J-drama Review: Itazura na Kiss ~ Love in Tokyo (2013)

I didn't know that Itazura na Kiss had another series until months ago, while I browsed random dramas on my live streaming drama website. Itazura na Kiss is always been one of my favorite series (including its previous dorama, Taiwanese version, Korean version and anime version) and I couldn't say no to this dorama; even I already knew the whole story and how it ends. LOL.

So basically this was latest remake of Itazura na Kiss: Itazura na Kiss ~ Love in Tokyo; followed by its second season which was aired in 2014.

• Title: イタズラなKiss ~ Love in TOKYO
• Title (romaji): Itazura na Kiss ~ Love in Tokyo
• Genre: Romance, comedy
• Related TV shows: Itazura na Kiss (TV Asahi, 1996), It Started with a Kiss (CTV / GTV, 2005-2008), Mischievous Kiss (MBC, 2010)

Season 1

• Episodes: 16
• Broadcast network: Fuji TV TWO
• Broadcast period: 2013-Mar-29 to 2013-Jul-19
• Air time: Fridays 24:00
• Opening theme: Update by Sabao
• Ending theme: Takaramono by Sabao

Cast

Miki Honoka as Aihara Kotoko

Furukawa Yuki as Irie Naoki

Yamada Yuki as Ikezawa Kinnosuke

Fujimoto Nanami as Komori Jinko

Yamaya Kasumi as Ishikawa Satomi

Tanaka Sougen as Odawara

Aizawa Yuga (相澤侑我) as Irie Yuki

Tanaka Yoji as Aihara Shigeki

Nishimura Tomomi as Irie Noriko

Imoaraizaka Kakaricho as Irie Shigeo

Kotoko Aihara (Honoka Miki) isn't very intelligent, and lacks ability in school. She is in class F, the least smartest class in her grade. Despite this, she has been in love with the schools most handsome, and most intelligent guy, Naoki Irie (Yuki Furukawa) ever since she saw him give a speech at the high school entrance ceremony. In her third year of high school, she decides to write him a love letter, but is rejected instantly. She is crushed to see her love letter was not even looked at, and decides to give up on the jerk who rejected her without even reading it. On the same day, Kotoko's house is hit by a shooting star, and collapses. As it is being rebuilt, her dad gets a phone call from his longtime friend, and is invited to stay with them. When she arrives at the house, she is in shock to see that this was the house of Naoki Irie, and his family. Although he shows a cold attitude, she realizes she can't help but love him. What will happen when fate takes over, and Kotoko's chance of winning Naoki's heart falls in her hands?

Kotoko & Naoki, in their early episodes

Kotoko got injured due to tennis club

Kinnosuke, Kotoko & Naoki

Miki Honoka, Sato Aiko (as cameo) & Furukawa Yuki

My Review

IMHO, Honoka Miki is better than Sato Aiko in terms of expressions and acting scenes. Honoka Miki could acted innocently and silly as natural as the real Kotoko, which was excellent. Compared to Itazura na Kiss anime, Naoki by Furukawa Yuki was definitely more emotionless and his expressions were just hard to predict. Overall I could say this version is a success!

Season 2

• Episodes: 16
• Broadcast network: Fuji TV
• Broadcast period: 2014-Nov-24 to 2015-Apr-06
• Air time: Monday late at night
• Opening theme: Kiss Kiss Kiss by Cyntia
• Ending theme: White Stock by Cyntia

Synopsis

Kotoko loved Naoki for 6 years and finally married him. Now, Kotoko transfers to the department of nursing in her studies and struggles.

Cast

Miki Honoka as Irie Kotoko

Furukawa Yuki as Irie Naoki

Imoaraizaka Kakaricho as Irie Shigeo

Nishimura Tomomi as Irie Noriko

Aizawa Yuga (相澤侑我) as Irie Yuki

Miyagi Yoshiaki (宮城孔明) as Irie Yuki (teens)

Tanaka Yoji as Aihara Shigeki

Yamada Yuki as Ikezawa Kinnosuke

Tanaka Sougen as Odawara

Nakai Noemie as Christine Robbins

Takeuchi Toshi as Funatsu Seichi

Horii Arata as Kamogari Keita

Suzuki Mirai as Kikyou Motoki

Kawakami Juria as Shinagawa Marina

Ito Risako as Ogura Tomoko

New faces in this 2nd season.. Including grown-up Yuki! :)

New friends: Keita, Tomoko, Motoki & Marina

My Review

Second season seems little bit longer than the first season, but it ends well and nicely! :)

Chemistry between Honoka Miki & Furukawa Yuki was so good!

Rating for both: 7,5 / 10

Anyone here watching these doramas as well? :D