Thai Lakorns Recommendations: Part Three
Hey everyone! The time to go back to school is fast approaching (or has already approached!) for many of us here on MDL, myself included. If you guys are anything like me, you feel a mix of excitement and dread for the work load ahead. However, we still have a bit before our lives get busier, so why not fill them with our collective favorite past time: DRAMAS!
I have enclosed a few of my favorite Japanese school dramas for your viewing pleasure. Some of you may have already seen these as they are older. However, older doesn't mean they aren't still great. If you have seen them, may I suggest a re-watch session to get you into the school spirit?
Let's begin!
#1 Gokusen
When I think Japanese school dramas, Gokusen is one of the very first that comes to mind. Featuring a cast filled with actors that we've come to know and love such as Matsumoto Jun, Oguri Shun,and Narimiya Hiroki this is a much-watch during the back-to-school season. The story focuses on Yamaguchi Kumiko (played by Nakama Yukie), a Yakuza's daughter who is trying to build a career as a teacher and accepts a job at Shirokin Gakuen. However, she finds out that she's been assigned to class 3-D which is known as classroom of deliquents! At first, the students try to bully her and make her quit... but Yamaguchi has all the skills needed to handle them and is determined to show them what they could make of themselves if they only tried.
Gokusen is a series of three dramas, so if you've already seen the first one may I suggest you try out Gokusen 2 or Gokusen 3?
#2 Hana Kimi
Fans of the gender-bender genre will love this school drama. By now, I'm sure that majority of you have watched this drama (or at least some version of it). Which just goes to show how good it actually is!
Hana Kimi follows Ashiya Mizuki (played by Horikata Maki), who leaves her home in California to enroll in an all-boy's boarding school, that she might convince Sano Izumi (Oguri Shun) to return to the high jump. Along the way, she befriends Nakatsu Shuichi (Ikuta Toma), whofalls in love with her and has a crisis of his own. Hana Kimi sports an all-star cast, tons of comedy, friendship and romance. It's just the sort of drama we all need before the stress of school kicks in.
If you have already watched this version, may I suggest you try out Hana Kimi Remake? It features the same story but with a different cast and some new twists to make it interesting.
#3 Nobuta Wo Produce
Another great school drama starring Horikita Maki is Nobuta wo Produce. This is the drama that ignited my love for Yamashita Tomohisa and Kamenashi Kazuya. Kamenashi plays Kiritani Shuji, the most popular guy in school. He pretends to care for all his classmates, but makes sure that he never truly opens up to others. Only when his classmate, Akira Kusano (Yamashita Tomohisa), is around can he show his true self. One day, Horikita's character, Nobuko Kotani, transfers to Shuji's school. Because of her gloomy looks and awkward attitude she becomes the victim of bullying. Unable to watch this continue, Akira formulates a plan to give her a makeover so that she is more approachable to others. Along the way, friendships are formed and the trio learn that sometimes the best thing to be is yourself.
If you've already seen this drama, may I suggest Yamato Nadeshiko Shinchi Henge? It also stars Kamenashi Kazuya and focuses on producing a girl to be a better version of herself.
#4 Ouran High School Host Club
Looking for a short and sweet drama with lots of comedy? Give Ouran High School Host Club a try! At an average of 23 minutes an episode, this bite-sized drama could be just what you need to get you excited for school. One day, Haruhi Fujioka (Kawaguchi Haruna) tried to find a quiet place to study and stumbled upon the school's resident Host Club! After knocking over an expensive vase by accident, tomboyish Haruhi is put to work with the Host Club in order to pay off her debt. With a great cast featuring Yamamoto Yusuke as Tamaki Suoh, this drama can't fail to make you laugh."
If you've already seen this drama, may I suggest you try Mei-chan no Shitsuji? It has a similar comedic atmosphere and features a reverse harem... except with butlers instead of hosts.
Honorable Mentions
I hope you enjoyed my article and take a chance on my recommendations. Comment below on some of your favorite Japanese school dramas. As always, Happy Watching Chingus!
