Genius Mystery With Fun Adventure

This story is reminiscent of a couple of dramas I've seen before and when you add in the humor it's almost as if this two-episode special is a parody of those two other shows. Which is what makes this quite enthralling to watch, along with the wonderful cast!


I think Kitamura Takumi was the perfect choice for the main character of this story. The way he responds or reacts to a character, or a few words is one of the funniest things I've seen in a while, yet still remaining subtle. Nothing he did was exaggerated or too over the top or goofy. It wasn't a "smart funny" that a lot of people probably wouldn't understand either.


I think the supporting cast was fantastic as well! Each one worked well with the other and the support for the follow throughs and the story in general was spectacular to watch! I wish there were more episodes to watch because the continuation would be something amazing! I would love to watch the cast solve even more crimes!

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Realistic Dramatics

An epic, intelligent, dramatic, hilarious, bittersweet, talented, heartwarming, unique, genuinely real, and full of honest, respectful actors and actresses! The careers, techniques, and admiration for a multitude of hospital careers as doctors and nurses, cleaning and cooking staff, and the patients too was very wonderful to watch.


If you're looking for a dark drama, then this show is about 45% there, and the story does grow more and more interesting as each character's "main back story" comes to light.


If you're looking for some romantic drama then this may not be the show for you, there is some hinting but no love triangles and the importance of friendships, co-workers respect, family, and a relationship with oneself is pretty prominent instead. It is very entertaining and really fantastic to watch the relationship of everyone within the story become closer as co-workers, friends, and grow as a person themselves and as their character's story.


The series in itself does seem to try and teach lessons along the way throughout the 10 episodes but they don't focus only on the lesson to be learned and it's not heavily religious or preachy. This show is one of the most realistic, beautifully created, hilarious, honest, heartwarming yet bittersweet shows I have ever seen.

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Extraordinary Series

This show is the third in one hell of a series! I watched season one and fell in love, then fell once again while watching the second season... this third season has sent me through a whirlwind!


I binge-watched this season within 2 days! Each episode was thrilling and full of mesmerizing, beautifully captured, suspenseful, and raw stories. The cast was so amazing and full of honest emotions that a few of the episodes not only scared the hell out of me but gave me goosebumps, made me angry, and made me cry... In one episode I even wanted to yell at my screen in worry, frustration, and empathy for a character.


This show is fast paced but you never get lost or fall out of touch with following the story. The report between the cast members as their characters and their own person is so fantastic its almost tangible, and watching it grow throughout the series was wonderful! I do believe that this series is even better than it's American predecessor!

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Original Yet Familiar

This show feels like it's drawn from some very prominent, popular, meaningful, and significant Japanese dramas... Yet still has paved it's own way to filling those very same prominent and significant shoes as its predecessors.



This show is intense and quite thrilling! Each episode brings about new mysteries that are mesmerizing and extremely entertaining. I have laughed, cried, held my breath, got angry, sympathized and empathized; each story threw me for a loop but there are some predictable parts, too.



The relationships (romance first) are subtle throughout the entire show but they are also pretty evident, too, though not cheesy or overbearing either. I very much like and enjoy seeing a lot of strong female actresses in this "male dominated job" series. Each actor and actress stepped in to their roll whole heartedly and completely submerged themselves in to their characters career(s).

The strong respect for partners/co-workers (friendships next) is also mildly subtle, yet still visible. It's not heavy or excessive, but it isn't cheesy, the "friends to enemies" type(s) is tangible but is also pretty simple yet not idiotic; and each character freely seems to share their opinion openly and freely multiple times throughout the show, which is what makes it so funny and interesting. It seems like the actors/actresses' report with each other has also flown into how their characters treat and act with each other, too.



If you are looking for a darker police drama then this may not be for you, though it does have dark and mystifying moments! This show is mesmerizing, hilarious, honest, unique, different yet familiar, strong, full of talent, and definitely feels raw and real (as in true to the character's actual persona). If you are just getting started in the Japanese dramas or are a "veteran watcher" or are looking for a new genre to dive in to, then this show seems to have it all!

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One of the most thrilling, adventurous, suspenseful, and dramatic dramas I have watched in a long, long time! The story was most certainly original and the student's problems are definitely unique to any other school/student drama I've seen (or read in manga or manhwa) before. However, there is a familiar feeling within the depths of this show that I just can't figure out. I can't tell if it's because of the story, or if I recognize the cast in other roles from other shows I've seen, or if I recognize and am comparing the story (even faintly so) within another story. Though honestly, I have to say that I wanted to watch this story because of Fujiwara Tatsuya, however, I am so glad I watched this because of the ENTIRE cast!

To be honest, though, when I watched the first three episodes or so, I just didn't understand why Fujiwara Tatsuya was cast in a very unusual setting. Though the more I watched this show I was surprised with how well he fit within this story as his character, Shimada Ryuhei. He taught so well, in his unorthodox way, and to watch him in action was superb! Watching the growth of each person throughout the show, as their character and as themselves, was insanely amazing!

Even though this show is mostly kid actors, the story(ies) and plot line(s) are pretty adult and mature for being at a middle school, however, I think that the cast, director, and screenwriters really created a very special and exciting story! With each episode, a new student was brought to the front as the "main character" and their problem was brought to light, and at the end of each episode while it seemed like the student was put on the backburner... it wasn't. Even though each student's issues seemed to be resolved, they all seemed to melt within the entire story as a whole. If I'm being honest, each student's issue is about 50% relatable and 50% not relatable, at least to me. Though I'm sure that seems to be an even balance for the millions that live on this earth (if that makes any sense).

This show is epic! The amount of talent within its cast, the writers, the staff, the director, producers, etc... Is one of a kind! Each character seems to have their own sense of justice, conceited or selfish, even the students! Each student was supremely talented; not one person seemed out of their league or too inexperienced. In fact, I was so drawn in by each students acting talents that I completely lost track of the timing of the episodes! The story was so enthralling that I wanted to marathon it straight through to see how the students would cope and deal with each problem that came their way. And I was not disappointed! Each unique problem was settled by a very unique consequence, reason, or action.

The story of this entire show was created so thoroughly that no stone was left unturned from beginning to end! Each episode created such a thrilling and gut-wrenching story that built up to such a creative, epic, unique, and exciting end! Even though I wish there was a more complete follow-up to the ending, I promise you that if you watch this show, I promise you will enjoy it all to its fullest!








(if you've made it this far, here a line I found intriguing: "spite is frightening." this one line was truly telling for not only that episode or even that specific character, but for the entire show; though maybe not for each and every single character, this one line was heavy enough for me to consider it for many characters actions, teachers and students and parents alike.)

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This is one of the most absurd, hilarious, kind, gentle, genuine, unique, talent-filled, honest stories about life, love, friendship, happiness, anger, sadness, and rollercoaster of happenings and emotions that is life!

Meguro Mio (Koshiba Fuka) seems to take the lead through this series, and that is how it's written to be her story! However, after watching it throughout in its entirety, I've come to believe that this show is really about a handful of characters and not only one person or youkai.

To watch each episode play out is nothing short of amazing! Each character has their own story and throughout the series you get to watch them grow from someone scared, tired, sad, angry, (for lack of a better word) stupid, or even prejudice to be their true selves. The comedy is a bonus!

Most of the reviews on here seem to say (and correct me if I'm wrong!) that this show is a completely hilarious comedy tory, but I promise you beneath all of the comedy it is most definitely a life lesson for everyone within each episode! This show is a very good way to beat the Covid-19 Quarantine blues!!

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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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Beautiful Curiousity

This story was truly one of a kind! I haven't watched a lot of historical Japanese (or South Korean) dramas/movies, mostly because they aren't really my favorite(s), however, even though I started watching this show because of a few cast members, I continued watching because the story was extremely fascinating!


The premise of the synopsis and trailer seemed to paint this story as Sherlock Holmes-esque, but Shinjuro Yuki honestly created his own character with style, flash, humbleness, and grace. The way Fukushi Sota carried himself throughout the show was truly beautiful and graceful; his stature, personality, handsome looks, attention to detail, and his ability to melt into whoever he is portraying, as if the viewer and maybe even himself forget Fukushi Sota is an actor, made for a very unique Sherlock Holmes of Japan. Most Sherlock Holmes remakes or recreations tend to come haughty or with the over egotistical personalities, however, Fukushi Sota created his very own "make and model" of the character that was genuine, relatable, and incredibly his own!


The supporting cast was fantastic, and I wish there were more episodes to see more cases, more of Japan's history, and more of this fabulous cast! The cases that occurred knocked me for a loop; I could never guess the outcome, the criminal, or the reason(s) why things happened the way they did. I found parts of the story that I could sympathize with, including some moments from the protagonist. The attention to detail from the clothing to the personal styles (hair, makeup, accessories, etc), housing and modes of transportation, decor, food and drink, landscape, and every other historical recreation was impeccable! I was mesmerized during each episode by how everything looked so realistic, like we had traveled back in time! Japan is one of the most creative, talented, unique, and wonderfully imaginative countries.


This story is one of a kind, you will never see another Sherlock Holmes like this! Each episode had me guessing on the edge of my seat with the thrills of each mystery. The suspense during the final episodes knocked the breath right out of my chest. I laughed, I was hopeful, I was extremely curious, and even a little frustrated and/or angry with a few people and moments during the story as a whole. This story could have continued for possibly 10 or 12 episodes, or that could just be my wishful thinking. The story of Shinjuro Yuki is incredible! Please, give this amazing show a try!

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So Many Questions....

I have no idea where to begin with this review. Not even a little bit. This story is the definition of original! I have truly never seen nor read anything like this. The case work all seemed so serious and important, but with all the absurd and witty humor thrown in like a sudden rain shower (see what i did there? ; i'm sorry) it created the perfect balance for such an odd, fantasy-like, yet relatable, story.

One of the things I really liked about this story with the different relationships throughout the show from familial to friendships to romance, every bit of each relationship was shown with such respect and honesty that it felt like they were a real family or friends/boyfriend/girlfriend in real life as well. The connection between the cast members was impeccable, their banter back and forth was hilarious, the amount of care they took not only with their own characters but with each other was a strong reason why I continued to watch until the end.

If you're looking for a private detective show with substance or something along the lines of epic drama (kidnapping or thrilling mysteries) then you may be out of luck. However!! That does not mean that this show doesn't thrilling mysteries or easy to figure out cases/criminals or is way too funny to be serious. Please do not let any of that stop you from watching! The suspense of each case had me on the edge of my seat the more I continued to watch each episode. I could never figure out who the criminal was or for what reason they acted as they did. One thing I think was a little underrated was the character Yan-San, I feel like maybe they could have done more for her, though I have no idea what. It was nice to see her relationship with not only Hagoromo-San but Junnosuke-San as well. It was nice to see a friend of the main character be supportive instead of so curious they somehow get angry. I also think that because Yan-San was who she was that she made the show even more unique and the relationships even more genuine.


I don't think the only feelings/genres for this story were comedy or mystery or detective or thrilling, honestly. The more I continued to watch each episode closely, one after the other, and carefully paying attention to each detail, I saw so much more than only comedic, mysterious, or suspenseful genres/feelings. This show was so relatable, so raw, so honestly realistic, that it was almost tangible. I found myself empathizing and sympathizing with a lot of the characters. Each episode showed such a genuinely real part of every human's everyday life from their job or family to their friends and relationships to their community and personal moments that I got goosebumps or I thought "i can relate to this character/feeling/moment". This show took all of the good, the bad, the funny, the heartbreaking, the surprising, the angry, the exciting, the imaginative, the lovely, the scary, the tearful moments about life and growing up and growing older and going through so many ups and downs in life that they either carry you or seem scary to you or destroy you or grow you.... I really, genuinely, honestly enjoyed each moment of this beautiful funny, honest, genuine story.

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Psychoanalyst Within a Curious Thriller

In all honesty, I couldn't tell you what this show was about if you paid me. There were so many issues from the students to his family to himself; flashbacks of story's upon story's created an imaginative and curious circle where I wasn't sure who was who or if up was down or left was right.

Toward the end of the show it was hard to piece together what story belonged to which character, most of the sessions seemed to bleed in to one another as the show continued episode by episode; bringing together the story as a whole, painting a very vivid picture of the students' lives both in and out of school.

I don't believe the show ended on a cliffhanger, but there are some questions I have about a few of the characters or wish the development lasted a little longer than 20-some minutes per episode. As the show continued and the characters became more "life like", it was very interesting to watch the students continue to speak the truth to Tenma-Sensei, because I highly doubt that speaking the truth ever happens in any type of therapy sessions in the US, in or out of television.

The feelings of the students were incredibly raw and relatable; from familial issues to love, trust, inner thoughts, outer speculations, scrutiny from friends or family or society in general, etc. Life is hard and different for every person on the planet, yet somehow, somewhere along the way it all becomes interconnected.

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Spirals of Mystery and Confusion

I want to start by saying this show is both familiar and one of a kind. Ridiculous, I know. Honestly, though, I have never seen a story like this before; however, there were also a few familiar pieces. Though most were cliches or repetitive plot lines of the Japanese crime/police/mystery drama genres, I think, This story is quite unique on it's own, but paired with such a fantastic cast it is truly mesmerizing!

When I began the first episode, I wasn't entirely sure if I wanted to keep watching, though this show does grow on the viewer the more they watch. Almost identical to a roller coaster, slowly and slowly the story climbs to the top of the climax (aka hill) before launching into the finale!

I could never predict who was the true culprit behind the main story/plot line, I tried and tried and had finally convinced myself that either the show wasn't complete or they were going to leave a cliffhanger for a season two or a movie/special. I 100% did not see the ending coming!

All of the intrigue and mystery kept me on the edge of my seat, and the unexplained had a strong pull on me to keep wanting to know more and more. Toward the end of the last two episodes, things began to feel a little rushed, like they were running out of time or something; but never once did the story become too cheesy or inexplicable, or too farfetched. A few of the cases had me biting my nails with worry. The feelings in this story are so raw and relatable that they're almost tangible through the screen! The actors cast for this incredible story really put forth their most spectacular work!

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Different Forms, Different Meanings of Love and Heartbreak

This story was the absolute definition of its synopsis... And then some. Do not watch this if you're ONLY looking for a happy-go-lucky love story/family story/coming-of-age story. There is so much more to this story than those genres alone; considering my own life and circumstances, this story is one of the most relatable, gut-wrenching, yet heart-warming stories I have seen in a long time.

A true story, in its own right, of love in all of its forms; good, bad, ugly, first, last, friends, family, new and/or old relationships, too. Toward the end, it was almost hard to watch. This story showed the most realistic view of love, friendship, family, new beginnings, and old relations. Honestly, it was one of the most relatable, raw, and real stories; incredibly true to life in more ways than one. Without sharing spoilers, because I truly would like a lot of people to watch and experience this show, to explore the feelings of this show within themselves as they watch.

This story showed the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of life and all of its characteristics and events. Meeting new people, making new friends, starting new adventures, trying new things, exploring or creating new versions of yourself... From birth, through life, and then some... All of life's ups, downs, uncomfortable moments, exhilarating moments, and everything in between. A thrilling adventure, indeed!










*** SPOILER ***

"Every spring, the cherry blossoms bloom, but you need a ticket to view them: your life. As mentioned in the Kokinshu, the cherry blossoms bloom every year, but in order to see them, you need to continue living. For both flowers and people, it's meeting once in a lifetime. Wholeheartedly enjoy every single moment as it will never come again. Now, dance and go crazy as much as you like. Everyone, let's be intoxicated with the joy of living for a while."

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Beware Watching on an Empty Stomach!

A cozy, curious, satisfying story showing off Japan's different lively and beautiful towns full of delicious, umami, and stunning foods and beverages, while including a rich and in depth history of, not only Japan and/or a certain town, the food and drink featured. However, be careful not to watch on an empty stomach; honestly, it can get dangerous...

Each episode features specialties from the town that Takamiya Susumu-san (played by Mashima Hidekazu) is visiting; the variety of interesting feasts range from the adventures to the comforting "soul food" types. Each meal is thought out and planned from beginning to end, including snacks, with a lot of thought and careful selection to ensure a special and tasty meal to enjoy. The delicate choosing seems to be tangible through the screen; each episode looked immensely fun!

I really enjoyed watching the interactions between Susumu-san and the local artisans, chefs, restaurant or station staff, and citizens around the town as well. It really became a close tie in what I enjoyed watching more, his adventures around the towns he visited, the food and drink he carefully and happily chose, or the characters of the show! It was nice seeing more of his "home life" throughout a couple of episodes, though I really liked seeing Zhiwei-san enjoying Japan while thinking of his family and trying new things, too; I felt as if I (the viewer) were participating along with Susumu-san's "food prep"!

Learning about the history of Japan is one thing, but I believe that learning while engaging one or two, if not all, of the human senses (see, taste, hear, touch, position, etc) while learning can be extremely helpful! Like in a couple of episodes they showcased a few moments of Japanese history dating back to (if i remember correctly) the 1800's and while doing so the story showed off a few special drinks or food dishes that were not only popular during the time period but even now, during this day and age... In theory, if I went back to study about that certain time period, it's possible the food and/or drink I tasted when I first learned the history could help me remember and remember and remember for a long time.... Hopefully.

This show has a sneaky way of showing off the best, unknown secrets of food, drinks, and the country itself, making me want to adventure outside of my comfort zone and try new things! Tofu, mushrooms, crab, sea bream, prawns, liver, sake, craft beer, etc... A mesmerizing comfort show specializing in adventure, history, culture, umami, and even a little bit of the love of traveling. If you're interested in learning about Japan, whether that be the culture or food or beverages, or enjoy a slow-paced calming story of lively adventure, then please give this show a try!

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Komoda desu~

This story was one of the most relatable, mesmerizing, thrilling, heart wrenching stories I have seen in a long time. Each character seemed to have a certain challenge or aspect of their personality that just resonated with me, something that seemed familiar and unique and genuine all at once.

This town was full of differences. Loud, quiet, annoyed, anxious, friendly, shy, frustrated, sneaky, helpful, curious, etc... The whole wide rainbow of different personalities was included in this show; and with such a wonderful cast that was chosen, it's no surprise to me! While it does list a main character here, I really think the entire cast was a main character, as well as the town itself. It was really nice to see how beautiful, different, and similar the Japanese country side is.

This was an uplifting sort of show, inspiring the townspeople (and viewers) to "do their best where they are planted", sort of. While the show gathered an incredible cast, it confuses me as to why there was only seven episodes, and why the last episode sort of feels cut short. No cliffhanger, per say; but... No answers. Seeing the different sides of people during each episode was fascinating, as well; taking "people watching" to a whole different level. There were a couple of episodes where I thought "oh so its gonna go this direction".... But nope! I was completely wrong! I tried to guess a few scenarios throughout the show and each time I was wrong. One episode had me laughing way too hard, but a word of warning, be prepared with tissues for a couple of episodes.

I feel like this story had more depth to it than just seven episodes. It feels like something was trying to get started but then it was shut down at seven episodes. Whatever that "something" was, I couldn't tell you, however so I wonder if other viewers will notice or not. The story was told beautifully, the heart and joy that went in to making each episode was almost tangible. If you're a fan of (pretty much) any actor/actress in this show, or the slice-of-life, inspiring/uplifting, good versus evil, friends to enemies genres, or just want to see some gorgeous Japanese country side, then definitely give this show a try!

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Ground Control to Tokyo Tower

I started this show years back and for some reason it didn't hold my attention then, but giving it a try now was a completely different story. At first, I wanted to watch this for the synopsis and for Tokito Saburo (since I had just finished watching Dr. Koto Shinryojo). Kaname Jun is also a good reason to watch, too!


I'm not entirely sure what to say about this show, honestly. There are no confusing or long terms to misunderstand, there are not any extreme dramatics or cheesy romances, but it does show its age in terms of phrases, fashion, the way people interact with each other, etc. I feel like maybe they were aiming for more episodes, or maybe a movie or special. Though it doesn't really feel like the show ended on a cliffhanger or left things unresolved. It just feels like there was supposed to be more.


The cast must have had a very hard time while practicing and filming this show; everyone in the tower, and most likely everyone cast, must have gone through some intense training to make sure they were close to a perfect match with reality. A lot of the personal issues, along with work troubles, seemed very relatable to me, as well. Watching as everyone found their place within an already formed team after a new airplane controller was added, how they created trust and respect among each other to expand outward and create a happy, healthy, and honest work place was fascinating to watch. Toward the end of the story it was like everyone had been doing this for a long time, it all came together easily and looked flawless. Considering some bits of the story and the characters involved, I would have liked to of seen them more in the spotlight or heard more of their backstory, but all in all each character was truly unique.


If you like thrilling shows where you can learn a little as you enjoy an incredible story with an extraordinary cast, shows where you feel like you're fully mesmerized by the suspense and excitement on the screen, where it's almost tangible, then please, definitely give this story a try!

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