I have always heard really good things about this show but I never got around to seeing it. I don’t think I payed much attention to Sho in my early Arashi times, but now he rotates between my second and third favorite with Ohno! (Ok they are all basically tied in second place after Nino…)

This show was like coming home. You really feel the comradery and love, which makes you want to be a part of such a fun and intimate friend group. I think each member of the KCE was totally perfect in their role and I immediately got immersed in the streets of Kisarazu. I remember reading one of the big appeals of this show was its depiction of the life of “rejects” who get stuck in the suburbs without much of a “future” (similar vibe to Pikanchi, honestly). I didn’t experience that personally, but I got some insight into what it might be like. 

Of course this show is absolutely ridiculous and over the top, but there is a constant grounding in reality (Bussan’s terminal illness) and this creates a great balance. You might also feel an imbalance as you go from laughing one minute and crying the next……. 

This was certainly Sho’s most outstanding role so far. His character was such an endearing guy and he embodied it well. I feel although he gets to be silly in Arashi variety shows, he’s generally a bit subdued due to his professional nature. But as Bambi, he can go all out and be as over the top as he wants. The antics in the show are super entertaining and I love all the uniforms (baseball uniforms, thieves uniforms, matsuri uniforms).

The soundtrack is also super catchy and I really enjoyed their band’s song. I remember every time the end credits came I was smiling ear to ear and couldn’t wait to get back with my Kisarazu buddies again! I’m looking forward to watching the two movie sequels soon~~