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Last Friends: Japanese Drama SeriesPretty much unprecedented in terms of Japanese TV history. Its a pretty interesting series because the themes inside are quite sensitive especially put under the context of Japanese culture. EDIT after episode 2: It seems that the show is moving into yet another uncharted territory in terms of Japanese TV. It is very likely that Ruka is not only gay, but is gender-confused and wants to undergo sex change (there are clues in both episode 1 and 2 which are discussed in a reply below). - The character Ruka, is a closeted motorcross racer in love with her highschool best friend Michiru. - A social worker specializing in domestic violence, who abuses his girlfriend. - A male makeup artist that is not gay, but has a phobia of sex. The first episode just aired on April 10. And it looks good so far.
Submitted by Kate (28 posts) on April 11, 2008 - 4:01pm. |
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News, Reviews & Commentary on Lesbian and Bisexual women in Entertainment and the Media
woah, i saw that..
i jsut came back from tokyo and i saw huge posters of that! at first i DID thought it was another girl.. but then i thought it cldnt be..? and figured that it might be a guy since some of the hairstyles there for guys do look like its for girls.. :p
this is cool. i wish it had aired while i was there. -_- anywhere to see it? but this is really cool .. esp. going mainstream. and such a huge poster to boot. heh.
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Anyone wanna meet up in Tokyo, early July 2008?
Its pretty huge because
Its pretty huge because the screenwriter Asano Taeko has worked on Love Generation. (And also Nana and Nana 2 and a string of other stuff).
But ratings wise, it didnt do extremely well because they were fighting with Arashi -_-.
I've posted a link to see it in my reply below. :)
mannnnn
The CM look good. I hope people sub it so I can watch it. This is why I should have take Japanese, dam it! >_<
~A dream is called a dream because it never come true. Why do you keep on dreaming?~
So far the files are al
So far the files are all 'raw' and without subtitles yet but definitely the people from d-addicts or something are going to sub it in a few days.
Found a site where you can stream it online:
http://fourlc.com/channel1/5/08fh/20080410_545.html
And if you want to know more this page is pretty comprehensive:
http://community.livejournal.com/ourhour/51718.html
thanks for creating a
thanks for creating a thread about this.. i just watched the first episode.. (with mandarin subtitles of course....my japanese is pretty hopeless) and i am happy with it so far (though the thought of ruka dying in the end was lingering in the back of my mind - the opening said it all) ..
how dumb and innocent was i to have thought ruka was only just close friends with michiru.. i guess u cant really blame me.. since its very rare to find lesbian content in japanese drama series.. .. oh yeh.. and there was a kiss at the end of the first episode between the two girls..
definitely tuning in to see the second episode.. cant wait!!!
Ruka and Michiru?
Wonder if the names are paying homage to Sailormoon.
Anyway, I'm pretty excited.
Yes i think so too!
Yes i think so too!
Glad that someone caught it also. Michiru and Haruka: OTP of sailormoon! :)
I'm glad someone else caught it
I'm so glad someone else caught it- I was watching the first episode and thinking, " Hey guys come on the Sailor Moon Themes are strong here". Everyone has already stated all the things I wanted to point out, so no use going back over them I guess.
But I did want to say, I know that Michiru's bf works for child protective services... but I wonder if he is a real social worker. I have such a hard time believing that a licensed clinical social worker would behave like he is, now and unlicensed one sure. I WANT TO SEE HIS CREDENTIALS! I'll report him to NASW for failure to uphold the ethical standards. ^.~
what?
Ruka die??? -_- @%@#$$#$##$!
That just suck, urggggggg.
I was gonna say the same thing about their name. Plus, ruka is a motorcross racer. That is pretty much Haruka in 3D
~A dream is called a dream because it never come true. Why do you keep on dreaming?~
Hmm maybe she left because
And Michiru did say something about 'while i am always thinking that i am most unlucky, there are people like Ruka'. Maybe the secret that Ruka is hiding is not just her love for Michiru. Perhaps its something else.
But i agree with you that the possibility of a tragic ending for Ruka is pretty high, and that sucks.
im only speculating thats
im only speculating thats all... i read it in a person's post on another forum.. didnt mean to frighten u two.. ..... plus i am having second thoughts about what i said. haha.. it could perhaps be the abusive bf that dies in the end ..
^ yeh,, i was quite troubled by that bit too, Kate. when michiru mentioned that there were more unfortunate people like ruka. i was thinking .. by unfortunate did she mean ruka being a closeted lesbian? or did she mean what u said (ruka unable to tell her she was in love with her) .. i think its quite possibly the former case .... just my 2 cents..
May I know whats the last
May I know whats the last girl story about?
I haven't catch it yet. Still waiting for subs. Ah Arashi..
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Anyone wanna meet up in Tokyo, mid June 2008?
i think ruka looks like
i think ruka looks like Haruka.
Juri Ueno looks so different from Nodame. I totally love her in episode one. The way she look at Michiru is killing me.
unfortunately from what i'd read, Michiru will love the male makeup artist? that's suck.
There is a relationship
There is a relationship chart on the official fuji tv website that has a heart from Michiru to Takeru (makeup boy).
Sucks!
Still...
Wow.
I never expected that there'll be a thread about LF on afterellen.com.
Well, what can I say? I'm very addicted to LF, I watch RAWs even though I can't understand a single thing (except for common jap expressions). I even surf to random sites and forums to read people's opinions about it. Lol.
Story-wise, it's really dramatic (maybe because I can relate to Ruka?), and the OP suits it perfectly. I hope it wouldn't go downhill. The technical stuff like directing and editing are brilliant. On acting, Ueno Juri is superb. I wish she'd win an award for this. And props to Nikishido Ryo, he scares the hell out of me when he's in DV mode.
And I think it really is inspired by the Sailor Moon OTP, Haruka and Michiru. Ruka uses the number 27 on her motocross event, doesn't that ring a bell already?
This thread needs more love. Haha.
Ruka is killing us all with
Ruka is killing us all with the pained expression on her face whenever she looks at Michiru. Its no understatement that everyone from fangirls to drama addicts are all worshipping her right now. Her portrayal and acting is really great. I believe not many actresses can bring Ruka to life (onscreen) this well.
:)
wow can't wait to see
wow can't wait to see what's going to happen. although i will have to wait for english subs... ;-(
well if the couple really is a tribute to sailor moon then they should have a happy ending right?
Ah
well if the couple really is a tribute to sailor moon then they should have a happy ending right?
Naw, doesn't follow. It's like a fanfic come to life, the characters are in their Alternate Universe versions...so the ending might be different. But I do hope they'll be together in the end.
English Subs for episode 1 is provided by Kioku and suketeru@lj.
Hard subs:
http://community.livejournal.com/kioku_konseki/20397.html
Soft subs:
http://suketeru.livejournal.com/23111.html
Boys Don't Cry, Ratings...
This discussion has been running wild in many forums.. That Ruka is not just gay, she is gender-confused and wants to become a boy. Here are some clues that lead many to believe this:
There is another train of thought: Could she be 'intersex' (like the protagonist in the novel, 'Middlesex')? This could then explain why her father dotes on her so much, he is trying to compensate her over something...
Very intriguing story. And Ueno Juri is really really convincing as Ruka. :)
Ratings also went up by 2 percent in the second episode! Most dramas have ratings dip after the first episode, but this show has been getting alot of attention (totally deserved) from the press not just because of its controversial nature. Hope the actors and screenwriters will get more credit for this!
And in the ep.3 preview the
And in the ep.3 preview the DV man told Michiru. "Ruka is not a woman!"
Maybe, Ruka is already in the process to become a man?
My favorite line in this episode, "私の美智留に触るな!!!"
This maybe true but i propose another idea
Its my undertanding that Japan's queer scene is still fairly underground, since this is the case it very well maybe that they don't have the language to express her sexuality. Also it could be that the people who made the series don't have a good idea of what lesbianism is about. Remember in America when the gay community was getting more mainstream recognition many straight people just didn't seem to understand and would ask questions like, " So she is just trying to be a man?".
These are just my opinions so I could very easily be wrong. But I honestly believe that Japan is going through a period where lesbians and gays are becoming more visible. During this time I think the producers or writers may think that protraying Ruka's character like this may be easier to swallow for the Japanese public, don't have a good understanding of what lesbianism is ( its not that difficult but some people complicate it), or simply going for maximized dramatic effect. It is a Japanese drama, now where I believe they can't top the Koreans in the creating drama department they sure can try.
Great story line!!
Just watched it online. It's really good.
I always like Japanese dramas and the ways they tell the stories.
I am so addicted to it now.
Probably not the best timing... Three term papers to finish....
this is not lesbian TV series...
^ yeh it's sad and
^ yeh it's sad and frustrating how they would term relationships involving gay and transgendered couples TABOO. . Thats right! ruka is not a lesbian... .. she is gender confused and is contemplating having sex reassignment surgery. i caught a brief glimpse of the words "性別適合手術" across the top page of the website she was browsing... ..its all clear to me now why michiru said to herself in the first episde that there were less fortunate people like ruka in this world... what a big let down.... so i feel exactly the same way u do.. i was expecting a lesbian relationship to be the central focus of the whole show too..(had my hopes up too high and now regretting it...) i wonder if ruka is actually go ahead with this sex change surgery or she is going to get some psychiatric help (i figure this is usually how the story turns out)...well i hope neither happens and hope she realizes in the end that she is really just a lesbian (adds a twist to the story ha!) .. just my wishful thinking =_=
i havent heard of that show u mentioned in ur post.. (and i am not planning on checking it out anytime soon lol).
Hmm. After giving it some
sad but true
Its sad but true that Japan and Korea ( i can't speak for any other asian countries since I havn't lived anywhere else) are still struggling with oppression of certain groups. Where I understand the why's and the how's of the oppression, i often get frustrated with how slow change occurs sometimes.
But I think we need to focus on the positive here, there is some visibility. They are slowly opening up, change is happening. Yes change is happening at a snail pace but look at the United States and the many years of fighting that had to occur for basic human rights through the civil rights movement and others. Change is happening, its slow, but happening and that is a blessing in and of itself.
I just watched the first
I like it so far
I finnally got to watch the first episode :)
It's was good. The OST really suit this series. Every characters are prisoners of love.
I hope Michiru leave that guy and also that the baby is not his. Why would you stay with some1 who abuse you like that? I dun think it's gonna be a happy ending for Ruka.
~A dream is called a dream because it never come true. Why do you keep on dreaming?~
I wish it were that easy
Michiru is dealing with a domestic abuse situation and in these situations it is often very difficult for the victim to leave. In most domestic abuse cases it takes the victim about 7 tries at leaving before they leave permanently. There are also many reasons why it takes so long to leave and most have to with the controlling nature of the abusive relationship. The victim may have financial ties to the perpetrator, the perpetrator may have mentally manipulated the victim to believe he/she is only showing love and its the victim's fault they get hit, there are just a mi rad of reasons. Often when the victim does leave it is very dangerous for that person due to the fact the perpetrator often tries to find that person.
The sad part of every domestic violence situation is the controlling aspect, the manipulation by the perpetrator, its very sad to witness.
oooh... thats
oooh... thats interesting. hmm sounds like max (l word) but it better be better!!!
tho ive not managed to catch it yet.
utada hikaru's my fave and that song? perfect.
but i think id prefer a lesbian storyline instead. :)
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Anyone wanna meet up in Tokyo, mid June 2008?
this is such a good show
my friends here keep making fun of me for over analyzing this show, so it's nice to find people who are watching it just as intently! yay! (^_^)v
I'm anxious to find out what happens this week!! the preview on the fuji tv website is sadly very short and really tiny (the window it opens in, that is). guess i will just have to wait for thursday!
Sypnosis of ep 3
Watch the short preview for ep3 here
### SPOILER FOR EPISODE 3 #########
This is whats written on the site regarding whats happening in ep3:
Takeru went out of the ward to look for Ruka as she had gone missing. He witnessed the confrontation and pulled Sousuke back before he could do anything to the two girls on the floor. Sousuke quickly smiled good-naturedly and said that the chair fell over...
After coming home from the hospital, Ruka told the new guy and Eri what happened to Michiru. She cant seem to get the incident and Michiru out of her mind.
The next day, Ruka went to Michiru's workplace to look her up. They went for lunch together. When Ruka started probing Michiru about Sousuke, but Michiru replied that fights and quarrels are common to two people who are living together. Michiru voices out her own thoughts, she was frank that her alchoholic father used to abuse the family, and this is the first time that anyone has made her feel important and loved. From Sousuke, she felt these. Upon hearing these, Ruka gave up on talking sense into Michiru, she dump her lunch money on the table and left.
When Michiru got back to the salon, her senior asked her to cut hair for a male customer. Michiru thought about Sousuke's words and actions, and did not know what to do. However, she helped the guy cut his hair in the end.
That night over dinner, Sousuke inquired about Michiru's work that day. Michiru did not know how to lie and told him the truth. Sousuke jumped out of his seat, and closed in on Michiru, demanding an answer to the question "Am i more important or is your customer more important".. (Obviously i think at this point he starts his violent streak)
### SPOILER FOR EPISODE 3 #########
wow can't wait for more.
wow can't wait for more.
i have to agree ueno juri (ruka) is really totally diffrent from her role in "nodame cantabile"
She's amazing.
Hmm.. well I read on one
Hmm.. well I read on one of the other forums on 'possible storyline' which i think is rather interesting.
what if the beginning of episode 1 is actually about Ruka in jail for killing Sousuke? And Michiru betrayed her by going to the police and leaving her once again.. saying that they might not meet again.. What do you guys think?
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Anyone wanna meet up in Tokyo, mid June 2008?
thoughts on ruka
Okay, i just have a few thoughts on Ruka that i decided to share.
First and foremost is the gender question. Personally, i think it'd be a bit of a poor move on the writers' part to throw in a transgendered character. Don't get me wrong- i have absolutely no issue with transgendered people. But the simple truth is that the show has already taken some risky steps in having such a blatant lesbian storyline. Revealing that Ruka is transgendered might almost be deemed as "too much". I think it's much more likely that Ruka is simply genderqueer. Looking at a urology website doesn't necessarily mean that she wants to become a man. At most, i think she might be curious about it. I know i've always been very boyish and when i began to notice my attraction to other women i thought, "Am i supposed to be a boy?" And i spent forever trying to do research and figure it out (i'm lucky enough to have the internet- can you imagine going through that without it?!).
I've heard people point out other signs of "evidence" that she might be transgendered, such as her avoidance of the locker room when other girls are there and her apparent disgust at her own reflection. Again, i'm not going to think of zebras when i hear hoofbeats. I used to avoid locker rooms like the plague when i was in high school (i'd change in bathrooms, even when my team went on the road) simply because it was an uncomfortable situation and i had to deal with a lot of harassment. Maybe Ruka is in a similar position. And as for looking at her reflection with disgust, that's also something i'm sure many of us can connect with. Whether we do so because we're disappointed in ourselves for being closeted, angry because we're under a lot of stress, or simply unhappy with the way we look, we've all done it. Some more than others, i'm sure.
The possibility that she's intersex is one speculation i've read and i think that's an interesting one. Somehow, i don't think that's why her father seems to dote on her. I'd be more than willing to see how the story would play out if that is the real issue at hand, but i don't think it is.
Now moving on to another point- her dad.
I'm actually a little frightened by how easily i can connect with Ueno Juri's character. We're in similar situations (and i'm sure i'm not alone in this!) and the last thing she wants to do is upset her dad. I love that this relationship is being touched on because a lot of dramas skip over it in favor of romantic storylines. This is a detail i really understand and i'd like to see if they develop it any more.
And last but not least, i've read a few speculations that suggest Ruka is the one who dies. I don't think this is the case. I don't think she ends up in jail, either. I think she simply ends up agonizing over Michiru, Takeru, and her career, only to end up feeling abandoned and/or betrayed in the end. Not too happy an ending, but it's better than death. And like i said, i doubt she's the one who dies.
All in all, this is turning out to be a really, really good show. The story is good, the directing is as well, and the acting (especially Ueno Juri's acting) is fantastic. I can't wait to see the third episode.
lol..quark thanks for
lol..quark thanks for KNOCKING some sense into me.. btw. i dont know what the term genderqueer means.. anyone care to explain? (or i might just google it) mm. yeh its most likely she is finding a hard time adjusting to the fact she actually is lesbian.. browsing online looking for information regarding sex reassignment surgery doesnt necessarily imply she wants to be a guy.. i have done this too on a few occasions myself.. haha..(out of pure curiosity) .Ruka is probably just really confused about the feelings she has developed for michiru and is trying to justify them and is therefore suspecting she is a boy trapped in a girl's body. should i call this a phase then?..
I havent read the spoilers for episode 3. i am too scared to read them (not much a fan of spoilers) .. . but thanks for posting anyway
definition
"Genderqueer" is essentially a term used to describe someone who lives outside of traditional gender norms and doesn't identify as simply "masculine" or "feminine". People who are genderqueer also usually have a perception that gender is fluid, that a person might be more feminine one day and more masculine another, and then somewhere in the middle after that. So, for example, i identify as genderqueer because even though i'm female, i often dress and act like a guy. But on some days i might act a bit more like a girl (although my friends jokingly say i'm just a metrosexual man in a woman's body).
It can get kinda confusing, but it really makes for interesting discussion because nothing is black and white. It's all varying shades of grey.
I'm not a big fan of spoilers either, but i won't run away from them if they're right in front of me. It's like i say i don't want to know when i actually do.
Good points
These are all very good an valid points, however I wonder too if making Ruka genderqueer would be easier for the Japanese public at large to sympathize with her? I know that Japan has a wonderful underground gay community so i wonder how mainstream society is taking this show. I'm not 100% but I'm fairly sure that you can still be fired from a job if it comes out that your gay, in Japan.
I guess I just want to impress onto people not to judge this show by American standards, be sensitive to Japanese standards and whats happening there. I'd really like to see what the response is from people over there, I think i'll ask some friends.
LOOOOVE this show
I just watched the 1st 2 eps and I'm in love! I haven't been so into a J drama since "1 Liter of Tears" (which is a damn classic). Anyway, I'm very impressed thus far with how Ruka is being portrayed. I mean who wouldn't be in love with her?! Protecting Michiru, the longing looks...kinds of hurts my heart a bit, but I can't stop watching. I'm with the other poster who said it would be in poor taste to make Ruka transgender. I think, in a way, that would soften the average viewer's response towards homosexuality. "Oh, so she's really a guy? Oh, no wonder she loves Michiru then!" Let's hope it's just Ruka's confusion over gender roles in Japan.
Since I've been living in Japan for a while I've noticed its ignorance towards gays and lesbians. It's not so much that straight Japanese don't ACCEPT them, it's more like they don't exist (queer Japanese, that is). It's all about family here and we all know gays and lesbians can't do that! :0 So basically "choosing" to live such a lifestyle= the collapse of Japanese social structure. It's a long road ahead for these people and I'm not gonna be here still when gays and lesbians are finally considered equal.
Still, shows like this and the recent release of the 1st 2 seasons of "The L Word" here are a step in the right direction. 30 years behind the West, but better late than never.
Its refreshing to finally
Its refreshing to finally see some gay visibility in Japan. And for a 'first' attempt, i feel that they are doing a wonderful job (and not just straight girls falling for Ruka, or people like Ruka identifying with her character).
The issues dealt with here are real, I especially like the storyline with Ruka's father. It adds another dimension to the story, because such conflicts exist in real life. In fact, other Asian movies or TV shows that I personally have watched (mainly from Hong Kong and Taiwan), pale in comparison in this respect.
The media has the power to create change. To have a drama with such believable characters and compelling storyline, i think change is definitely on the way. It does make one wonder, "what took them so long"? But you're definitely right about 'better late than never'.
LF made me cry
oh...my computer just "ate" my first comment in AE and made me retype everything
i have been surfing AE for a looooooong time and finally decided to create an account for LF...
i just finished watching the first 3 esp this evening...and ruka kinda remind me of yuri uchida 內田有紀. i was a big fan of yuki back then when "17" (熱力17歲) was aired on a satellite channel here. and it was 15 years ago....and this has probabaly been how long for those poor japanese les been waiting for another TV drama which feature a "short hair and tough" female character.
anyway, i doubted if ruka is a transgener. but rather she's considering having the operation...maybe she thinks it maybe easier for michiru to fall for her if she's a real man. and she's struggling because she doesn't wanna upset her father (she mentioned it in the bar to the make up guy)...
and i am almost convince that ruka is gonna die at the end. michiru did mention that ruka is in another world and she's wondering if she's doing good right now in the OS of esp 1 opening. and the make up guy also has an OS saying ruka had decided to sacrifice her own life for michiru in esp 3.
i cried during esp 1 when ruka reunited with michiru, and they were asking each other about their lives when they were apart. and it's then when ruka said she's not gonna waste her time getting a BF before her dream ( to become a motorcross racer) come true. and it strikes me as i have said the exact same thing many many times over the years...to my mother....and my friends. and i know in my heart that it's not true. i am just avoiding the question.
and michiru said she admired ruka becos she seems so different from other girls. ruka isn't just another ordinary girl who dreams of dating a boy or having tasty cakes at the cafe...well......and at that moment i secretly believe the writer must be one of us. we are not trying to be different, it's just that we simply cannot be like the rest of the people.....>_<
looking forward to next thursday......
and one note for anyone who find juri cute......don't search any photos of her in nodame. that will shock you...................
I cry every episode!
So don't feel bad, Folly! My friend, who's watching LF with me (but not nearly as obsessed) cries too. I think there's just a lot in here that cuts close to home for many people.
One question I have: in ep. 3 when Michiru told Sousuke she's "known" about Ruka for a long time...do you think she means she knows she is gay? Or is that something else?
I can't wait for ep. 4! I'm gonna be in Tokyo for GW so have to watch without subs. But I oughta be able to get the general idea. LF is SO addictive!
Answering your question
yeasss, so addictive
this show is def a tear jerker. I can feel a lot of emotion from Ruka. Juri is a great actress!
From Takeru and Michiru voice over, the chance of Ruka dying is pretty high. But that would be to predictable. Maybe Ruka kill Michiru's bf. I want moreeee >_<
~A dream is called a dream because it never come true. Why do you keep on dreaming?~
Oh goddess mine!
I have alot of friends into J-drama, but I wasn't really into it much. A friend told me about the Ruka X Michiru plot, and I was intrigued. So I've been watching, and I have to say...amazing. I really like this... I really hate Sousuke... he's such a jerk >.<
BTW... Ruka is cute ^^
Juri's style
Orange Days
Orange Days and Juri-chan
Yeah, I've seen Orange Days too. Ueno Juri played the part of the sister of that photographer dude classmate. She had the bum-leg...remember? Her part was small but she was sooo KAWAII!
She's quite the charmer in Kame wa Igai to Hayaku Oyogu (Turtles Swim Faster Than Expected).
Re: Last Friends - Have you seen the last episode? I really like the Ruka-Michiru thing but Michiru's just a bit too... i dunno how to put it without sounding mean and all... but she's kind of dumb for putting up with the crap Sousuke's putting her through. GAH!