JAPANESE DRAMA DATABASE: Aoi Tori

Aoi Tori (a.k.a. Lóiseau Blue/Blue Bird)

A tale of tragic love between Yoshimori, a station employee at a quiet, rural station, and Kahori, the wife of the heir to a family fortune. When Kahori's husband uncovers their affair, the star-crossed lovers try to flee with Kahori’s daughter.

Their search for safety and happiness takes them across the nation, from Hokkaido to Kagoshima. Filmed on location, this is an unforgettable story of romance told against the backdrop of some of the most beautiful scenery in Japan.

The drama that is likely to get most advance publicity is "Aoi Tori" (Blue Bird). Starting Oct. 10 on TBS, it marks the return to the small screen of the extremely popular Etsushi Toyokawa. It has been two years since he captivated audiences with his portrayal of a deaf artist in "Aishiteiru to Itte Kure," which soon had thousands signing up for sign language lessons. This time around, he is a Nagano train station employee traveling the country with his newfound love.

Best actor honors are shared this year by Etsushi Toyokawa of Aoi Tori, for his portrayal of a JR man who throws down his cap and whistle to flee across Japan, by train, of course, with the woman of his dreams. Supporting actor honors go to Shiro Sano. He is excellent as the woman's common-law husband who tracks them down and precipitates tragedy. Nobody can play a deranged lunatic like Sano can. If you missed these series, do check out the year-end specials. Supporting actress honors go to Hiromi Nagasaku, the hometown girl in Aoi Tori, who pines for our JR man. She has done well in several supporting roles this year, including this summer's Kin no Tamago, and will get a chance to costar, with Akina Nakamori, in a new series called Tsumetai Tsuki starting Jan. 12 on NTV network. The Aoi Tori special airs Dec. 26 at 9 p.m. on TBS with Yoshimori (Toyokawa), at 40, narrating his life story and providing viewers with a few new revelations. [From "The Tellie Awards" by Wm. Penn of Daily Yomiuri].

Cast: Etsushi Toyokawa, Yui Natsukawa, Shiro Sano, Hiromi Nagasaku and Maeda Gin
THEME SONG: "Wanderin' Destiny" by globe
DURATION: 12 episodes + 1 special.
REVIEWS:

During the Winter season, this drama kept our Japanese members glued to this drama. They loved it!!! I agree. That's why it won the awards for best storyline (didn't beat out Love Generation in the ratings but many felt this drama was one of 1997's top or #2 drama of the year).