[Discussion] Last Friends - Nagasawa Masami/Ueno Juri/Eita
Posted: Feb 15th, '08, 03:07
by tsurashi313
A new and upcoming drama for the Spring 2008 called "Last Friends (ラスト・フレンズ)" wth an amazing cast so far.
Starting on April 10 2008 every Thursday at 10 PM:
Last Friends tackles issues that afflict the current generation. Michiru's mother has brought a man back to their home and she is bullied at her workplace where she works as a beauty parlour assistant. She starts cohabiting with her boyfriend, a good young man who works at the Child Welfare Division and the only person who can give her emotional support, but ends up the victim of domestic violence and becomes fearful of love. The boyishly charming Ruka was a classmate of Michiru's in junior high school. She has performed brilliantly as a motocross racer and aims to win the national championship, but as the story progresses, a deep worry that she can neither confide in her parents or close friends grows evident. Takeru is a hair and makeup artist acquainted with Ruka. He is a good confidant to females due to his kindness and perceptiveness, and finds himself attracted to Ruka but has a phobia of sex as a result of a past trauma. The three of them become house mates and through their associations with others, gain the capacity to be positive about life. --jade_frost
*For more information, check through the post. Cast: Nagasawa Masami as Aida Michiru, Ueno Juri as Kishimoto Ruka, Eita as Mizushima Takeru, Nishikido Ryo as Oikawa Sosuke, Mizukawa Asami as Minami
i'm actually looking forward to seeking ueno juri as the motocross racer... i really liked her acting in "slot," and i think the character's gonna be somewhat similar to that one..
ooohhh.. and eita's smitten with her...
can't wait for this!
Posted: Feb 15th, '08, 04:33
by scaturan
looks interesting. *marks his calendar*
Posted: Feb 15th, '08, 04:39
by osakarainnyblue
Wow!
I looking to see this drama ^^
Mark at calender
I heard that Kioku will sub this drama as Hardsub
Looking forward to see
Ryochan gambatte ne!!
(I wonder.. why he accept as support actor this time)
Posted: Feb 15th, '08, 04:40
by ena
What I find strange is that Nishikido Ryo is kinda supporting actor in this drama... Anyways, he's mentioned in drama so looking forward to this drama
Thanks for sharing info!!!
Posted: Feb 15th, '08, 05:01
by tsurashi313
Although I am not his fan, it is true to see Nishikido Ryo as a supporting actor. I heard that he will be playing the abusive boyfriend.
Sweet! Juri as a motocross racer is gonna be awesome Gyabo?
Posted: Feb 15th, '08, 13:46
by kumichanx
It would be refreshing to watch Ueno Juri act as a motocross racer.
This drama is currently the holder of the 1st spot for my Spring 2008 watchlists.
The cast is superb; Masami, Juri and Eita in one drama, I cannot ask for more. Hmmm... Looking forward to some Eita/Asami interactions. Damn. I need something to fill in my Mine/Kiyora fetish.
Posted: Feb 15th, '08, 14:35
by ena
Yep, everything related to racing is breathtaking, so looking forward to this drama!!!! Also looking forward to see abusive Ryo-chan!!!
Thanks to Kioku fansubs who will be subbing this drama!!!
Posted: Feb 15th, '08, 14:47
by Wongo
tsurashi313 wrote:Although I am not his fan, it is true to see Nishikido Ryo as a supporting actor. I heard that he will be playing the abusive boyfriend.
Does this mean that he will only be in like...one episode...or maybe it's a lion taming story.....who knows..
Posted: Feb 15th, '08, 15:08
by Neji-sama
cool. I hope Ryo will have lots of screentime.
Posted: Feb 15th, '08, 15:18
by noop
wow! definitely in my waiting list!
Posted: Feb 16th, '08, 18:43
by joeboygo
The show's premise has the makings of a vey complex and fascinating love triangle. I have a hunch that the writers intend to add their own twist to the usual menage between one man and two women by reversing the gender roles between Ueno Juri and Eita. Her occupation is as butch as his is fey, and the phrase "unmentionable burden in her heart" has the L-word written all over it.
So in one house there live a bull dyke who regularly dresses in racing leather, a sissy who probably colors his own hair, and a battered woman whose disenchantment with traditional male+female romance may leave her open to exploring more (ahem) unorthodox relationship paradigms. The prospect of any kind of sexual tension between Masami Nagasawa and Ueno Juri would make this the must-see show of the season. Merciful drama gods, please make it so.
Posted: Feb 17th, '08, 00:07
by strawberrynkiwi
wow what a great cast. masami <3 and nodame cast<3
i will most definitely watch this.
Posted: Feb 17th, '08, 02:55
by raven_frost
Nishikido Ryo plays a guy with a dual nature. He's a good young man working at child welfare but also has the tendency to behave violently towards his girlfriend.
Mizukawa Asami will be the owner of the house that Ueno Juri, Nagasawa Masami and Eita share.
Posted: Feb 17th, '08, 03:07
by tsurashi313
Thank you joeboygo and raven_frost for more of this "anticipated" drama. I was wondering who Mizukawa is playing as. It seems like it will be an interesting drama.
Posted: Feb 17th, '08, 16:22
by lzydata
joeboygo wrote:The show's premise has the makings of a vey complex and fascinating love triangle. I have a hunch that the writers intend to add their own twist to the usual menage between one man and two women by reversing the gender roles between Ueno Juri and Eita. Her occupation is as butch as his is fey, and the phrase "unmentionable burden in her heart" has the L-word written all over it.
So in one house there live a bull dyke who regularly dresses in racing leather, a sissy who probably colors his own hair, and a battered woman whose disenchantment with traditional male+female romance may leave her open to exploring more (ahem) unorthodox relationship paradigms. The prospect of any kind of sexual tension between Masami Nagasawa and Ueno Juri would make this the must-see show of the season. Merciful drama gods, please make it so.
Well done joeboygo, you have raised my expectations of this drama so high that the actual one cannot possibly meet them
But seriously, I always welcome more experimental and edgy stuff in Japanese dramas, so long as they're well-written and engaging. This sort of psychological drama is just the kind of thing that hardly gets done. I'm thinking Yume no California, but more realistic; probably something with a Nozawa Hisashi or Nojima Shinji touch. Can Asano Taeko (Kamisama, mou sukoshi dake; Love 2000; the Ooku series) do it?
Anyhow, even with what we know of the drama, this seems like a good chance for Nagasawa Masami to prove her acting chops by playing a 'damaged' character. (Not counting the one in Sekachuu.) Nishikido too, since he usually plays the nice boyfriend.
P.S. What could the title mean?
Posted: Feb 19th, '08, 03:20
by Salz
totally cant wait for this drama n with such a great cast list
this drama gonna be so great n im so happy for another Eita n Ueno collaboration again...i always love everytime they work together
look like Eita cant stay away from Ueno for a long time...they always have projects together
and the other casts is superb as well with Asami, Masami and Ryo as the abusive boyfren this drama gonna be so interesting...
this is my most anticipated drama next season
Posted: Feb 19th, '08, 03:56
by KASHINO_REI
Ryo-chan plays the role of Shimura? Does that mean he will play a bad guy?
I can't imagine how he will be
Anyway, i hope that he will do his job well ^^, even if that's mean his role will be hated by everybody...
Posted: Feb 19th, '08, 04:18
by tsurashi313
KASHINO_REI wrote:Ryo-chan plays the role of Shimura? Does that mean he will play a bad guy?
I can't imagine how he will be
Anyway, i hope that he will do his job well ^^, even if that's mean his role will be hated by everybody...
I don't necessarily think so. What raven_frost told us that:
raven_frost wrote:Nishikido Ryo plays a guy with a dual nature. He's a good young man working at child welfare but also has the tendency to behave violently towards his girlfriend.
But we have to wait and see... Hopefully we don't hate his character though.
Posted: Feb 19th, '08, 04:24
by KASHINO_REI
Yeah, hope so!^^
Anyway, i don't really care if his role is hated or not, as long as Ryo-chan plays his role successfully ><
Posted: Feb 19th, '08, 04:24
by lunargen
I only pray that Ryo delivers. With such a sterling cast.... I'll let people fill in the blank from hereon in.
Nothing new there. Just that the first episode will run an extended 15 min.
Posted: Feb 19th, '08, 22:12
by tsurashi313
^Thank you so much for telling us! Even though I can't read Japanese... Hopefully there will be more info. ^^
Posted: Feb 21st, '08, 16:30
by bussan
This drama sounds interesting and with a great cast (Ueno Juri, Nishikido Ryo, Eita.... )Looking forward to it.
Posted: Feb 22nd, '08, 01:56
by Tanpoporin
I just heard about this I'm so excited!! Kinda like an odd Nodame Cantabile reunion plus Masami. hahaha I am a big Eita fan though, so I'm excited to see how he will do. Ueno Juri, I think will be really good. I've read she is actually an athletic person.
Posted: Mar 7th, '08, 06:47
by lzydata
Some kind soul uploaded a Mezamashi TV segment on Last Friends' kurankuin:
Visually, it's all coming together quite well. Nagasawa Masami's hair says "eat me" while Ueno Juri's says "vagitarian." With matching outfits to boot! And what's this? Were they on a shopping date? A shot of the two holding hands after Ueno pays the bill would have been nice. Very nice.
If there ever was a dorama that merited a doujinshi, this would be it.
Posted: Mar 7th, '08, 12:04
by gnossienneslent
@pessi_opti.... I so want to jack your avatar... I totally forgot what I was going to say here.
Posted: Mar 7th, '08, 12:05
by gnossienneslent
What's this sick nonsense in my post? Commercials?
Pays the bills I guess...
Posted: Mar 7th, '08, 15:35
by raven_frost
Cast list is out:
Nagasawa Masami - Aida Michiru
Ueno Juri - Kishimoto Ruka
Eita - Mizushima Takeru
Mizukawa Asami - Takigawa Eri
Nishikido Ryo - Oikawa Sousuke
Yamazaki Shigenori - Ogura Tomohiko
Nishihara Aki - Hiratsuka Reina
Ranka Rea - Sanda Sayuri
Hirano Sayaka - Okabe Mayumi
Baisho Mitsuko - Aida Chinatsu
Posted: Mar 7th, '08, 23:26
by NgocLan
raven_frost wrote:Cast list is out:
Nagasawa Masami - Aida Michiru
Ueno Juri - Kishimoto Ruka
Eita - Mizushima Takeru
Mizukawa Asami - Takigawa Eri
Nishikido Ryo - Oikawa Sousuke
Yamazaki Shigenori - Ogura Tomohiko
Nishihara Aki - Hiratsuka Reina
Ranka Rea - Sanda Sayuri
Hirano Sayaka - Okabe Mayumi
Baisho Mitsuko - Aida Chinatsu
high profile cast. Hopefully it'll be good.
Posted: Mar 7th, '08, 23:59
by marienella_m
behind the scenes:
Ueno Juri in a very short hair..so kawaii!!
Posted: Mar 8th, '08, 05:35
by cute_angel
great casting! I will definitely watch this!
Posted: Mar 8th, '08, 05:55
by tsurashi313
Thank you so much for the links! Ueno's hair is so short. Nagasawa's hair looks really cute. Thanks for the updated cast, raven_frost. I am ecstatic that Nishihara Aki will be appearing the drama as well. Just one more month~
Posted: Mar 12th, '08, 14:33
by toma_sis
I just found small pictures.. I hope I will get the larger saiz
Ryo + Masami ..I think
*credit to Popcorn2's Community - Nagasawa Masami
Posted: Mar 13th, '08, 13:28
by lzydata
toma_sis wrote:I just found small pictures.. I hope I will get the larger saiz
Orange Days II?
Posted: Mar 13th, '08, 13:59
by pet family
omg..
Ueno Juri's hair is very short..
maybe i'll recognize her as a boy if i didn't know before..
Posted: Mar 13th, '08, 22:09
by tsurashi313
toma_sis wrote:I just found small pictures.. I hope I will get the larger saiz
Ryo + Masami ..I think
*credit to Popcorn2's Community - Nagasawa Masami
Thank you so much for sharing these pics! Wow everyone's hair is so different (except Ryo - how boring ). I love Mizukawa Asami's hair! A touching moment with Ryo and Masami?? That would be cool.
Posted: Mar 13th, '08, 22:24
by Nomanymore
Mizukawa Asami - Takigawa Eri
It's decided, I'll watch LF hehe
hopefully she'll be paired with someone
Posted: Mar 13th, '08, 22:54
by tsurashi313
^ Who wouldn't watch Last Friends because of Asami??
If only it's Eita's chatacter...
Posted: Mar 14th, '08, 01:34
by yunizuka
The person who took the pics is such a lucky guy !!
Looking forward for it, all the cast look so great in the pic
A (very short) CM for LF is out and it's... artistic lol
love the way how they're all connected by the red ribbon
Posted: Mar 14th, '08, 01:41
by toma_sis
yeah.. looking to the CM picture.. I think the first LF CM is awsome... i'ts good and I think when people see the CM they will decide to watch this drama... and it happend to me too..
waiting for Last Friends drama!! YAY
Posted: Mar 14th, '08, 02:40
by Salz
my top list drama next season^^
great casts n very pretty pics^^
cant wait
It seems like there might be a strong relationship with the characters of Juri and Masami... (??)
I really like the CM. As someone said earlier, very short (30 sec).
Posted: Mar 14th, '08, 03:13
by yuxoxo
Juri looks really good in that hair!! i can't wait to watch this !
Posted: Mar 14th, '08, 03:36
by toma_sis
watched Last Friends CM.. too short..but have a lot of meaning!!!
I think this drama will showing us a difficult relationship between masami& juri (??), masami&ryo, eita& ???
can't wait to watch!!
Posted: Mar 14th, '08, 08:20
by yunizuka
@lzydata: thanks for the link !
yea, I think the CM has lots of meanings too, that's why I like it a lot At the same time it doesn't show anything but say a lot... really looking forward !
And about Ryo's role as a DV, I can't wait to see it! All his previous role was the nice guy but I think the bad guy (well, his role isn't 100% bad but still) suits him better. Ryo isn't famous in Johnny's Entert. for having an evil personnality ?
Posted: Mar 16th, '08, 07:21
by BOGCHI
is Juri playing a lesbian..
or are they just so close just like the two Nana?
Posted: Mar 17th, '08, 01:08
by manjowithane
Utada Hikaru's new HEART STATION album track Prisoner of Love is rumoured to be the theme song for this drama. woo! definitely watching this.
Posted: Mar 17th, '08, 01:23
by toma_sis
Posted: Mar 18th, '08, 04:38
by osakarainnyblue
Confirmed theme song sung by UTADA HIKARU
Title >> Prisoner of love
SWEETNESS! Just found out that Utada Hikaru's new single from her new album will be a theme song to this drama, which prompted my curiosity...and dude...I can't wait for this new drama!
I enjoy the actors and actresses from their previous projects. And best of all I am really curious about this drama in regards to bending gender roles and relationships. Will it be lighthearted despite the heavy psychological and relational issues?
I hope so...because it means that I will have something to fill in that Coffee Prince (Kdrama) void, which is by the way, one of most well-written and acted Kdrama I've seen this year!
And not to mention Juri trading in the piano for motocross??? Uber awesome!
Posted: Mar 20th, '08, 02:03
by yunizuka
zeiroc wrote:I hope so...because it means that I will have something to fill in that Coffee Prince (Kdrama) void, which is by the way, one of most well-written and acted Kdrama I've seen this year!
And not to mention Juri trading in the piano for motocross??? Uber awesome!
kinda off-topic but yea, Coffe Prince was really a well written kdrama! and the actors were all great, I was really moved
and about juri, she's so talented !! she was PERFECT in nodame cantabile and from the CM, she suits her new role! I really like her, aww I'm really looking forward for this drama!
and hikki singing the theme song ? woaa great ! it's certainly a plus for the drama
Posted: Mar 21st, '08, 02:45
by raven_frost
Last Friends Trailer:
Posted: Mar 21st, '08, 05:48
by lzydata
It's amazing how every new trailer is better than the last one. Definitely the drama to look out for next season
Posted: Mar 21st, '08, 11:41
by meoinkie2
Posted: Mar 21st, '08, 11:43
by meoinkie2
Posted: Mar 21st, '08, 11:43
by meoinkie2
Posted: Mar 21st, '08, 11:44
by meoinkie2
Posted: Mar 21st, '08, 12:36
by letthesunrise
I've just looked at all of those; if Ueno's character is not a great big lesbian, I'm eating my hat.
Posted: Mar 21st, '08, 12:54
by Salz
thanks for the HQ version of the pic^^
but is there also scans of other pages inside the mag??
Posted: Mar 21st, '08, 13:32
by Rikayla
I have very high expectations for this drama too. I'm going to guess that this drama will give drama watchers who only watch for idols, another aspect of J-dramas to watch. ^^; Convert them if you will. XDD;
I just hope this drama won't disappoint. To me, it feels like this can go either way, depending on the script and on the directing. And after watching "Ashita no Kita Yoshio", my standards for a good drama has gone up, and I've placed my highest expectations for this one considering the cast. >____<"
Thanks for the scans!
Posted: Mar 21st, '08, 14:12
by Salz
yeah i hope this drama gonna be great and become one of the best drama^^
the casts is just perfect
Posted: Mar 21st, '08, 18:37
by Rori
This is definitely going on my watch list.
After seeing the trailer, reading up on it and the fact it has a beautiful theme song, it's a must watch for me.
Looking forward to it.
Posted: Mar 22nd, '08, 03:06
by zeiroc
Thank you meoinkie2 for the scans and raven_frost for the trailer!!
The theme song works our really well...it looks like the drama is going to be intense, which means strong acting from everyone.
Yay...I can finally be on the same boat of a drama that is in the present, rather than jump on the bandwagon 4 months or a year after it releases
Posted: Mar 22nd, '08, 03:36
by docipain
Rikayla wrote:I have very high expectations for this drama too. I'm going to guess that this drama will give drama watchers who only watch for idols, another aspect of J-dramas to watch. ^^; Convert them if you will. XDD; !
do not forget..it has Nishikido Ryo as idol ;D (not in an idol like role though lol)
Whatever I am getting excited more and more..with every new and longer cm. :/
I also hope it will be one of those addicting doramas again.
Posted: Mar 23rd, '08, 00:19
by Daish
Thanks for all the pics! ueno with new hair do. like the old one better but I'm sure i'll get use to this one. And good to see her in many diverse roles even though this one seems "manly"
Posted: Mar 23rd, '08, 00:31
by Nomanymore
Rikayla wrote:I have very high expectations for this drama too. I'm going to guess that this drama will give drama watchers who only watch for idols, another aspect of J-dramas to watch. ^^; Convert them if you will. XDD;
akak We can't be sure yet
As said, so far people I know either watch for Juri, Eita, Ryo, Masami (and me for ASAMI) ehhhhh
LOL
Posted: Mar 23rd, '08, 04:55
by Salz
i definitely watch this for Eita, Juri and Asami
NODAME RETURNS
maybe also a little bit for Ryo and Masami
Posted: Mar 23rd, '08, 12:48
by iruka92
chotto matte!
is that guy mine??!!
NODAME??!!! looks weird.
ryo <3
nagasawa kire . . .
-_-" ueno juri looks weird. i like her hair in nodame. . .
Anyways, he's mentioned in drama so looking forward to this drama 
