たったひとつの恋

Another old dorama (released in 2006) from Koala's watch list. Finally just finish this dorama after a long dorama marathon.

たったひとつの恋 or 'Just One Love' is a young love story between Kanzaki Hiroto, a poor boy from a complicated background, and Tsukioka Nao, an ojou-chan (princess) of Star Jewelry. Coincidence or faith allowed them to meet and fall in love, and together they overcome the difficulties and complexity of their love.

You may find the first episode not really addictive because of Hiroto's attitude and the storyline leaving lots of gaps. But as you go along to episode 2 and 3, Hiroto starts to open his heart to Nao and you will find this cute couple is totally adorable. Nao being straight forward with her feelings to Hiroto, while Hiroto himself, once he's certain of his feeling, he really clings to it. No matter how long time has passed (there you go, a hint of spoiler). On top of that, they have friends that are always be there for each other through ups and downs.

What I like about this dorama:

1. Hiroto! Hiroto is played by Kame from boy band, Kat-tun. I saw lots of his dorama and I like his acting in this drama as one of his best. He portrayed lots of different emotions and expressions on Hiroto. Happy, despair, troubled all combined into 1 Hiroto. One of my favorite Kame's moments is when Hiroto was confronted by Nao's dad because of his mom. I almost grabbed some tissues watching his expression. Another sad moment is when Kame holding the crying Nao's hand on the boat. The anger, frustration, love and sadness are portrayed just nice to be a total tear-jerker moment.
2. Nao! Ayase Haruka plays Nao. In here, her role is totally different from Hotaru in Hotaru no Hikari (yet another great dorama that I haven't finished watching). Nao is portrayed as a naive and straight forward rich girl but she doesn't discriminate people based on material, though initially it looks like she did. Her character develops progressively to be a stronger and independent girl. I like Nao's character in the end. While the ojouchan attitude still appears sometimes, but that becomes her cute factor and her whole attitude matures too.
3. Yokohama! The settings, the scenery, you will want to go to Yokohama. Absolutely gorgeous. You'll wonder if Japanese Tourism Board has something to do with it. Even Hiroto's small factory can look so captivating amidst Yokohama scenery. Another wow factor.
4. Hiraoka Yuuta is in here too as Ayuta, Hiroto's best friend. His role in here is not as significant compare to Yuuki sensei in First Kiss. But, he do play an important role for Hiroto and Nao's relationship.
5. The fashion is all ultra cute and nice. I always like winter fashion the best and it's proven from this dorama. Nao and Yuka's boots, coats, bags are perfect! And amazingly, a perfect hair for all occassions. Whether Nao's in hospital, school, festival, beach, her hair is totally in perfect shape and style.
6. Storyline. Off course, good drama must have good storyline. I like how they play out lots of current issues in our society. First, Nao and Hiroto coming from totally different background and social class. Conflict of whether to cling on the love or face the harsh reality of life haunt Hiroto throughout the whole dorama. Then, family comes in the picture. Can you give up your family for anything? No matter how badly your family is, it's still your family, and Hiroto's decision of not giving it up is probably what most people will do. Another next issue is money. In here we see, how money can destroy people's relationship and how money can hurt you. Other issues like how youngsters plan their future, what are they dream and what are their attitudes toward their goal in life,

And off course, with 2 Kat-tun members in the dorama, it would be very fitting that the OST is also from Kat-tun. So here's the PV of 'Bokura no Machi de'