize I was watching a show until the episode ended. It was like watching a movie or reality television of life on "Goto Island". Each episode was hilarious, heartfelt, and extraordinarily cheerful, even with the sadder moments. I don't want to say the show taught me lessons about life within each episode, but it was truly wonderful to watch each character grow, overcome, and excel at whatever troubles each episode brought up. The dialect from the island was fascinating to listen to, too; I could listen to them talk all day! However, the big surprise to me was seeing two of my favorite actors in the show (Endo Kenichi and Okada Yoshinori) who I didn't even realize were in the cast, and most definitely fueled my excitement to continue watching.


I laughed a lot during the entire show, and yes even learned a few life lessons or how to look at a situation differently, but this show is way too good to be only 11 episodes. I would have liked to of seen more character development between a few of the islanders. I was very much enthralled with each story in every episode and the entire series, too. I could see the similarities between the live-action, manga, and anime as "Barakamon", though I could also catch a few differences in each adaptation that created a brand new story ever time.

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Somehow this show is definitely not at all what I thought it would be! The synopsis isn't exactly misleading but it isn't exactly the complete truth of such a fantastic show! Though I suppose that is what a synopsis is meant for. This show is such a spectacular showing of crime-fighting, thrills, hilarity, bravado, suspense, and is so exhilarating that I cannot believe I took so long to watch it!

Each story does seem to be its own story, however, if you take notice of some tiny details throughout the show then you may notice a few pieces of the complete story build-up to its superb finale. Each episode was filled with interesting stories, some that seem pretty generic to a detective/police genre show, but mostly within these 9 episodes were stories that I've never really witnessed. It's almost like a movie cut up in to separate episodes, but if it wasn't cut into those 9 episodes then I do not believe it would be as fantastic as it was!

The partnership between each member of Unit Zero was something extremely amazing to watch grow from beginning to end; some partnerships seemed a little more built-up than others at the beginning, but it actually proved fulfilling to the entire show. Which, I think, is sometimes rare to see in detective shows, sometimes they just fall out in big fights for multiple episodes, but in this show, it was very interesting to watch as each partnership grew from new members to trusted buddies.

The cast was perfection for this entire show for all 9 episodes! From the main cast to the guests; and to be honest, I only wanted to watch this show because I knew Ito Hideaki was part of the main cast, however, as I continued to watch, I noticed the cast of superb actors and actresses appear in the show! The guest cast was amazing to watch as the story builds to the final climactic event, and I was not expecting a few members of the cast to be such tangible, honest, and very genuine people. The respect for each story, not to mention, for the other members of the cast, production, directors, and writer(s) was so fascinating to watch throughout each episode! Some people I've seen in other shows, however, this is completely wonderful to watch them in such a different light; and some I've seen within the same genre as this show, though while remembering the earlier shows I've seen them in, I can tell that this show is part of a building block that built their amazing skills and talent to become who they are as actors, people, and their characters was built.

Each episode was full of thrills, suspense, laughter, mystery, wit, and vast knowledge of multiple different skills. I think this show is a fantastic "showing" of what dangerous realities a policeman/woman, detective, and even a civilian can face within different realities (and of course in Japanese tv dramas/movies lol). This show is honest, heartfelt, bittersweet, gutwrenching, and extremely intense! This is not a story to miss!

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This drama is one of the best medical/forensics, detective/crime, and mystery shows I've seen! If you're expecting something darker, then you probably won't get that from this story; however, not one moment of this story is lacking in suspense or drama!

Each bit of this story fits together like a skeleton (pun intended) and the thrills and suspense within each episode fit together piece by piece to create a magnificent story filled with genuine, raw human emotion and honesty that is something very fitting with reality.

The actors and actresses that portray each person have a wonderful talent and respect for their skill and their work that is almost tangible and feels as if they've been swallowed by the character they are acting as, while the viewer(s) watch the story unfold. Each episode is very unique and completely different to any stories I've seen or read before, this show and its story are very intriguing!

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At the beginning of this drama, I thought it would be something a bit darker and I was afraid to start watching because I am a giant scaredy-cat; I can't even watch horror movie trailers! But, I am so glad that I started watching this drama, even though I haven't seen the first series. Part of me watched this because of Sakurai Sho and Yokoyama You, but as the show went on, all of the contestants and production crew and supporting roles became super interesting. Sakurai Sho took his acting skills to a completely new level; at some points, I even forgot it was him as MC Kamiyama/Kamiyama Satoru! Yokoyama You is also really, really good at portraying the "evil/bad guy" character! I was engulfed in this show from the beginning, I absolutely love this show!

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Perfect blend of reality with what we hope for~

The story of the Maki and Kuwahara families, along with their friends and co-workers, is an epic not to be missed. This is one of the most accurate, relateable, genuine, raw, honest, and beautiful telling of life as we know it; the ups and downs, the terrifying and exciting, the scary and hopeful, the good and bad.


This season of Kansatsui Asagao truly served as a beautiful and honest visual story telling of life itself. It broke my heart to continue watching some episodes along the way, but "that's life". And honestly, this wonderful story has very extraordinarily told the story of life's ups and downs, the peaks and valleys, the despair along with the joyous moments so very well. I don't want to say this story is dark and depressing, or full of medical jargon or gory details, because it isn't; however, this series does a splendid job at telling the truth for both sides of life, without hiding one detail.


A couple of episodes broke my heart or took my breath away, I simply couldn't believe what was happening or think of what was to come. I really respect the cast, creators, writers, directors, staff, etc... for showing their respect, kindness, understanding, and compassion to the March 11th tragedy throughout this series; that had to be hard to do. While I didn't cry during the first or second season, I did tear up a lot! As a foreigner, it was hard for me to remember March 11th, though not as hard as it had to of been for the actually Japanese, more specifically for Ueno Juri, Tokito Saburo, Ishida Hikari, and Emoto Akira. To have to deal with their roles throughout the series haad to have been tough, mentally and emotionally; and possibly physically.


It was really a treat to have such "cute relief" during the heartbreaking and hard moments from such a hard working and talented actor as Nagase Yuzuna; I look forward to more of her work! Watching Tokito Saburo as Maki Taira was incredible, his talent and power never cease to amaze me.


I wish there was more of this family to watch! Their story is a lovely story of life, how to win in the dark moments, and even how to celebrate both the good and the bad. The atmosphere created throughout this series showed one of the more realistic "slice-of-life" story's I have seen in a very long time!

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Original and Unique Yet Familiar

The story within this show is most definitely an original script, however, there are a lot of similarities in the show to other shows I've seen before; in a "read between the lines" sort of way, though. It also felt a little familiar to the American show "Criminal Minds", which made me curious if maybe this was an attempted remake or an attempt to "open the door" for a show remake.

Let me restate/re-word the above: this story is definitely an original story, however, the "feeling" and/or the "atmosphere" this show has is familiar. Which makes me wonder if it's the script, if it's myself comparing this story to other story's, if it's some members of the cast (since I've seen them in other criminal/detective shows), or if the creator/creators wanted it to be familiar in a way. In saying all of that, though, I'm not trying to say "do not watch this show"; on the contrary!

The hard work of everyone involved in this show is almost tangible through the screen; watching each case unfold made me want to continue from one episode to the next as soon as possible! While some parts of the episodes are cliche and a little confusing, each episode is clarified towards the episode's end and each episode creates a piece of the puzzle that fits so perfectly together, I was holding my breath while on the edge of my seat.

While some episodes are truly scary, not all of the episodes are, and not all of the episodes are too scary to watch. I have to admit that I did want to watch this story because of a few interesting sentences in the synopsis, though the cast really gave me the extra "push" to continue the show. I wasn't expecting so many popular and famous stars, watching their skill and talents in action really made each episode exciting.

I don't know why only Kitagawa Keiko was set as the "main character" in the listing here on MDL, because after watching the show in its entirety it truly felt like each person had their "five minutes of fame" in the spotlight... Or "limelight" as it were.


If you like thrilling, suspenseful, rollercoaster dramas, or if you're a fan of any actor in this show, then give this show a try!

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Unassuming Beautiful Story

This story is a gorgeous telling of what it means to be a member of any community and/or family, whether a new or old member of society. Each episode is full of stories of growth, honesty, raw and genuine feelings, determination, and respect. Growing from one's past isn't exactly easy to do, but with the support of friends and family or people from your community to support and guide and reassure you, anything is possible!


This story only has 7 or 8 people I recognize within its cast and that made it really interesting and enjoying to watch. I've found a few new actors/actresses whose careers I would like to follow, given this story was created in 2009 I'm sure they have a ton of new shows and movies to watch!


This show's episodes were really a mishmash of what happened on the island; it was calming and beautiful to watch, with a twist at the end that I did NOT see coming at all! However, the mystery and suspense really knocked the air out of my lungs and had me hanging on the edge of my seat! I did cry a few times during the show, so keep some tissues prepared! What I wasn't sure about was the ending, I feel like it ended too soon, and a few things needed to be expanded on or at least given a "1 month later" or "1 year later" type of conclusion.


This story really had it all! Dramatic backstory, lifestyle worries, old and new relationships, relatable problems, epic thrills, hysterical comedy, and heartfelt yet bittersweet moments. I wish they had a few more episodes than just 9, I really enjoyed watching each member of the Narumijima Island grow into their true self as they supported the community and became stronger versions of themselves. I am really interested in seeing how the Island grows and continues to address their issues, separately and as a community; each member of the cast really had a wonderful, bright, positive personality and attitude during the entirety of filming. It was something really special to watch!

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I've Never Wanted to Travel More!

When you think of Japan, most people travel there for it's popular media (music, anime, manga, fashion, etc) and other people seem to travel there for culture (food, history, architecture, museums, etc) and most people even think of one city: Tokyo! While theres nothing wrong with Tokyo, it just seems to be the most populated and popular place to visit; this show shares multiple wonderful reasons about why Kyoto and Osaka are wonderful places to venture to as well!



Each story really had a thrilling impact of intense emotions! From tears to laughter, anger to frustration, worry to pure unadulterated happiness. Each story was filled with a mixture of familiar and unfamiliar, like a mini-travel show, and while I did learn something new each time about new places to visit, I also learned new things about being a good friend or just being a good human, in general.



This show really tells a fantastic story of traveling, alone or in a group of friends or even strangers; almost like a travel blog come to life! Watching the characters and cast visit so many places around both Osaka and Kyoto, while listening to the dialects of different regions, and learning varying new things about the towns and foods and places visited was not only gorgeous but seemed to me to be an absolute privilege! Watching Kokoro-chan, Nanami-san, Sosuke-san, Jun-chan, and Miyama-san work together to help their customers or visitors throughout each episode was really charming and absolutely stunning! There were a few, tiny moments, when I thought "oh this person would fit well in this episode" or "this person would be an interesting choice for this role" but it really only lasted for a few seconds because this story really blew me out of the water! Each episode was really packed with a lot of information and entertainment; it was really fun to watch Jun-chan grow as a person and watch her confidence grow as she fulfilled each new customer's wish, even if she didn't realize what was going on. It was nice to see an airhead willing to grow within the story, instead of an airheaded victim that remains the "damsel in distress".



The show didn't really go in the direction I thought it would, it was absolutely completely different from what I imagined it would be considering the synopsis, too. I really enjoyed watching and learning so much about Kyoto, Osaka, and Japan in general. This show also served to make me extremely hungry! All the food not only looked delicious but very beautiful, too! A lot of the food I didn't recognize, but a lot I knew a little about; it was nice to see the difference in regional food names even though the food seemed to be similar, and it was nice to see the differences in regional areas. Something like that is similar to what we have here in the USA, however I think what we have is limited to accents or what we call things (buggy vs cart; etc) and in Japan it seems that it applies to more diverse things (what they call things, accents, types of foods or even mannerisms).



Wandering around Kyoto and Osaka was quite an adventure! I really liked how each episode showed off different sides of each city, town, and person no matter if they were new or recurring. The connection between each cast member was really wonderful to watch grow, I enjoyed that there were hints of romance, but nothing really ever seemed to connect, each person who visited Kizunaya (Kizuna-ya) seemed to get almost exactly what they were searching for even if they didn't realize it was coming for them. "A place where your wish can come true" seems to be pretty generic to Japanese drama, movie, anime, or manga stories; but this story is unique in and of itself! A genuine take on the human condition: kindness, anger, hilarity, sadness, courage, communication, friendship, love, facing the past, braving the future.... This story is an underrated gem full of history, growth, impressive sights, sounds, and mouth watering moments full of joy and enchantment!

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A little bit of everything

This show really has it all! Romance, fantasy, drama, mystery, suspense, hilarity, ingenuity, and even a few moments where I've had to hold my breath or grab a tissue. I did not expect a lot from this story, but each and every episode with its wonderful cast really did their best to deliver a one-of-a kind, unique, talent filled, enjoyable show!


It was interesting to see that there was a sort of "behind the scenes" look at a police officer's lifestyle besides the nitty-gritty dirty details of their work. Also, I really enjoyed watching the different types of families, with or without kids, throughout the show. For some reason, this show felt familiar to a family/slice-of-life anime style, but also with little bits of "Bewitched" and the typical family life thrown in. Each episode was filled with suspense, thrills, mystery, comedy, and sometimes even a little life lesson. I liked that the family unit for the Morikawa's was completely upended, definitely not the "typical" or "normal" family style.


Watching this story was intense! So much happening all at once, but never once did I lose my train of thought or get confused. It was really fun to watch the kids seem to have their own lives, but also come together as part of the community and support their friends and families. So many times you see kids be bratty or self centered, but it was really fun to watch each member of the little town where the Morikawa's lived come together on different, yet similar, common ground(s) at times. As an aspiring writer myself (as if my ridiculously long reviews didn't hint at that already lmao) it was also nice to watch Morikawa Akira struggle and yet still continue his writings; often in shows we only see failure and quitting or succeeding and winning or succeeding and then failing after a while... viewers don't often get to see the journey that Akira goes on throughout the episodes, so it was really fun to watch!


From cooking and stain removal to fighting bad guys and bullet proof vests to odd souvenirs and new friends to stubborn visitors and funny relatives, this story really does seem to have something for everyone! Though, if you're looking for epic gun battles and "fire fights", this may not be too interesting. The story of the Morikawa family, their neighborhood of family and friends, and how they persevere throughout difficulties and hard work together, or separately, is really wonderful!


I think this show is sort of underrated, being as I don't really see a lot of people talking about it, but if people decide to give this fantastic show a chance, I really think and believe that the viewer will enjoy themselves! I laughed, I cried, I was anxious, and even got a few new outlooks on life while enjoying myself! The narrator has a calming voice, yet he was also really funny, too! I am so interested in season two of this family and neighborhood's story!

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A Little Bit of Everything

This story has a little bit of every genre mixed within it. Slice-of-life, romance, mystery, science fiction, family, but most importantly it really tells a story of reality and humanity and (i apologize for sounding so sappy) and the relationship with your own self.


At the beginning, this story set out to be exactly what the synopsis said: a tv screenwriter who rekindled a dream he had given up for years (in short), however, the story itself is so much more than that; and while it does seem to be a little slow in the beginning, as each episode builds and builds, the story creates a wonderful world full of imagination, creativity, mishaps, dramatics, and a fantastic adventure!


(i apologize if the below is a spoiler for anyone)
The show does resemble Ikuta Toma's drama "Ore no Hanashi wa Nagai", but in atmosphere only. I couldn't find one similarity within the script, characters, or anywhere else. This story was something like a sequel, but not quite EXACTLY a sequel... Maybe something like an alternate reality? Though I do have to say the differences between Ikuta Toma's main characters for each show is quite strong; I couldn't find any similarities between them (except for the fact that Ikuta Toma was the main character actor) and he doesn't seem the type of person to be type-casted into any roles. In fact, seeing him in roles like this (charming, family man, calm and quiet, slice-of-life, almost non-main-character type if you follow the popular views) makes me want to see him in other more active, strong, dramatic (think Ouroboros) type of roles. Ikuta Toma does a marvelous job of sucking you in to, not only admiration for his character, but also admiration for the show and each and every character.



This story is very comforting. A family that works together, yet has their own almost "secret society" within it. While most families do have this dynamic, it was nice to see that each member of the Yoshimaru household had their own life that did not revolve around the celebrity that was their parents. Yes, everyone (family included) around them wanted to celebrate the new job(s) and be supportive, but this show was so much more than just celebrating one or two specific peoples. I would have liked to of seen more of Sora-kun, Erika-chan, and Sengawa-kun, though! I feel like that is a side story worth exploring.


I think this story may be a bit underrated, but then again I'm not one that follows the bandwagon for "popular" things, either. I wanted to watch this show because of Ikuta Toma, but then I realized there were more cast members that I enjoy watching and following their career(s), and as I started watching this story the show really made me laugh out loud, gasp with suspense, and worry along with the characters. Each actor really blended in with their character well, almost chameleon like level; at some points within the show it felt like I was watching a docu-drama of a real family that was put together as a drama and not a full documentary to keep the interest and entertainment of the original story. I really enjoyed watching the ups, downs, and in-betweens of the Yoshimaru family, the co-workers, and their friends. I wonder why this did not get a few more episodes or more detailed story for a few other cast members, but I'm also kind of glad that this story wasn't too busy or cluttered with information that would be unnecessary. It was really wonderful to see the "behind the scenes" work of a screen writer!

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Underrated - Intense - Genuine - Painful, Bittersweet Reality

I was extremely unprepared and had little to no expectations for this show. I went in to it thinking it would be something of a comedy, since I mainly know Sato Jiro from comedic genre type shows and movies and I rarely ever look at the genre listing of a show (unless I'm specifically looking for a certain genre) so I won't be too biased going in to the story. I am not exaggerating when I say that this show completely blew me away, blew my mind and absolutely left me breathless.


The story is almost literally what the title says it is: a hikikomori man who regained the self confidence little by little to go outside for work, for food, and for himself. Hikikomori's are not unknown within Japan, between 2010 and 2011 there are 700,000 (according to Wikipedia and google anyways). To see a show created with hikikomori's in mind, almost as if it was created for them, with such respect, dedication, compassion, and intensity toward human kind no matter their issues and how to help not only the "main" person involved but everyone involved within the (same) problem was the definition of epic. To me, at least.


Each episode left me wanting more, to know what was going to happen to, not only the students, but the teachers and the principal, and especially to "yakitori-sensei" and Yoda-kun, too. The dramatics for each episode left me in tears; the emotions of the students and parents involved were so dramatically intense, so raw and fierce, and full of brutal, bittersweet honesty. It was inspiring and empowering to watch the students rise above their issues, not full of entitlement, but full of confidence, preservation, love, and genuinely face themselves and their problems, and especially life itself.


I completely felt depressed when covid reared its ugly head. The feelings and emotions of each person, student and teacher alike, really was a punch to the gut. It completely took my breath away. Personally, covid was a 50/50 high issue. I quarantined and got vaccinated of course, especially because I'm high risk, and I actually did get covid for a week last month, but since I'm vaccinated my covid wasn't as bad as it could have been. Watching how hard covid had hit society, even though it's oceans away from me and involved people who (even though the actors/actresses are real, the characters are not) are strangers to me and (sort of) not real was really hard to watch. I felt my breath leave my body during a couple of episodes, I was so upset and concerned for each person; I sympathized and empathized with almost all the students and hikikomori-sensei, too!


This show was very special, and to me feels underrated; it definitely needs more press and more people to see such a beautiful story full of the joys and sadness and frustrations and hardships that life deals us. I cannot wait for season 2!

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Manga Live Action Done Right!

This live action make really holds the manga original very, very close! The similarity in the episodes is uncanny and produced so well, it was like watching the manga float right off the pages, which can be a difficult thing considering this is an extremely original and unique type of story.


Granted, there are some cliche Japanese Drama/Movie tropes within the show, but they really take on lives of their own. They don't come across as too cheesy or ridiculous, each moment has just the right amount of balance for the serious, hilarious, and many more! I've never laughed out loud so much, so loud, and so often within a show as I have with this show; granted, not every episode and not the entire episode(s), either. This is one of the funniest yet sincere, honest, and most beautiful shows I have watched in a long time.


The music was really wonderful, the voices more so than the melody I thought really created a nice atmosphere for the show and built up the curiosity to find out what happens next. There were a couple of episodes where I was on the edge of my seat with anticipation! Hiroshi Tamaki and Kawaguchi Haruna really blended into their roles so well that I completely forgot who they were as an actor and actress and fell totally in love with their characters; its almost as if all the actors and actresses within this show came to life from the original story, they all fit their roles and carried them out with the highest pride, dedication, respect, and, of course, enjoyment! It was nice to see some actors/actresses that are new to me and that I will now follow their paths because I liked them in this story so much, and actors/actresses that I know and already follow in different roles that I'm used to seeing them in; especially for Takito Kenichi. I would really like to know how they did some of these scenes without dying of laughter.


I'm so glad this story continues in so many ways (manga of course, a sequel, a spinoff, the anime, a Netflix adaptation, and a movie) because the world needs to see more of these wonderful people and the story of the yakuza house husband needs to continue. This show is a hilarious yet serious and sincere, honest and genuine, raw true story of love, family, relationships, and life. I've enjoyed it very much and hope more people will, too!

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Otori no Yu is Perfection

First off, let me start by saying: no, this isn't a "typical drama", however, this is one of the most hilarious and epically entertaining shows I have seen in a long time! I laughed out loud multiple times within an episode. I got worried in a couple other episodes. This is a skit show, even says so at the beginning of each episode, though the way the story builds and continues (unlike most skit shows in America) this show is also a drama. A very exceptional even split between skit/sketch comedy and a drama story creating a fantastic show!


I thought the laugh track/live audience laughter would be annoying, but it was kind of helpful in a sense and was really nice to hear as the actors and actresses showed off all of their hard work during the 10 episodes. I wish there were more, or the episodes were a little longer, but seeing how physically demanding, imaginative, fulfilling, and creative each episode was, it's easy to see how the actors/actresses and staff/writer(s)/director(s) were giving the viewer all of their hard work, respect, and dedication to their characters and each other while working.


I like how the setting was created. Building such a wonderful set and atmosphere around the characters, instead of letting the setting build the characters. I saw a few different sides of actors/actresses who I really like and it was ridiculously entertaining. I don't really think this show can be considered a launching pad to put the actors/actresses out in to the celebrity world, but in some ways it sort of felt like it. I really enjoyed watching actors I was familiar with and unfamiliar with come together to create such a spectacular story without making it seem like one actor/actress was more popular or favorited than the others.


The story itself was really interesting! The build up from episode one until the finale was intense, it's small and unassuming, but if you pay attention the story is truly one the more genuine, unique, honest, and emotional stories I've seen. Granted, nothing like murder or the like happens, but this story has got a severe punch to the gut that will take your breath away with laughter!

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Warning: Do Not Watch If Hungry

I'm not sure if this story was supposed to be a drama or if it was created by Japan's tourism industry in the midst of Covid-19, but let me tell you a show/movie/anime/manga/drama/music group/history lesson has never fueled my love and want for traveling to Japan! Also, fair warning as stated above, but: do not watch on an empty stomach!


I really love how this show created such a wonderful story that showed not only each specialty of food, drink, and sweet from wherever region in Japan that Takamiya Susumu had traveled to, the story also was fantastic at showing off Japan itself! The scenery, the people, the local towns/cities were absolutely stunning. I feel like I was taken on a personal tour of Japan itself.


Each town was showcased so perfectly, I really felt like I had been there myself; the food and drinks shown looked so beautiful, and (to someone who is american, a sensitive eater, and has watched Japanese shows passionately for years) the foods and drinks they showed really appealed to a person who has never tried Japanese food before. Everything was simple yet extravagant and even though there were some pieces of food that I probably wouldn't (or couldn't because of personal food restrictions) try, there were so many pieces of foods and drinks that looked so delicious they made my mouth water! There were so many different types of foods that, even though I know I don't like them, made me want to try them immediately! From seafood to pasta, steak to vegetables, traditional sweets to traditional alcohol... this story really captured the spirit of Japan within its 12 episodes!


If you're looking for a calm, simple, comedic, heartwarming, genuine, purely beautiful story that will leave you stuffed and with a feeling of sweet bliss and nostalgia, then this show is definitely for you. An underrated gem of a show that is filled with amazing people, delicious foods and drinks, and will most definitely remind you to take proper care of yourself with good food and "personal time", while also showing you that it's great to step out of your comfort zone and explore the unknown!

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