Kimi wa petto

This is a really cute series. There is actually a comics series out, entitled "Tramps like Us", which paved the way for this hit Japanese program. If you are into romantic comedy, then you'll definitely find this adorable. It gives us an inside look at the work environment in Japan and how women are still sometimes expected to be demure and cute, instead of headstrong and independent. I also liked the chemistry between the lead characters. The obvious age and height gap are nothing especially when you witness first hand how a truly wonderful relationship blossoms between the two main characters and how they affect everyone else around them.

Kimi wa petto is a cute story about a girl who one day finds a boy inside a box that is outside her apartment one day. She decides to bring him in and fix his cuts. She then leaves a note for him to eats some food she made then go home because she had to go to work. When she gets home however she finds that he is still there. He tells her that he wants to live there with her like a brother or cousin. In desperation to get him to leave she tells him that if he became her pet then he could stay. And as a pet she says that he would have no rights and do whatever she told him. (not in that perverted way!) To her surprise he agrees and from then on he is known as Momo, her pet.

It holds very true to the original manga of the same name, aka (Tramps Like Us in the U.S) but it can still be enjoyed even if you haven't read the manga. It's a different kind of tail, showing a strong and independent woman who hurts just like everyone else. However, because of her outward strength, she fears showing her inner feelings and thus let's those around her hurt her with their blunt comments. The only one who truly figures her out and who she can be at ease with is her new pet...human...Momo. If you want something different than the normal boring stuff with some wonderful J-Dorama (Japanese Drama) actors/resses then this is definitely the series to watch...and read!

A very successful and lonely woman, Sumire Iwaya, takes in a 20 year old modern dancer, Goda Takeshi, to live with her as her "pet". Sumire is portrayed as very sophisticated and refined woman with no luck in men because she can't show her feelings. This is GREATLY done by actress Koyuki! She's such a lonely soul. When Sumire takes in Goda Takeshi, whom she calls "Momo" after the dog she owned as a child, she opens up to him and they form a very close relationship but only as a pet and owner. At the same time she struggles to open up and be herself with her dream man, Hasumi, and not to loose him to her mean co-worker (Fukushima). "Momo" meanwhile develops all the more intimate feelings for Sumire but she constantly push him away. This drama is truly brilliant...I loved every minute of it! It's funny, sad and sympathetic. You can really feel the emotions that lies beneath it all. I'm crazy about Matsumoto Jun and what a great job he did with the "Momo" character. He's so cute, funny and sweet but there's something more.... Just watch it, you'll love it and will, just like me, watch it over and over and over again!!

I first encountered this show when I was staying in Japan for six months last year. I found it in the internet when I was looking for sub-titled dramas to help me with my Japanese. My host mother warned me to stay away from it because she thought it was weird, but I found it delightful! Koyuki showed such conflicting character traits and Matsujun's spirit made my day every time I tuned in! I first saw him on "Hana Yori Dango", but I liked him much better in this!

Although the characters are interesting and well-developed, I was disappointed to find that they didn't change very much throughout the show. Their relationship grew, but they didn't really. Still, a fun time had by all (Even for Fukushima!).