Rikuô

This is a wonderful inspiring Japanese TV series which promotes determination, courage and dignity. It shows how to never give up in the face of all adversity.

A wonderful feel good series with sports genres and an overall good series to watch with the whole family.

It is the story of a small Tabi making factory who has been running for over 100 hundred years. Due to changing times and circumstances the need for Tabi socks has changed and orders are declining. In order to save the family business the owner, Mr Mizakawa needs to come up with an idea so as not to have to decrease staff and close the factory.

He decides to start making Marathon Running Shoes and in the process tries to encourage an elite marathon athlete to wear his new Tabi Marathin Shoes, optly named Roku Oh.

If you are facing any kind of adversity, this story will will you hope and courage to continue.

Highly recommended.

"Rikuo" is an uplifting and compelling drama that leaves a lasting impression from the very first scene to the final moment. While many Japanese dramas are known for their leisurely-paced storytelling, "Rikuo" breaks the mold by offering rich, layered episodes filled with intricate character development and thought-provoking challenges. The narrative masterfully balances quiet introspection with bursts of emotional intensity, ensuring that viewers remain fully engaged as the story unfolds. The characters face numerous hurdles that test their resolve, and each struggle reinforces the idea that pursuing one's dreams demands unwavering dedication and perseverance. This drama captivates with its sincere depiction of personal growth and the enduring strength of the human spirit. "Rikuo" is not only a visual delight but also a profound exploration of life's trials and triumphs. For anyone seeking a moving and motivational experience that touches the heart and inspires deep reflection, this series is an absolute must-watch.

A nice show spoilt by an overly dramatic soundtrack and overly sentimental 'speeches' that made it seem a whole lot more cheesy than it actually is! I think the style will be loved by those people who are earnest to a fault, but I found that it grated on my somewhat jaded sensibilities.

I would have loved it a lot more if I'd been 11 when I first saw it, if you know what I mean.

A lot of great acting was overridden by a soundtrack that belonged to an action or epic adventure movie. And whilst this is a type of adventure, it didn't warrant being blasted over by what was essentially noise. Especially in a moment where you would have felt all the things on your own without the track trying to lead you by the nose.

If they'd gone for the style of 'Midnight Diner' series, I'd have responded to it and enjoyed it much more. Whereas what they did with this direction came off as melodramatic and twee, rather than serious and heartfelt.

Some will love it, however whilst I respected the story and the attempt to convey it, it wasn't mature enough a production for me. I felt it was a series for kids 8 to 14.

Rikuo is about a family run company which makes shoes and their struggles to make running shoes. The story is okay, with the family dynamics, especially the son - father relationship. Also, the struggles of the company and the athlete to make his come back and ran the marathon are kind of interesting, though they get tiring after a while. The drama overall is boring and tiring. It took me a bit of an efford to watch, as the twists and the plot itself weren't original and there wasn't much to be expected. The performances, finally, were nice. So, 4 out of 10.

Fantastic, full of heart, brought tears to our eyes, every time, with every episode.

Not high-budget, but it totally compensates for it with it's Massive Heart and Spirit!

So much wisdom about life - so many angles - so much resilience - about never giving up, in face of everything - about the strength of the Human Spirit, Teamwork, and Believing in Our Dreams.

We were totally enchanted by this series, that we found out-of-the-blue on Netflix.

I only wish there'd be a Season 2 and more - we would watch them all.

Note: also amazing focus on actual work and making a new, successful product. What that takes. The among or research and detail that went into that, for creating this series, mist have been substantial - it is surprisingly deep in this sense!!

...and also, Team Rikuoh, We Love You All - each and every one of you - You Are Amazing Actors and People!!

Domo Arigatou Gosaimasu!!!

Go, Rikuoh, Goooo!!!!!!