Kamen Rider Blade (2004-2005)

Starring:
Takayuki Tsubaki -Blade
Hironari Amano -Garren
Ryōji Morimoto -Chalice
Takahiro Hōjō -Leangle

Ten thousand years ago, a massive battle known as the Battle Royal was fought by fifty-two Undead, each representing a species fighting for dominance over all others. The winner was the Human Undead, known as Category Two of Hearts, giving dominion of the Earth to humanity. In the present day, archaeologists discover the sealed Undead, and accidentally set them free. Thus, a new Battle Royal begins.

Having developed the Rider System, based on the Joker's ability to copy sealed Undead, the organization BOARD equips two young men, who become Kamen Riders: Kazuma Kenzaki and Sakuya Tachibana fight together as Blade and Garren to protect humans from Undead and seal them. Also fighting Undead is the mysterious Chalice, a Kamen Rider whose purpose is unknown. In addition, a young man struggles to free himself from the control of the sealed Undead powering his own Undead-made Rider System, fighting as Kamen Rider Leangle.

Please forgive me! OMG! I loved this series. I think I mentioned when I watched the KR:The Next movie that the KR series must really suck. I was soooo wrong. It was just that movie. I'm a complete and total KR fanatic now!!

I see why the US had to have their own in the Power Rangers (doesn't compare though). The first few episodes, I couldn't understand why I was watching it. But I couldn't seem to stop watching. The whole story became fascinating. I watched the whole series in a day in a half. I couldn't move.

The whole story revolving around decks of cards (kind of like Power Rangers meets Yu-gi-oh). I can't really explain it but the gist of friendship, hatred, power, and the human heart were welded together in a totally endearing show. I really loved it. I even freakin' cried at the end. It wasn't really sad, but then it was.

I watched the moive "Missing Ace" which altered the end of the series and changed the whole future. I don't think they should have did that but worked on the search for Blade instead. The movie was okay but then they altered the course for Chalice which in itself made me cry yet again! Damn them!

Since this was my first KR series, it's so far the best.........

Tsubaki Takayuki

Water Boys ( ウォーターボーイズ -2003)

Starring:
Yamada Takayuki as Shindo Kankuro
Moriyama Mirai as Tatematsu Norio
Eita as Tanaka Masatoshi
Ishigaki Yuma as Takahara Go
Ishii Tomoya as Ishizuka Futoshi
Miyaji Mao as Onishi Asako
Kashii Yu as Hanamura Kyoko
Tani Kei as Mr. Ozaki
Fuse Akira as Mr. Yamaoka
Sugimoto Tetta as Mr. Sugita
Manabe Kaori as Miss. Sakuma
Kikuchi Maiko as Miss. Onogawa
Emoto Akira as Mama (of a bar)
Tokui Yuu as Chi-mama
Takenaka Naoto as Mr. Isomura
Yashima Norito as Isomura Kiyomasa
Tamaki Hiroshi as Sato Katsumasa
Takahashi Hitomi as Shindo Miwako
Asano Kazuyuki as Shindo Kanichi
Ikari Yukiko as Shindo Hitomi
Nishida Naomi
Katayama Reo as Kitajima Daichi
Aibu Saki as Hayakawa Atsumi
Hiraizumi Sei as Mr. Tatematsu

Synchro Boy Group
Hojo Takahiro
Fujisawa Yosuke
Arakawa Yu
Kato Koki
Nozaki Tenma
Tanaka Kei
Shiozawa Hidemasa
Isaka Tatsuya
Hamada Hiroyuki
Abe Atsushi
Ebata Hiroki
Ichitaro
Chikada Shintaro
Takeuchi Taiyo
Kawamoto Takanori
Sekita Atsushi
Hyuga Takashi
Namiki Nobuyuki
Washizu Isanori
Shin Shinichiro
Wakizaki Tomohito
Watanabe Dai

Two years ago, five high-school boys brought fame to a small town in Japan. What was so unique was that they formed a "men's synchronized swimming club." Their involvement and struggles while learning synchronized swimming - known to be a sport for girls - brought much attention to their school and town.

Two years have passed since that summer, and the boys of Tadano High School are still in the club. The Fuji Television drama "Water Boys" shows how these young boys fight to learn synchronized swimming, fall in love, and enjoy friendship with one another.

I cannot believe I put this show off for so long! I watched the movie (actually I think the movie was the first Asian movie I saw for the first time. I'm almost positive because I did a Tamaki Hiroshi search and that came up. I'm STILL looking for Rockers! Errrr)

Okay, I loved this. Oh yeah, Eita in a speedo! Hello!?!! Ishigaki Yuma in a speedo. Oh yeah baby! LOL! This is probably the only drama where I thought Yamada Takayuki looked decent. Yeah, he's a great actor. Really great! But his looks don't give me the.....*sigh*. Ya know?

This was a great family comedy/drama. I loved the end with all the choreography and stunts. The music was cool too! This wasn't the greatest of all dramas go but it was really fun to watch. Oh and Moriyama Mirai didn't disappoint in his comedic role. His facial expressions crack me up. He, also, isn't a "looker" but he too has that "somethin', somethin'", aura, appeal.......whatever that draws your attention to him. Love him! I'm never disappointed in his roles whatsoever.

Have fun. Sit down. Grab a soda. Watch the show.

Hojo Takahiro


Tanaka Kei


Tamaki Hiroshi


Eita

Isshun no Kaze ni Nare (一瞬の風になれ Become a Moment of Wind-2008)

Starring:
Uchi Hiroki as Kamiya Shinji
Fukuda Saki as Taniguchi Wakana
Nishikido Ryo as Kamiya Kenichi
Hasegawa Jun as Ichinose Ren
Igarashi Shunji as Kagiyama Yoshito
Endo Yuya as Negishi Yasuyuki
Tanimura Mitsuki as Torisawa Keiko
Hojo Takahiro as Moriya
Nakamura Tomoya as Momouchi
Uchimura Teruyoshi as Miwa-sensei
Tajima Ryo

The story is about, Shinji, a freshman in high school who has found his calling in track and field, especially sprinting. Once a soccer player who idolized his brother enough to want to surpass him. Realizing this wouldn't happen, he quit soccer and joined the T&F club. The coach realizing that Shinji had potential has regarded him. Later Shinji was asked by the former captain of the team to replace him as captain as Shinji was a special motivator and asset to the team. As the years pass, Shinji finds friends, strength, and love while out on the field. Will he be able surpass his brother and accomplish his goals?



I've only seen the first 3 episodes of this...since the fansubbers haven't released the 4th and final part which is driving me crazy. I've put it in my favorites to keep a lookout for it.

This show is based on a short novel which I haven't seen yet but have read that it's way better than the drama itself. If that is true, then I'd better go and find an English translated version quick. This drama is good. I love sport stories that leave you uplifted and hopeful. I like this one especially because I AM A RUNNER. I totally understand the feeling of wanting and loving to run. (Just 30 minutes ago I ran over 7 miles.*smiles*) Just watching this drama inspired me to get off my ass and move! And I did..............

Tanaguchi: I can't become a hare, but I'll become a fast tortoise. *ahhhhhh!*

Uchi Hiroki


Nishikido Ryo


Igarashi Shunji


Endo Yuya