ICHIBAN TAISETSU NA HITO (Most important person) [a.k.a Precious Friend]

This is a bittersweet tale of Kohei and Mika, who have been friends since childhood and now discover themselves in a deep yet fragile romance. Five years of their lives are presented in an almost lyrical succession of images, as they enter their twenties and tentatively explore their emerging love, striving to protect each other while not jeopardizing the mutual support and encouragement of their longtime friendship.

[TBS Synopsis]: This is a bittersweet tale of Kohei and Mika, who have been friends since childhood and now discover themselves in a deep yet fragile romance. Five years of their lives are presented in an almost lyrical succession of images, as they enter their twenties and tentatively explore their emerging love, striving to protect each other while not jeopardizing the mutual support and encouragement of their longtime friendship.

Cast: Shingo Katori, Arisa Mizuki, Jinpachi Nezu, Kaneko Ken, Maya Kyoko, Nezu Jinpachi, Yo Kimiko, Sanada Masumi, Hashi Ryugo, Suzuki Yuka, Sakura Atsuko and more.
THEME SONG: "Starting Over" by John Lennon
NETWORK: TBS
DURATION: April 27, 1997 through June 27, 1997.  11 episodes.
* DOWNLOAD SYNOPSIS (NOTE: Synopsis contains spoiler / PDF - Download Adobe Acrobat reader to view).
REVIEWS:

I really didn't like the character development and the chemistry of the characters played by Mizuki and Katori. You wonder if the two will ever get together despite the story being focused of how they can't get together because they are dating other people...uggh!-KNDY