Hachi-One Diver (2008)

Starring:
Mizobata Junpei as Sugata Kentaro
Naka Riisa as Nakashizu Soyo / Ukeshi
Kohinata Fumiyo as Suzuki Hobbito
Yasuda Misako as Muguruma Rika
Date Mikio (伊達みきお) as Kakuta Goro
Tomizawa Takeshi (富澤たけし) as Hidaka Yasuo
Kinoshita Yukina as Tsukishima Misaki
Watanabe Tetsu as Tsukishima Fumio
Guests
Tsuruno Takeshi (つるの剛士) as Kazuya Yoshihide (ep1,9)
Kyo Nobuo as Mamushi (ep2)
David Ito as Katsura (ep2)
Osugi Ren as Jinno Shintaro (ep2-3,6)
Gekidan Hitori as Mojiyama (ep3-5)
Ikeda Tetsuhiro as Iruka Ichiro (ep3,6)
Kyomoto Masaki as Kirino (ep5-7)
Omasa Aya (大政絢) as Sugata Ayumi (ep6)
Hakamada Yoshihiko as Kasuga Kyosuke (ep8)
Oshinari Shugo as Kasuga Tomoya (ep8)
Fuku Matsumi (ふくまつみ) as Mikado (ep9)
Ishibashi Renji as Kirishima Seijuro (ep10)
Toda Naho as Kirishima Nagi (ep10)
Morimoto Leo as the TV drama director (ep11)

Sugata Kentaro used to be one of the most hopeful trainee to be a professional Shogi (Japanese chess) player, but fails at the final test. Now he has become a "Shinkenshi," a gambler who plays Shogi for money, and boasts his 182 wins in a row. But he is devastated when he is beaten completely by a young woman known as "Ukeshi" who takes any challenges and never loses. As Shogi means everything to him, he decides to train himself harder to become the strongest player. Based on a popular comic, this comedy drama is about a young man's exciting journey to reorganize his life through a series of tough challenges in Shogi guided by a mysterious girl. --Fuji Creative


I so totally fell in love with this comedy/drama! It was unique. Quite unique. The story had me at the very beginning to the point I couldn't move from the sofa. I watched it all today. It's only 11 episodes but they are only, roughly, 30 minutes long.

Shogi, the Japanese chess game, has me intrigued enough to give it a go. Problem is....where does one find it in the U.S.? I guess I could find an online beginners game, huh?

The story, even though it rests primarily on the game, is mainly about not giving up on your dreams. To just keep fighting on and not giving up because the road will keep going as long as you do.

I did a check up on Mizobata Junpei. He was in Hana Kimi??? I think I might have to hop through some episodes to see him. It seems once I find a "new" guy...he isn't new. LOL! I was really excited to see him and really believe that he will be in the "in" crowd.

Mizobata Junpei

Ougon Kishi GARO (牙狼, Fanged Wolf-2006) + Special

Starring:
Konishi Hiroki as Saejima Koga/Golden Fang GARO (R, SP Pt1, SP Pt2)
Hijii Mika as Mitsuki Kaoru (R, SP Pt1, SP Pt2)
Fujita Rei as Suzumura Rei/Silver Fang ZERO (R, SP Pt1, SP Pt2)
Hotaru Yukijiro as Gonza (R)
Kageyama Hironobu as the voice of Zaruba (R)
Kyomoto Masaki as Ryuzaki Karune/Barago/Dark Fang KIBA (R)
Sato Yasue as Jabi the Makai Priest (R)
Kinoshita Hoka (R)
Shinagawa Toru (R)
Yoshino Kimika

"Where there is light, shadows lurk and fear reigns... yet by the blade of Knights, mankind was given hope..."—Ward Sexton

GARO focuses on the life of Kouga Saejima, who assumed the title of Makai Knight to protect humanity against dark demonic manifestations called "Horrors." In his quest to purge them, he encounters a young girl named Kaoru whom he saved from a Horror, but was stained with its demonic blood. As a rule, those that been stained by the blood of a Horror shall be cut down, or else they will die painfully in approximately 100 days. Kouga had mercy upon her and tries to find a way to purify her before her remaining time expires. Thus, the series focuses on Kouga's developing relationship with Kaoru and his stand in protecting humanity after the wishes of his father, who was his predecessor with the title of GARO. The series was created and chief directed by Keita Amemiya (Kamen Rider ZO, Zeiram). It is directed by Makoto Yokoyama (Power Rangers) and Kengo Kaji (Uzumaki).

The GARO Opening:



Scene From Garo:



OMG! This is something you would never see me normally watch in my lifetime. I thought I'd find a show that myself and my older two boys would like. Well, they got bored because it was too "lovey" and left me to watch it myself. I LOVED IT!

This show was like a cross between Power Rangers and some romantic sci/fi with some topless nudity! The drama had a great premise. The show was never boing in any way, shape, or form. I mean, come on, you can't help loving the karate moves of Kouga and Rei. Between the two, *sigh*, left me in a hot sweat! Then the love story between Kaoru and Kouga, it progressed so smoothly. You couldn't help but love the way Kouga grew to eventually love her even though he never said the words. I think the most he said to her was "I need you." At the end of the special, well.....I can't say but I was looking for a little physical action. Ya know a kiss wouldn't have hurt. I hope they make another season. That would be good. Ah, but that is usually me dreaming.

If you aren't afraid to give it a try...go for it. You'll be pleasantly surprised. Guys and gals, both, will love this because you all get what you want.

Fujita Rei

First saw him in RH Plus. I really loved that show. So different but more for the preteen, idol set. Totally different genre instead of the same old, same old.

Konishi Hiroki

He doesn't have the "classic" hottie look but his personality makes you melt with the character he plays. Okay the stunts turned me on quick. LOL! He grew on me...now I'm looking for more stuff from this cutie!!