Long Vacation

One of the most popular Japanese TV dramas both in Japan and among foreign fans. A great ensemble cast lead by romantic leads Takuya Kimura (Japan's resident heart throb) and Tomoko Yamaguchi who is fun and attractive. About a young pianist who hasn't yet learned to mix emotion with art, and an aging model facing the reality of her industry. When Yamaguchi moves into Kimura's apartment-- taking the room left by her fiance who stood her up on her wedding day-- their very different personalities collide. Outspoken and brash meets shy and soft spoken. The scenes that result are classic. It is a rocky road but fun to watch. The rest of the cast: Yutaka, as Yamaguchi's brother a player-- of the piano and by nature; Inamori, as Yamaguchi's flaky but endearing best friend; Matsu, as Kimura's talented piano playing crush/competition. Accompanied by a great soundtrack of original songs by Cagnet. If you are reading this you have probably seen it already or at least heard of it, but if you haven't... it is hard to find but well worth the effort.

I only got to watch this drama early this year, but its still relevant and funny almost half a decade later.

I think the reason this drama works is because of the chemistry between Yamaguchi Tomoko and Kimura Takuya. Boisterous vs. shy - that's a good juxtaposition, especially when SHE is the noisy, forward one and HE is the retiring, mild mannered one. In fact I think Yamaguchi Tomoko is a great actress. She's so alive and her enthusiasm is infectious. Izumi Inamori deserves a mention too as the somewhat loony best friend. The women really shine in their roles. But really, it's the overall good casting and the refreshing scenarios that made this drama as engaging as it is.

Hi

This is the first drama that got me hooked to J-Dramas. I watched it recently though it was aired long time ago 1996. It still fresh and relatable even today.All the characters are well developed and the actors have given outstanding performance. I became huge fan of Japan's heartthrob Kimura Takuya. He is an excellent performer. Very natural. I watched some more of his dramas (Hero,Pride etc). In each he plays all together different characters with different body language. He looks so natural in all his dramas.

The supporting cast also did a good job. The story may seem slow at the beginning but I suggest you to complete watching the series to realise how awesome it is.

Also I need to give credit to lead actress Yamaguchi Tomoko for pulling off her role so effortlessly. Her chemistry with Kimura Takuya is excellent. For all Kimura Takuya fans,this drama is a must watch!

There really aren't any shows that I watch more than once...this is the one exception. my heuristic for any good love story is one that is honest with the flaws of both partners and this drama does just that. add on top of this the irrepressible chemistry of the leads (this put Kimura Takuya's acting on the map and is one of the unfortunately few works of Yamaguchi Tomoko), music that works its way into the story, and the shows ability to capture so much of the silliness, stings, and sensations of relationships in all their mess and meaning - making it my favorite love story drama series in any language.

The introduction of the two main characters are fun and builds great chemistry together. The great cast lead by romantic leads Takuya Kimura and Tomoko Yamaguchi. The summary plot of the story is about a young pianist who hasn't yet learned to mix emotion with art, and an aging model facing the reality of her industry. That is all of what I am going to say, I don't want to ruin it for those who have not seen it. But I will assure you that you'll laugh, smile and be heart warmth of the story.