I
decided to give this drama a try because one of my Japanese friends recommended
it, and we shared a common liking for Oguri Shun. Although I never saw the movie The Social Network, this might probably
have similarities to that much-talked-about Hollywood production. Rich
Man, Poor Woman aired in mid-2012 and centers around Toru Hyuga, a
self-made millionaire who started out small in the vast world of the
internet. He and his friend Asahina have
made themselves big in the online world and are now living the good life while
leading a company that functions very differently from the traditional office
image that most people have. Of course
it can’t all be perfect. Toru suffers
from a strange syndrome of forgetfulness – he cannot remember the faces or
names of people. This is a huge obstacle
in the only quest that occupies most of his waking thoughts – to find his
mother who abandoned him as a child.
His mother’s name, Sawaki Chihiro, is the only name he can’t seem to
forget.
Enter
Natsui Makoto, a Tokyo University graduate having a hard time finding
employment. She remembers an encounter
she had with Toru from long before he made it big, and upon taking a chance to
apply for a job at his company, she blurts out that her name is (surprise,
surprise) Sawaki Chihiro. Of course such
a lie has its inevitable consequences. The
series takes us through the ups and downs of Toru and Natsui’s relationship at
work, deepening friendship, and romantic development. All the while the change in the problematic character
of Toru gradually comes full circle as he is faced with professional and
personal conflicts one after another. He matures, learns about humility,
professionalism, friendship, love, and forgiveness. Of course it all comes with the help of the
colorful characters around him.
I’d
say the series is pretty nice, well-written, and not boring. Good performances from the cast, and
commendable pacing and plot development.
Not really heavy on either comedy or drama, a little bit of romance, and
a good touch of life lessons given focus.
Not bad, not bad. And Oguri is
gorgeous (let’s not forget that).
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