Egao no Hosoku/Always Smiling/笑顔の法則

Genre: Comedy/Drama
Language: Japanese

While on her way to a job interview, in full kimono, Kurasawa Yumi bumps into Sakurai Reijiro. This chance meetings ends up with her becoming his assistant. He is a comic book writer, about to move into seclusion at an "onsen" a.k.a. hot spring. This drama is about the inn they stay at, and all that happens within.

Will love spark between Yumi and Reijiro? Or will the owner's son interfere? How will the inn staff react, when goonies start pressuring the owner to sell?

Review:

I watched this one through rose-colored glasses, as I am a fan of Abe Hiroshi (the main fellow). However, now that I think about it, it was a tad boring and slow. Abe Hiroshi's character wasn't actually all that interesting, almost....awkward? It's defined as comedy, but I can't think of any funny parts that stick out in my mind... The romance didn't play a big part, either.

Basically it's an average drama. However if you like Abe Hiroshi, it's bearable.

I know I enjoyed it, as I finished it...but like I said,

I have no special memories of this drama.

ハケンの品格 / The Pride of the Temp

This may look suspiciously belated, however I did write half of this last night, I just finished it today :P.

Genre: Comedy

Language: Japanese

Oomae is a killer worker. She makes big bucks, despite only being a temporary worker. She has some quirks though, she follows the clock exactly, and refuses to work overtime. She also never works anywhere longer than 3 months. She isn't exactly a friendly co-worker either, but she is extremely efficient. This entails her time working in a new division, with rooky "salarymen". Can she overcome and educate those with prejudices again temps?

Review:
This was a okay comedy. Nice to not have a typical main character with flaws, and clumsy emotions. Oomae is a little overbearing at times, however I enjoyed her. Sure the romance was uncalled for, but expected. I'd recommend this if you're looking for a break from all those fluffy romance comedies. This one is simply about a weirdo. A nice breath of fresh-air. xD I admit I was expecting a more tragic back story. Ah well we can't always get what we predicted (although it seems to be the way the jdrama world works).

風 Kaze's Restaurant

I know New Years was awhile ago, but good food is ageless right?

No? Mold is a serious factor, you say? Well...

On New Years, I went out for lunch at Kaze's Restaurant. A lovely Japanese restaurant with a selection of sushi, and other traditional Japanese food. Since it was New Years we got brought complimentary toshikoshi soba (...end of the old year, beginning of the new year, buck wheat noodles). Soo good! They were really delicious and I wanted to ask if we could order them next time too... (I admit I completely forgot about taking a picture of them until after I ate them....) For an appetizer we ordered Gyoza,(potstickers). (Again no picture, I'm awful aren't I?)

Then for the main meal I ordered a (pictured above) TempuraDon(buri). It was a bowl of rice, with tempura (battered & deep fried) shrimp, and vegetables. Their tempura is amazing. It is so light and fluffy, and it isn't greasy at all! It has a really "oishii" flavor.

Feat of Wonder: If you put them on a napkin, by the time your done eating, the napkin still looks clean!