The only thing that is worse (but oh so much better) than anime addiction is a J-drama addiction. Sure, there are other drugs out there, like K-drama, C-drama, and crack cocaine, but none can compare to what is GTO, hana yori dango, Odorudaisosasen, Trick, and Gokusen.
This post is just for fun. I love J-drama (though I haven’t watched for a while now). It has kept me from doing my school work, my work work, and basically anything else that could be considered being responsible. There is nothing more satisfying than sitting down on a Saturday afternoon and watching a twelve episode season of something, only to realize it is the next day when you are done. Here are a few J-drama’s that I’ve enjoyed. There are more, of course, but if you haven’t seen these, you should think about taking a look.
- GTO: This dorama is about Onizuka Sensei, previously the head of a motorcycle gang, decides he wants to become a teacher. After getting employed, Onizuka Sensei has to try and avoid getting fired (because everyone else hates him) and win the trust of his unruly students. It’s touching and funny at the same time, and perhaps my favorite television series ever, in any country.
- GOKUSEN: Man, the Japanese love their teacher dramas. Yamaguch-sensei finds out that the school she was just hired to is full of rabble-rousers. Although the students try to frighten her, little do they know that she’s actually a fourth generation yakuza princess. Watch your pinkies kids.
- ODORU DAISOSASEN: You might know this one from the two movies they’ve put out, translated into English as “Bayside Shakedown 1&2.” This is a police drama starring the ever popular Oda Yuji. This drama boasts a good script, plenty of laughter, and the occasional crying spat on your part. If you want a good mix of everything, this is a great drama for you.
- HANA YORI DANGO (BOYS OVER FLOWERS): Everyone seems to know about this one. It’s about Tsukushi, a student at a private rich kid school. Her adventure becomes a bit wild when she crosses super rich clique of kids called the F4. Then, of course, everyone starts falling in love with each other, and you got yourself a drama. This is a fun one, everyone should check it out.
- OKANE GA NAI (I HAVE NO MONEY): This is an old-school one, also starring Oda Yuji. So far, I haven’t found anyplace to download it, but I watched it through in high school. It’s one of my favorite dramas of all time. It’s about Kentaro, who lives with his two brothers in a very poor lifestyle. When Kentaro gets laid off, things get tough. This drama is about Kentaro’s search for more money, and a better life for him and his brothers. Man, I love this one – if anyone knows where to find it, please let me know.
- KIMI WA PETTO: Sumire Iwaya takes in a young and attractive bum after finding him on the streets outside her home, living in a box (maybe he’s Solid Snake). You can only imagine the complications that ensue from having a young and attractive bum living in your apartment.
Some other dramas that are worth mentioning but not in my top (six) are: Densha Otoko, Beautiful Life, Water Boys, Trick, and Ichi Ritoru no Namida. There’s more out there, plenty more, and that’s up to you to discover or comment about so others can discover them through you.
So, what do you like? Oh, and, I’m a J-doramaholic, I think I forgot to mention. Here’s a video purely for enjoyment. It doesn’t have too much to do with this post.
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