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Re: J-Drama: 半沢直樹 (Hanzawa Naoki)


Part 2 was really exciting. Naoki surprised me at just how tough and determined he is. Probably because Japanese culture in the business world is so.... Oh, can't think of the term, but Naoki's "Kanbe" attorney summed it up perfectly: Don't say anything except 'Yes' and 'I'm sorry.' I loved how Naoki stood during his "hearing," and then didn't spare the horses when it came to not playing the game, but telling the exact, open, honest truth about how corrupt the culture is. Of course, it isn't just Japan, but basically everywhere. The higher ups take all credit from underlings' work and dump all blame of their own back onto the underlings. Those three dried up old prunes about had a conniption fit by the time Naoki stopped talking and walked out.

It was sad to see Kondo leaving on the train with his family, another employee lopped off by The Bank. I respect Naoki, though, for being such a loyal friend. I'm glad he was able to make it in time to be of support to Kondo.

It was also good news to see that the steel company leader has a new found respect and trust for Naoki, wanting to join forces in battling Naoki's bank. This should be very interesting. Violent, too, I'm sure. When it comes to old money and position, the wars are very ugly.

Naoki is fortunate to have a kind and supportive wife like Hana. Before sending him off to the hearing, she was very warm and comforting, promising that when he comes home they will have home made dumplings—all he wants to eat. That sounds like a pretty good comfort food.

One final comment - I don't believe I've ever seen Sakai Masato play such an emotionally tough role. He does it well.


Last edited by nchristi, 4/16/2014, 12:56 am
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Re: J-Drama: 半沢直樹 (Hanzawa Naoki)


Yes, that's one of the reasons why I enjoy Naoki's character and portrayal so much. We've seen the "traditional" business culture in Japanese dramas time and time again. The employees are unable to stand up to the tyranny of the higher-ups, and so they cannot say anything. This is the "acceptable" culture. However, Naoki defies these cultural norms and stands up to the tyranny. Maybe that's why this drama is so popular in Japan. Perhaps a big part of the audience are disgruntled company workers—they might all wish they were in Naoki's shoes, so they can stand up to the tyrannical higher-ups!

The "dried up old prunes" (LOL! That made me crack up, Nchristi!) were horrible, weren't they? I felt like throwing something at the TV when the ringleader kept slamming his hand on the desk, in order to intimidate Naoki into submission. This is probably what drove Kondo over the edge, too. However, it had the opposite effect on Naoki... he became more and more riled up.

That being said, I wonder if Naoki will be able to continue at this bank even if he recovers the money. I can't see the higher-ups being able to work with Naoki, now that they've seen his true colors and how he doesn't mind standing up to them. But who knows what will happen, especially since things could get quite violent with the insertion of these "yakuza types" into the storyline.

Though Kondo was 'exiled' by the bank higher-ups, I hope he and his family will be able to lead a peaceful, happy life—away from all the corrupt people in the bank.

Can't wait for Episode 2!
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Re: J-Drama: 半沢直樹 (Hanzawa Naoki)


<EPISODE 2>

WOW! This is an awesome drama, but I get so mad when I'm watching it. LOL! What a motley crew of corrupt, unethical, and evil characters. One seems to be worse than the other, in their own, uniquely villainous way! Naoki is really pitted against the worst of the worst.

Sakai Masato deserves a million awards for this role. He is truly an amazing actor. I knew that before, but watching his performance as Naoki in this drama makes me realize once again why I have so much respect for him as an actor. Facial expressions are just as important as dialogue in a drama of this nature, and Sakai Masato does such a realistic job of showing Naoki's contempt, shock, and disgust during many of the scenes. He really helps the audience get a close-up look into how the character of Naoki is feeling. I don't think I could picture anybody else playing Naoki's role as well as Sakai Masato is. Bravo!

I was hoping we were going to see the homemade gyoza dumplings Hana prepared, but we didn't really get to see it closeup! LOL! Too bad Hana still has to go to those teas. At this point, now that her husband's job is on the line, I guess she has to try extra hard.

Mr. Criminal (he really is the epitome of a corrupt criminal on the run, isn't he!?) is quite the slick one. He seems to constantly be one step ahead of Naoki and whoever else is on his trail. I couldn't believe he had already arranged to escape to a second house and throw his accomplice under the bus. He's going to be a tough nut to crack, but I feel that Naoki's perseverance and tough attitude is going to lead to a victory for him at the end of all this. One thing is for sure, though—Mr. Criminal isn't going to go down easily. I'm really afraid for Naoki's life at this point. I'm not sure what kind of heavy-handed tactics Mr. Criminal will use, but I wouldn't be surprised if he resorts to brutal violence to get away with his money.

As for his mistress, she's another shady one. I wouldn't be surprised if she plays an integral part in all this, too. That being said, I get a weird feeling about her. I can see her cooperating with Naoki/the bank at some point, if she ever gets tired of the big houses and rich lifestyle. Though Mr. Criminal must buy her whatever she wants whenever she wants it, I'm curious if she'll get tired of the "on-the-run" life. Or who knows. Maybe they're like Bonnie and Clyde?

As if poor Naoki wasn't busy enough, he has to deal with the nasty bank employees and tax people, too. I don't know which one of them is more evil and sinister. LOL!

The bank people are going to make life miserable for Naoki. Their strategy seems to be to keep him distracted so that he isn't able to recover the missing funds—which would lead to his 'banishment.' Which means... the higher-ups at the bank are confident that Naoki will recover the missing funds. I mean, he's already made big enough strides in just a few days. The fly in the ointment is the one manager (played by the great Kagawa Teruyuki) who seems to be interested in Naoki. He seems to want to give Naoki a chance. However, it's just like "HR Kanbe" said. That guy might change his mind quite soon if this gets to be a big mess, so Naoki needs to do whatever he can as soon as possible, before the tides change again.

At least Naoki is supported by some really great subordinates. They seem rather loyal to him and have covered for their boss quite a few times. I'm just worried that the higher-ups are going to try to pin them against Naoki, by bribing them or threatening them. Who knows what will happen...

As for the tax crew, they are also a bunch of vile people... especially their boss. Ugh. He's another one who is going head to head with Naoki. I couldn't believe when the boss pretty much sexually assaulted his employee. Sadly, if that guy were to report the incident to HR, nothing would probably happen, thanks to the business culture. If anything, the employee would find himself transferred or ostracized. So, he probably won't say a thing—keeping his mouth shut. We can only hope that vile man gets fired or transferred out himself! I feel like throwing something at the TV screen whenever he comes on. LOL!

This is an excellent drama, but it certainly gets me riled up by the time it's finished. So many nasty personalities, but Sakai Masato's superb performance as Naoki makes it worth all the while. I can see why this one won so many awards. Outstanding production.

Episode 3 airs next week!
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Re: J-Drama: 半沢直樹 (Hanzawa Naoki)


Mr. Criminal's mistress has been around long enough to see her lover's mode of operation. If she's smart, she'll recognize that he might/would throw her under the bus, too, if his neck were on the line. I can see her cooperating with Naoki, too. It could go either way. But the fact that they introduced her on-screen as "the mistress" would seem to indicate she is more than window dressing to the plot.

A lot has happened in the first two episodes. The fact that we have eight more to go tells me we're going to be on the emotional roller coaster a whole bunch before this is over!
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Re: J-Drama: 半沢直樹 (Hanzawa Naoki)


Yes, I can't believe we're only on Episode 2! I'm excited to see how things pan out, but I'm a bit nervous, as well. Things are probably going to get a lot worse for Naoki before they get better, and I'm afraid that we may see some violence, too. Mr. Criminal seems like the type who has no problem fighting back dirty, and I'm nervous about what he might do to Naoki. That being said, Naoki doesn't seem like he is scared of anybody, so hopefully he'll be able to handle it!

This is really an excellent drama. The various characters really bring a lot to the plot, and I'm curious to see if the alliances will change. Will Naoki's friends betray him, and will his enemies cross over to his side? We shall see!
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Re: J-Drama: 半沢直樹 (Hanzawa Naoki)


<EPISODE 3>

Note to self: don't watch Hanzawa Naoki right before bedtime! This one riles me up so much that I find it hard to fall asleep afterwards. LOL!

Seriously though, what an episode. Naoki makes me want to stand up and give him a round of applause every time he slams those corrupt bankers. LOL! So glad the vile HR manager (what a piece of work he is!) got what he deserved. He got transferred and demoted. Apparently, this HR guy was the one who had driven Kondo to his illness, so I guess Naoki was symbolically able to get revenge for his friend! I couldn't stand that guy, especially when he would start slamming his hand on the desk.

This was a close one. I was so happy to see Naoki and the entire team stick together and prove to everyone that this loan audit had been premeditated for a certain purpose—to make Naoki look bad. I'm just shocked that the bank would go through such lengths to sabotage Naoki... I mean, stealing documents and trying to pit his subordinates against him? Ugh. It was hard to watch, but the best part was seeing Naoki totally humiliate them at the end. Other characters in other dramas might quietly let it go, but the best part is seeing Naoki totally rip them to shreds. Sakai Masato is superb in this role!

Talk about a cliffhanger! Asano was clearly seen next to Mr. Criminal, meaning that these two are in cahoots. This means that Asano was planning everything from the very beginning, and was clearly setting Naoki up to take the fall for the 50 million yen. That being said, why? Is there a reason why Asano has to eliminate Naoki from the bank, no matter what it takes? Or is it something deeper than that? Perhaps Mr. Criminal has gotten Asano to get involved in one of his corrupt financial schemes—undoubtedly tempting him with a percentage of the profits. Naoki was the scapegoat, who will be taking the fall so that Asano benefits from this arrangement. Or maybe there is something completely different going on?

We're only on the third episode, so I feel like there is an entirely different dimension to this story—one that goes up to the highest levels of the bank. I have a feeling that the higher-ups are involved in this. Maybe Asano is just doing the dirty work for somebody higher up on the corporate ladder? One thing is for sure, though—Naoki is playing with fire. As we saw with this loan audit, the bank is trying to eliminate Naoki, and if he gets further involved with Mr. Criminal, his life may be at stake, as well.

I can't stand Asano, but I do feel sorry for his wife. She really has no idea about what kind of a man her husband really is, and what he is doing behind the scenes. It seems like he's pretty much absent from his family life—which is a shame because it appears that his daughter really adores him. Even though I don't like Asano, I do feel very sorry for his family... especially if they eventually find out what he's really like behind the scenes.

One of my favorite characters if Naoki's wife, Hana. She is really such a kind person, isn't she? I was happy to see her reach out to Asano's wife. Mrs. Asano may need the psychological support from a friend, especially if things start to heat up at the bank. I'm just curious to see if Mrs. Asano's relationship with Hana will be affected should Asano find out that his wife is talking to the "enemy."

Episode 4 airs next week. I can totally see why this drama was so popular in Japan. It's still hard to believe we're only on the fourth episode! So much has happened already, and I'm curious to see what happens next. The only concern I have is that Naoki's life will be in danger. The corrupt bank officials and Mr. Criminal mean business...
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Re: J-Drama: 半沢直樹 (Hanzawa Naoki)


I can't believe that the episodes so far are completely mesmerizing! The hour flies by. There are so many different, unexpected happenings that there's no time to take a breath before the next one comes around the corner.

It was heartwarming that Naoki effected the reconciliation between the old man in the hospital and his daughter & grandson. That scene was done so well, the grandfather assuming it was the stranger's little boy who was going into the wrong hospital room yet again. What a surprise to hear his daughter's voice, then to see the little boy in bed with his grandpa. It's an interesting combination to see Naoki such a tough guy, yet one who remembers his father's guidance to never forget the people affected by his work—whatever he chose to be when he grew up.

How satisfying to see the tables turned on the corrupt bank officials at the audit meetings. I felt sorry for Nakanishi, the young man in Naoki's group who was being manipulated and threatened by Ogiso (table pounder). Thank goodness his conscience won out and he saved the day by telling the truth.

In taking a look at the correlation chart, I notice that Kawahara Kazuhisa (Itami) as Kaise Ikuo is in "Part 2—Tokyo." Not quite sure what Part 1 and Part 2 means exactly, but guess we'll find out soon enough.

Also, the auditor who didn't want to give up his briefcase (hiding girlie mag inside) reminded me so much of Kaito in Partners 12. Looked like his older brother—that same unusually shaped mouth and similar eyes.

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Re: J-Drama: 半沢直樹 (Hanzawa Naoki)


Yes, I'm curious about the Part 1/Part 2 distinction, as well. Right now, the story takes place in Osaka, so I wonder if Naoki will be going to Tokyo in the second half of the drama, hence the title "Part 2"? Hmm. I'm really excited to see "Itami" in Part 2, though! He's such an excellent actor in Partners, and I've always wanted to see him in another production. I'm glad he's going to be in this one. Plus, Kawahara Kazuhisa must have been happy to reunite with "Kanbe" for this drama, too! (Assuming the "Kanbe" character still appears in Part 2.)

I was cheering for Nakanishi, too. I think Ogiso figured that he could take advantage of Nakanishi (who he deemed to be a meek greenhorn, in so many words) and thought he could sway him with vague promises of "being good" to him later on. I'm sure these were empty promises. Ogiso wouldn't hesitate to cut Nakanishi if the time was right—no matter what he had promised him. As for Nakanishi, I was happy he redeemed himself (to Naoki and the audience!) and proved that he was a loyal and honest person. Good for him. The bond between Naoki and his subordinates is stronger than ever, and I think this was a great show of unity to the higher-ups... especially Asano.

It was hilarious watching Kaito's twin (LOL!) try to hide his briefcase so that his magazine wouldn't be exposed. I cracked up when Naoki started taunting him about it in front of the other employees. He deserved that one for his vile and corrupt behavior. He's going on and on about bank policies yet he brings an adult magazine to work? Good one, Kaito Twin! (I think this actor was in one of the Taigas a few years back, but I can't remember which one. Maybe Kiyomori?)

I'm enjoying this drama quite a lot. I like the fact that it isn't all negative—we have heartwarming side stories, too, like with the grandfather in the hospital who got to reconcile with his daughter and grandson right before his death. It adds so much to the story. I just can't wait for more!
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Re: J-Drama: 半沢直樹 (Hanzawa Naoki)


<EPISODE 4>

Is this really Episode 4!? It feels like we've seen 7 or 8 episodes! This drama is really one of the best shows we've seen here. Not a moment is wasted—there are a lot of interesting elements to the story.

Asano and the other bank executives play dirty, but Naoki fights back with just as much gusto! Plus, Naoki seems to be extremely talented at psychological warfare. Sending Asano those anonymous e-mails (and making sure his subordinate sent it to him while Naoki was in the meeting, in order to show Asano that somebody else was behind the e-mails) was genius. The power-ups may have the upper hand due to their position, but I think Naoki will be just fine because he has this sense of being able to make them shake in their boots. Asano, for one, is terrified of Naoki.

To think that Asano was involved with this whole scene puts him on a whole new level of "disgusting." How could he? This means that Mr. Criminal's entire affiliation with the bank (and Naoki being thrown under the bus) had been planned from the beginning by Asano. They are old middle school buddies, so their relationship won't seem suspicious, but I'm sure the bank higher-ups won't like it if pictures of Asano and Mr. Criminal (who caused the 500 million yen loss in the first place) were released to the public. Naoki could release the evidence now if he wanted (especially since he has that crucial bank card) but he's smarter than that. I guess he's going to wait until he has more substantial evidence before releasing this valuable proof.

It's interesting that Mr. Executive changed his tune about both Asano and Naoki. Before, he seemed to be supportive of Naoki, wondering how he would fare against corruption. Now, he appears to be done with the whole situation and just wants Naoki to be transferred. That being said, Mr. Executive seems to be over Asano, too. That whole bit at the end (where he told Asano that he trusts him, etc.) was a subliminal message. Mr. Exec knows that Asano isn't that innocent either. It was Mr. Exec's way of telling Asano that he's now on his radar, and to watch out.

Though I can't stand him, the Asano actor is excellent. He did a great job of portraying the actor's panic when he realized that the bank book was missing. His facial expressions are just as good as Sakai Masato's. Speaking of Sakai Masato, he is truly outstanding in his performance as Naoki. It's as if this role was written for him!

It was really sad to see Hana's bottled up feelings about being able to continue her career, but being unable to do so because of her desire to focus 100% on creating a supportive and organized domestic environment for Naoki. She is totally devoted to him, as we saw when she took a part time job just to buy him a new briefcase. It's not like she is receiving any pressure from Naoki not to work—Hana just feels like she won't be a good wife if she has to balance between working and being a housewife. However, her real passion seems to be in working outside the home. I hope Naoki will convince her to take a job eventually.

Not sure what to make of Mr. Criminal's mistress (Ms. Mistress)? I don't think she can be trusted. We know she is running to any guy who is willing to sponsor her financially with her nail salon. Now that she senses the tides are turning against Mr. Criminal, she is ready to ditch him and move on to her next target. Except now, she has to choose between Naoki and the tax bureau. Until she makes her decision, she's going to play one against the other. Unfortunately, Ms. Mistress doesn't realize that you get burned when you play with fire. She's going to get caught and implicated in something eventually. She's engaged in a lot of illegal behavior that wouldn't make the police or tax bureau happy, and on the other hand, if she betrays Mr. Criminal, I can see him retaliating rather violently against her.

I'm just curious whether she'll pick Naoki or the tax people. Should be interesting.

Episode 5 seems like it'll be very good! Can't wait for next week.
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Re: J-Drama: 半沢直樹 (Hanzawa Naoki)


Each episode is such a cliffhanger! I don't know about Mistress. It looks as though she is throwing Naoki to the wolves but I'm not so sure. The scene between them where he says he will help her establish a legitimate business was left a little high and dry. There might have been a deal struck between the two of them that we haven't been privy to, yet. Any direction she might turn will not surprise me—nor will it surprise me if she and Naoki are playing Mr. Tax Man—and everybody else. Naoki is an expert at subterfuge.

I get the same feeling as you, Hiroshi, that this drama has been going on for far longer than four episodes! Maybe because it is so action packed, with so many twists and turns developing each episode that it doesn't seem possible we could have come so far in only a few episodes. I have to watch it a couple of times in order to pick up the finer details of what's really going on.

Another redemption by Naoki. Thank goodness he knew his young co-worker better than anybody else and that the kid really did have a good conscience. Naoki appealed to that and the young man withdrew from being Asano's henchman/victim. What a payback the co-worker got, too, by being the one in charge of sending the phony "Hana" text messages, which not only completely confused Asano but also made him nearly have a nervous breakdown. LOL!

I agree that the actor playing Asano did a great job. That panic he portrayed was about as real and believable as is possible, I'd think. I was impressed by his ability, too. With Naoki, I'm always glued to his expressions, too. His eyes are wonderfully expressive. I'm not used to seeing him play hard ball in such a dark, intense way. He could probably always do it, I just never saw him in this sort of role before. (It was funny that while I was watching the program, a friend was using my computer (could hear the TV but not see it), but suddenly looked up and asked me: "Is that Yamanami?" Unforgettable voice, I guess!)

Love this series!

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