#002 Gekidan Engimono: Katte ni Nostalgia

劇団演技者。勝手にノスタルジー
Gekidan Engimono.
Katte ni Nostalgia

Summary

Gekidan Engimono: Katte ni Nostalgia (Nostalgia without Permission) aired on Fuji TV from July 6 – July 27th, 2004. It was the 3rd program in the rebranded Gekidan Engimono series; a Johnny’s program in cooperation with a theater company. Each story consists of four episodes and a “making of” special.

In this story, Ohno plays a lonely man studying to become a lawyer in a dingy apartment. One day 3 men in gaudy costumes show up saying one of them used to live in his apartment and they are throwing a party for their old classmate. Initially Ohno becomes frustrated and resists. Slowly, especially after meeting a young woman who is also connected to the group of friends, he realizes his aversion to reflecting on the past and isolating himself might not be healthy.

Cast

Junji Okinoshima – Satoshi Ohno (Arashi): Lonely judicial exam student
Shiho Furusawa – Kaori Manabe : Tsuki’s high school girlfriend
Junko Hashimoto – Shinobu Kawamata : Landlady
Tetsuo Ikushima – Mansaku Ikeuchi : Tsuki’s best friend in high school
Koji Kikukawa – Kondo Park ( Adult Plan): A best friend from Tsuki’s high school days
Takashi Hanazawa – なすびNasubi: Tsuki’s best friend from high school. Used to live in Okinoshima’s room.
The owner of the stall – Tetsuro Sahara (sunny side walker)

Original Screenplay – Masaki Tsujino
Director – Kukai Morita

Wiki

Initially I thought this show seemed weird but when I actually paid attention it was rather emotional and sweet. I’m someone that doesn’t have a lot of close friends so that aspect of the story was especially impactful for me. The silliness mixed with the somber topics was nice and everyone in the cast did a great job with these exaggerated but sincere characters. I really liked the opening song as well.