MUKODONO (2001)

Also known as: Son-in-law / Married Couple Talk / My Husband

Synopsis

Comedy-Drama starring pop group TOKIO's Nagase Tomoya and rising female actor Takeuchi Yuko. Nagase stars as an icy-cool pop idol, Sakuraba Yuuichiro, who is actually a happy go-lucky smiling guy/idiot. After falling in love with Sakura (Takeuchi), trouble ensues after agreeing to marry into Sakura's family (she only has 3 sisters). Of course, more trouble follows trying to hide his marriage from his adoring/rabid fans. A light dorama worth watching.  -credits to wikipedia

CAST

• Nagase Tomoya as Sakuraba Yuichiro
• Takeuchi Yuko as Arai Sakura
• Shinohara Ryoko as Arai Satsuki
• Suzuki Anju as Arai Azusa
• Aiba Masaki as Takeyama Ryo
• Koyuki as Tatsuyama Chitsuru (ep1-5)
• Tsunku as Komine Takuro
• Kamiki Ryunosuke as Arai Tsutomu
• Nomura Hironobu as Yajima Masaki
• Danta Yasunori as Hakozaki Otohiko
• Akiyoshi Kumiko as Takeyama Kaede
• Utsui Ken as Arai Masumi
• Tanihara Shosuke as Sumida Kosaku (ep6)
• Endo Kenichi as Chihara Tsuyoshi
• Okayama Hajime as Takeyama Taichi (ep9-11)
• Miyazaki Yuko (宮崎優子) as Hiramoto Emi
• Toyama Toshiya as Endo Tomoaki
• Naito Yoko as Mochiduki Kana
• Yahagi Miki (矢作美樹) as Kunieda Mayumi

REVIEW:

                  My first Nagase Tomoya drama. Before i watch a drama i try to search for comments and since i've seen Mukodono as a recommended drama in most forums i've visited then i thought this might be interesting. I havent seen a jdrama yet that i found boring (except for one, Pride). This drama started off as Sakuraba Yuichiro (Nagase Tomoya), a famous singer and hearthrob  with his manager Hakozaki go through a throung of adoring fans. Yuichiro appeared as a cool and tough guy with a serious face. This is the Yuichiro his fans know and love. When the press and fans are out of sight though, he appears to be the exact opposite. he's wacky, very child-like, and talkative.Beyond his fans' knowledge he was going out with Sakura Arai (Yuko Takeuchi). Sakura understood that Yuichiro cant be recognized by his fans thus she agreed to keep everything a secret. Six months though their relationship, they agreed to marry. This is where all the drama began. Yu met the family for the first time. Sakura had a big family. She had three older sisters, two nephews and of course her dad. Her mother passed away and a brother took off a long time ago. The first sis is a divorcee and most of the time appears to be annoying, the second one is a single parent who are afraid of men and the third is working in a radio station who wants to become independent soon. Of all the sisters of Yuko, i like Satsuki cuz she's the kindest to Yu. I'm most irritated to the second sis cuz most of the time she's doesnt like Yu. Of course at first, they were awed and amazed to see the most popular singer of Japan inside their house but they treated him like an ordinary family member doing his own share of duties and must abide by their rules. Yu was very happy and eager to be married to Arai family because he longs to have a family. He said that he would build a cozy home with Sakura. Yu was an orphan and so he never had a chance to feel what it's like to have dinner with family or go to a family holiday. The family members were hesitant if Yu could survive or adapt with their lifestyle plus they have to be careful with their actions because Yu's manager, Hakozaki made an agreement that everything will be under utmost secrecy. Otherwise, Yu's career will go down the drain once the secret leaks. They dislike him at first but seeing his determination, they gave him a chance. Each episode showed the problems and heartbreaks of each family member with their personal lives. Seeing his new found family, in difficult situations Yu made his way to help them and earn their trust. Not everything goes smoothly though. Yu had the best intentions but sometimes it doesnt turn out well. Like when he saw 8 year old Tsutomo (son of second sis) being bullied by some kids, he felt sorry for him and gave him a bicycle. He promised too that he would meet him the next day at the shrine to practice. The next day, something very important came up and Yu forgot his promise. He just realized this when Tsutomo came home late with a policeman. He apologized to Tsutomu but the kid ran off too his room and cried. Azusa, the second sis scolded Yu and told him he shouldnt give promises he cant keep. Yu felt bad but he wanted to make it up to Tsutomu. He told him Tsutomu that he’ll be waiting in the shrine every morning until he Tsutomu comes to practice. Days passed but still no Tsutomu. The kid got bullied once again and this time he decided to meet Yu. Sakura went to Yu at the shrine and it began to rain. Sakura felt sad for Yu but she knew that her husband wont be stopped until Tsutomu shows up. He said it’s an agreement between boys. Yu and Sakura were relieved when Tsutomu arrived. That was a very touching scene. The three of them were crying. They practiced until Tsutomu learned how to ride. By the way, Whenever Tomoya wears a cap and glasses he looks so much like Jerry Yan of F4.

             Gomen it was too long. Im not going to make kwento everything. Oh and did I say Aiba-chan is here? Heheh. Though he has a minor role (he’s Ryo, son of first sis) it was enough seeing him even just for a few seconds. He was really kakkoi in that pink rabbit suit!! Hayzz.. syempre may episode din for him. He’s got a crush on their sensei (teacher) and one time he follower her and was surprised too see her enter a club. Well, I guess you know what happens next. This was similar to an episode of Gokusen where the pretty teacher was also working as a hostess. Oh and I really love the song used in the series Hitoribocchi No Haburashi (aka toothbrush)! This was the only song played by Tomoya from the entire series. Of course, there are no secrets that will remain unveiled so that was exactly what happened in Mukodono. Tomoya Nagase was really great with his transition of character. From being cool and tough to being zany, crazy and idiot! Hahah. He may have overdone it at times but I guess it brought out the charm in him. He was also good in drama. He looks like a kid when he’s crying. I’d say the role fits him well. Yuko Takeuchi (Sakura) is also a good actress. I love how Sakura always stands by Yu’s side and she has a cute smile. Aiba-chan was good, I wish he had other series that has more exposure. I love Hakozaki, the old guy who plays the manager and also the bleached producer guy, they were effortlessly funny and serious if the scene calls for it. They weren’t really strict with Yu and supported his marriage and they did their best to still keep Yu’s career. If Yuichiro had bestfriends in the series, aside from Sakura, he had Hakozaki and the producer guy. They believed in him even during the darkest time in his career.