[JP 7] My thoughts on summer 2022 Jdrama and their OST

 As the summer season is about to come to an end,so is the jdrama for this summer,let's take a look at some of the great drama OST for this summer 2022


1.Mahou No Rinobe (Renovation Like Magic)

Shingyoji Kome has recently begun work at Marufuku Komuten, which is a home renovation company. She is 30-years-old and single.

The company where she works is owned and run by the Fukuyama family. Shingyoji Kome worked as a sales ace for a large construction company, but she made a mistake that led to her losing her job. Shingyoji Kome is now paired with Fukuyama Gennosuke, who has zero ability in his sales position.

Fukuyama Gennosuke is a single parent and he is also the first son of the Fukuyama family that owns the company. Kome Shingyoji works with Gennosuke Fukuyama as her partner and she is responsible in training him. They work together and deal with problems brought by clients(Source:mydramalist).


Artist:Yorushika(ヨルシカ) 

Song:Chinoteka(チノカテ)

Yorushika is a band composed of composer N-buna and singer Suis, This song does, in fact, have a lovely, warm feeling of how an person feel after a house has just undergone renovation and that the lyrics such as "Let’s get rid of the stuff we didn’t really want, the couch, the books." also relay such feelings


2.I Lived In Kyoto For A While(Chokotto Kyoto Ni Sundemita 2022)

This is the sequel of Chokotto Kyoto Ni Sundemita (2019).


Even though,you can't visit Kyoto due to covid(as of September 2022),you can join Kimura Fumano to explore the street and alley in Kyoto for an authentic local experience of food and human and see a different side of Kyoto! Really great healing and slice of life drama,definitely recommended for all!

Artist:miwa Song:Atarimaeni(あたりまえに) The theme song "あたりまえに" sung by miwa also exclude a sense of warmth and encompass a slow rhythm.The lyric "Is this love?,Is this feeling the same?, Rather than sadness when sad, I want to sleep in your hand" also remind us to live in the moment and cherish everything ,which i think the drama really depict well.


3.Tennpachi(テッパチ)

During his high school days, Kokusho Hiroshi was the rugby club’s ace who attracted national attention. However, he sustained injuries owing to his self-centered and aggressive style of playing. After graduating from high school, he lived a carefree life without a regular job.

Then one day, he has a brush with the law because of a fight that gets him sacked from his job at a construction site and evicted from the apartment that he had been living in for falling behind on the payment of his rent. Hiroshi is at his wits end when a man calls out that he will introduce the perfect job that comes with a fully equipped dorm and three meals a day for someone like him who is proud of his physical strength.

It is to work for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force which defends the country’s peace and security. “With a name like that, weren’t you born to become a member of the Self-Defense Force?” Hiroshi initially refuses but makes a half-hearted decision to become a trainee. Despite the grueling training, this turns out to be his true calling(Source:mydramalist).

Source:Fuji TV


It's a really great drama that show the behind the scenes of Japan Ground Self Defense Force.Fan of Nogizaka46 would be thrill to find Shiraishi Mai in it too.However, there have been reports of complaints from actual members of the self-defense force who claim that social media devices like phones are not permitted in the camp.

Artist: Generations From EXILE TRIBE Song:With all of my Strength(Chikara No Kagiri チカラノカギリ) Of course, the "Hot" theme song "Chikara No Kagiri" was sung by GENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE, interestingly Machida Keita was also part of Generations. I do like the MV a lot as it's MV shows the members challenging a Physical gameshow/competition ,which synongize to the the drama


4.Roppongi Class(六本木Class)

Set in the Roppongi area of Tokyo, Arata Miyabe (Ryoma Takeuchi) lives an ordinary life with his father. Due to a case, caused by the son of a family that owns the country's largest franchise restaurant Nagaya Holdings, Arata Miyabe’s life completely changes.

The owner of Nagaya Holdings uses his power to cover up his son's crime. Arata Miyabe falls into complete despair. He then decides to take revenge on Nagaya Holdings. His goal in life is now to make the son and father of Nagaya Holdings pay for what they did(Source:AsianWiki)

Source:TV ASAHI

An adaptation of the Korean drama "Itaewon Class," "Roppongi Class" is arguably the most controversial drama of this summer's 2022 season and the only summer 2022 jdrama available on Netflix. 

However, there is some praise that i saw online for Hirate's acting, despite some controversy surrounding the acting of Yuko. For a former idol, I thought Hirate Yurina's acting was pretty good. Since her Hibiki days, the girl has come a long way (note: I am a Sakamichi fan, in case you didn't know).

Artist:Alexandros


Song:Baby's Alright


 

5.Old Rookie(オールドルーキー)

Shinmachi Ryotaro is a 37-year-old professional soccer player. He devoted his life to the sport and he was a member of the national soccer team. After an injury, his play has been in decline. This led to him playing for the J3 League. Now, he is forced to retire as a soccer player. 

All he knows is soccer, but, at the age of 37, he must find a regular job like other people and work like them. His daughters are extremely proud of him because he plays soccer, so he isn't able to tell them about his retirement. Shinmachi Ryotaro then finds sports management company Victory. 

He decides to work there and work hard for the company, but, in his mind, he still has a hard time accepting his playing career is over. He faces a big problem at work(Source:Mydramalist).

Source:TBS

Personally, I didn't follow this drama very closely because the English subtitles are still being worked on. I've seen both positive and negative reviews of this drama, but I still encourage everyone to give it a shot because it has the highest Jdrama rating this season. I have to admit that the drama's OST is what draws me in rather.

Artist:King Gnu


Song:Ame Sansan(雨燦々)



Probably the most popular artist to do an Jdrama OST this summer 2022,rank 17 in Billboard Japan 2021 year end artist,its no surprised that King Gnu was ask to do another drama OST after Charmelon for "Mystery to Iu Nakare" which was a decent success for King Gnu.Of course ,its no "Hakujitsu" which is also another drama OST and the breakout hit for King Gnu,but i think it is a great summer song sang by King Gnu.

6.Unicorn Ni Notte (ユニコーンに乗って)

Narukawa Sana is a young CEO who founded the startup "Dream Pony" that deals with educational apps when she was 23. Although reckless, Narukawa has a goal and that is to make "Dream Pony" into a unicorn company and that its business is available to everyone all over the world within 10 years. 

The company did well when it was first launched but Narukawa became frustrated as there hasn't been any huge growth. Narukawa dedicates her time mostly on her work and has been neglecting her private life and romance.

One day, a middle-aged salaryman Kotori Satoshi decides to change his job and starts working at "Dream Pony". At first, Narukawa is not fond of Kotori but the two become closer as Kotori helps Narukawa by giving advices based on his experiences. Meanwhile, Narukawa's co-founder Suzaki Ko has been in love with Narukawa but he is unable to suppress his feelings after the arrival of Kotori. The team now gets caught in a triangle between work and love(Source:mydramalist).

Source:TBS

All I can say is that the powerhouse cast, which included Sugino, Mei Chan, and Nishijima, was a waste. I found Sugino and Mei Chan's chemistry to be unappealing. However, I enjoy the interaction between Nishijima and Mei chan in the show.I would have much preferred them to start from the scratch on how they have created an start up etc. I watched up until episode 5 of this drama before giving up, but maybe someday I'll give it another try.

Artist:DISH

Song:Shiwakucha na Kumo wo Daite(しわくちゃな雲を抱いて)

DISH ,who gain mainstream fame due to their Neko on the First Take channel took the helms for this drama OST.This is definitely one of my favourite OST this season, despite me dropping the drama


7.Banshaku no Ryuugi (晩酌の流儀 Evening Drinking Style)

Probably the best "eating" drama of this summer 2022,imo.Basically ,a single woman working as an property agent has a rule to get off work on time,so she have time to do thing that she enjoys, be it exercise or cooking or eating ! I really like episode 2 where she had solo Yakiniku and the camping trip with others on episode 7. Very slice of life-ish,as there are many people who are choosing to stay single rather than get married these days.


Source:TV TOKYO

Artist:Yonawo

Song:Yugi

Haven't heard of this artist before ,but it is a very relaxing song for a very slice of life-ish drama.Another one of my favourite drama OST for this summer


8.Ryosangata Riko(量産型リコ -プラモ女子の人生組み立て記-)

Riko Komukai (Yuki Yoda) is a young single woman and works for an event planning company. She is considered average in regards to her personality and appearance. One day, her co-worker mentions that she seem like a mass production model. 

She begin to asks herself if she is really an average "mass production model" who doesn't stand out . Around this time, she happens to see plastic model Zaku at a neighborhood store. Zaku is a robot from TV anime series Mobile Suit Gundam. She becomes interested in plastic models and challenges herself to make her first plastic model(Source:AsianWiki).

Source:TV TOKYO

Another decent slice-of-life drama this season,which features her or her coworkers creating a plastic model, such as an Ultraman or Gundam etc, in each episode. One of my favorite episodes included them making a Tamiya four-wheeler to  during a "Company family" day to entertain the kids of the employees.The show is sponsor by Bandai ,the toy maker ,by the way.

Plus, Nogizaka46 fans would rejoice for this drama as Yoda is not only one of the most popular members in the group, but also the lead for this drama.I really like the opening and ending for this drama.The ending is sang by LinkL Planet ,a newly created plastic model idol group by Bandai,one of the LinkL planet members play the shopkeepers role too!

Artist:Higuchi Kaede

Song:Beauty My Jinsei(ビューティーMYジンセイ!)


Artist: Linkl Planet

Song:Tsukutte kumi tatete


9.Kanojo, Okarishimasu(彼女、お借りします Rent a Girlfriend)

Kinoshita Kazuya is a 20-year-old college student who has a wonderful girlfriend: the bright and sunny Nanami Mami. But suddenly, he doesn't. Without warning, Mami breaks up with him, leaving him utterly heartbroken and lonely. Seeking to soothe the pain, he hires a rental girlfriend through an online app. His partner is Mizuhara Chizuru, who through her unparalleled beauty and cute demeanor, manages to gain Kazuya's affection.

But after reading similar experiences other customers had had with Chizuru, Kazuya believes her warm smile and caring personality were all just an act to toy with his heart, and he rates her poorly. Aggravated, Chizuru lambastes him for his shameless hypocrisy, revealing her true and hot-tempered self. This one-sided exchange is cut short, however, when Kazuya finds out that his grandmother has collapsed.

They dash toward the hospital and find Kazuya's grandmother already in good condition. Baffled by Chizuru's presence, she asks who this girl might be. On impulse, Kazuya promptly declares that they are lovers, forcing Chizuru to play the part. But with Kazuya still hung up on his previous relationship with Mami, how long can this difficult client and reluctant rental girlfriend keep up their act?(Source:mydramalist)

Source:TV Asahi

Adapted from the popular manga.It has an anime adaptations too.Personally,i have never saw the anime adaptation, but i have heard from my friend who watch the live-action series that it is pretty much similar to the anime so far(as of september 20).

One of the complain that i frequently saw onlins was that Ryusei who plays the male lead,is as "pretty" as the girls.Personally, i thought the girls play their role really well ,especially Akita Shiori, who play Mami.The girls are all pretty in their own ways too,be it Kudo Mio,Sawaguchi Aika or Sakurada Hiyori.Very difficult to choose a favourite among them.

Artist:Naniwa Danshi

Song:Sincere(シンシア)


Sang by Naniwa Danshi,which the male lead play by Ryusei belong too.Gotta say Johnny is really pretty smart to cast their actors in drama and having them sing the OST too.Speaking of Johnnys,I have been enjoying watching quite a few Johnny's starring drama too in recents month like Kindaichi and Kotoro Live Alone ,both of which include Johnny's member

Final Note:Overall,i thought this season of Jdrama was pretty so-so as compare to winter and spring 2022 dramas.Many of the primetime drama this season didn't live up to my expectation.Personally, I hope that it would be much better in autumn 2022.If you guys have any great drama recommendation for this year's,I would love to hear it too!

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