A Begginer's Guide To: Kazoku Game
Having previously done a stalker's guide to Ohno Satoshi, I now bring you A Stalker's Guide to:
As a noob in dramaland, in 2009, I kept seeing a familiar face in a couple of Japanese dramas. As compared to the hundreds that were Jun-bait, in my case, I was Nino-bait. This man is most commonly know for his hamburger hands, being extremely stingy, being a gamer, and almost becoming a Hollywood star.
In case others do not know, Ninomiya, most commonly known as Nino, is from the boyband Arashi. Out of all the other member, Nino is the one with the most acting experience. Even in the agency, Johnny's Entertainment, he is considered one of the best actors, to where many of his kouhai, or juniors, look up to.
Oh the things this man has done for acting. Back when he was still a teenager, he became bald for the role he was playing, then a couple of years later, he become bald yet again. I clearly remember watching G no Arashi where he had to wear a wig and was constantly taken off by his fellow members. Just last year, for a special, he dyed his hair blonde.
(WARNING: the drama Stand up! and movies GANTZ and Ooku are not sutiable for those 17 years old and younger)
Dramas:
Stand Up!! - The one with unique combination of actors
This was one of the first Japanese dramas I ever watched. I remember how difficult it was to find the episodes online since I was still a newbie :P
In this drama, Nino plays the role of Shouhei, a high school student curious about sex. Along with Yamapi, Oguri Shun, and Narimiya Hiroki, Nino joins them in this comedy drama about virgins.Basically that's all it is about, yet they eventually learn that sex is not all that important as love is.
This drama, for me, remains as one of the classics in Jdramaland. Just look as the main characters, all four of them have become so big that the possible casting of four actors like them in near to impossible.
I WON'T RECOMMEND THIS DRAMA TO THOSE 17 YEARS OLD OR YOUNGER.
Yamada Taro Monogatari - The one in which Nino is a poor student with a huge family
The plot is not all that original; there have been past dramas alike and there will surely be more in the future, take 11nin mo iru! for example.
Nino takes the role of Yamada Taro, a poor high school student who goes to a rich school. Along with Sakurai Sho and Tabe Mikako, who fantasizes about Yamada as a love interest for she thinks he is rich.
Even though it is just one role he plays, in this drama Nino is seen playing various roles in the imagination of Ikegame Takako, cosplaying almost in every episode. Talking about cosplaying, there is an unforgettable episode of Ninimoya's fan where he dresses up a maid.
Ryusei no Kizuna - The one in which Nino is a vengeful, angry brother
Compared to the previous two dramas, this one is much more serious. Revenge!
Along with Nishikido Ryo and Toda Erika, Nino plays the role of the oldest brother, Ariake Koichi. This drama involves suspense, but nevertheless there are still funny scenes.
Koichi is very protective over his siblings and cares for them the most. Whenever they were looking for clues for their parents' death, it was Koichi who planned it out and he was also a character who would be easily agitated.
Having Nino yell out of frustration every now and then showed his worthiness as an actor.
Freeter, Ie o Kau - The one in which Nino is us.
This is probably one of my favorite Nino dramas. It's a family drama.
Take Seiji is a shut-in with no dreams whatsoever. He doesn't know what he wants to do with his life and struggles to find that out. As soon as I was watching the first episode, I could identify with him. As someone who has no idea what she wants to do with her life, I couldn't take my eyes off this drama. I can't believe this drama came out almost 3 years ago and I still remember the impact it had.
Nino expressed Seiji in a way words cannot describe; I doubt any other actor would be able to do so. For those who know of Arashi or have seen variety shows of Nino, Seiji was part of Nino. Their personality is so alike that sometimes I was wondering whether he was actually acting or not.
Credit to someone in tumblr (forgot the username)
Specials:
Door to Door - The one in which Nino is descriminated
All these specials, along with Marathon have something in common. In all of them Nino plays the role of a disabled or sick person.
I can say that I was genuinely surprised when I watched Door to Door.
Sukoshi wa, Ongaechi ga Dekitakana - The one in which Nino gives us hope yet again
In this special, Nino has Ewing's sarcoma, something similar to cancer. He plays the role of a high school student preparing for this University entrance exams. For this one too, prepare those tissues. Kazunori, the role Nino plays, never gives up on studying claiming that once he gives up on studying, he will die even faster (or something along those lines).
This special is really motivating in terms of studying.
I Will Fly to the Sky on a Wheelchair! - The one in which Nino is disabled... again
I've yet to seen this special, but this special was made for the Japanese show 24hr, in which its sole purpose is to give hope to others.
Movies:
The Blue Fame - The one in which Nino is a creeper
I recommend this movie whenever you have nothing to do and just want some light suspense. This movie goes on by fast.
Nino, Kushimori Shuichi, is a high school student who lives with his stepfather who abuses both his mother and sister. In this film, Shuichi is not mentally stable, whereas he keeps on thinking of ways to kill his stepfather. Basically, the movie is about Shuichi and his plan to kill his stepfather, messing with chemicals..etc
Letters from Iwo Jima - The one in which Nino goes to the USA to film!
Many claim this film is what made Nino famous. Um... I don't think so. Of course, he does a wonderful job on this film but nevertheless, his acting had always been outstanding. Here Nino plays to role of Saigo, a man who was forced to leave to Iwo Jima as a soldier during World War II.
Ooku - The one in which Nino is serving a female and makes us hope we were her
Oh Japan, how I love you for your original ideas <3. In this film, men are dying by a disease that only affects men, so they become very precious. Also, the shogun is a woman, and so eventually, Nino, Mizuno, enters the palace to serve her.
*Spoiler*I find this role really complex and difficult. Even though it had a hint of what Nino had played before, never before he had to do sex scenes, kiss a man, and almost be raped.
Gantz - The one in which Nino dies countless of times
This movie came out almost at the same time Freeter was. Both roles are exactly the same, except for the fact the Gantz is science fiction. Both Seiji and Kurono's personalities are alike. They are both unemployed with nothing to do, and eventually find their reason to live. Apart from Nino, I can only see Miura Haruma playing these roles.
Platina Data - The one in which Nino is a scientist
I cannot say much about this movie and Nino's character yet, but judging from the plot, summary and the trailer this will be different from his previous roles.
If there is an actor or an actress that is worthy of a Stalker's Guide in your opinion, and you have watched enough dramas of his/hers to prove it, please contact Elisabetta about it.
