John’s Top 10 Japanese Dramas

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I really enjoy Japanese dramas. As far as Japanese entertainment media goes, dramas are right up there with anime for me. When I was first getting into Japanese stuff, I was all about the anime until one day I realized that there was a whole side of Japanese TV I was completely missing out on: J-dramas. I couldn’t believe I’d been missing out on so many great shows.

Over the years, I’ve checked out a great many of J-dramas. Some were bad, some were just okay, and some were downright fantastic. Below is a list of my top ten favorites. If you’re into dramas at all, I’m sure you’ve seen or at least heard of many of them. For those of you new to dramas, however, this list is an excellent place to start (assuming you have the same taste in shows that I do).

10. Boys on the Run

Boys on the Run is about a salaryman who works for a small toy manufacturer and has never had a girlfriend in the 27 years of his life. He has no experience with women and is a hopeless employee nowhere near getting ahead in life. He’s in love with one of his colleagues at work, but has no idea how to approach her. One day he runs into a salaryman from a competing toy company who decides to help him woo the girl.

Over time, Boys on the Run might rank higher on this list of mine. The reason for this is that I haven’t actually finished watching the series yet, but what I’ve seen so far is really good. Every episode is a riot. I can’t remember the last time I yelled at the screen so much during a show, just because of all the ridiculous things the main character does and says. It’s a bit raunchy, but I’ve really been enjoying this show so far.

[yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAkOtgRTW_c']

DramaWiki Link
Genre: Comedy
Who should watch this show: People who like rooting for the nerd loser underdog and dramas with continuously ridiculous situations.

9. Moteki

Moteki is about a temp worker who has never had any luck with women. One day, he suddenly starts getting invitations to hang out from several beautiful women, and he finds himself confused about how to deal with this new experience of having a “moteki” (a period when one is very popular and attractive to others).

This one was actually recommended to me by one of my friends who is teaching in Japan. It’s really funny, much in the same way that Boys on the Run is. The main character supposedly has no luck with women and is suddenly thrown into situations where he doesn’t really know what to do or how to act. Like Boys on the Run, this show can be a bit raunchy at times, but it’s hilarious, and I highly recommend it.

[yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtuM5emjGWo']

DramaWiki Link
Genre: Comedy
Who should watch this show: People who like rooting for the loser underdog in ridiculous love triangle situations.

8. Watashi ga Renai Dekinai Riyuu

Wataren highlights the lives of three women who are all looking for love but each one has something that is getting in the way of their romantical happiness. As the show progresses, they all grow and learn more about themselves and what they want out of life.

I liked this one so much I even wrote a Tofugu post about it earlier this year, soon after I finished watching it. This one came to me after a long stretch of sub par dramas, so this show was responsible for reinvigorating my interest in them.

[yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzC4RRLEV_Y']

DramaWiki Link
Genre: Romance
Who should watch this show: Those interested in seeing the love lives of three different women unfold in a humorous and entertaining manner.

7. Papa to Musume no Nanokakan

Papa to Musume no Nanokakan is about a salaryman and his teenage daughter. One day, the two ride a train together and by some mysterious force, they swap bodies. Unfortunately, they have no choice but to swap lives, pretending to be each other at school and work.

This show is great. I really like the actress that plays the daughter in this show, and it’s hilarious to see her acting like a middle aged salaryman, not to mention seeing a middle aged salaryman act like a high school girl. This show is both hilarious and touching, as it ultimately brings the two closer together.

[yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6x2vgbuDkw']

DramaWiki Link
Genre: Comdey
Who should watch this show: Those who like life-swap shows and seeing middle-aged men act like teenage girls.

6. Buzzer Beat

Buzzer Beat is about a young player from a professional basketball team. Due to his relatively smaller size and his tendency to crack under pressure, he’s unable to really shine as a player. Meanwhile a strong-spirited music college graduate aims to become a professional violinist. One day they have a chance encounter and their meeting begins a friendship that eventually turns into love. However, the main character is already considering marriage with his current girlfriend. What will happen!?

This show was recommended to me by one of my Japanese friends when I was studying abroad in Japan. The main character is played by Yamapi, who has become one of my favorite drama actors, and he really shines in this show. You don’t have to enjoy basketball at all to enjoy this one, it’s merely the glue that holds everything together. This show is funny, romantic, and touching.

[yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XtfVYPghhs']

DramaWiki Link
Genre: Romance, Sports
Who should watch this show: Anyone who has a passing interest in basketball, or just really enjoys well done romantic comedies with love triangles.

5. Pride

Pride is definitely the most serious drama on this list and it centers around a playboy hockey player and his new-found love interest. He doesn’t like commitment, and the main girl has a long distance boyfriend who seems to have left her with no intention of coming back. This show tells their story and all the trials and tribulations they face.

I was actually very skeptical about this one when I first heard of it. A serious romantic drama centering around hockey? Psh, yeah okay- that sounds really interesting. But boy was I surprised. This show really pulls on your heartstrings and really draws you in. It’s definitely one of the most emotional shows on this list, and for that, I highly recommend it.

[yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVrCUBSwUfA']

DramaWiki Link
Genre: Drama, Romance, Sports
Who should watch this show: People who like Queen music. Seriously, that’s all this show plays.

4. Densha Otoko

Ah, the mighty Densha Otoko. The show is probably the most famous and well known on the list. This show is a true love story that was turned into a bestselling novel, drama, and movie. A typical office lady gets into trouble with a drunkard on a train and it saved by the main character, who also happens to be the epitome of otaku. This act of bravery was extremely uncharacteristic of him, but it starts a friendship with the woman that soon blooms into romantic interest. Having no idea how to handle women, he seeks advice on message boards and all of Japan helps him along the way.

This show is awesome. It was one of the first dramas I really got into and it remains one of my favorites. It’s funny, heartwarming, and emotional. It’s a roller coaster ride of feelings, but I loved every minute of it. Also, the opening sequence is great. It really gets you pumped for each new episode.

[yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vd4xCvGW2Nw']

DramaWiki Link
Genre: Comdey, Romance
Who should watch this show: Anyone who likes dramas. Really, you can’t go wrong with this one.

3. Proposal Daisakusen

Proposal Daisakusen is another Yamapi drama and coincidentally was recommended to me by the same girl who told me about Buzzer Beat (apparently she’s a Yamapi fan, too). Anyway, the show is about two people who have been friends since elementary school. The guy has been in love with the girl pretty much ever since he can remember, but she’s about to get married to another man. While he and other friends attend the wedding ceremony, a fairy appears and sends him back in time, giving him a second chance to win the girl he loves.

The premise of this show is really, really cool. Each episode a new picture of the main group of characters is shown on the wedding picture slideshow, and the picture represents the time that the main character gets sent back to. Depending on how he acts and what he says differently from the first time around, the picture changes. It’s just really interesting and you really get into it and can’t help but root for the main character. Just thinking about it makes me want to watch it again. This show is great.

[yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmhKA6guC9E']

DramaWiki Link
Genre: Romance
Who should watch this show: People who enjoy romantic comedies with a time traveling twist.

2. My Boss My Hero

This show is about pudding. Just kidding – it’s about other stuff too. In My Boss My Hero, the main dude is a tough 27 year old high school drop-out who is the son of a gang boss. The main character is pretty dumb, so his father decides to force him to return to high school in order to get his diploma. If he doesn’t graduate, the position of boss will be given to his younger brother.

This show is like Billy Madison with a Yakuza twist. Only this time, no one at the high school knows his true identity, so the 27 year old gangster has to learn to act like a 17 year old kid. The main character is a great actor and really plays the part perfectly. Also, the main girl in the show is the same actress from Papa to Musume no Nanokakan, so that’s great too. Also, if you’re a dude, or if you’re somebody trying to get a dude to get into drama – this is probably the best one to start with.

[yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIoXkJJek34']

DramaWiki Link
Genre: School Drama, Comedy
Who should watch this show: Anyone who likes to laugh or really likes pudding.

1. Kekkon Dekinai Otoko

Kekkon Deninai Otoko is hands down my favorite drama of all time. I’ve watched it many times over the years, and it never gets old. The show is about a 40 year old architect who enjoys living by himself, doesn’t like people, but somehow is able to design wonderful houses that people really enjoy. Eventually he begrudgingly becomes friends with a handful of people who wonder if anyone would ever want to marry him.

I don’t even know where to begin with this show. Everything about it is great. The main character is played by Abe Hiroshi, one of my favorite Japanese actors. He really nails the part and I can’t think of anyone better than him to play this hermit-like architect. You can check out an awesome scene from the show back in the post I wrote about okonomiyaki. The show is funny, interesting, and never gets old.

[yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bc9w8fOFKw']

DramaWiki Link
Genre: Comedy
Who should watch this show: People who like Abe Hiroshi or have any interest in dramas at all.

And there you have it – my top ten favorite Japanese dramas of all time. I know there’s a ton out there, and even though I’ve seen a bunch, I’m sure there are still more great shows to be discovered. Also, there’s a good chance that I totally forgot about a show or two while compiling the above list just because I’ve seen so many.

While entertaining, Japanese dramas are also great for study, especially if you really enjoy the show. To get the most out of them, you can check out Koichi’s guide on Studying with Japanese Dramas. It’s a great way to learn.

So tell me, how many of these shows have you seen? What did you think of them? What’s your favorite drama? I’m always looking for new shows to watch, so let me know down in the comments!

[yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUYwrRRRSO4']

And just for fun, here’s the latest Perfume PV. I hope your eyes and ears enjoy the experience.

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  • Mandarina

    Sooo true! Long Vacation is probably number 1 on my list, together with Orange Days… If you like romance dramas you shouldn’t miss it =) Can we expect a post about the worst jdrama you’ve ever seen? =P

  • julien foriel

    STAND UP! STAND UP! STAND UP!

  • http://www.facebook.com/deejaytaufiq Mohamad Taufiq Morshidi

    Kekkon Dekinai otoko is definitely amazing. Also check out Dragon Zakura if you guys love Hiroshi Abe.

    Currently watching the live action version of Honey and Clover while waiting for my delivery of the anime series on DVD. Currently liking it for Narimiya.

  • http://www.facebook.com/deejaytaufiq Mohamad Taufiq Morshidi

    Check out Dragon Zakura and Trick for more of his awesomeness.

  • http://zoomingjapan.com/ zoomingjapan

    You are right. Sorry, 2003 was when I watched it!! ^-^;;

  • http://twitter.com/onegirl onegirl

    SUPER HAPPY to see Perfume on Tofugu *love love love* ^0^

    also a big fan of a lot of those dramas, I also loved ones others have mentioned here including Nodame, Kimi wa Petto, Gallileo (has no one mentioned Kaseifu no Mita?). Struggling to find a decent one from this year though, will try the ones on your list that I haven’t seen :D Thanks so much!

    a~chan smiles rule!! ^___^

  • biffo

    The `movie is so good!

  • Biffo

    DramaCrazy,net

  • Federale

    You did not mention Oshin.

  • John

    Well, to be fair, I haven’t actually finished it yet, haha.

  • FoxiBiri

    yayy!! nagase tomoya!!

  • HokkaidoKuma

    Just finished watching Moteki based on your suggestion and I have to admit that was AMAZING! Especially love the OST and Hikari Mitsushima – just played her character to the utmost and made me fall in love.

  • http://www.facebook.com/ken.seeroi Ken Seeroi

    I agree completely. I love Japanese dramas, and they’re a great way to improve your language ability.

    By the way, “Pride” was really entertaining, but the ending—could it be any more melodramatic? Please.

  • tetraoxygen

    Thanks for the list! I’m super new to J-dramas and have been looking for good ones to watch. Watched Papa to musume no nanokakan, really enjoyed it. Now slowly watching Kekkon dekinai otoko. Good stuff.（￣ー￣）

  • http://www.facebook.com/UtadaKairi Laura JapaneseNinja-hamster We

    No “Ichi rittoru no namida”?! That was like. The best J-Drama I have watched so far >w<

  • http://twitter.com/helios_396 helios

    Agree with you about Watashi ga Renai Dekinai Riyuu, Proposal Daisakusen and Kekkon Dekinai Otoko. They’re so kicking you in the gut with all sort of feelings~ My true favorite Jdrama is still Galileo though.

    Oh and if you like life swap dramas, I recommend Don Quixote, it’s hilarious.

  • linniea

    Going by this list I think you might really enjoy Love Shuffle! :3

  • Hajime Crea

    JIN is a must watch. It tells the story of Jin Minakata, a doctor who *mysteriously* slips back into the Edo Period, and must find a way back to the present. It is an exciting and riveting drama! It should also score bonus points with those with an interest in the Edo.
    I’d mention Liar Game but you’ve already wacthed it (^_^;)
    Could I also recommend Toshi Densetsu no Onna? It’s about a superstitious detective played by Nagasawa Masami who is determined to find a crime which was caused by a supernatural force. It’s quite a laugh, and also features lots of info on Japanese urban legends. Try it out!

  • Butterflyrainbows

    try gooddrama.net

  • blueshoe

    Thanks guys, I will check those out!

  • Hika Ling Shi

    YES PLEASE. My roommates and I watch a lot of k-dramas, but nothing will ever beat my love for Nobuta wa Produce and Hana Yori Dango. There’s a rich layer of storytelling that isn’t anywhere else. Nobuta is possibly my all time favorite because I can identify with the feelings. I watched it my senior year of high school when I was dealing with a lot of bullying and it made me cry and laugh. Such a sweet story.
    I like my k-dramas, but seriously, j-dramas… the feels.

  • Bethany

    One of my favorite dramas I’ve watched recently was Youkai Ningen Bem. It’s based off an old 60s anime, but the live action version had updated designs and such. It was surprisingly good. Of course, it kinda reminds me a bit of tokusatsu shows, so maybe that’s why I liked it too (I’m rather fond of shows like Kamen Rider). Oh, and the fact that the main character was played by Kazuya Kamenashi. I’m a huge KAT-TUN fan, so I hear of any dramas any of the members are in, even if I don’t watch them. That said, even though Tatsuya Ueda was in Boys on the Run, I ended up skipping it cause it didn’t interest me. I do need to watch Legal High at some point though, both because I heard it’s really good, and because Junnosuke Taguchi was in it (bit part, but hey, he was in it, lol).

  • http://twitter.com/ichigoichielove Lisa/Ri/リサ/リ

    I really enjoyed this post! I too watch a fair amount of Japanese dramas, but sometimes it’s hard to pick out which are the good ones, esp from those currently running on TV. (Crime/Detective ones seem to be in the majority for prime time..yuck!) I’ve seen some on this list, but there are plenty I’m excited to check out now! Thanks!

  • http://www.facebook.com/bennatan.david David Simon

    Tatta Hitotsu no Koi
    Super romantic!

  • http://profiles.google.com/lintonius Linton Teoh

    Personally, I really loved Kimutaku’s HERO. Even though it was made 11 years ago, it’s just as watchable today.

  • http://www.facebook.com/theONLYbobtheduck Luke MacDonald

    *raises hand* I don’t like Nodame.

    Some stuff works in animation form but not in Live action. This is one of them. If they had made it more realistic, then the treatment of Nodame may not have seemed as much like abuse to me. I couldn’t take Nodame for too long.

    The drama I was getting into for a while was called… Life is Beautiful, or something. About a hairdresser who needed to get attention so he could get promoted and a bitter wheelchair bound woman. I can’t remember if that’s the exact name. Of course, that MAY be one of the dramas you thought were just plain trash, who knows. My other favorite was Water Boys. I don’t think it was subtitled, so I didn’t always know what was going on, but it was fun to watch.

  • Guest

    Nodame was originally a bestselling manga. The anime is an adaptation of it, like the drama. The drama isn’t based on the anime.

  • kintaro

    How I wish I could express my feelings right now. I have given JDrama a chance (John, you have a great list of common favorites, this isn’t against you or Tofugu followers at all). A lot of these shows have a cool premise, but man does the execution fall short. Compared to the U.S., it is all really, pretty dang bad. I mean, what’s up with all the lame budget, repetitive story lines and over-the-top moral wrap-ups in every episode? Sure, there are funny things said or done every once-and-awhile, but look at an average show from the U.S. and it EASILY wins over any of the JDrama’s that people love so much. A lot of it seems just to be love for Japan pushing U.S. fandom, instead of actual quality to a show.

    It didn’t make any sense to me why Japan couldn’t make good TV show. They are the land of Kobayashi, Ozu, and Kurosawa and yet they can’t make one decent tv show that wasn’t either raunchy or uber-cheesey acting or both. Luckily, I decided to stop referring to shows Americans watched and look for the shows Japanese people actually liked. Instant hit.

    If I could, I would write an entire post on how great Ryoumaden is. Like really, everyone should go watch the first episode right now. There is a reason it is being broadcast around the world. Trust me. I hope Japan can keep producing shows like this and they will start making their way into the U.S. This can hold up next to many of America’s best shows. I don’t want to say too much about it almost so whoever makes it through my ranting will be curious enough to give it a try. I’m just glad I got sick of the same j-drama’s that I see advertised all over the english internet and tried something authentic Japanese. Hope you guys give it a shot.

    (sorry for the demeaning rant)

  • John

    I never checked out Ryoumaden – I don’t watch too many historical type dramas, but I’ll be sure to check it out – thanks!

  • Eileen Francis

    I’ve seen Boys on the Run, Papa to Musume, Buzzer Beat, Proposal Daisakesen, and My Boss My Hero.

    What I’m watching right now is Hana no Zubora Meshi, Resident 5nin no Kenshui, and Monsters and soon I want to start watching Osozaki no Himawari.

    Dramas I can remember I’ve watched is

    1 Liter of Tears, 3 Peace, 99-nen no Ai~JAPANESE AMERICANS~, Code Blue 1 and 2, Deka Wanko, Gachi Baka, Hanawake no Yon Shimai, Juui Dolittle, Kaibutsu-kun, Kisarazu Cat’s Eye, Lucky Seven, Nobuta wo Produce, Kurosagi, Troubleman (I felt it should’ve been a movie instead of a drama), Ns’ Aoi, and Yukan Club.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Scott-Greenwald/1818084312 Scott Greenwald

    What Viet said! GTO 2012 just ended last month. Not to mention last year’s, “Kaseifu no Mita” (only the most watched Drama of all time). And more recently, “Rich man Poor Woman,” a story about a Japanese Mark Zuckerberg/ social media tycoon… All good (current) drama’s worth checking out

  • Abhie

    I looooooooove Abe Hiroshi on Trick so this list (or at least your #1) make me want to watch him again. Thanks! :)

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Gabrielle-Grover/100002131265618 Gabrielle Grover

    Honestly, Pride was amazing~! I also love Buzzer Beat! Figures, right? I watched Proposal Daisakusen, not my favorite but it had my crying like a baby at the end!

  • shigeo

    I’m sensing a theme here. You like dramas about guys who don’t know how to talk to girls.

  • http://www.facebook.com/TinieLe Tinie Toanlk

    OSEN??? why no OSEN?? anyway, I prefer Kekkon Deninai Otoko over the Korean verson. :X great!!

  • Toa

    Hana Yori Dango over My Boss My Hero? No way, José. John’s comment about My Boss… being a good way to make dudes watch j-dramas is spot-on–I just showed it to a handful of my friends at a martial arts boarding school, and it’s proven to be a great gateway drug. But yeah, if you’re really into Densha Otoko and My Boss My Hero, there’s no way you won’t get into Nodame Cantabile. Live-action Stresemann is the best thing ever.

  • Aprilsnow

    WOW i love how you put a mix of mainstream and non mainstream dramas. THis is the first list in a long time that doesn’t include all the typical dramas eg. nodame, GTO, because I didn’t like those at all. Most of the dramas you suggested here sound great and I will try them now! and i’m happy because I haven’t watched most of them, unlike other lists providing all the cliche dramas.
    Thank you so much~ Nice to know you as a fellow -j-drama lover!
    Have you watched kimura Takuya’s ‘nankyoku tairiku’? it is based off a true story and every episode gets me into tears. About the Japanese antarctic expedition in 1957.

  • John

    Haha, glad you enjoyed the list! And no, I don’t think I’ve seen any of that drama so I’ll have to check it out – thanks!

  • http://twitter.com/MariaAngeRosell Maria Rosell

    I did totally like Love Shuffle especially Kairi and Ojiro lovestory. :)

  • leon

    just browsing around the net coz I dunno what dramas to watch next and saw this. you must really be a fan of Gakky and YamaPi. or may be not because Im a hard core fan of Gakky xD my boss my hero is one of my fav dramas. you should see legal high too its a comedy/law drama with awesome twists throughout the drama! Im gonna try out a few of them from the list :) they all seems like funny dramas

  • http://twitter.com/_RaYiHa_ Cansel

    I would also recommend Nodame Cantabile. And Gokusen, Zettai Kareshi, Atashinchi no Danshi, Saikou No Jinsei No Owarikata. They are all heartwarming dramas.

  • Cole

    What’s a good website I can go to so I can watch some of these j-dramas??

  • Ivy

    Where can I watch these shows?

  • Tara

    I can’t believe it! Finally someone who like this great great drama!!! Kekkon Dekinai rocks!!!!! I have watched it several times and every time I can find a new thing to laugh and think about. Have you ever noticed small dogs?

  • Kim_haruhi

    OMG you totally have to see 1 Litre of tears…the saddest drama ever! I cried like almost every episode. You can also watch Shiritsu Bakaleya Koukou, it’s not that great but it certainly is good entertainment. You’d be able to find some humor in them. The main character totally rocks!
    Hope u enjoy them like I do ;)

  • Inf3st4toR

    Thank you, It gives me new things to watch…
    I would also recommend nodame, kisarazu cat’s eye, hanazakari no kimitachi e, dragnzakura, gokusen and much more… no order intended…

  • Nick

    yo viet. GTO sucked, that is why they rushed to finish it. the ratings weren’t good after the first ep

  • aradia

    I think the people are talking about the old GTO not the recent remake, the old one was really awesome and I love it.

  • http://www.facebook.com/cesmae22 Frances Mae Mejia

    I have watched most of the dramas you have mentioned but my all-time fav is not included in the list: Gokusen 1,2,3..

    I’d like to recommend a handful of dramas as well:
    - Rich Man, Poor Woman (i love this drama mainly because i am in the same field, IT, but also because of the tsundere personality of oguri shun.. so far this is my fav drama for 2012)
    - Celeb to Binbo Taro (I love Ueto Aya’s sense in fashion and acting here… I might as well recommend Attention Please)
    - Atashinchi no Danshi
    - Hungry
    - Hana Kimi (not the remake.. the original live action version with Maki and Shun)
    - Liar Game (the live action drama makes it more realistic)
    - Ikemen Desu Ne
    - Nobuta wo Produce (Im a yamapi Fan!)
    - Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge (Although I like the anime better)
    - Bambino
    - Bloody Monday
    - Hotaru no Hikari
    - Koizora (although I like its movie version better)
    - 1 liter of tears
    - Kurosagi
    - Taiyou no Uta (i think its a movie, or its just that i like the movie with yui better)
    - Zettai Kareshi
    - Ohitorisama
    - Dragon Zakura
    - Don Quixote (i love the how the main characters portrayed their roles..especially when they switch)
    - Yankee-kun to Megane-chan
    - Tantei Gakuen Q

    MOVIES:
    - Cyborg Girl (this made my cry so hard at the end.. T.T even until now whenever I remember it)
    - Rurouni Kenshin (this isnt a drama, but I definitely recommend it.. the movie might not follow the actual story line of the manga/anime, but how they blend it is just perfect.. the movie was just recently shown in the cinemas though.. but last december 28, they have released a copy in blue ray already)

  • Lin

    great list! Thanks for the recommendations. I’ve only watched Densha Otoko, but I’d like to check out the rest you’ve mentioned, especially your top three since they sound like fun.
    My top 5 favorites are: Hotaru no Hikari, Seigi no Mikata, Zettai Kareshi, The Queen’s classroom and Nodame Cantabile. I also liked Gto, Gokusen and Oishii kankei, though not nearly as much as the aforementioned faves ^_^
    I recently watched Anna san no omame , but I found it to be the least engaging drama out of the ones I’ve seen, and didnt enjoy it that much. I’ve been meaning to see Hana Kimi and nobuta wo produce. Any thoughts on those?

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