I started watching this drama for the premise and for the leading man Mamiya Shotaro who has earned my admiration since his role in Mr. Nietzsche in the Convenience Store. Not many actors can convince you at being serious in a ridiculous setting. The other actors that come to mind are Yamada Takayuki & Sato Jiro. That's why I don't think they could've picked a better choice than him for this role.

Initially, I thought the premise was kind of ridiculous. But then I thought of the dilemma and identity crisis our hero goes through throughout the drama, and suddenly these thoughts become all too familiar to me. Especially during teenagehood and early adulthood. Didn't we all go through something similar during those years of searching for ourselves? Don't we sometimes show a different part of ourselves to different people? It is very true for me, having lived as a minority in a country where the majority are from a different background. The person I showed to the outside world was and still is a part of me, but polished to fit their liking. But I never showed that side to my family, who know my inner self more than myself. Then there are my close friends who are aware of both sides and treat me as a whole. Therefore I felt a particular Familiarity with Tsuyoshi's conflict.

Another point I found ridiculous in the setting is the Nanba family and their expectations. You'd think they'd be overjoyed that their son is thinking seriously about his future rather than chasing some pointless teen glory, yet they eat and breathe it daily. I thought maybe it's because it's the only thing the parents feel can be proud of since they raised their kids to be proud and not back down. The fact they provided a loving home for their children should've been more than enough (and they are such a loving family!)

As the episodes go on, Tsuyoshi makes as many friends as he made enemies and each friendship felt genuine. My favourite was episode 4 where he catches up with a previous middle school classmate. Despite all his sacrifice to attend the school of his choice, ironically not a lot of time was spent exploring his schoolmate, except for 3 of them (one an ex-gang member), however, his attachment to the place does grow on you. Many viewers complain about the love interest and, yes she does make a REALLY BAD impression on us early on, but it made sense for him to like her. And to not like the other girl in the club. It's because she's part of the package he wants, while the other girl would be too similar to the life he's leaving behind (though they'd make a strong powerhouse, especially for their duality haha). Anyways all this to say, even where at times things don't go where I prefer them to, it makes sense in the context of the drama, and in the character of Nanba Tsuyoshi.

Now to explore another department of this drama, acting and casting ranged from excellent to mediocre. As mentioned earlier, Mamiya Shotaro is what makes this drama work, this couldn't have been cast any better. most other characters were perfect for their role, to say the least. The one miscast in my opinion was Kamio Fuju. Don't get me wrong he is pretty and nice to look at, but the role and whole character felt awkward, and unnatural in the drama. Honestly, nothing about his character felt genuine as it did with say, Daimaru, Takeshi, Ichimatsu's boss in early episodes, or even that annoyed neighbour of theirs. But since I'm biased and enjoyed his looks I was okay with it :P

Music is rarely something I give much thought to while watching a show, unless, like it is here, it is an essential part of the show's identity. It just added to the fun of watching this drama.

Overall fun drama, I recommend it for a fun ride. Just, don't take it too seriously.