Review on Japanese Drama: Ohotorisama (2009)

Title: Ohitorisama or Single Person (2009)

Genre:  romance, comedy

Duration:  10 episodes

Cast:

Mizuki Alisa as Akiyama Satomi

Koike Teppei as Kamisaka Shinichi

Maya Miki as Principal Tajima Yoshie

Matsushita Nao as Sawai Kimika

Tachibana Keita as Harada Hiroyuki

Synopsis: Akiyama Satomi (Mizuki Alisa) is a 33-year old, successful, single history teacher at a prestigious all-girl school.  She has been used to living alone and doing things alone that when Kamisaka Shinichi (Koike Teppei) came along, her world got a drastic change.

He is an aimless, slightly unreliable guy who was hired as a substitute teacher in the same school she works in. She let him crash in her place until he can pay for his own room and she agreed to also mentor him at school which brought them a lot of encounters together.

She initially was irritated that he seems to have no ambition, no desire to improve himself and always seemed to get himself in trouble.  He is also very honest, loves to cook and showed her the nice side of living with someone.

There is a 10 year gap in their age so neither one has even considered the possibility of romance.  To Satomi’s credit, she is also actively pursued by two very successful men, one of which was her ex who proposed marriage to her.  To make matters more complicated, the Principal turns to be Shinichi’s long-lost mother.  Also, relationship between teachers is strictly prohibited.

From all sides, it seemed there is no chance for their relationship...or is there?

Review:

Satomi seemed to be a very capable teacher and Shinichi seemed to be a very awkward, confused youngster.  However, Shinichi was so adorable and unpretentious about his feelings that Satomi can’t help but be drawn to him.  Being always alone, Shinichi seemed to be a breath of fresh air for her and she lets go of her inhibitions before him.

Under the guidance of Satomi, Shinichi also seemed to find the desire to improve himself and to do his best at work.  Whenever he finds trouble, it seemed natural to ask her for help which further proves Satomi’s opinion that he is weak and useless.

But little by little both realizes that each has started playing a vital role in their lives that before they knew it, they have grown feelings for each other. However, I felt no chemistry between them and the romance seemed forced.  I wish there had been more sweet moments between them and maybe some realistic struggles due to their age gap and not just that relationship between teachers are prohibited.  I felt that the show could have explored the dilemma each has to face and maybe coming to a more meaningful conclusion.

Also, the show was not able to properly conclude on the story between mother and son.  I don’t know if they intended to leave viewers hanging but it left a bitter taste in my mouth.

I give this show 8 out of 10 stars because both leads are just adorable.