[Discussion] Woman

MaiKitty · Post by **MaiKitty** » Jun 10th, '13, 15:05

Woman

Information from Jdrama Weblog
Official Website

Broadcast
From 10.00 p.m., Wednesday, 3 July 2013

Station
NTV

Cast
Mitsushima Hikari, Tanaka Yuko, Oguri Shun, Kobayashi Kaoru, Nikaido Fumi, Tanimura Mitsuki, Suzuki Rio, Usuda Asami, Takahashi Issei

Story
Aoyagi Koharu (Mitsushima Hikari) is one of some 1 million single mothers in Japan. Her husband Makoto (Oguri Shun) was a globe-trotting mountain climber until he married her and they had children. He quit mountain climbing and switched to a safe job but ironically died in a freak accident. Koharu lives bravely for the sake of their two beloved children Nozomi (Suzuki Rio) and Riku despite the family’s poverty. One day, she is reunited with her mother Uesugi Sachi (Tanaka Yuko) whom she last met 10 years ago. Sachi divorced her husband and abandoned Koharu for love after a chance reunion with Kentaro (Kobayashi Kaoru), the man she liked from way back. Now she learns that she has two grandchildren …

New drama for this summer. Has it already been 2 years since Soredemo, Ikite Yuku? Maybe there will be something exciting following.....in the form of Woman. With the scriptwriter of Mother and Saikou no Rikon involved and of course the fantastic Hikari Mitsushima what can go wrong? Not much, if you ask me. Even with a storyline that sounds pretty average to me on first read, I think we might be in for a treat this summer with this drama. I'm looking forward to it!

xploring · Post by **xploring** » Jun 10th, '13, 15:46

Yeah, one of most anticipated drama for me too. Same production team made the series Mother. Tanaka Yuko was great in Mother. Suzuki Rio's role is difficult, I read that she plays someone who tries to act like an adult. There's a lot of hardship ahead for Koharu. Single mothers' income on average is a third of the average salary in Japan, I read somewhere.

Japanese blurb from newspaper/magazine

http://tieba.baidu.com/p/2346262000
Promo with Mitsushima Hikari and Suzuki Rio (Still captures of tv blurb)

Filming has started
http://photo.weibo.com/2414665100/wbpho ... 20sg0lc779

rootabega · Post by **rootabega** » Jun 13th, '13, 05:52

A timely topic. Unless the single mom has a well-off and unusually supportive family (I can think of a couple of cases), mother and child are looking at a very grim slog. I can think of one family in which the dad has gone from "enjoying his drink" to "abusive drunk" over the course of three years (the family business being on life support is not helping) and the mom, though she clearly cares for her husband, is going to have to make a very tough choice for her and her seven-year-old kid. If she leaves, she's going to be crazy poor and will have to give up many of the dreams she has for her son, like a decent school.
This isn't a dorama plot - it's real life. I hope this dorama will do the subject some justice. Whew...that's some load to get off my chest.

Cyberwave · Post by **Cyberwave** » Jun 16th, '13, 10:06

A 15s teaser after the broadcast of the 9th ep. of Kumo no Kaidan:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBykvc27oEI

And as a reminder, based on that chart on the japanese blurb,

Although the single mother storyline seems a bit lighter than Mitsushima's previous Soredemo Ikiteyuku, her role's life looks tragic as usual.

MaiKitty · Post by **MaiKitty** » Jun 16th, '13, 12:27

Wow, thanks for sharing, Cyberwave. I'm sure it won't be as depressing as Soredemo but hopefully just as good. The trailer looks awesome and I just can't wait to see Hikari having the lead role in a drama. She absolutely rules the screen even if she only runs through the frame or says one little sentence.

It seems like John Lennons "Woman" is the theme song? Interesting.

Cyberwave · Post by **Cyberwave** » Jun 16th, '13, 16:01

MaiKitty wrote:Wow, thanks for sharing, Cyberwave. I'm sure it won't be as depressing as Soredemo but hopefully just as good. The trailer looks awesome and I just can't wait to see Hikari having the lead role in a drama. She absolutely rules the screen even if she only runs through the frame or says one little sentence.

Yes, she freaking rules, and I can't believe it's only the 1st time Hikari has leading role in TV dramas.

Given the promising quality writer Sakamoto Yuji (It's the 3rd time he collabrates with Hikari as well), and those supporting cast with superb acting skills, I have really high expectations in this drama. So I hope it wouldn't turn out to be just a series of tear jerking moments, without digging deep in the current situation of single mother in Japan.

lontong.stroong · Post by **lontong.stroong** » Jun 16th, '13, 23:27

This drama can hardly go bad. They have everything to be the best in the season (or even the best ever)

rootabega · Post by **rootabega** » Jun 17th, '13, 06:59

I, too, am a big fan of Mitsushima Hikari. Between Amachan, this dorama and the upcoming Pan to Soup to Neko Biyori, the J-screen will be positively teeming with top female talents, real actresses with many impressive film and stage credits to their names. It's feast or famine, and I, for one, am ready for a feast!

yuizaki_libra · Post by **yuizaki_libra** » Jun 17th, '13, 10:55

Absolutely thrilled about this drama. Though I can hardly imagine Hikari in the role of a mother, I hope she pulls it off. Can't believe it's been 2 years since Soredemo Ikite Yuku which I utterly adored.

totally_0bsessed · Post by **totally_0bsessed** » Jun 18th, '13, 02:41

I'm looking forward to this the most next season! I'm so excited!!!!

Cyberwave · Post by **Cyberwave** » Jun 19th, '13, 16:11

Another 15s trailer with a few new scenes, just after Kumo no Kaidan finale:

And TV magazines out today contain some screenshots of the drama as well.
There are some looks of Hikari as gas station worker and waitress in izakaya. Seems like she takes extreme workload as single mother for the living.

totally_0bsessed · Post by **totally_0bsessed** » Jun 20th, '13, 01:07

Thank you for the update!
This is gonna be good! I'm so excited!

rootabega · Post by **rootabega** » Jun 21st, '13, 02:50

I know it's foolish to judge anything by a 15 sec trailer, but all I could think watching Mitsushima san was, there's a real actor and no doubt about it.

lontong.stroong · Post by **lontong.stroong** » Jun 21st, '13, 03:54

rootabega wrote:I know it's foolish to judge anything by a 15 sec trailer, but all I could think watching Mitsushima san was, there's a real actor and no doubt about it.

She's not the only real actor in the show. You still have to mind others.

rootabega · Post by **rootabega** » Jun 21st, '13, 06:32

She's not the only real actor in the show. You still have to mind others. Smile

Heh, so true. Strong lead, strong support. Pinch me, I'm dreaming!

avieamber · Post by **avieamber** » Jun 21st, '13, 07:24

looking forward to this drama! Mistushima Hikari impressed me a lot in Soredemo Ikite Yuku.

And now with that production team, I'm putting high hopes for it.

totally_0bsessed · Post by **totally_0bsessed** » Jun 22nd, '13, 04:15

rootabega wrote:
She's not the only real actor in the show. You still have to mind others. Smile
Heh, so true. Strong lead, strong support. Pinch me, I'm dreaming!

The cast is too good to be true.

kotsukotsu · Post by **kotsukotsu** » Jun 29th, '13, 20:14

After reading the network WWW site info, sounds like a good drama to explain the situation of some working widowed women in Japan, but I'm concerned that the entire plot depends on people following the exact details of the Japanese welfare system, so this might be of less interest to people outside of Japan. Anyway, a drama is a drama, and even if some of the problems are some arbitrary restrictions set by some provision in some law, it is still a drama. Everyone in the welfare states has to live with this sort of stupidity, although the exact details may differ from country to country. We can't all move to Hong Kong, Singapore, etc. to live without these sort of endless rules.

rootabega · Post by **rootabega** » Jun 29th, '13, 22:37

kotsukotsu

Considering the fact that over 95% of doramas ever made never allow reality to intrude upon their noble mission to entertain the masses, I'd say your concerns are probably misplaced. Still, no one is forced to watch. I managed to miss the "Cinderella" dorama, and countless others of its kind, without the slightest difficulty.

As for single moms (or anyone without $$) living a life of glorious freedom in HK....

xploring · Post by **xploring** » Jul 3rd, '13, 01:11

http://www.ntv.co.jp/woman2013/chart/index.html

The official website has been updated with synopsis of the first episode and characters' description and relationship chart. Unfortunately it appears that the video preview for the first episode cannot be viewed outside Japan.

MaiKitty · Post by **MaiKitty** » Jul 5th, '13, 09:59

As predicted Woman is a cry-fest for me. I only watched raw/w japanese subs, but almost couldn't stand the first episode. It is so emotionally draining, that I'm not sure I'll watch it english subbed.

I don't know why it is so hard for me to watch it, it wasn't even THAT sad.

That said, I think it is good. Maybe a little bit slow, as there is no real sense of direction where the story is going. But it was only the first episode.

avieamber · Post by **avieamber** » Jul 5th, '13, 15:06

It sure is a cry-fest! I think the first episode is at a right pace though. But I think they meant it for an introductionary episode as we get to see all the characters involved. And I think they directed it pretty well, the first part...

And the kids are adorable.

Everybody did well in the first episode, needless to say, Mitsushima never really disappoints.

MaiKitty · Post by **MaiKitty** » Jul 5th, '13, 15:28

antspace · Post by **antspace** » Jul 5th, '13, 22:42

Episode 1 was indeed an introduction to the different people in this series. It felt very subdued, and soon very depressing. Tanaka Yuko is again a failed mother, but it feels so different from her role in Mother. Actually all of the cast, except Mitsushima Hikari san, feel different from the previous roles I've seen them in. Quite incredible in this industry that loves to type cast. It must be the director.
This is no criticism on Mitsushima san by the way. She's not so different in this because she's always extraordinary!
I'm looking forward to episode 2, but am also very worried about it becoming even more

and

and more

xploring · Post by **xploring** » Jul 8th, '13, 06:45

Woman episode 1 was really good. Got a bit teary there in the middle. A lot of room for back story and development for Koharu's relationship with her mother, not entirely sure of their emotions and thoughts during their conversation. The hardship and challenges in Koharu's life feel very real, though there are a nice balance of the brighter side of life too.

MaiKitty wrote:
I don't know why Shiori shot mean looks against the kids. Did she and Shin have some sort of relationship? I hope not. It's pretty early to tell, but if she is going to have some negative impact on Koharu, I see myself hating her character.

Living expenses in Japan are so expensive compared with wages. I remember a drama from the 90's where the single mother made 900 yen per hour as a supermarket cashier. And here over 15 years later, the hourly wage is still 900 yen per hour. And day care costs 800 yen per hour...

jedmed · Post by **jedmed** » Jul 8th, '13, 07:05

Thanks for creating a discussion for Woman. Hikari Mitsushima in both movies and dramas deliver topnotch performances and I expect nothing else.

I think she will be given a lot of scenes to show her dramatic range and with Tanaka playing her mother, there are expectations as to their acting duels. Their first confrontation is awesome!

It's always good to have a drama written by a capable scriptwriter with a very talented cast. Too many mediocre shows (Last Cinderella for one and that Shota Matsuda-starrer where the actor magically jumps from one building to another as if he's Superman) have the Jdrama fans been bombarded with.

A quality drama/show is always a breath of fresh air.

avieamber · Post by **avieamber** » Jul 8th, '13, 15:15

Anybody knows the song played in the first part? Which band sang it?
thanks in advance.

hype8750 · Post by **hype8750** » Jul 8th, '13, 15:30

avieamber wrote:Anybody knows the song played in the first part? Which band sang it?
thanks in advance.

Its from androp

avieamber · Post by **avieamber** » Jul 8th, '13, 15:32

hype8750 wrote:
avieamber wrote:Anybody knows the song played in the first part? Which band sang it?
thanks in advance.
Its from androp

thanks!!!

MaiKitty · Post by **MaiKitty** » Jul 11th, '13, 20:15

xploring · Post by **xploring** » Jul 13th, '13, 11:10

Episode 2.

MaiKitty · Post by **MaiKitty** » Jul 13th, '13, 17:14

^

antspace · Post by **antspace** » Jul 13th, '13, 20:46

lovesituation · Post by **lovesituation** » Jul 14th, '13, 00:14

This drama is so hard for me to watch because it reminds me so much of my childhood and how my own mother struggled working three jobs to support us.

There's one thing in episode 2 I am a little confused about though...

So far though the drama is really good. Mitsushima Hikari is a fantastic actress!

avieamber · Post by **avieamber** » Jul 14th, '13, 11:30

just watched ep2

The rating for 2nd episode dropped slightly, but I don't think the show's losing its momentum, in fact, everything's just beginning. So much area the writer can cover with those characters.

MaiKitty · Post by **MaiKitty** » Jul 19th, '13, 20:42

Episode 3

Episode 4 seems focused on Riku. He's so cute! I love the children in this show. The cow car Riku made was awesome

avieamber · Post by **avieamber** » Jul 20th, '13, 07:48

^ bout ep3

The cast is strong and they continue to deliver. I hope this will follow Soredemo Ikite Yuku by picking up those awards they so deserve to win. I'd love to see Mitsushima Hikari picking up that Best Lead Actress.

xploring · Post by **xploring** » Jul 21st, '13, 13:24

Just finished episode 3.

Just when all hope for reconciliation were lost, there is light. I was not sure about the director's decision to not show(or blur) Koharu's face at various times, but now I guess that was trying to convey something, even though I probably would rather see Koharu's facial expressions. Felt like Koharu has forgiven her mother by the end. Mitsushima Hikari was great at conveying Koharu's emotions, the look with her eyes when she thanked Sachi was particularly memorable.

I think I understand where Shiori and Sachi are coming from. Shiori probably felt like she is the replacement for Koharu in her mother's eye, and all of Sachi's kindness towards her were really to make up to Koharu. Shiori is resentful towards Koharu for this, probably. Sachi did remember and miss Koharu (while being resentful at the same time), keeping her yutaka all these years and have it close enough that she could give it to Nozomi almost immediately. She wouldn't have been pained at Koharu's siding with her father otherwise. And Sachi obviously felt Koharu's more attached to her father, and didn't want to destroy her image of him. I don't think Koharu's father was a totally bad person as you would normally associate with someone who commits domestic violence. The fact that he lovingly raised Koharu suggests a different, kinder side... Not an excuse, but life and work pressure probably contributed to it.

There is definitely some misunderstanding with how Shin came to be accused as the molester. I thought that Shiori was the one who accused Shin but her tone of voice seemed to suggest she wasn't the one who was molested? May be I misunderstood too, I don't know.

I found it hard to make out Koharu's and Sachi's facial expressions during their showdown. The director and the lighting didn't help but I was also busy reading subtitles. Not the type of drama I am keen on re-watching though. Mitsushima Hikari looked beautiful in a couple of shots. Curious as to how the government official will become involved. Hope he will become a supportive ally to Koharu.

antspace · Post by **antspace** » Jul 21st, '13, 13:58

MaiKitty · Post by **MaiKitty** » Jul 21st, '13, 15:22

^

jedmed · Post by **jedmed** » Jul 22nd, '13, 06:56

Great discussion! I have no idea other viewers are also speculating on the molesting issue and that Shiori is supposedly a victim, though it's still to be confirmed...

avieamber · Post by **avieamber** » Jul 23rd, '13, 15:24

just dropping by to share this awesome theme song for the show. I love it the first time I heard them use it (that scene where Koharu was carrying little Riku up the stairs at the station). Great PV too by the way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI_rg-TnGNs

MaiKitty · Post by **MaiKitty** » Jul 26th, '13, 06:39

Episode 4

avieamber · Post by **avieamber** » Jul 26th, '13, 12:12

^ I agree with you about Shiori.

MaiKitty · Post by **MaiKitty** » Jul 26th, '13, 12:41

Oh, I agree Riku is so adorable. What a cutie. And I love how Nozomi always looks after her younger brother. I think it is so amazing that children this young can act in these dramas, and you feel like they don't act, they are the characters. I think Japan has fantastic child actors! So much talent.

avieamber · Post by **avieamber** » Jul 26th, '13, 14:08

About Shiori

Japanese child actors have always amazed me. Remember Ashida Mana? Although some people might think she's bit overrated by now as her popularity soared. But imo, she was amazing in Mother.

Cyberwave · Post by **Cyberwave** » Jul 26th, '13, 14:36

MaiKitty · Post by **MaiKitty** » Jul 26th, '13, 15:08

Of course, I remember Mana Ashida. I still think she is a one in a million talent. That she is pushed in your face and in every second movie/talkshow in Japan is probably her parents fault, but that doesn't change the fact that this girl was amazing in Mother and is born to be an actress.

antspace · Post by **antspace** » Jul 27th, '13, 00:31

xploring · Post by **xploring** » Jul 31st, '13, 07:59

antspace wrote:
I think you have to take into account that Shiori is only in late puberty. Some people tend to be very impulsive at that stage. I know I was...
Of course you have to pay for your actions, and she already started to feel the gravity of it. It's all very unfortunate. I still don't believe the diagnose for Koharu san. I think the doctor is weird. He was laughing as he delivered the first diagnose. I think this series is still very good, and is slowly turning into one of my absolute favorites!

MaiKitty · Post by **MaiKitty** » Aug 1st, '13, 21:55

Episode 5

avieamber · Post by **avieamber** » Aug 2nd, '13, 16:48

So episode 5

This show is definitely my favorite this season, together with Hanazawa Naoki. I'm going to recommend this to my family and friends

And yes! Nozomi's a great daughter. Watching her interaction with Koharu just makes me smile you know.

MaiKitty · Post by **MaiKitty** » Aug 9th, '13, 19:45

Episode 6

xploring · Post by **xploring** » Aug 14th, '13, 12:33

Episode 6

angelblue · Post by **angelblue** » Aug 14th, '13, 13:07

i just download this series
i think this drama will a lot of tears but the story is so great
it will be great drama in this season

avieamber · Post by **avieamber** » Aug 16th, '13, 12:02

So they decided to give Shin a chance to shine this week

SusieQ · Post by **SusieQ** » Aug 16th, '13, 16:10

Hrm. Episode 7 was interesting, and a bit heartwarming. I spent the entire episode knowing something was going to happen at the end, though. That's just how it is with this kind of drama.

I thought that Shiori would destroy the letter out of even more guilt, having discovered Shun's intentions and wanting to erase him, only to have her increased guilt push her over the edge somehow.

Despite her guilt, she's always seemed spiteful toward Koharu behind her back. She toys with her mother's emotions quite a bit, and throws fits because things just aren't going her way. In North America, she would be taken to a doctor or counsellor, no? And she definitely has a very strong sense of self-entitlement. I mean, she only confessed because she wants to be forgiven by the only person who can forgive her: Koharu. It's never been about her feeling genuinely sorry, because in the end I think a part of her feels she did the right thing.

On the one hand, Shiroi is an interesting character and I think the actress is doing alright in the role. On the other hand, she antagonizes me quite a bit; to the point where, even despite my personal battle with depression and suicidal feelings, I actually kind of want her to just shut up and die already.

Yeah. There's something wrong with me.

No, I can sympathize with Shiori. I'm actually scared that she will attempt or succeed at killing herself by the end of the show. But this episode and the confession was also a giant leap forward, away from that pit of despair Shiroi likes to wallow in. Now that her involvement in Shun's death is out on the table, I'm sure she'll feel less pressure, despite that she's broken Koharu's heart for a second time.

Ugh. Typhoon Shiori, though!

The most maddening part of the show as a whole:

It's obvious that either Shiori or the mother, or both, will end up being a match for Koharu's bone marrow transplant which is what will save her life. It seems like whether she lives or dies will hinge on her ability to reconcile with her mother and to forgive her sister.

Personally I think the leukemia was unnecessary; the story had plenty of drama with just the stigma of Shun's death hanging over the women's heads. The series is just overdone in that respect.

I get that it's trying to portray an, "everything happens all at once" kind of realism, but even with the fantastic performances all around (even the kids!), it's so much to take on. The series lacks subtlety in some areas, unfortunately.

hunterkirualeorio · Post by **hunterkirualeorio** » Aug 24th, '13, 22:46

EP 8

MaiKitty · Post by **MaiKitty** » Aug 26th, '13, 14:35

^Yep, I'll be very surprised if there is another twist to this, this is the way it'll go. I still think Shiori is selfishness incarnated, no matter what she does. Each and every action from her is selfish. In episode 7, when she finally confessed what she did to Koharu, she blamed her mother for the way she turned out! She doesn't tell her father what she has done, because he is the only one still thinking of her as a good child....gosh.

Even though it is quite predictable by now, I think Woman hit the slowest point in episodes 5&6. Episode 7 was better, and I really liked episode 8. I also feel kind of sorry for welfare-worker-san and his issues. Interested in where that'll go. And Yuki is a true friend!

avieamber · Post by **avieamber** » Aug 30th, '13, 04:53

ep 9
This episode is a personal high for me.

How many episodes will this have? 10 or 11?

KeiserSoze · Post by **KeiserSoze** » Sep 1st, '13, 01:25

wow, ep 09 was really something.... it was really hard to not shed a tear during the scene in the kitchen

There can't be only 10 eps, there's still too many loose ends in the main and side plot. So I guess it will be 11 eps.

avieamber · Post by **avieamber** » Sep 1st, '13, 03:51

About the ending

KeiserSoze · Post by **KeiserSoze** » Sep 7th, '13, 00:37

avieamber · Post by **avieamber** » Sep 7th, '13, 07:26

Another episode before this ends.

Am I the only one who thinks Koharu is one of the most tragic characters this season?

MaiKitty · Post by **MaiKitty** » Sep 7th, '13, 19:00

Episodes 9 & 10 were amazing. I think if you compare Woman to Soredemo... and Mother in all the sadness, I think it is the most positive one, no matter how it'll end. And the reason for that is Koharu. She is an awesome woman. Strong until the end. She takes her children seriously and still allows them to be children. Of course, Hikari Mitsushima acts like a pro, but I also think that Koharu as a character is written wonderfully.

avieamber · Post by **avieamber** » Sep 8th, '13, 02:35

^ Indeed Koharu's character is written wonderfully, not that it's without flaws, but they manage to portray her really well, both as a woman and mother.

The ending might be open again, who knows...Soredemo didn't give us an ultimate conclusion and we're still hoping down the road, both the lead characters will be together. So maybe they'll leave it open again this time for Woman.

You know I watched the first few episodes again last night and still, I can't help but tear up at some scenes, this is a show I can watch repeatedly and still cry like a baby.

hunterkirualeorio · Post by **hunterkirualeorio** » Sep 9th, '13, 00:51

Personally, I think they could do without the story with the social worker and the female doctor unless they are trying to mock and to draw attention to the current social welfare system in Japan(Someone's check got cut because the family brought flowers to the funeral). I don't see how their story contributes to making the story any better than it is. I'd rather they go more in depth with Shiori. I want to know more about her school life before she was bullied and after her incident with Shin. To me, Shiori is still a mystery person with a lot of question marks even at this stage of the story. She's obviously sorry for what she did and if she's not a match, I can see her taking her own life away as a last resort to repent. Her Mom and Dad may follow suit as well. Then the story will spin of of control into despair and sadness....

digitalcoconut · Post by **digitalcoconut** » Sep 9th, '13, 01:12

avieamber wrote:About Shiori

Yes, I also agree that she needs to pay for her sins. It's cruel of her and of course, I didn't think Fumiya deserves any forgiveness either. Actually, what Fumiya did was far more cruel coz he really did plan to murder the kid, while Shiori didn't actually want to kill Shin, perhaps just to frame him of molesting and ruin her sister's reputation/happiness in a way. But she definitely has issues. I think bullying was definitely a cause and like her friend said " as always, you're creepy right?" That totally proves Shiori is not normal, messed up to be exact.

About your prediction~ No please...don't let Koharu die. Why must the writers make her suffer like this? I know it's supposed to be a drama, still And you might be right, I can like totally imagine now that Shiori might take care of the children as redemption.

am i missing something? what do you meant by..

which one is Fumiya? what kid? which episode mention this? (i probably miss it coz im very novice in Japanese and watched it without subs). and im on 9th episode.

avieamber · Post by **avieamber** » Sep 9th, '13, 02:37

digitalcoconut wrote:
avieamber wrote:About Shiori

Yes, I also agree that she needs to pay for her sins. It's cruel of her and of course, I didn't think Fumiya deserves any forgiveness either. Actually, what Fumiya did was far more cruel coz he really did plan to murder the kid, while Shiori didn't actually want to kill Shin, perhaps just to frame him of molesting and ruin her sister's reputation/happiness in a way. But she definitely has issues. I think bullying was definitely a cause and like her friend said " as always, you're creepy right?" That totally proves Shiori is not normal, messed up to be exact.

About your prediction~ No please...don't let Koharu die. Why must the writers make her suffer like this? I know it's supposed to be a drama, still And you might be right, I can like totally imagine now that Shiori might take care of the children as redemption.

am i missing something? what do you meant by..

Actually, what Fumiya did was far more cruel coz he really did plan to murder the kid
which one is Fumiya? what kid? which episode mention this? (i probably miss it coz im very novice in Japanese and watched it without subs). and im on 9th episode.

Sorry for my misleading post, Fumiya is a character in Soredemo Ikite Yuku (if you're a fan of this drama, I recommend you watch this too, Mistushima Hikari (koharu) stars in the drama together with Eita). I was referring to the character in that drama. Nothing to do with this drama, but kind of similar, in a way.

The sub-story - social worker and his wife. I don't know what relation they have with Koharu really, I guess that's just a subplot the writer decided to show like you said, the welfare situation in Japan. I agree they should've shown more depth into Shiori's life before Shin-incident happened too because it's just a story by Shiori's friend to her mother that we know about the bullying. But even that wasn't enough to justify her actions. Oh well, it'd be genius if somehow the subplot has some kind of twist in the end but I highly doubt so.

digitalcoconut · Post by **digitalcoconut** » Sep 9th, '13, 03:02

^OIC. thanks for clarify that..

im downloading the 10th. so far, im loving this drama. i was skeptical after 1st and 2nd episode. too ordinary, too cliche i thought.. maybe because i have a high hope, i loved Mother and this drama have the same team behind it.

but the 3rd one made me changed my mind (when they revealed a bit about the Shin accident, 'molester' and about why Koharu have a bitter relationship with her mother)

MaiKitty · Post by **MaiKitty** » Sep 9th, '13, 07:42

^You have to watch Soredemo, Ikite Yuku. It is kind of hard to me and if you ask me any other day I would give you a different answer, I guess but Soredemo is my favourite of the trinity that is Mother, SIY and Woman.

I guess, I'm the odd one out, but I enjoy the story of Shunsukes parents. It makes the dramaverse of Woman vaster. It shows that there isn't only the microcosmos of the family, there are other people with very real problems, problems the viewer can relate to. Because let's face it, Koharus situation is very special. Single parents are more often found in the form of Yuki or Shunsukes parents' - divorced couples who don't have sweet memories of the love of their life and who fight in front of their kids. Well, I just want to say I like the story for the realism it is adding to the story, and I also think it shows how hard it can be for the father in Japan.

MaiKitty · Post by **MaiKitty** » Sep 14th, '13, 08:47

They really kept us hanging until the last second, didn't they?

avieamber · Post by **avieamber** » Sep 14th, '13, 15:41

I thought the last episode wasn't going to make me cry anymore since ep9 didn't, but oh man...

Great drama.

KeiserSoze · Post by **KeiserSoze** » Sep 16th, '13, 02:44

Great drama !

hunterkirualeorio · Post by **hunterkirualeorio** » Sep 16th, '13, 05:53

The ending was what I wanted but it wasn't all the satisfying to me...

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