"Tell" it to me

Although not as popular and mainstream as K-dramas, J-dramas are equally entertaining and engaging. I've mentioned this several times, J-dramas came way ahead of K-dramas for me. Thanks to Hotaru no Hikari, of course.

That's why my watchlist on Netflix is a combination of both J-dramas and K-dramas. Fortunately, there are quite a number of good Japanese series on this streaming platform. I've written about "Atelier," and recently completed "Dearest."

Now, another J-drama is added to my binge-watch list. Finally finished the 10-episode romantic drama entitled "Why didn't I tell you a million times."

This series is good mix of different genres: romance, comedy, drama with a touch of mystery. If "Ghost" were a rom-com, this is how it would feel.

Aside from the story, the actors really make this series so engaging to watch. It's a powerhouse cast that includes Takeru Satoh from "Ruruoni Kenshin," Kenichi Matsuyama from "Death Note," and Mao Inoue from "The Snow White Murder Case."

Suddenly, I remembered the fact that I've seen Takeru Satoh in person when the cast of "Ruruoni Kenshin" went to Manila to promote their film in 2014. But I digress.

It just took me a few days to finish this series. That's how good it is.

And I can tell that I'll be re-watching this soon.

Heeeres Hotaru!

There seems to be a Japanese series influx on Netflix. More and more, J-Dramas and J-Rom Coms are popping up on the suggestions list.

After finishing "Atelier" and "Born to be a Flower," a pleasant surprise came into view.

"Hotaru no Hikari" is on Netflix!

Binge-watching this will take me back to my HKG days for sure.

If Andy met Betty in Japan

Before following K-dramas, I've always been interested in Japanese drama series or J-dramas.

It began during my HKG stint, and one of the shows I'd watch daily was "Hotaru No Hikari." This series starting Ayase Haruka (one of my super faves) is one of those shows I've seen from start to finish.

Netflix currently has a roster of J-dramas, one of which was a recent binge-watch.

"Atelier" is a dramedy about the fashion industry. It's the story of a plain-jane textile geek named Mayuko who finds a job in an ultra-chic, luxury lingerie brand headed by a headstrong fashion designer named Mayumi.

Mayuko's nerdy and lack of knowledge in fashion causes her to often clash with Mayumi who's very stylish and fashion forward. But as the series progresses, we see Mayuko slowly transform from drab to fab, thanks to Mayumi's guidance.

The transformation angle is very "Ugly Betty," and the strict-fashionable boss is very "The Devil Wears Prada." The fashion influences of this series are so notable, with Mayuko wearing an Anna Wintour bob.

Watching this was a joy. Not just because of the fashion theme and the style references, but also because it's set in Tokyo. There were areas shown in the show that are familiar, including the Mikimoto building and the fashion streets of Omotesando and Harajuku.

This series was such an easy watch that I've actually seen it twice.

And it looks like I'll continue to watch even more. 

I want Moribito!

There's a Japanese TV series that I'm watching these days. It's a period/Epic/fantasy live action series that's based on an anime. The title is "Seirai No Moribito," and there's one major reason why I'm watching it.

Ayase Haruka!!!

I'm a big fan of Haruka since "Hotaru no Hikari." In fact, I think I've written about her a couple of times.

Now, with this series, it looks like I'll write about her a bit more(ibito)!