J-Drama: 花咲舞が黙ってない 2 (Hanasaki Mai Speaks Out II) https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/t170224 Runboard| J-Drama: 花咲舞が黙ってない 2 (Hanasaki Mai Speaks Out II) en-us Thu, 28 Mar 2024 21:27:37 +0000 Thu, 28 Mar 2024 21:27:37 +0000 https://www.runboard.com/ rssfeeds_managingeditor@runboard.com (Runboard.com RSS feeds managing editor) rssfeeds_webmaster@runboard.com (Runboard.com RSS feeds webmaster) akBBS 60 Re: J-Drama: 花咲舞が黙ってない 2 (Hanasaki Mai Speaks Out II)https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069886,from=rss#post2069886https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069886,from=rss#post2069886Yes, I think that final scene was done to make the goodbye moment a bit "easier to take", by making it look like just another day at work. Shindo's "I'll be back" bit could also be interpreted as a hint for a potential Season 3, and I guess they did that to always keep the door open, but judging from the fact that there has yet to be a third season after a few years have passed, I think what we saw was the last episode of the Hanasaki Mai series. I suppose we have to speculate what happens to Soma and Mai ourselves! nondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Mon, 29 May 2017 09:24:49 +0000 Re:https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069884,from=rss#post2069884https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069884,from=rss#post2069884The ending was bittersweet. I was glad to see Mai accomplish her goal, but at the same time it appears as though we'll never find out what she does in the future with her life. Some parts of the finale did indeed make it seem like the series was ending, but it was rather odd that the final scene shows Soma and Mai heading off on some new adventure.nondisclosed_email@example.com (arturas)Mon, 29 May 2017 01:10:14 +0000 Re: J-Drama: 花咲舞が黙ってない 2 (Hanasaki Mai Speaks Out II)https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069881,from=rss#post2069881https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069881,from=rss#post2069881<FINAL EPISODE> (#2, Part 2) Well, this drama is finally over! I did enjoy it very much, and am sorry to see it end, but I am also ready for Partners to begin! Hmm, I thought we were going to see a third season at some point, but after watching this episode, I don't know if a Season 3 is in the works. Yes, Shindo made his "I will be back" spiel to Mai and Soma, but at the same time, everything felt very final and conclusive. The new president was inspired by Mai to change the rotten rules of the bank, and Mai has pledged to do her part in changing the bank no matter what it takes. She's been talking about changing the bank since the first season, and now, there is nobody stopping that change from taking place. So, unless something unforeseen happens, I don't anticipate a Season 3 in the future. It's a shame that Matsuki was not part of the finale, but there was really no need for him to be there. Mai symbolically got revenge for what happened to him by getting the higher-ups to realize that it is wrong for a subordinate to take the blame for the mistakes of his or her boss. That's why Matsuki was transferred in the first place. What surprised me the most was Shindo being transferred! I was sort of hoping to see him making the speech as the new president, but then again, I think there was simply too much baggage with him. Not only was he affiliated with the "old regime" but he was also hiding the truth about the bribe, and so it might be best for someone totally new to become president. The new president will be responsible for rebuilding the tarnished reputation of the bank, so it was a good move. I got a kick out of Shindo borrowing the "If I may humbly speak up" line from Mai. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em! LOL. This was a great drama, and I'm glad UTB aired Season 2. Even if there is no Season 3 in the future (which I don't think there will be, given that Season 2 aired in 2015 and it is already 2017 with no third season in sight) it was a good run for this drama! Partners 15 begins airing in this time slot tonight! nondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Sun, 28 May 2017 10:01:29 +0000 Re: J-Drama: 花咲舞が黙ってない 2 (Hanasaki Mai Speaks Out II)https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069880,from=rss#post2069880https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069880,from=rss#post2069880Yes, this is definitely more interesting than the Season 1 finale. Actually, the entire season has been a lot better! I'm a little curious about how they will deal with Matsuki, as well. Unless they are planning to have a third season, writing Matsuki out when they did felt awfully abrupt. Hopefully he'll make a cameo appearance or at least be mentioned in the season finale. On a side note, it has been a couple of years since this season aired and they have yet to produce a season 3. I hope they will at some point!nondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Sun, 21 May 2017 07:35:37 +0000 Re:https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069879,from=rss#post2069879https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069879,from=rss#post2069879I really like part 1 of the finale. I think it is probably better than the season 1 finale. I guess we'll fin out later whether Mai's speaking out actually changes the culture of the bank. I hope they find a way to work Matsuki into the finale. I hope he just doesn't disappear forever.nondisclosed_email@example.com (arturas)Sun, 21 May 2017 00:14:26 +0000 Re: J-Drama: 花咲舞が黙ってない 2 (Hanasaki Mai Speaks Out II)https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069874,from=rss#post2069874https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069874,from=rss#post2069874<FINAL EPISODE> (#11, Part 1) Woah! This final episode is going to prove to be an interesting one. At this point, the scandal is so big that I don't know if the bank will be able to survive such a major earthquake. (No wonder a Season 3 has not been produced yet! LOL.) I'm sort of relieved that Shindo is not the one who illegally received the bribe. From what Mai and Soma have investigated so far, it looks like he was forced to take the over for it by the CEO of the bank. Now, Shindo is being thrown under the bus so that the President's crimes are not revealed. Shindo, at least from what we've seen so far, appears to be okay with taking responsibility for the bank's sake and being the sacrificial lamb. Knowing Mai, I don't think she'll let him do that! Things have turned out quite ironically, haven't they? Who would have thought that Mai and Soma would actually end up being on Shindo's side for once. At the same time, I would have never imagined that Shindo would be painted in such a positive light. I think his grumpy and cold exterior made him look like a corrupt individual, but deep down, I think he has a big heart and wouldn't do anything corrupt - unless he is forced to do something. I got a big laugh out of watching Mai and Soma work so closely with Kodama, Shindo's assistant. Kodama was always the one yelling at them and telling them to stay out of Shindo's business, but now he's actually sneaking around and secretly investigating together with Mai and Soma! I guess this is a big help, since as Shindo's assistant, he has access to certain records and files that Soma and Mai don't have access to. I'm really curious what is going to happen to the bank. If the president is found to be guilty of these accusations, it could spell the end of the bank. Hmm. Mai and Soma have really gotten themselves into a fix this time - this problem was bigger than they expected, I suspect! There is still quite a lot of unanswered questions, such as where the 100 million yen went... we will find out everything in next week's season finale. I'm finally all caught up with this drama. Part 2, the season finale, airs on Sunday! nondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Fri, 19 May 2017 12:26:09 +0000 Re: J-Drama: 花咲舞が黙ってない 2 (Hanasaki Mai Speaks Out II)https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069873,from=rss#post2069873https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069873,from=rss#post2069873<EPISODE 10> I've noticed a pattern in J-drama lately (even in Partners) for the episode before the grand finale to be a 'filler'-type episode, which is not really integral to furthering the plot or character development. However, I did enjoy this episode quite a bit. Most of the plot didn't even take place within the bank and seemed to involve other entities, like the police. I think the writers really wanted to take the plot to the next level with Season 2, and I think they generally succeeded. What a surprise that Soma and Mai went all the way to Iwate (northern Japan!) to find out the truth behind what happened with the company and why the son of the late president committed arson and made himself a criminal. It shows that once Mai decides to get to the bottom of something, she won't stop until she finds out the whole truth! Though the son was wrong to commit a crime and endanger the lives of people, I don't feel bad at all for the nasty branch manager. He essentially committed fraud by encouraging the company president to expand internationally in Thailand, and then demanded an exorbitant amount of money to cancel the deal when it became too dangerous to expand there. Ugh. Eventually, the company ended up going bankrupt, and the president passed away after losing everything - perhaps from a broken heart. Plus, it's one thing to lie and then not offer a loan to the company president, but to make the poor man undergo such humiliation (literally pushing him down in the rain) was disgusting to watch. What a jerk. Good thing that the nasty manager will be questioned and hopefully will lose his job and future at the bank. If even Shindo was angry at him, then you know he did something pretty bad! Things are certainly heating up between Shindo and his rival. I wonder if this will be decided in the final episode? I did get a kick out of how Mai was panicking every time she saw a fox in the beginning of the episode. LOL! Part 1 of the season finale is next. nondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Fri, 19 May 2017 10:56:54 +0000 Re: Re:https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069872,from=rss#post2069872https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069872,from=rss#post2069872引用 (quote):dunedan wrote: So it looks like Partners will begin airing May 21? The website says the 28th. http://utbhollywood.com/en/program/aibou-season15/ nondisclosed_email@example.com (unicorn2004)Fri, 19 May 2017 09:58:59 +0000 Re: J-Drama: 花咲舞が黙ってない 2 (Hanasaki Mai Speaks Out II)https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069871,from=rss#post2069871https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069871,from=rss#post2069871<EPISODE 9> I found this episode to be another very good one! I had a feeling that Mai's mentor would be involved in some capacity, mainly due to how the camera would zoom in on her looking melancholy or upset during several early scenes. However, I had no idea that she and the man who lost the promissory note were having an affair! Season 2 has definitely upped the quality of the individual plots. Instead of being HR-related issues or other problems restricted to the bank, the stories involve actual crimes and we see Soma and Mai engaging in some detective-like activity. I got a kick out of their 'investigation' of the restaurant and how they were interviewing all the staff there. After watching this episode, I have mixed feelings about Hotta. Yes, he was technically not at fault since Kasumi was the one who stole the note from inside his bag, in order to get revenge for his lies and the fact that he was leaving her now that his wife became pregnant. She was in the wrong and should never have done such a thing. However, I didn't feel sorry for Hotta at all! He is the type of person who acts friendly and attempts to look clumsy for the sake of being liked by his colleagues and friends, but has a lot to behind the scenes. I suppose he did man up and take responsibility by not throwing Kasumi under the bus. I'm sure he suspected her from the start, but didn't want to say anything so that news of the affair would not come to light. At the same time, I disagree with Soma's comment that Hotta did this for Kasumi's sake, and to save her career. I'm sure he was just as concerned for his future at the bank - after all, he was just as guilty for engaging in the affair and would have received some sort of punishment at the end, which is exactly what ended up happening. So, I don't think it was necessarily for Kasumi's sake that he kept their lunch date a secret. It was just as important for his sake that the affair not be revealed, as well. At the end, I'm glad Kasumi was able to move on and begin applying to business schools. She seems like a good person deep down and I think she could benefit from leaving the toxic environment of the bank. If she was such an important person to Mai and was like a mentor to her, I'm surprised her character had not been introduced at an earlier point. In fact, we have seen so many people from Mai's past introduced throughout these two seasons that I can hardly remember everyone and what exact relationship they had with Mai. The only non-primary character I can remember is Matsuki! Episode 10 is next! By the way, Partners 15 doesn't begin until May 28. I'll create a front page soon. nondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Fri, 19 May 2017 09:44:41 +0000 Re:https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069868,from=rss#post2069868https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069868,from=rss#post2069868The last episode didn't seem to do much to advance the plot. Hopefully this one will be better.nondisclosed_email@example.com (arturas)Sun, 07 May 2017 02:06:34 +0000 Re:https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069867,from=rss#post2069867https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069867,from=rss#post2069867So it looks like Partners will begin airing May 21?nondisclosed_email@example.com (dunedan)Sat, 06 May 2017 21:14:36 +0000 Re: J-Drama: 花咲舞が黙ってない 2 (Hanasaki Mai Speaks Out II)https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069860,from=rss#post2069860https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069860,from=rss#post2069860That's a good point, Arturas. In fact, that whole episode would have been better suited for the season finale, albeit with a few more "twists" and cliffhangers to make it more appropriate for the big finish. The fact they played the Matsuki "card" so early leads me to believe either that there is something even bigger planned for the season finale, or that Matsuki will be back sooner than we think! I'm interested in seeing how they treat the season finale now.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Sat, 29 Apr 2017 08:23:44 +0000 Re:https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069859,from=rss#post2069859https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069859,from=rss#post2069859I was surprised to see them get rid of Matsuki so early. It seems that like that would be more appropriate for a final episode where Mai finally realizes how he feels about her. That would then set up a cliffhanger where we would have to wait until season 3 to find out whether the relationship survives the distance.nondisclosed_email@example.com (arturas)Sat, 29 Apr 2017 02:26:49 +0000 Re: J-Drama: 花咲舞が黙ってない 2 (Hanasaki Mai Speaks Out II)https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069858,from=rss#post2069858https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069858,from=rss#post2069858<EPISODE 8> The cases are definitely getting more serious! When the manager was shoved down the staircase at the beginning of the episode, I thought we were going to get our very first murder case in this drama. However, I should have known that the writers wouldn't let things get so dark. All of the people who were assaulted in this episode managed to survive with only minor injuries. I guess I've watched too many seasons of Partners! Still, though, I like that the plots have become a bit more serious in Season 2. Season 1 was great, but things were a little too predictable and the issues were largely about banking and financial matters. In this season, Soma and Mai usually find themselves dealing with people or situations outside of the branches themselves. They are still connected to the bank but deal with most of the issues outside of the physical branches. This makes sense, as I think they exhausted all the banking/financial related plots in Season 1. This episode made me reflect on my opinion of Shindo. He's been portrayed as the big bad wolf starting from the first season of the show, but I think he has a good heart deep down and, despite his cranky exterior, seems to care deeply for his bank and for the employees. I think he's been hardened by all the politics and has done what he needs to do in order to survive. That being said, if Shindo really wanted to, he could have eliminated Mai and Soma from the very beginning. The fact that he lets them get away with so much makes me realize that he, too, might be tired of the corrupt nature of the bank where he works. Maybe he is acting this way because he needs to be ruthless in order to get to the top and nab the CEO title he so desperately desires. Once he becomes the CEO, I suspect Shindo might try to change the culture of the bank and make it more "human" - which is what Mai has been talking about all along. The fact that Shindo convinced the two managers not to press charges against the disillusioned ex-employee and even secured a lawyer for him speaks wonders. I hope Shindo's portrayal will change in the few episodes that we have left this season. Now that Mai's dad has found himself a potential love interest, I hope the "Who will Mai get married with?" scenes will go away. They are funny but it's the same old conversation every episode. Dad might start worrying about who he will marry! Mai should have given him that romance amulet in Episode 1. LOL. Episode 9 airs Sunday! Only a couple of episodes left. nondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Fri, 28 Apr 2017 11:40:18 +0000 Re: J-Drama: 花咲舞が黙ってない 2 (Hanasaki Mai Speaks Out II)https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069853,from=rss#post2069853https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069853,from=rss#post2069853<EPISODE 7> Arturas, I am starting to feel the same way as you. While the writers may drop comedic hints about a Soma/Mai relationship throughout the episodes, I don't think it'll ever happen, either. The only person who was pushing for it was Mai's dad, and now he's joined Team Matsuki. LOL! Speaking of Matsuki, I think he and Mai would make a cute couple and would love to see them end up together. Mai is painfully oblivious to Matsuki's interest in her, but now the cat is out of the bag and she is starting to suspect that Matsuki may have feelings for her. Even Mai's dad and Soma himself know about it, too, which is why Soma didn't accompany Mai to say goodbye to Matsuki. Still, though, Matsuki has been transferred and I don't know if this means he is being permanently written out of the show. Will he be back at the end of the season, or are the writers keeping him on the sidelines until a Season 3? The goodbye seemed a little permanent, but at the same time, the writers may bring him back for something at the last minute - or maybe even next season. I do like Matsuki and have enjoyed his addition to the Season 2 cast. A character like him was just what was missing in Season 1. We needed an extra "nice person" to join Mai and Soma's team against the "bad guys." Speaking of the bad guys, this episode was quite enjoyable and I'm glad everything got worked out at the end - except for the fact that poor Matsuki was transferred. I guess the bank needed to hold him responsible in some capacity, especially since his higher-up was suspended. At least Matsuki wasn't fired and was simply transferred. I do like that the plots are becoming more and more serious, though. Instead of simply being about the bank, the cases now are more criminal in nature and involve other people from organizations outside of the bank. Episode 8 airs Sunday! nondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Sat, 22 Apr 2017 07:50:14 +0000 Re:https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069852,from=rss#post2069852https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069852,from=rss#post2069852I agree that Mai and Soma probably will never get together. Their relationship now is more similar to that of siblings than friends. The question now is whether or not anything serious happens between Mai and Matsuki. I guess we'll find out relatively soon!nondisclosed_email@example.com (arturas)Fri, 21 Apr 2017 23:54:15 +0000 Re: J-Drama: 花咲舞が黙ってない 2 (Hanasaki Mai Speaks Out II)https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069845,from=rss#post2069845https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069845,from=rss#post2069845<EPISODE 6> Yay! I'm finally caught up with this drama. We're back to the branch visit plots, but they handled this one vey well. Quite interesting to see corruption unravel right in front of our eyes. The audit reminded me a lot of the Hanzawa Naoki drama, which centered around an audit like this, as well. Imagine having to go through hundreds of files simply to find dirt on the branch! Himuro, who was heading the investigation, was a real jerk! I'm sure everyone felt vindicated when that security camera footage was unearthed by Mai. She should go work for the police department - Mai has become quite the detective as of late! She always had it in her, but I've especially noticed it this season more than ever before. Good for her. I really liked Edo, Mai's former colleague who she reconnected her. I find it funny how Mai's father automatically thinks about his daughter ending up with all of the guys she is friendly with, even if they are just friends or co-workers. I still think Mai should end up with Matsuki, but we'll see how that goes. Things are heating up between Shindo and his rival. Unfortunately for Soma and Mai, they are getting caught up in the power struggle - even though it was nice to be recognized for their efforts, I'm afraid that Shindo is going to really go after them now. We'll see how this pans out, but I think Shindo is out for blood now that his rival humiliated him in front of Soma and Mai. Good episode, all in all. The plots in Season 2 are even better than Season 1! I'm all caught up just in time for Episode 7, which airs tomorrow! I hope everyone can post their comments, as well. It would be great to hear what you all think of this drama. nondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Sat, 15 Apr 2017 13:33:49 +0000 Re: J-Drama: 花咲舞が黙ってない 2 (Hanasaki Mai Speaks Out II)https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069844,from=rss#post2069844https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069844,from=rss#post2069844<EPISODE 5> Excellent episode! Another very good plot. I'm glad they are going away from centering each episode on a teller getting bullied or a tyrant of a branch manager. The plots seem to be more diverse, and I'm glad they are starting to involve people from the main characters' lives. For instance, I never thought we'd be introduced to Soma's ex-wife! I'm glad they are on good terms and that things weren't too awkward. Matsuki returns, and it was funny to see his plans for a date with Mai go wrong again. I guess this will be the running gag of the writers - Mai will be asked on a date by Matsuki, but she will end up inviting Soma, who will always happily accept, oblivious to the fact that he is the third wheel. I am starting to think that a potential relationship between Mai and Soma will never occur, at least not this season. If anything, I could see Matsuki and Mai together more than Matsuki and Soma! I'm glad that Soma was able to save the day before his friend committed loan fraud. I thought Soma would be too emotional in order to deal with this situation clearly and rationally, but he was a class act and did a great job with everything. Actually, Mai is usually the one who takes over mid-way, but Soma did everything from beginning to end, and Mai was just there to support him. Good for Soma! I have started to see him in a new light. He is tough and strong all on his own, but most of all, he was a good friend. It may take time, but Soma and his friend may be able to reconcile and start over in the near future, especially since the friend was essentially being pressured by loan sharks to commit the fraud in the first place. Episode 6 is next! I'm almost caught up. nondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Sat, 15 Apr 2017 12:15:59 +0000 Re: J-Drama: 花咲舞が黙ってない 2 (Hanasaki Mai Speaks Out II)https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069842,from=rss#post2069842https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069842,from=rss#post2069842<EPISODE 4> Maybe it's just me, but the plots in Season 2 seem to be a lot more serious, involving issues of a criminal nature. Stalking, criminal cover-ups, planned bankruptcy, etc. I don't mind, though. It certainly makes things more interesting, since the stakes are much higher and can't simply be solved with a simple transfer or termination of one's job. What a pleasant surprise to see Nakagoshi Noriko portraying Maehara, the woman who was being stalked. She was the star of my favorite asadora, Kokoro, back in 2005, about a stewardess who eventually became a stepmother to two children. I'm glad she is still acting. Sure enough, she is just as talented as I remembered her to be, and her portrayal was much better than the usual "characters of the day" we see in this drama. Actually, now that I look at Nakagoshi Noriko's filmography, she has been starring in quite a few J-dramas over the last few years. Very impressive. I hope UTB will consider airing one of them at some point! Very sad to see a glimpse of the misogynistic views towards stalking that still exist in many workplaces in Japan. Maehara is told to "deal with it" and "ignore" the stalking... the only time her corrupt bosses pay any attention to it is when the stalking gets in the way of their cover-up and corruption. I'm glad one was dismissed and other one was fired. I got a kick out of Mai's "modeling" for the company magazine at the beginning of the episode - after all those pictures she took, she only got a small mention on the bottom of the page. Reminds me of an I Love Lucy episode where Lucy participated in a photoshoot with the baby but only her hand made the final cut (the photoshoot was about the baby). LOL. Episode 5 looks good! Kaito returns and things look interesting. I'm glad I am playing catch-up so I don't have to wait a full week between episodes! nondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Sat, 15 Apr 2017 11:07:06 +0000 Re: J-Drama: 花咲舞が黙ってない 2 (Hanasaki Mai Speaks Out II)https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069841,from=rss#post2069841https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069841,from=rss#post2069841<EPISODE 3> Welcome to the board, Arturas! Thank you for joining. Hope you'll check in again with your comments about this drama. I enjoyed reading them. Yes, you're right about conflicting messages regarding Mai's love interests. They keep giving off hints that "Kaito" will end up with her, although Mai's father seems more into that possibility than Mai herself. I wonder if the storyline will end up being that Kaito falls for Mai, who is completely oblivious to his feelings and inadvertently invites Soma to their "dates" - as we saw at the end of Episode 2. It would be more interesting if a sort of love triangle/rivalry developed between Soma and Kaito, who were old colleagues but are now in competition for Mai's heart. Somehow, I don't think the writers will develop a relationship between Mai and Soma - at least in this season. If they, do it'll be difficult to write future seasons, since it would permanently alter the collegial relationship between Mai and Soma and get in the way of the plot. Still, though, it would be more desirable from an entertainment point of view! Unicorn, you are right about the similarity to the tissue pack episode from Season 1. I think that's why they put in that scene with the tissue packs in this episode, as a sort of tribute to that episode from the previous season. This time, she was sending off wads of cash in bigger boxes! I was almost certain the senior teller was the one who was guilty of the crime, since she was being so nasty to everyone. The person who ended up being guilty (as well as her motive) took me by almost complete surprise. Mr. Baba, the fraudster, was a total jerk - he would fit right into a Partners episode. I hope he will be locked up for a long, long time. I feel sorry for the teller who was also complicit. She did it for love but she ended up getting conned herself. I hope she will receive a lesser sentence than the man who lied to her and toyed with her emotions. Good episode. I'll check out #4 next! nondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Sat, 15 Apr 2017 10:09:22 +0000 Re:https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069840,from=rss#post2069840https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069840,from=rss#post2069840This show is giving off conflicting messages regarding Mai's potential love interests. Sometimes it appears as though Soma is the one whereas other times it suggests that the the guy from the loan department is likely to end up with her. I hope that we will know before the end of the season what will actually happen. I somehow doubt that anything significant regarding this will be resolved, though. Near the beginning of the first season, the writers seemed to be hinting at a relationship between Soma and Mai. After a while, however, those hints ceased.nondisclosed_email@example.com (arturas)Mon, 10 Apr 2017 03:42:00 +0000 Re: J-Drama: 花咲舞が黙ってない 2 (Hanasaki Mai Speaks Out II)https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069838,from=rss#post2069838https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069838,from=rss#post2069838引用 (quote):Hiroshi66 wrote: <EPISODE 2> I thought I had posted my comments about this episode, but I guess I forgot... it seems like I'm the only one posting my comments about the J-dramas nowadays. I know we still have members who check in from time to time, so if you are watching this drama, it would be nice if you could check in! Not much to say about this one other than the nice cameo appearance by "Kaito" from Partners. I actually enjoy his character here quite a bit and hope he can be added to the cast as a part-time character. I think the writers may be trying to build him up as a potential love interest for Mai, but that final scene said it all. He might be the one trying to woo her but she is going to be clueless about his advances and constantly trying to involve Soma, which could lead to a potential rivalry between Soma and Kaito. We'll see! I'd personally rather see Mai end up with Kaito. I do like Soma but I think they might work best as friends/colleagues rather than as lovers - even though that's what the writers have been trying to build that up for the last couple of seasons. Who knows. I might be thinking too much about it and we might not see Kaito any more for the rest of the season. They may have just been trying to bring him on as a "once every season" type of character, similar to Jinkawa in Partners. On a side note, I do hope our Kaito actor is doing okay, especially with the recent (unproved) allegations of his alleged drug-use. This may have been one of his final performances before the allegations came out. I'll be back later with Episode 3 and 4 comments... Didn't he also play the delinquent Bad Boy Good Girl? About episode 3 it was very similar to the season 1 episode where a teller was hiding stacks of money with tissue packs. nondisclosed_email@example.com (unicorn2004)Sun, 02 Apr 2017 00:40:46 +0000 Re: J-Drama: 花咲舞が黙ってない 2 (Hanasaki Mai Speaks Out II)https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069837,from=rss#post2069837https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069837,from=rss#post2069837<EPISODE 2> I thought I had posted my comments about this episode, but I guess I forgot... it seems like I'm the only one posting my comments about the J-dramas nowadays. I know we still have members who check in from time to time, so if you are watching this drama, it would be nice if you could check in! Not much to say about this one other than the nice cameo appearance by "Kaito" from Partners. I actually enjoy his character here quite a bit and hope he can be added to the cast as a part-time character. I think the writers may be trying to build him up as a potential love interest for Mai, but that final scene said it all. He might be the one trying to woo her but she is going to be clueless about his advances and constantly trying to involve Soma, which could lead to a potential rivalry between Soma and Kaito. We'll see! I'd personally rather see Mai end up with Kaito. I do like Soma but I think they might work best as friends/colleagues rather than as lovers - even though that's what the writers have been trying to build that up for the last couple of seasons. Who knows. I might be thinking too much about it and we might not see Kaito any more for the rest of the season. They may have just been trying to bring him on as a "once every season" type of character, similar to Jinkawa in Partners. On a side note, I do hope our Kaito actor is doing okay, especially with the recent (unproved) allegations of his alleged drug-use. This may have been one of his final performances before the allegations came out. I'll be back later with Episode 3 and 4 comments...nondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Fri, 31 Mar 2017 08:00:53 +0000 Re: J-Drama: 花咲舞が黙ってない 2 (Hanasaki Mai Speaks Out II)https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069833,from=rss#post2069833https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069833,from=rss#post2069833Please check the Partners 14 thread for more information.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Sun, 12 Mar 2017 22:21:18 +0000 Re: J-Drama: 花咲舞が黙ってない 2 (Hanasaki Mai Speaks Out II)https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069832,from=rss#post2069832https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069832,from=rss#post2069832引用 (quote):Hiroshi66 wrote: Effective Sunday, April 2, UTB's schedule will change to a 2-hour format. As I predicted, they are slowly starting to rebuild their programming again. The new schedule is as follows: Starting April 2, 2017: 6:00 - 6:55: Taiga drama (Naotora: The Lady Warrior) 6:55 - 7:00: SoCal Japan 7:00 - 8:00: Contemporary drama (Hanasaki Mai 2; when that finishes airing in May, Partners 15 will begin!) A helpful chart is available on UTB's website. Great news! Can elaborate a bit where you got this information? I have been browsing the site and I read nothing regarding the "Partners" series. nondisclosed_email@example.com (kencaesi)Sun, 12 Mar 2017 13:01:52 +0000 Re: J-Drama: 花咲舞が黙ってない 2 (Hanasaki Mai Speaks Out II)https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069827,from=rss#post2069827https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069827,from=rss#post2069827<EPISODE 1> (Parts 1 and 2) I finally had a chance to watch the premiere of Season 2. My DVR deleted the last two weeks worth of episodes, and it looks like UTB broke up the one-hour premiere episode into two different parts. So, I only had one episode to play catch-up with. Everyone is back from Season 1, which is good since it was such a success. I can see that they've stuck to the usual formula for this season so far, but if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I remember Season 1 as being very enjoyable and never having a dull moment, so hopefully Season 2 will be just as good. If this season is successful, hopefully we will see a Season 3 in the future, too. But, I guess it's too easy to talk about that! I do hope Mai and Soma get together at some point. It is cute how Soma has a hard time saying "no" to Mai, and you can really tell that she enjoys and respects him to a certain degree, too. In fact, they have a mutual respect of each other. One thing I find endearing about this drama is that the two leads can be funny without having to bash each other constantly. Yes, they trade quips from time to time but at the end of the day, they have a sense of loyalty towards each other and it makes the viewers really want to root for them. The villain of the day looked awfully familiar and I finally realized mid-way who he is... Kameyama from Partners! I knew Yasufumi Terawaki hadn't completely disappeared from TV after leaving Partners, but I had heard that he was focusing more on theater and other projects. How nice to see him here! I enjoyed his acting in this episode, but if his oversized watch didn't fall off at the end of Part 2, I was going to rip it off of him - I got so annoyed with the clunkiness of it! LOL. Actually, it was weird watching our "Kame" act like such a jerk when his character on Partners was always the advocate of the underdog. I know this was a completely different role, but I think it's the first time I have seen him in a non-Kame role. It was nice and I realized what an excellent actor he is! Looks like Mr. Director got promoted to VP, but now he has a rival to deal with. I am curious if the rival will team up with Mai and Soma to fight against corruption, or if he's just as corrupt as the lot of them Episode 2 airs tomorrow! nondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Sat, 11 Mar 2017 20:38:01 +0000 Re: J-Drama: 花咲舞が黙ってない 2 (Hanasaki Mai Speaks Out II)https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069822,from=rss#post2069822https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069822,from=rss#post2069822Effective Sunday, April 2, UTB's schedule will change to a 2-hour format. As I predicted, they are slowly starting to rebuild their programming again. The new schedule is as follows: Starting April 2, 2017: 6:00 - 6:55: Taiga drama (Naotora: The Lady Warrior) 6:55 - 7:00: SoCal Japan 7:00 - 8:00: Contemporary drama (Hanasaki Mai 2; when that finishes airing in May, Partners 15 will begin!) A helpful chart is available on UTB's website. Great news! nondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Fri, 10 Mar 2017 09:01:43 +0000 Re:https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069814,from=rss#post2069814https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069814,from=rss#post2069814I wondered UTB would modify its schedule to accommodate both a taiga and contemporary drama. I recall back in the days of AHC - Asahi Home Cast - featured about 2, maybe 2 and a half, hours to feature both in addition to community news. UTB seems be going with a full two hours of programming bi-monthly for "espirit Japon" and I wonder what UTB features the other weeks the "esprit" is not on.nondisclosed_email@example.com (kencaesi)Wed, 01 Mar 2017 22:17:06 +0000 J-Drama: 花咲舞が黙ってない 2 (Hanasaki Mai Speaks Out II)https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069799,from=rss#post2069799https://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2069799,from=rss#post2069799After Sanadamaru finishes airing on Sunday, February 19, 2017, UTB will air the second season of the Hanasaki Mai drama. I'm glad we are seeing the second season, since I thoroughly enjoyed Season 1 back when it aired in 2016. Since UTB is only airing one night a week now, I guess they can only air one drama at a time and so they might be rotating the Taiga with a contemporary drama. It's the first time I can ever remember that we haven't gotten the new Taiga drama after the old one finished airing. I'm speculating that we'll see the 2017 Taiga after Hanasaki Mai 2 finishes airing, but time will tell. UTB 18.2 Sunday Night Drama: HANASAKI MAI SPEAKS OUT II Starts airing on Sunday, February 26, 2017 Airs on UTB Channel 18 on Sundays from 7:00p ~ 8:00p (Following the end of SANADAMARU) With English subtitles Summary Mai Hanasaki (Anne Watanabe) and Ken Soma (Takaya Kamikawa) work for Tokyo Daiichi Bank and their job is to fix problems that arise at various local bank branches. Keisuke Matsuki (Hiroki Narimiya) is an enthusiastic and honest bank teller. While working with Mai Hanasaki, he develops feelings for Mai Hanasaki. Meanwhile, insensitive Mai Hanasaki is oblivious to Keisuke's feelings towards her. —AsianWiki Set in megabank Tokyo Daiichi Bank, “Hanasaki Mai Speaks Out” returns where it left off as Hanasaki Mai , the “relentless heroine”, and Soma Ken, the “hopeless middle-aged man”, continue their bumpy partnership in this delightful drama. The duo will tackle the multiple scandals and problems that arise in the bank's branches throughout the country—lost cash, embezzlement, information leakage, accounting fraud, and calculated bankruptcy. Two employees with neither power nor status stand up for their distressed colleagues who don’t have the nerve to blow the whistle. Follow the duo as they brilliantly solve one problem after another. -DramaWiki Set in megabank Tokyo Daiichi Bank, “Hanasaki Mai Speaks Out2” returns where it left off at season1, “Never give up hero Hanasaki Mai ”, and “Hopeless middle-aged man Soma Ken”, continue their contrasting relationship in this delightful drama. Please enjoy this scaled up “Hanasaki Mai Speaks Out2”.New Hanasaki Mai is back! -UTB --- Drama Information Number of Episodes: 11 Genre: Corporate, drama, suspense Theme Song:"I AM A HERO" by Fukuyama Masaharu Originally aired: 07/08/2015 - 09/16/2015 on Channel NTV in Japan Cast Anne as Hanasaki Mai Kamikawa Takaya as Soma Ken Tsukaji Muga as Shibasaki Taiichi Narimiya Hiroki as Matsuki Keisuke Enoki Takaaki as Karashima Shinjiro Ishibashi Ryo as Dojima Shogo Komoto Masahiro as Kodama Naoki Osugi Ren as Hanasaki Kozo Namase Katsuhisa as Shinto Tsuyoshi (For the complete cast list and links, please visit the AsianWiki page) Character Correlation Chart http://wiki.d-addicts.com/static/images/e/e2/Hanasakimai2-chart.jpg (click here) Notes 1. Based on two novels by Jun Ikeido: "Fushoji" (published August, 2004 by Jitsugyo no Nihon Sha) and "Ginko Somu Tokumei" (published August, 2002 by Kodansha Ltd.). (From AsianWiki) Awards 19th Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix (Jul-Sept 2015): Best Drama 19th Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix (Jul-Sept 2015): Best Actress - Anne 19th Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix (Jul-Sept 2015): Best Supporting Actor - Kamikawa Takaya Links NTV Official Website UTB DramaWiki AsianWikinondisclosed_email@example.com (Hiroshi66)Sat, 11 Feb 2017 15:47:05 +0000