J-Drama: Sailor Fuku to Kikanjyu

If there is one thing about Japanese television that wins, it’s rezokudorama [Japanese TV dramas]. They are not only addicting, but are really fun to watch, typically have unique storylines, and the choice of actors are on par. I suppose that’s because they are like anime but with real people. I’ve already seen two very well-known live action dramas before I came to Japan — Great Teacher Onizuka & NaNa — and I absolutely adore them. Both are must-sees. To my surprise, nearly every Japanese person my age has heard of or seen both these dramas. I’ve only seen three different ones since I’ve lived here, but one of them I have stuck with for the most part.

Sailor Fuku to Kikanjyu [Sailor Blouse & Machine Gun]

Summary:

Sailor Fuku to Kikanjyu is a remake of an old film where main character and school girl Izumi Hoshi becomes the successor of a pack of Yakuza that her father led. Of course, being the boss of Yakuza causes other conflicts within the life she once lived in. However, that is the least of her worries. With various events pointing to unfinished business between her group and another Yakuza pack, she is soon put to the test to earn their respect, loyalty, and friendship, causing her to take up the way of the gun and go beyond what any ordinary school girl could be capable of accomplishing.

Thanks to Kyohei mentioning a few major points I hadn’t caught, and my recently improved hearing/speaking of Japanese, I’ve been able to understand most of what has been going on. It’s a shame that the last episode is this Friday. I believe I missed the 3rd & 4th episode, and saw the 5th episode this past Friday. Nothing is going to keep me from seeing the final episode. The only downside to this drama is that the character development of Izumi is highly predictable. However, the storytelling, the characters, and the plot twists I totally did not see coming. I honestly did not expect anyone to die, but key characters die, and in a way that adds a special flavor of harsh truth to the story — you know they did not die in vain. The soundtrack is a bit repetitive — they use the same song often, but remix it in a way that is either suited for a softer scene or with more brass for a very emotional scene — but it’s likable still. The opening theme song is also really popular too; if someone hasn’t heard of Kikanjyu, then they’ve definitely heard the opening song somewhere. This has definitely been worth the watch, and even would consider buying the series if it comes out before I leave.

Here’s a less J-pop-like version of the Sailor Fuku to Kikanjyu opening theme song…and sang by a male instead of a female. It’s still good though.