What I did during my holidays...

Now I’m officially 20, part of me still wants to stay young while the other part of me wants to move on in life.

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During the holiday break, I spent a part of my time for j-dramas and anime.

First up, Aria.

The whole story is about Akari Mizunashi coming from Man-home (earth) to Aqua (formerly known as Mars) to pursue her dream of becoming a prima gondolier, getting to meet all kinds of people each day while taking them for gondola rides in the beautiful city of Neo-Venezia (Venice).

There are certain episodes that are packed with laughter. I used to think that Aria anime is just plain boring as there isn’t much action in it but later changed my mind when I watched a few episodes. You won’t regret watching it.

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Next, Zettai Kareshi aka Absolute Boyfriend.

Now this j-drama is recommended, a definitely-no-regrets if you watch it. For those who read the manga before would probably say that the drama isn’t as interesting as the manga. But then, beggars can’t be choosers right?

Let’s move on to the summary. Kronos Heaven, a robot making company develops “Tenjo Night”, a robot that is almost similar to any other male human and is programmed to be devoted and loyal to his lover. Izawa Riiko is selected by Namikiri Gaku to try out their product – Tenjo Night.

Riiko is told by Gaku-san to treat Tenjo Night as a household appliance since she is reluctant to accept the fact that Night is staying with her. But as time passes by, she realized Night’s devotion to her and soon finds herself falling in love with him. On the other hand, Asamoto Soshi, a executive of a distinguished company developed feelings for her.

This drama is also packed with laughter and… the final episode is very touching. It amazes us how a robot is able to develop human-like feelings just by being devoted to his lover. I hate to admit it but I did shed a few tears on that final episode.

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Followed by Hana Yori Dango I – II.

Now for girls who always dream of marrying a rich guy (Tama no Koshi), this drama is definitely for you.

The whole season (I and II) tells the story of Tsukushi Makino, from a poor family attending the prestigious academy of Eitoku. Students arriving in Limousines are something common in Eitoku Academy as the academy is meant for the rich. Dominating the academy grounds are the F4 aka Flower 4 who came from very powerful families.

Lead by Domyouji Tsukasa who is the heir of the Domyouji World Fiance Group. Even so, he has poor command in languages – both Japanese and English. The other three members are Hanazawa Rui, the son of one or two large companies; Nishikada Soujiroh, the heir of a tea ceremony school and last but not least Mimasaka Akira, a lady killer who has the tendency to target women older than he is. Have ties with the underground society.

Any student who gets on the F4’s bad side will be given a red notice in their locker. He or she will be bullied by all the students and forced to leave the academy grounds. For Makino’s case, she stood up against Tsukasa, the leader of the F4 in defense of her friend. Even though she is given the red notice, being bullied and pushed around, she never gave up but declared war with the F4 instead. Her actions arouse the feelings of her worst enemy, none other than the leader of the F4 – Domyouji Tsukasa.

Note: There is a special 2 hour episode of Hana Yori Dango that was aired in Japan. It tells the story of the marriage of Domyouji Tsukasa and Tsukushi Makino. To obtain eternal happiness, both sides need to put in lots and lots of effort and never giving up.

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Then, Hachimitsu to Clover (Honey and Clover).

This series follows the love triangle of 5 college students. I have no reason why I chose to watch this drama since it wasn’t exciting or interesting to me at all (sort-of-cliffhanger). I like Yamada Ayumi (Harada Natsuki) though. Maybe that’s why I finished the drama even though I don’t like it.

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Lastly, First Kiss.

This comedy drama begins with a Young girl name Mio who has been living away from her older brother Kazuki in LA due to treatment of her illness. After discovering that she had only 50% chance of survival on the upcoming surgery, she decides to fly back to Japan to pay his brother a visit during summer. Kazuki is surprised when he met Mio for she had changed from the innocent looking girl back then to a young lady with an attitude.

After learning of her medical condition, he had a change of heart and wanted to do anything he could for his sister to give her happy memories before returning to LA for her surgery.

I like the theme song こころ by 小田和正. Well, I found this drama when I search for the origin of this song so decided to give it a shot.