Rikuô

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!!!!!!

This Japanese TV drama series, in general, is very watchable. But. There are things that just feel so amateurish or inappropriate:

How a bank loan officer could be so rude and impolite to his customers who try to get a loan from the bank? Besides, the interest rates of such loans never been discussed. When a business applies for loan, it must have collateral for such loan. But this old manufacturer never submits anything as collateral for the loan.

When the school places an order for Riku OH shoes, it never clearly show how many pairs for each size. S/M/L/XL never stipulated, and what is the delivery day, and what are prices for each size.

When the boss of the shoe manufacturer give a pair of test trial running shoes to the wounded runner. I really don't know how he knows what the feet size of that runner, yet he just bring a pair of his product to him. How possible it could be?

The acting of some of the actors, male or female, sometimes are just too exaggerated, over acted. There are exaggerated yelling and screaming in this series, but it's typical in any Japanese movie or TV drama series, you just have to take for granted and get use to it.

Most of the actors, especially the leading old protagonist who play the 4th generation of a fading traditional Japanese product. A great actor, he just looks like the guy fighting and struggling for survival. He is one of the Japanese National Treasures.

This serial is highly recommended, if you could get over those flaws as I have mentioned above.

A tearjerker of a story, "Rikuô" is one of those typical Japanese shows that centers on the local, the small, the fight that the little puts against the big and bullies, to tell the story of a small tabi (Japanese socks) company on the verge of bankrupcy. Instead of going belly up, the owner of the long-standing and very respected company decides to go into the sneakers world, which puts the company against the big sport shoes companies. In part to be able to break through, the owner of the tabi company, Miyazawa, tries to get a promising runner to use their new sport shoes.

What follows is your typical Japanese drama full of touching moments, ideas of sacrifice, the importance of family and traditional values and some romanticized ideas around Japanese culture and lifestyle. It is very well done and acted, and the direction and plot (even if some extended episodes just run for a little bit too long) grip the viewer's attention and make for compelling viewing. It never gets boring and knows how to bring the tear to the eye (curious, when it is a drama about a sock company trying to survive bankruptcy; you know, capitalism). The viewer will easily enjoy the story and how the characters are very human and nicely developed. Harder to sit through though, are some of those romantic ideas, that some times smell a little bit (it even feels like the drama is sending subtle patriotic messages).

A very nicely done show, with great acting and development, which highlights are the characters and their development (something at which Japanese shows shine, with a mysterious knack to walk the line between cheesy and touching without falling into the first).

"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.