Title	Kingyo Club
Credit	NHK
Media	Japanese Drama
Genre	Romance, School
Year	2011
Character Type	1 Yandere and 1 Obsessive Character

Hiiragi Haru is a third year student with no motivation or aim with his life. Haruzawa Koto is a first year student who is withdrawn and isolated due to bullying and family issues. Although the two encounter each other by chance, they soon grew close and founded their secret “Kingyo Club” together. As they spend time together, they learn to understand each other, and grow to overcome each of their own troubles.

SPOILERS AND PERSONAL OPINION

The drama is told in the perspective of Hiiragi Haru, which is an interesting change. The drama is only 10 episodes long, with each episode being less than 20 minutes. This drama deals with the subject of bullying and family issues. Harukawa Koto had to deal with bullying in her class due to her family background, as she has a single mother who presumably works as an escort. Meanwhile, a past accident in school had left Haru with unpleasant memories and distrust in people. Haru also could not come to accept his stepmother, or improve his relationship with her.

Through interacting and communicating with each other, Haru and Koto starts to see things in new perspectives. Together, they were able to gain strength, and came to terms with their feelings and struggles.

Overall, I find this drama very sweet and heartwarming. Koto is very reclusive, and although it may be frustrating, it is definitely understandable. Haru was supportive of Koto throughout their journey, and by helping her, he also learned to open up his heart to others.

I felt that the bullying issue may be portrayed somewhat unrealistically; it quickly escalated, and as fast as it came, it was quickly solved by some simple words and actions of a few. Perhaps, the short 10 episodes does not allow a more comprehensive portrayal of such complex issues.

Events happened abruptly. For example, in the last episode, Yanagihashi Sho, who is a close friend of both Haru and Kita, suddenly reveals that he is actually in love with Kita. But throughout the drama, there was no indication whatsoever of such feelings. Same goes for the abrupt declaration of love from Motoi to Koto. Nevertheless, it is an enjoyable short drama, and I felt happy as Koto slowly opens up with Haru’s tireless efforts to save her.

CHARACTER SPOILERS