After seeing adorable Minami Hamabe hamming it up in such wonderful, fun drams like Kuzushi Uketamawarimasu and Pure!, it’s quite a shock seeing her play a much more serious role in the dark drama Watashitachi wa Douka Shiteiru. took some getting used to, but a welcome chance to see another side of her!
Watashitachi wa Douka Shiteiru tells the story of a young woman named Nao Hanaoka who makes her living as a confectioner.
15 years ago, her mother was the primary confectioner of a long standing and well established house named Kougetsu An. She lived there with with her mother, and it is there she meets a young boy named Tsubaki. He is the same age as Nao and though he is the son of the owner and shouldn’t be hanging in the servant quarters, they become good friends.
That is, until a fateful night when the master of the place is mysteriously murdered…and the young Tsubaki accuses Nao’s MOTHER of being the killer!
From that point Nao’s life is torn asunder and she spends her life holding a grudge against the boy whose words causes so much pain to her, even as she moves up and becomes a confectioner in her own right.
It is this skill that gets her invited to try out for a chance to service a prosperous wedding against another confectioner. And that company? Koegetsu An, and the confectioner she will be up against is none other than the grown up Tsubaki (Ryusei Yokohama) himself.
Entering into the challenge, Nao doesn’t know what she intends to do or whether the grown Tusbaki will even recognize her, but she knows she has to do something.
Meeting up with Tsubaki again after 15 years, she is presented with an arrogant and rebellious young man who seems to be bucking the traditions laid upon him, and she isn't surprised to find his sweets lack something the house had before.
Ultimately Nao loses the challenge and is set on her way. But nothing can prepare for what comes next when the boastful man approaches her...
…and proposes MARRIAGE to her!
A stunned Nao is taken back and the man rescinds his offer. But the spark of revenge is still flowing hotly within her veins and she finds herself boldly ACCEPTING his proposal..but to WHAT END?
Seems to be an intriguing drama so far and seeing Minami in such a mysterious role is surely a plus!
The confectioner angle to the story reminds me slightly of the classic NHK Asadora “Asuka” starring the young Yuko Takeuchi in the first drama I ever saw her in, and that also promises to keep the show interesting…
PS: Ryusei Yokohama has been playing such morose roles lately, from Shiro demo Kuro demo Nai Sekai de, Panda wa Warau, 4 Punkan no Marigold, nata No Ban Desu and now this dreary character. Hard to believe the first thing I saw him in was the entirely FUN and WACKY "Kareshi wo Loan de Kaimashita"!!