huneybomb

[huneybomb]

Linda Linda Linda (2005)

[huneybomb]

[Review] Kaito Ruby (1988)

— MY REVIEW: ⭐️ 7.5/10

Plot: ★★★☆☆

Acting: ★★★★☆

Music: ★★★☆☆

Production: ★★★★☆

Rewatch value: ★★★☆☆

The story follows Toru, an ordinary office worker whose life is monotonous and awkward, especially around women. Then he meets Ruby, a charming and intelligent girl who has just moved into the apartment above him. Ruby invites Toru to be her partner in crime, to commit burglary! 😂

At first, I felt a bit lazy to continue watching halfway through because I didn’t like Ruby’s character. But once I kept going, it turned out to be really exciting right until the end! When it was over, I found myself thinking, “Wait, it’s already finished?”

The genre is a mix of comedy, romance, and crime, very light and easy to watch! Watching a movie from 1988 now, it still feels beautiful ++

Ruby x Toru is one of those eccentric couples that’s hard to forget!

By the way, the actress who plays Ruby is a young Koizumi Kyoko, the same one who plays Amano Haruko, the heroine’s mother in Amachan (asadora)! 🥹

Overall, I recommend Kaito Ruby! It’s a fun, feel-good movie with a solid story and great production. Must watch!

[huneybomb]

[Review] Curtain Call (1984)

— MY REVIEW: ⭐️ 8/10

Plot: ★★★★☆

Acting: ★★★★☆

Music: ★★★★★

Production: ★★★★☆

Rewatch value: ★★★☆☆

The story follows Miho as she pursues her dream in the musical world while also searching for her biological parents. Every year on her birthday, she receives flowers from someone she calls "Daddy-Long-Legs," whom she believes to be her father. It turns out the sender was using a random name, but along the way, Miho meets someone who truly feels like a father figure to her.

As we follow Miho’s journey, viewers are treated to beautiful scenery in every scene! Plus, since this is a musical, there are plenty of great songs and some really cool ballet choreography.

I really liked the heroine! She’s not only beautiful, but her acting and dancing are amazing! and guess what? She later played the mother of the heroine in Asadora Ohisama and the mother of the male lead in Hanbun Aoi! When I watched those dramas, I remember thinking how stunning she was, no wonder, she was already so talented and gorgeous at a young age. Harada Tomoyo plays Miho so well, especially in the ballet scenes and during her musical audition practice.

What I loved the most was the ending! It was so sweet how her mother and Takuji grew close because of Miho. In a way, Miho not only found a father figure for herself, but also helped her mother who had given up her youth to raise her find love again. It’s like her mother finally got to enjoy her youth too. So heartwarming!

Overall, I recommend Curtain Call (1984)! The main character is likable, she works hard to achieve her dreams, the visuals are beautiful, and it leaves you with a warm feeling thanks to its touching family themes.

[huneybomb]

[Review] The Day's Organ (2019)

—MY REVIEW: ⭐️ 7.5/10

Plot: ★★★☆☆

Acting: ★★★★☆

Music: ★★★★☆

Production: ★★★★☆

Rewatch value: ★★☆☆☆

This movie tells the story of remarkable women who risked everything to save children from bombings at the end of World War II.

It begins with kindergarten teachers persuading parents to entrust their children to them so they can be evacuated to another city. The film then explores the challenges they face, bureaucratic hurdles, the difficulty of finding a safe shelter, and the emotional toll that follows.

I've watched many asadora and several movies set during wartime, but this film reminded me how little I still know about that period. It offered a new perspective, through the eyes of kindergarten teachers who genuinely and wholeheartedly wanted to protect their students.

"let's never forget this lovely sight"

With a runtime of about two hours, The Day’s Organ depicts the optimism of young female teachers, their warm relationships with the children, and the physical and emotional exhaustion they endure.

At times, they are pushed to the brink of giving up, as they face the brutal reality of war while caring for small children whose parents remain in Tokyo under threat from air raids.

What I loved most about the film is the ending! when the war ends, and the children are finally reunited with their families. Some are picked up by distant relatives after losing their parents to bombings, and a father return safely from the war to collect their children.

The film closes with a powerful moment: the women cry in relief and happiness, having fulfilled their tremendous responsibility of protecting these children during such a dark time. The students clearly love their teachers, and the parents express deep gratitude.

Overall, I liked this movie! I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a war-themed film with a touching slice-of-life narrative.

— Togoshi Daycare Centre —

[huneybomb]

[Review] Madoka 26-sai, Kenshui Yattemasu! (2025)

—MY REVIEW: ⭐️ 8/10

Plot: ★★★★☆

Heroine: ★★★★★

Male lead: ★★★★★

Side characters: ★★★★★

Music: ★★★☆☆

Production: ★★★☆☆

A lighthearted and heartfelt diary of a young doctor choosing her path.

The story follows a young doctor who undergoes a two-year super rotation to explore different departments and decide on her specialty. It's exciting to watch Madoka move from one department to another, facing new challenges, learning new things, and meeting new people along the way! It feels like we're peeking into her personal diary as a young doctor.

At first Madoka was interested in becoming a surgical specialist, but after experiencing the rotation, she found herself in a dilemma. What she knows for sure is: she enjoys surgery, likes direct interaction with patients, wants to offer support from an internal medicine perspective, and wants to follow her patients’ progress to the end. These realizations eventually become the foundation of her decision.

What I love about Madoka 26-sai, Kenshui Yattemasu! is how light and easy the story is to follow, especially with the use of dolls and baby-talk-style explanations. This adds a unique charm compared to other medical dramas. Plus, there are no villains or hospital politics, just the honest life of a young doctor struggling to choose her path.

What I enjoyed the most was the friendship and sense of family among the doctors. I especially liked Madoka's bond with her classmates, and how the senior doctors in each department always offered valuable advice based on their specialties. Thanks to this drama, I also learned that each department has its own strengths and challenges. It even explores the reasons why each doctor chose their field.

As for the romance, I was skeptical at first, but luckily my ship kept sailing! Even though the romance is just a side plot, I really liked the way Madoka and Kanno’s relationship developed. They're adorable in their own way, especially because they both love the same cartoon, which also inspired them to become doctors. Their secret connection makes it even sweeter.

♡ Overall, I definitely recommend Madoka 26-sai, Kenshui Yattemasu! Especially if you're looking for a light medical drama that still captures the essence of the medical field with a good mix of friendship, teamwork, and a touch of romance! ♡

[huneybomb]

[Review] Usotoki Rhetoric (2024)

"if you can't see some things because you can hear lies, then wouldn't i be able to see those things because i can't hear lies? that's why we just have to be together" —Iwai Souma

— my review:⭐️ 9.5/10

Plot: ★★★★★

Female lead: ★★★★★

Male lead: ★★★★★

Side characters: ★★★★★

Music: ★★★★★

Production: ★★★★★

I rarely write reviews outside of Asadora, but this is an exception because I truly fell in love with Usotoki Rhetoric, and I want to put that love into words, even if words can’t fully express how much this series means to me.

From just the first few minutes of watching, I already knew this would become one of my favorite dramas. The production quality stood out immediately and looked very promising. Usotoki Rhetoric offers a complete story, not just mystery, but also about family, friendship, and self-discovery.

The main reason I love this series is that, even though it deals with mysteries and Kanoko’s painful backstory, the overall story is light, making it easy and enjoyable to watch. The mysteries are solved in a clever and entertaining way, with just the right amount of depth to keep viewers like me engaged without feeling overwhelmed.

♡ Things I love about this drama:

1. Cinematography

I’m picky when it comes to the setting, especially in historical or period dramas. If the set looks mediocre or feels empty, it distracts me and makes me less interested. But that’s not the case with Usotoki Rhetoric. The settings are precise, detailed, and full of life. The props bring the scenes to life, the lighting is beautiful, and the filters are perfectly chosen. I would even say this is one of the best Japanese dramas I’ve seen in terms of cinematography.

2. Faithful adaptation of the manga

Honestly, I only read the manga after watching the drama, so I'm speaking from the perspective of a drama viewer who became a manga reader. In my opinion, this is one of the best manga adaptations out there. As far as I’ve read, the drama stays very true to the original. In fact, some details are shown even more clearly in the drama, for example the tea Kanoko makes is explained more thoroughly, which helps the audience understand better. I also completely fell in love with how Suzuka Ouji and Matsumoto Honoka brought Souma and Kanoko to life.

"to have someone like you around, i'm really blessed" —Iwai Souma

3. Iwai Souma

At first glance, he may seem silly and carefree, but he’s so much more than that. While he can be lazy at times, he takes his work as a detective seriously. He’s kind, smart, considerate of others’ feelings, and the way he treats Kanoko with such warmth and gentleness really made me fall for his character. I love how, even though he and Kanoko live in poverty, their life is happy, warm, and full of mutual support.

♡ Overall, I absolutely love Usotoki Rhetoric! I adore the main characters, Souma and Kanoko, the neighbors in Tsukumoya, and even their detective service clients. I especially love how Kanoko finally finds a place she can truly call home. I couldn’t find a single thing I disliked about this drama, but honestly my only complaint is the cover, as it really doesn’t do justice to how good this drama is.

I highly recommend watching Usotoki Rhetoric! this is one drama you definitely don’t want to miss :)

🎧 soundtrack: eill | 革命前夜 or Kakumei Zenya by eill

💌 sub by irozukusubs | edited by huneybomb ♡

[huneybomb]

[Asadora Review] Miotsukushi (1985)

—REVIEW: ⭐️8.5/10

19th watched

Plot: ★★★★⯪

Heroine: ★★★★★

Male lead: ★★★★☆  

2nd Male lead: ★★★★☆  

Side characters: ★★★★☆

Music: ★★★★★

Overall: ★★★★☆  

"Kaoru, do you know Miotsukushi? like Miotsukushi, which shows the way for the safe passage of ships, i want to protect you and your children. i want to protect them with all my heart" —Soukichi.

I was interested in watching Miotsukushi after seeing a GIF of the heroine on a boat. Without looking deeper into the story, I immediately jumped in, and I have no regrets, because this is truly a masterpiece.

Miotsukushi is my 19th Asadora, and it ranks in my top 3 most rollercoaster-like Asadoras. The twists of fate shape the heroine’s journey. It has the most unpredictable plot I’ve seen, and it feels like every possible conflict of that era is packed into Miotsukushi.

After watching it, my heart feels tight, the story is beautiful, but it leaves a bittersweet taste. Especially since it ends just as the Japanese war era concludes, around 1945–1946. But in a way, that’s what makes the ending so powerful: it feels full of hope, open to countless dreams.

♡ THINGS I LIKE: 1. The Heroine. Kaoru is a character who truly fits the era she lives in, she feels like the embodiment of the ideal young woman of that time. She’s timid, shy but kind, sincere, polite, honest. At the same time, she has a love for literature and is athletic. What I especially love about her is that she’s also brave and always expresses her feelings and thoughts. She takes full responsibility for her choices. I really adore her character.

2. The Heroine’s Family. Even though her family situation is complicated, since Kaoru was born to a concubine, Miotsukushi portrays it beautifully. I love the harmony within the Bando family. Her father is strict but deeply loves his family and tries his best to be fair. The official wife is a woman with a gentle heart, yet open-minded for the sake of the family. Kaoru’s mother is sincere and devoted to her husband and the family. Her older sister has a strong will but clearly cares for her family. And my favorite character is Kaoru’s younger brother, Eiichiro, he is Kaoru’s support system, accepting her from the very beginning, always there for her, and protective. I really loved it when he said “To me, both are onee-san.”

3. The Two Love Interests. Honestly, both of them have their flaws, but they each have beautiful qualities in their own way. Soukichi is full of charisma, the first love and clearly Kaoru’s endgame. Umeki is sincere and patiently waits for Kaoru for years. It’s both touching and painful to see how fate twists the happiness of Kaoru, Soukichi, and Umeki.

"i'll only have one wife in this world. from the first time i met you until now, i'll never change my mind. in my heart, i'll always be in love with you" —Soukichi.

"waiting doesn't pain me. as i've said before, i'll wait as long as i have to. until your feelings change, even if it takes decades it doesn't matter" —Umeki.

4. I like the development of Kaoru's character. She started out as a timid young girl. After getting married, she became a pillar of the Yoshitake family. When she lost her husband and returned to the Bando family, Kaoru changed. She found her passion in soy sauce making and showed incredible creativity in marketing her products. Eventually, she became a director at Iricho. And when the war began to intensify, Kaoru became the key figure in reviving the family’s legacy business, Iricho.

5. I learned so many new things. From the soy sauce-making process, to the passion of the fishermen and how deeply rooted their trust is with terms like Kuro-fujyo, Maiwai (the finest fisherman's clothing). This was also the first time I saw a weapon of war depicted in an Asadora. I also learned about Senninbari, and even the meaning behind the word Miotsukushi. There’s still so much more!

6. The conflict between the land and the sea people. From the very beginning, there was constant tension between the soy sauce shop and the seashore fishermen, Iricho vs. Yoshitake always at odds like oil and water. But Kaoru and Soukichi overcame all of it. Kaoru was the biggest reason they were able to reconcile, eventually uniting and supporting each other through the war. I especially loved how the Yoshitake family helped take care of Kaoru’s twins during the war. And one of the most touching scenes was on Iricho’s 300th anniversary, when the Yoshitake fishermen came to congratulate them and bring gifts. That scene was incredibly meaningful and beautiful.

7. The Ending. One of the things I like about the ending is when Soukichi proposes to Kaoru at Umeki's grave. Even though Kaoru rejects him because she wants to rebuild Iricho, Soukichi doesn’t give up on her, even after waiting 21 years and Kaoru also realizes that she still(always) loves him.

♡ THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: 1. The politics. I understand that Miotsukushi is set during wartime, so political themes are inevitable. But out of all the wartime Asadoras I’ve watched, the political elements in this one run much deeper. The part I disliked the most was when activists came to Iricho and how Kaoru’s sister involved her in it. 2. Soukichi slapping Kaoru in episode 80. I didn’t cry through most of the episodes, until this scene. All of Soukichi’s sweetness and gentleness vanished in that moment. how he turned his back coldly on Kaoru, how he refused to be honest with her, and how he placed her between the Bando and Yoshitake families. Kaoru had to sacrifice her own happiness. And all because of politics. Yes, I really hated the politics in Miotsukushi. 3. Umeki’s inferiority. I also didn’t like the scene where Umeki’s inferiority complex surfaced, he became cowardly, got drunk, and was rude to Kaoru, saying so many hurtful things, even though he’s usually kind and caring. Both love interests have their flaws, but I’m thankful they both returned to their better selves later on. 4. Kaoru’s motherhood isn’t shown enough. It’s a shame that Kaoru’s motherly side isn’t explored more. There are only a few scenes of her with her children. Those scenes really add life to both her character and her children, and I wish there were more of them.

Overall, even though it’s not my favorite, I still really like Miotsukushi! The core of Miotsukushi is Kaoru’s journey through the many twists of fate in her life. Miotsukushi covers everything: family relationships, romance, struggles during the war, the effort to keep soy sauce production alive, fishermen and their beliefs, politics, and so much more.

This is the most complex Asadora I’ve ever watched and the one with the sweetest romance scenes. My favorite part is how Kaoru and Soukichi’s relationship begins. I highly recommend Miotsukushi if you enjoy complex, emotionally rich stories! It’s an Asadora that will always hold a special place in the depths of my heart ♡

♡ Special thanks to narai225 for their amazing sub!

[huneybomb]

[Asadora Review] Kaze no Haruka (2005)

—REVIEW: ⭐️ 8.5/10

18th watched

Plot: ★★★★⯪

Heroine: ★★★★⯪

Male lead: ★★★★⯪  

Side characters: ★★★★⯪

Music: ★★★★★

Overall: ★★★★⯪  

"there's always a wind blowing through this town and it swirls around and around the valley and gathers there. before you know it, you get caught up in that wind that's why you want to come back again"

First of all, you should know that I am someone who is quite easily influenced by other people's opinions. So, after reading several negative comments about this Asadora, I decided to watch Kaze no Haruka without any expectations, especially since I had already been spoiled about the messy love affairs in the series, including who the heroine ends up with. BUT surprisingly, after finishing it, I realized that I actually liked Kaze no Haruka! ♡

Honestly, I feel a bit strange because my review differs from most people who have watched Kaze no Haruka. However, even if my opinion is different, I hope my review provides an alternative perspective for those who are unsure about whether to watch it or not.

☆ THINGS I DON'T LIKE: 1. Masami – He is one of the worst love interests for a heroine in an Asadora. Even though his character is written as straightforward and kind, he is ultimately a total failure, spoiled, cowardly, and irresponsible! The way he left Haruka was so cruel that I still cried at that scene, even though I had already been spoiled about it. 2. Who Asuka (the heroine’s younger sister) ends up with – I don’t usually mind age gaps in relationships as long as both individuals are adults. However, the fact that he became a teacher and knew Asuka when she was in elementary school is quite unsettling, even if their romantic feelings only developed once they were adults.

♡ THINGS I LIKE: 1. Haruka. I can confidently say that Haruka is one of my favorite modern-era Asadora heroines! Even though she was mature from a young age, her character development is well done. She is kind, cheerful, hardworking, and warm. What I love most is her passion and charisma when working. Her only weakness is in the romance part, she is too naive when it comes to Masami, continuously falling for him despite everything. But aside from that, I absolutely love Haruka.

2. The heroine’s family. At the beginning of the series, her parents' selfishness is shown. However, as the story progresses, we begin to accept, understand, and even grow to like her family as a whole.

3. The male lead. He may not be the best, but I like how he is always there for Haruka when she is struggling and in need of support. He consistently offers insightful advice and solutions for her. The small things he does for Haruka may seem insignificant at first, but they unknowingly mean a lot to her.

4. All the supporting characters. In this Asadora, there isn’t a single character I dislike (aside from Masami’s actions toward Haruka, of course). I really liked Haruka’s family, her co-workers at Soyokaze Tourist, her acquaintances in Osaka, and all the residents of Yufuin. One of my favorite characters is Momoe! I even feel like she could have been the heroine haha.

5. The relationship dynamic between the heroine and the male lead. I like how they compromise to maintain their respective jobs. In many other stories, the characters only focus on their careers and ultimately decide not to be together, but in this case, they find a balance.

6. The opening theme song. I absolutely love it! The Kaze no Haruka opening is one of the few Asadora theme songs I never skip. It’s a beautiful song, accompanied by Haruka’s sweet smile and stunning scenery of Yufuin.

🎧 森山直太朗 「風花」

7. The cultural aspect! I love how the series showcases Japanese tourism, the Awa Odori dance, onsen, and tourism in the Yufuin area. It also highlights various festivals, from music festivals to food festivals and more!

8. The story’s perspective on the future of Yufuin’s tourism industry. I like how it explores the idea of integrating farming, inns, and tourism, emphasizing that these sectors must work together to build a prosperous future. It’s portrayed as an era for young people to take charge. 9. The winter scenery! The snow! Since the story is set in Yufuin, Oita, near Mount Yufu-dake, the snowy landscapes are absolutely beautiful! I really enjoy it when an Asadora highlights the local climate and environment.

♡ There's two main reasons I can say that I like Kaze no Haruka:

1. It isn’t as bad as the romance in Mare. For me, the romance in Kaze no Haruka is not forced because it is like a big part of this asadora, of course the romance is messy, however I still think it’s much better than Mare, which was filled with toxicity. What I like the most is that the characters in Kaze no Haruka are honest about their feelings and don’t bring each other down like they do in Mare.

2. Haruka’s younger sister isn’t as annoying as in Okaeri Mone! Asuka (the heroine’s younger sister) isn’t manipulative. At first, I was worried she would be like the younger sister in Okaeri Mone, but thankfully, she isn’t. While there are moments when Asuka is selfish, blames others, and indirectly makes Haruka’s life revolve around her, she later acknowledges this and thanks Haruka for always supporting her. That moment made all the difference.

Overall I really like Kaze no Haruka! It’s one of the lighter Asadora series, and despite its 151 episodes, I never felt tired of watching it, I genuinely enjoyed every episode. I highly recommend giving it a watch! ♡

"it never used to bother me to be alone. i had fun alone, but now no matter what i look at. i think of you no matter what country or town i'm in, whether the weather's nice, raining, snowing or stroming i long to see you. i can't be alone anymore" —Keitaro. "i've been waiting for you all this time. promise me that you'll always come back here. whether you're happy, sad or hurt, don't forget that you have a place to come home to and once in a while, take me with you" —Haruka.

Note: If you want to enjoy Kaze no Haruka as much as I did, maybe getting the same spoilers would help. Since I already knew Haruka wouldn’t end up with Masami, I didn’t dwell too much on their relationship scenes, which made the experience more enjoyable. happy watching!

♡ special thanks to LissieKitty & narai225 for their amazing sub!

[huneybomb]

[Asadora Review] Teppan (2010)

—MY REVIEW: ⭐7.9/10

17th watched

Plot: ★★★⯪☆

Heroine: ★★★☆☆

Male lead: ★★★⯪☆

Side characters: ★★★★★

Music: ★★★★☆

Overall: ★★★⯪☆

"that shop is, for me both Onomichi and Osaka. i want to make this restaurant everyone's home" —Akari

Teppan is my 17th Asadora! Honestly, it’s one of the most ordinary Asadora and doesn’t have strong plot compared to others. However, even though it’s just about a young girl starting her life as part of society and finding her identity, Teppan is still worth watching!

♡ THINGS I LIKE:

1. The Murakami Family – They are the most harmonious Asadora heroine family and one of my favorites! I love their way of life, welcoming everyone with sincerity and warmth. Their family consists of various personalities: a hardworking father who is strict yet deeply loving, to the point of being unreasonable when it comes to Akari; a kind, sincere, and strong mother; Kin-nii, the most understanding, kind, and sweet older brother; Tetsu-nii, who may seem lazy but has a warm heart; and Akari, the bright light who fills the Murakami family with her cheerfulness.

2. The Music – Even though the opening song is an instrumental, there are many songs and background music throughout various scenes, adding depth to the story. 3. The Way It Handles Adoption – While I initially disliked how the narrator seemed to suggest that the Murakami family wasn’t Akari’s "real" family in the early episodes, I liked how the story developed. No matter what, Akari is a part of the Murakami family, and I loved how even Akari’s grandmother was considered family by them.

4. The residents of the boarding house – I love the dynamics among the boarders. While it’s not as deep as Churasan, I still enjoyed it. I like how they support Akari during tough times, how they always have breakfast together, and more. Oh, and let’s not forget the neighbors in Onomichi and Osaka too!

5. The realistic ending! – For me, Akari’s final decision was the best and most realistic choice. At just 20 years old, her strong determination to continue running her Okonomiyaki restaurant feels like a great beginning. There are still many opportunities for her in both life and love in the future. I’m glad to finally see a heroine who sticks to her choice, persisting until the end with her chosen career.

6. Learning new cultures – Asadora is my favorite type of drama because I get to learn about different cultures. For example, I love how Ozouni varies from city to city, with different broth and filling variations. Even Okonomiyaki is adapted to suit local tastes! 7. Akari’s journey in cooking Okonomiyaki – I love how she learns to cook Okonomiyaki step by step. Watching her being taught from the basics, how to select good ingredients, choose the right sauce to develop her own signature flavor, and so on.

☆ THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:

1. The narrator’s narration in the early episodes – I didn’t like how the narrator seemed to imply that the Murakami family wasn’t Akari’s real family and how it felt like she had to choose between her adoptive family and her biological family. 2. Teppei (the heroine’s brother) – He could be a bit annoying at times. However, I still liked him because he meant well and was an important part of the heroine’s life.

3. Some draggy plots in the second half – the introduction of a new character who was pregnant (which took up many episodes), the sudden appearance of the heroine’s biological father, and how the romance only really developed in the final weeks.

4. The heroine – She doesn’t necessarily need to be on this list, but while I don’t dislike her, I can’t say I really like her either. Initially, I found her character likable, but in the second half, she started to frustrate me. She often found herself stuck in dilemmas, became a burden to others when she was confused, and struggled with indecisiveness. She also had a tendency to whine whenever she panicked.

5. The romance – Honestly, I was really sad that Akari didn’t end up with Takizawa. However, her final decision was the best and most realistic choice, as I can’t imagine her moving away just to follow the guy she likes and leaving behind her Okonomiyaki restaurant, which was her true passion.

Overall, I still like Teppan! It’s one of the lighter Asadora and doesn’t leave a bitter taste after finishing it. I highly recommend it because I’m sure you’ll love the Murakami family as much as I did!♡

♡ special thanks to Belthazar for their hard work in subbing Teppan, thank you so much!

—our Murakami Akari & Kaoru Takizawa ♡

"she has her restaurant. it's a place precious to me. if it weren't for her, i couldn't have gotten this far" —Takizawa

"i lost to Okonomiyaki. but, if i'm losing to okonomiyaki, i'm fine with losing. okonomiyaki, of all things" —Takizawa

thank you!

[huneybomb]

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[huneybomb]

[Asadora Review] Ochoyan (2020)

— MY REVIEW: ⭐8/10

15th watched

Plot: ★★★★☆

Heroine: ★★★★★

Male lead: ☆☆☆☆☆ (he's a total trash)

Side chara: ★★★★★ (except her father and that girl)

Music: ★★★★★

Overall: ★★★⯪☆  

The bitterness of life helps you grow into the best version of yourself.

Ochoyan is my 15th asadora! loosely based on the true story of actress Naniwa Chieko, who later became known as Osaka’s Mother, the story feels much more realistic and bittersweet.

☆ THINGS I LIKE:

1. The heroine – I always admire heroines who lived during the war era, they were incredibly tough. Chiyo is a strong, kind, and warm character who always sees the best in every person and situation she faces. In fact, her biggest weakness is that she’s too forgiving.

2. The characters – I love how every character feels alive, and each one’s presence in the story is well-balanced. 3. The setting – The scenes never feel empty, which is something I often notice in other period dramas. The cinematography and lighting make everything look even more beautiful.

4. Family and friendship – Chiyo is surrounded by good people who genuinely love her. I love the dynamics of the Okayasu family, Chiyo’s friendship with her maid friends, her work friends in Kyoto, the troupe members, and eventually, her new family from the radio drama!

5. Chiyo’s motherly role – Even though Chiyo couldn’t have biological children, she was surrounded by people who saw her as a mother figure. Kanji and Haruko, whom she adopted. Then there were Chiyo’s 12 children from her radio drama show, which is how she became known as Osaka’s Mother. 6. How Ochoyan ends – this is the turning point of Chiyo's life. My favorite part is because Chiyo's last job is as a radio drama actress! She has opened a new page, not tied to anyone, being the best version of herself and enjoying every part of her life.

☆ THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:

1. The men in Chiyo’s life: o Her father: Irresponsible, kicked her out of house, sold her, and the list of his bad deeds goes on. o Ippei: The definition of all talk and no action. I thought Chiyo’s father was the one who hurt her the most, but it turns out it was Ippei. I would even say Ippei is the worst male lead of any asadora I’ve ever watched. 2. The redemption arc for those who hurt Chiyo: o I can forgive Chiyo’s younger brother and stepmother. o But for Ippei & her father? Sorry, I was really annoyed watching it, I felt cheated, their betrayal was too fatal for me.

☆ Overall, I still like Ochoyan, but for me this is the kind of asadora that i will only watch once in my life, like Toto Nee-chan. the story is beautiful, but also so painful. Honestly, if I had read the reviews or comments before watching, I wouldn’t have dared to watch it because some of the tropes are just too painful for me. That said, I’m also grateful to have finished Ochoyan. It allowed me to meet Chiyo and other characters who made me realize how bitter life can be, there will always be someone who sincerely loves and cherishes you.

☆ my favorite character from this Asadora, besides Chiyo is Matsushima Kanji! Maeda Oshiro's acting is really good, and he portrays Kanji so well ♡

"here i'am, over 40, repeating the same mistakes... and now i'm just in the way" —chiyo "it's not the same. i'm here with you now, aren't i?" —kanji

☆ Watching tips: 1. For a happy experience: Episodes 1–65. 2. For a happy ending with some realism: Episodes 1–65, then skip to 101–115. 3. For the full bittersweet journey: Episodes 1–115.

☆ Special thanks to HPriest!♡ thank you for picking up and completing Ochoyan. thanks to their hard work, i was able to watch this masterpiece. the easy-to-understand subs allowed me to laugh, cry, and enjoy every part of this asadora.

also these amazing GIFs/Pics are from @asadoras thank you! ♡

[huneybomb]

[Asadora Review] Sakura (2002)

― MY REVIEW: ⭐9/10

16th watched

Plot: ★★★★☆ 

Heroine: ★★★★★

Male lead: ★★★★★  

Side chara: ★★★★★

Music: ★★★★★

Overall: ★★★★⯪ 

Sakura is my 16th Asadora and one of my favorites! I truly enjoyed and had so much fun watching it, I laughed a lot throughout. Although the story seems simple, Sakura is much more than that, and it holds a special place in my heart. Honestly, my review can't fully express how much I love all the characters in this Asadora.

"Sakura, i need you by my side! Please, just be with me. I'll be waiting for you in Japan"

"I came back"

"You're really here"

"I really am"

☆ THINGS I LIKE:

1. The Numata Family – They are the biggest reason I love Sakura so much. I thought no one could match the Shibata family from Natsuzora, but the Numata family proved me wrong! They completely won me over.

2. The Heroine – She’s not my favorite heroine, but I can’t help but like her. Even though her meddling attitude can be a bit annoying, she always tries her best and genuinely cares about the feelings of those around her.

3. The Male Lead – He’s not perfect, sometimes he’s cowardly when facing problems, but he’s still one of my favorite Asadora male leads! He’s such an amazing teacher, he's kind, caring, responsible, modest… and hot! HAHA. I love how he always stays by the heroine’s side, and I really enjoy the dynamic between them.

4. All the Characters – My absolute favorites are, of course, the Numata family. But I also love the heroine’s supportive families in Hawaii and Tokyo, her students who bring so much life to the story, ml's family (especially her mother), her teacher colleagues (especially Mr. Sawada), and her friends at Leonardo. Honestly, I love everyone in this Asadora!

5. The Music – Although the opening theme is only instrumental, the background songs in various scenes are absolutely beautiful.

🎧 桜景 歌森公美子

6. The Setting – Even though most of the scenes take place in the same locations, I never felt like anything was missing, unlike in Hiyokko. The variety of beautiful views and places kept things interesting.

7. The Cultural Aspects – One of the reasons I love watching Asadora is learning about different cultures. In Sakura, I got to learn about the history of Japanese Americans in Hawaii, traditional candle-making, Santera Mairi, and much more!

8. The Seasons – It’s rare to see an Asadora showcase all four seasons. Usually, we just get brief glimpses before the story jumps to a new season. But in Sakura, you can truly feel spring, the rainy season, and even the snow!

☆ THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:

1. The Heroine’s Childhood Is Not Shown – One of the things that makes Asadora unique is how it usually follows the heroine’s journey from childhood to adulthood (sometimes even to old age). But in Sakura, the entire 156-episode story takes place within just one year. While it makes sense for this particular plot, it still left me feeling a bit disappointed.

2. The Heroine’s Meddling Personality – Although this is one of her defining traits, sometimes it was frustrating to watch.

3. Some Draggy Plotlines – The hotel project issue, the heroine’s long period of sadness after her breakup, and how the heroine and the male lead refuse to admit their feelings for each other.

4. The Last Minute Romance – When I said Sakura reminded me a little of Hiyokko, I didn’t mean I wanted the romance to be resolved in the last few episodes! In fact, this was even worse! 😭 It made 156 episodes feel like they weren’t enough! If only we had some extra episodes like Hiyokko.

"I respect her, and i think i love her" —Katsuragi

"i encountered so many parts of Japan during my time here, but for me, you were Japan itself" —Sakura

Overall, I absolutely loved Sakura and highly recommend watching it! Honestly, I feel heartbroken having to say goodbye to all these wonderful characters.

♡ Special Thanks to Heart__Ereki for subbing this Asadora! You’ve been an incredibly friendly and dedicated subber, and I truly appreciate your hard work on this project. You’re like a heroine/hero to me because, thanks to you, I was able to laugh, cry, and feel so much joy while watching Sakura ♡

[huneybomb]

[Asadora Review] Asadora: Umechan Sensei (2012)

“Ume blossoms are the first in spring, blooming even before sakura. a flower that gives hope to everyone”

“I think being a doctor is a wonderful profession. I think it’s awesome to study to become a doctor. I want to be a town doctor in Kamata. a place close by where people who are sick can come to, with a doctor they know who is always there. that’s what I want to be for the people in this town” —Yasuoka Umeko

—MY REVIEW:

my 9th asadora

plot: ★★★★★

heroine: ★★★★★

hero: ★★★★★

side chara: ★★★★★

music: ★★★★☆ ½

overall: ★★★★★ — 9.5/10

Umechan Sensei is an asadora that made me fall in love with the story from the start. the first half tells the story of how Ume found her dream and the process of making her dream come true, the second half tells about family and neighbor relationships.

I love how Ume's character is developing. she, who was previously only seen as a child who was carefree and had no strong points, not a top student and always everyone's afterthought. then she became a determined character with a sincere heart, became a reliable and useful person for everyone around her, even becoming her father's successor.

WHAT I DON'T LIKE:

1. Constantly using the same place, but better compared to Hiyokko.

2.The narrator is rarely heard, because one of the things I like about Asadora is the narration from the narrator.

3. The story about 'Hiroshi' in the last few episodes slightly dragged the story, even though it ends well.

WHAT I LIKE:

1. Character development. All the character development here is very good, not only for Ume, even her brother, sister, father, mother, Nobuo and everyone around her.

2. Ume's character is a very kind heroine, always caring about everyone but not a pushover. Her character is sensitive and very considerate, always mediating whenever there is a problem.

3. Sibling relationship. even though their relationship is like a normal sibling relationship, neither too close nor too far, their bond is strong, they care and are always there for each other, even after they are all married.

4. I really like how her family is very supportive. they don't just accept the heroine's decision, but when she is determined they will all support the heroine.

5. The heroine's time at university is included in the story. long enough and the learning is shown, because other asadoras are usually not shown.

6. The comedy! I think the comedy is just right, several times I laughed out loud. Especially the relationship with neighbors.

7. The story is resolved quickly, not long-winded, so it's not hard to watch.

8. And of course, I really like our heroine and hero characters, the characters Ume and Nobuo are very suitable to be played by Horikita Maki and Matsuzaka Tori.

9. Nobuo is one of the hero characters that I like the most in Asadora! Apart from Hide from Hiyokko, Daisuke from Mare and Kazunari from Ohisama. Nobuo's character development is also very significant, how at first he was immature until finally he was full of determination, responsibility, didn't give up easily, considerate and became someone Ume could lean on.

Overall, I really like Umechan Sensei! I'm not even willing to finish this Asadora because I don't want to part with all the characters. I highly recommend watching Umechan Sensei, it's a must watch!♡

[huneybomb]

さくら (2002) Episode 23 subtitles by Marezora Subs

[huneybomb]

[Book Review] Betting on the Boy Next Door

Betting on Love #1 by Melanie Jacobson

—my review: overall: ⭐ 4/5 plot: ★★★★☆ female lead: ★★★☆☆ ½ male lead(s): ★★★★☆ ½ side characters: ★★★☆☆

honestly at the beginning i had a hard time continuing reading this book, because the writing seemed ridiculous and cheesy. but after i tried a few times and forced myself to continue, i didn't regret it. it turns out i like this book, the drama is not too much, the romance is just right.

how the two main characters still achieve their job dreams but still support each other is very cool, and how they both make their parents accept the choices they make in their jobs and romantic relationships is very beautiful. it's not realistic, but i really like it.

overall i highly recommend this book, just hang in there for the first few chapters!

[huneybomb]

[Book Review] Playing for Keeps

A Neighbor from Hell #1 by R.L. Mathewson

—my review:

overall: ⭐ 3/5 plot: ★★★☆☆ female lead: ★★★☆☆ male lead(s): ★★★☆☆ side characters: ★☆☆☆☆

The first half of the story is good, easy to read because the push and pull between the two main characters is very sweet and goes smoothly without any awkwardness, it's very fun to follow their relationship. until the second half ruined it.

seriously, I could have given it a 4.5 or higher rating, but ended up giving it 3 stars because the second half ruined it. It's not that bad, but I still hate it because the male lead believes some nonsense and ends up ruining his relationship with the female lead. I don't like how after that both of our main characters are equally stubborn, even though they can communicate and solve problems without prolonging them.

but I'm thankful that everything ended well, it's a shame that they didn't show the scene where they got married and the female lead got pregnant and announced it to the male lead, because that was what I was waiting for the most. but I'm still glad that the epilogue showed 10 years in the future, where our two main characters live happily with their children, so adorable!

To be honest, this book is the type of story that I would forget shortly after reading it and I only liked it a little, but I still recommend this book!

[huneybomb]

[Book Review] Gypsy Origins

All the Pretty Monsters #3 by Kristy Cunning

omg this series is getting more exciting!

—my review: overall: ⭐ 4/5 plot: ★★★★☆ female lead: ★★★★☆ male lead(s): ★★★☆☆ side characters: ★★★☆☆

never thought I would like this series because at first I wanted to stop reading the first book of this series many times because I felt the story was predictable and not clear where it was going, now it really makes me interested and curious.

I was surprised to like the female lead's character in this third book, so she was kind of pretending to be naive, but it turns out she's more than that! I quite liked her character development.

and the romance part... omg I've never read a book that's really reverse harem like this HAHA it's crazy, but honestly I'm getting more curious. honestly i really like Damien! he's an incubus, but how he committed to only wanting to feed on Violet! he's definitely my favorite suitor. then i like Emit, lastly Vance(I'm still mad about the ghost's last request thing in the previous book). of course I'm also quite captivated by Arion, but sorry i can't like his character because he's still obsessed with that 81tch.

Overall the story in this book is getting more complicated but I like Gypsy Origins, can't wait to continue the next book!