BROTHERS

Starring: Nakai Masahiro as Fujiwara Shinjin (Jin), Kimura Yoshino as Hatori Nana, Ishitani Goro as Fujiwara Shinbu (or "Bu"), Harada Yoshio as the father, Fujiwara Manabu, Imai Tsubasa as Fujiwara Shin and Akahashi Ryutarou as Fujiwara Shinai. Also starring Ito Yuko, Hoshino Mari, Karasawa Toshiaki and more.
THEME SONG: "Taisetsu" (important) by SMAP 7 "Aishiteiru Kara" by KOKIA
NETWORK: FUJI TV
DURATION: April 13, 1998 through June 28, 1998 (12 episodes)
WHAT IS "BROTHERS" ALL ABOUT:  (From Daily Yomiuri's Wm. Penn) "Brothers," the occupant of the Fuji network's Monday, 9 p.m. golden slot this quarter, is the tale of four brothers and their widower father, who heads a large Buddhist temple in Tokyo. Goro Kishitani, the oldest brother, does not want to take over the temple. He prefers only to pass through now and then to exercise his eldest brother prerogative and hit No. 2 brother Masahiro Nakai (SMAP's MAPPY) over the head. Nakai, who really wants to be a sportswriter, appears to be in line for the temple takeover and zips around in a motorcycle helmet and Buddhist robes to chant sutras for the dead. He was more convincing as MAPPY the bunny rabbit. Dear old dad frequents Ginza clubs and had a cigarette or a toothpick dangling from his mouth for most of the first episode. He hires an "Otonashi Karen look-alike" with a crush on Nakai as housekeeper and she bops around the temple grounds as if it was Shibuya on a Sunday. I guess it has finally come to this. Nothing is sacred anymore. Even Buddhist temples have been taken over by the sleazy comedy crowd so they can portray a priest's family sitting around the breakfast table making crude conversation about the state of Nakai's sex life, with younger brothers aged 9 and 15 joining in. The opening sequence where they all grab guitars, line up in black robes in front of the temple incense burner, and rock back and forth as if disciples of the Elvis Presley sect of Buddhism is classic in its own way though, I suppose. But why am I rambling on? This one can be summed up in two words: "Oh brother!"

    ---

"Brothers" is among the top dramas for this drama season (April-June 1998). Generating interest is the fact that it stars a popular SMAP member, would Nakai Masahiro shave his head for the role?, the new SMAP song to be released and of course, it's a Fuji drama. So, is it good? The drama is a fun not so serious drama which is good to have compared to many other dramas this season. In fact, I look forward to watching more of the show because it's "fun". I know it's not going to appeal to the older audiences or audiences who complain that dramas are show-casing people who are more "star appeal" than acting ability. The drama is about four brothers along with their father live in a beautiful temple. Thefather, Manabu is a Shinto Priest. Also, Jin (Nakai) is a Shinto Priest and soccer player. The oldest brother, Shinbu is a club manager. One day, Jin gets drunk and the next morning wakes up with a naked woman, Nana. Nana's style is similar to freaky idol, Shinohara Tomoe. Jin is not so happy about this and can't believe that he had sex with her

(Actually, Nana says they did...but it can be a lie..). Anyways, he can't wait for her to leave but as she leaves the temple, she sees the sign that the family is looking for an assistant (more like: Housekeeper). There is problems in the family, the eldest brother is demanding with the way his eggs should be made, the teenage son is into smoking cigarettes [nobody knows] and of course, the rivalry between Jin and his oldest brother, Bu. Well, Nana is hired as the housekeeper and Jin is not so happy about it. Will the family find out about Jin and Nana? So, you pretty much got the story right? Well, to make things even more exciting:

a) Robber has a knife to Jin and Nana
b) The old washing machine in their home had the four handprints of each brother which was for their mother who is deceased. Nana throws away the old washing machine setting up an intense argument between Jin and Nana and Jin with his brothers.
c) Nana used to be a dancer at Bu's club.
d) Did Nana and Jin have sex?
e) Why did Nana sneak into Jin's bedroom?
f) Will the family find out about Shin's smoking?
g) Jin likes Reiko but why is Reiko spending time with Bu?

All this and more. A lot for a simple storyline huh? Well, if you want a break from the serious dramas this season and want to watch something fun, I recommend "Brothers"
REVIEWS:

During the Spring 1998 season, Brothers offered up a fun drama to watch.  It's a very fun drama and the interaction of each actor is very humorous.  I enjoyed this drama but the finale was a bit of a disappointment for me.- KNDY