"Long Vacation"

This is the most “kilig-ever” (tickling) drama that I’ve seen in my entire life. And so far, my most favorite one. I tried to follow this story because when I saw its trailer over QTV-11, I was surprised to see Takuya Kimura here. I didn’t know he was that cute before. My first encounter with Kimutaku was when I watched a part of their TV program “SMAP X SMAP” over im.tv early this year. They spoofed “Meteor Garden,” but their set and uniform is like that of “Hanayori Dango,” and the F4 we all know (that is Jerry Yan, Vic Zhou, Ken Zhu and Vaness Wu) appeared to bully the one playing Shan Cai after receiving the red notice. That was really hilarious.

By the way, Kimura is a member of an all-male group called SMAP, which is handled by Johnny and Associates, the agency also responsible for Arashi where Jun Matsumoto belongs. And just a trivia, Jerry Yan is said to sign-up recently for the said entertainment group to penetrate the Japanese market and to be the next Takuya Kimura.

Anyhow, “Long Vacation” was shown in 1996 in Japan but after more than a decade, it hasn’t lost its flavor. Its basically a May-December love story between a 24-year old introvert Piano teacher, Hidetoshi Senna (Kimura) and 31-year old independent and outgoing former model, Hayama Minami (Yamaguchi Tomoko) who live under one roof. In the beginning there was animosity between them but later on they start to fall for each other.

The part I like most here is when Senna asked permission to kiss her and she agreed without hesitations. That was really cute and it tickled me to the highest level…promise. I also love it’s opening theme “La La La Love Song” and the scoring “Deeper and Deeper” because they both sound hip and funky and lighten the mood of the story. Unlike the usual drama, when the scene is becoming heavy, the background music is also heavy. This one is different.

Meanwhile, what I don’t like here is when I see Kimura wearing tacked-in polo and high-waist slacks. I dunno if this is intended because of his character is kinda‘ geeky. Though he looks his best when he is just wearing white shirt and jeans. I also didn’t like how the ending was made because it finished hastily. I hope there was more “moments” between Senna and Minami before it came to a conclusion. So I was just like asking for more.

At any rate, it seems that “Long Vacation” is an all-time favorite based on many praises I’ve read about it. From the storyline to the music, from the characterization to the actors, I bet this jdorama is worth your time. So, if I were you, do watch it.

* photo credit to nt2099.com