Meiji Kaika: Shinjuro Tanteicho (2020)

The drama started with interesting cases but as the story progressed the cases became less creative. The parts towards the ending did not really focus on main character, which I found a bit wasteful since we have gone through Shinjuro's perspective of Meiji Restoration and it would be nice if they showed us a final deep thought or reflection. What I found funny is that when Shinjuro said an English phrase, most of the times no one seems really to question. That being said, the characters are presented quite well: Yuki Shinjuro the one who always thinks and hide many mysteries, Toranosuke who progressed from noisy acquaintance to a trusted buddy of Shinjuro, Miss Kano who hates Shinjuro at first but later starts to like him. If you want a Japanese drama with historical context but not solely about the war - this might worth a try.

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Beautiful Curiousity

This story was truly one of a kind! I haven't watched a lot of historical Japanese (or South Korean) dramas/movies, mostly because they aren't really my favorite(s), however, even though I started watching this show because of a few cast members, I continued watching because the story was extremely fascinating!


The premise of the synopsis and trailer seemed to paint this story as Sherlock Holmes-esque, but Shinjuro Yuki honestly created his own character with style, flash, humbleness, and grace. The way Fukushi Sota carried himself throughout the show was truly beautiful and graceful; his stature, personality, handsome looks, attention to detail, and his ability to melt into whoever he is portraying, as if the viewer and maybe even himself forget Fukushi Sota is an actor, made for a very unique Sherlock Holmes of Japan. Most Sherlock Holmes remakes or recreations tend to come haughty or with the over egotistical personalities, however, Fukushi Sota created his very own "make and model" of the character that was genuine, relatable, and incredibly his own!


The supporting cast was fantastic, and I wish there were more episodes to see more cases, more of Japan's history, and more of this fabulous cast! The cases that occurred knocked me for a loop; I could never guess the outcome, the criminal, or the reason(s) why things happened the way they did. I found parts of the story that I could sympathize with, including some moments from the protagonist. The attention to detail from the clothing to the personal styles (hair, makeup, accessories, etc), housing and modes of transportation, decor, food and drink, landscape, and every other historical recreation was impeccable! I was mesmerized during each episode by how everything looked so realistic, like we had traveled back in time! Japan is one of the most creative, talented, unique, and wonderfully imaginative countries.


This story is one of a kind, you will never see another Sherlock Holmes like this! Each episode had me guessing on the edge of my seat with the thrills of each mystery. The suspense during the final episodes knocked the breath right out of my chest. I laughed, I was hopeful, I was extremely curious, and even a little frustrated and/or angry with a few people and moments during the story as a whole. This story could have continued for possibly 10 or 12 episodes, or that could just be my wishful thinking. The story of Shinjuro Yuki is incredible! Please, give this amazing show a try!

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