Last friends SP Episode

Been so busy that I didnt watch the final "Last Friends SP" shown till now.

Actually there isnt much to write about this SP episode. It is not a new episode but rather a condensation of all the series highlights for each character.

The episode started off with all the housemates taking a picture with the baby. Then Eri and her husband Ogurin returned from Italy to Japan after a year. The interior of the house has changed alittle with more colourful cushions and new sofa cover. Takeru told Eri Michiru has gone to cemetry as it was Sousuke's first year anniversary. At the cemetry unknown to Michiru, the little boy that Sousuke had once saved also came to visit him (although I am not sure how come the kid is so resourceful to know since Michiru would not have known him and his case was closed before Sousuke died).

Ogurin went to Michiru old salon for haircut as he didnt dare to cut his hair in Italy due to language barrier. The colleague who used to bully Michiru was his hairstylist. Ogurin enquire about her eye bruise and she openly confirmed her boyfriend hit her over a trival incident of overtaping his show. Ogurin asked if she would considered leaving her boyfriend but she said she wont over such a small matter. To which Ogurin yelled "It's not a small matter!" The hair stylist mentioned about michiru (as a third person). "There was a girl who used to work her. Her boyfriend would wait for her to get off work everyday. Her boyfriend isn’t like mine, he cherishes her. I didn’t treat her too well then as I was jealous of her.” Ogura said nothing to that. The salon owner overheard and told her not to mention such things to the customer and she stopped.

Back at home, Eri was with Michiru’s little girl while Takeru was at the sink. The phone rang which Takeru answered. “Takeru, how are you?” Hearing his sister's voice, Takeru hesitated and paused before answering, “I have a family now. I thought I would never forgive you. But right now, I’m living with people I love which is a world foreign to you. So, I can forgive you now. Remember to be happy yourself.” Surprised at his words, Takeru’s shocked sister nodded firmly and both hung up.

Ruka returned home, Takeru handed and reunite Eri and Ogura with their old cups.

Ruka:

Family, Friends, Spouses, Lovers, having all four of the relationships but belonging to none in particular. We live on, treasuring and cherishing this fragile happiness...

Takeru:

We will always be friends. If it’s possible, we’ll never be apart. Even if we part, we’ll greet each other with a smile when we meet again somewhere in this world.

Everyone:

My dear friends, you are my last friends.

Last Friends 11 Summary (part2)

Last Friends Episode 11 Review (part2)

Meanwhile over the months, Michiru had gotten use to living by herself. She felt that she couldnt contact ruka as she had betrayed her trust, and that she had not understood her dreams and feelings. And even if she will never see them again, she could still feel their presence and give her strength to live on.

On the other hand, Takeru borrowed a bike and encouraged Ruka to seek Michiru out He told Ruka that it was joy to live with her in sharehouse, but it was unbearable for him to see the missing piece in her heart.."So let's go and fill up the gap." he told Ruka. After failing to locate Michiru's mum, Ruka thought of Choshi where Michiru and her mum used to live

It was a fruitless search for one day. Takeru kept Ruka's spirit up by sharing that perhaps Michiru is waiting in some corner alone and waiting for them to find her. While camping out that night, Takeru finally revealed his past of his non blood related sister. Because of her, he was never able to form a proper relation nor provide any happiness for any woman. Ruka comforted him that he was wrong, and that she for one is very sure that he is able to make a woman very happy.

The next day, Ruka and takeru finally found a lead to Michiru's whereabout. On the way, they met with a mild accident and landed in hospital. Just as they were leaving, their bike couldnt start and by chance, Takeru spotted a heavily pregnant Michiru!

Back at Michiru's place, she said she would like to try hard in Choshi. Ruka asked her to return to Tokyo and live with them but she refused and that it was Sousuke's child. She felt that it was because of her that he had died, so she didnt have a right to be happy. She felt it was wrong for her to see for happiness from Ruka and Takeru as well. She was happy that with the baby, she wont need to feel lonely anymore and that Sousuke had forgiven her, and thus she can live on.

Ruka told her that Michiru's life doesnt belong to anyone but herself from now on. While she cannot forgive everything that Sousuke had done to Michiru including his despicable sucide, but the child within also belongs to Michiru. So Michiru is free to choose who the child gets to live with in future. "However, I would like to live with you both, even if not as a father to the child, but I hope to be a mentor to the child and be with you two." At this Takeru expressed his similar wish in agreement. He said that while two is better than one, 3 is better than 2 right! Ruka smiled and said including the baby it would be four. Hearing that, Michiru was so touched and thanked them. Suddenly she felt something was weird and went into labor pain!

At the hospital, Michiru safely delivered a baby girl and name her with a combination of her name, Ruka and Takeru.

At the end, while at the beach, Michiru wrote a letter to Eri. The 4 of them will return to sharehouse as "Family, friends, husband & wife, Lovers". While it is neither specifically one of the 4, all the 4 factors of relationship will bind them together as they strive to live happily in future...

[End of last episode 11]

Last Friends 11 Summary (Part 1)

Last friends Episode 11 Review (Part 1)

Ruka won the biker race competition. During the press conference, a reporter decided to pose one question to her. He mentioned that the recent article in the magazine must have cause relative challenge (disturbance) to her mentally and asked what was her view on the matter. He added that many of those present would also like to know the truth in the matter.

Takeru, Eri and Ruka's parent looked on worriedly wondering how Ruka would response to such an awkward question. However, Ruka replied that biking is a fair sport based on abilities and not gender. As a racer, she was proud to have won. Regardless of the rumours, she would never changed her determination and single mindedness of her passion. Until now her friends and family had supported & loved her throughout, not as a woman nor a man, but as a person and that is what make me most happy about and that was all she had wanted to say.

Outside the press conference room, Eri approached Ruka and told her that if only she had told her earlier. Eri said to a surpised Ruka "I would not be surprised. I would not have been frightened. Because, Ruka is Ruka. I'm sorry I am so retarded and not noticed earlier and hence put u under so much stress. It must have been a tough period till now."



Back at home, Takeru was wondering to Ruka about how Michiru was doing and if they should contact her. Ruka rejected the idea as she felt Michiru must be unable to accept the truth about Ruka and hence not appearing at the competition. It cannot be helped that things became this way. Just then, the phone rang and it was Michiru's mother looking for her. To his shock, he found out that Sousuke had died!

Everyone in share house was still reeeling in shock about Sousuke's sucidal death. Eri started to self reproach but Ogurin stopped her and stated it had nothing to do with her. Rather, it was because he had realised the bad things he had done.. Takeru informed that Michiru was still under incident investigation as witness. They all agreed to leave her alone at this moment.

Next morning, Ruka received a mail from Michiru stating that she would lived alone and asked everyone not to worry. Meanwhile, Ogurin apologetically said his goodbye to Eri as he informed he will be posted to Milan and be with his wife. Eri forbid him to say sorry but rather to thank her as their last goodbye.

Michiru moved back to the previous city her mum & her had lived in to begin her new life. During work, she accidentally found out she was pregnant. During check up, the doctor informed her that there may be a risk to both baby and mother during delivery due to some high blood pressure issue. That night, she recalled her first meeting with Sosuke as she pondered over the baby. She remenbered how he had once told her that because his mother had abandoned him at 10yr with one of her customer lover, hence he looked forward to being married with Michiru as soon as possible, and have a baby to have a happy family together with her.

To her surprise, Michiru found her mum waiting for her in her flat. The mum asked if she was pregnant with Sosuke's child. Michiru kept quiet and her mum told her to abort it. Michiru rejected the idea and said she would raise the child herself. Her mum started to comment how expensive it will be to have a child and what a liability it will be. To her surprise, Michiru asked her mum if that was how she had saw her- a burden, as she had always had that sneaking suspicions of being so. Michiru declared emotionally unlike her mum, she would raised the child with utmost love! Her mum told her that she used to have the same idea - that everything would be alright with just the 2 of them (baby and mother). Looking at Michiru, her mum smiled and said she will leave the final decision to Michiru.

Last friends - Ep 11 Recap: Sousuke Last Letter

"Michiru,

Goodybe Michiru.
I'm giving you back your freedom.
I would only restrict you if I continue to Live,
and so, to let you have your freedom, this heart of mine has to stop.

I had wanted to be your everything.
To be your everything in the world you are in and see,
to be your very light that shine on you.
To be your every happiness that you have.
(Note: I am unsure if I got just the para above exactly right as it was alittle bit overwhelming for my rusty Japanese... but the idea is that he want to be and in everything of Michiru's world)

No matter where, No matter when, I just want to be one with you.
But yet, in a world without me, you have found happiness.
That is why, I had better leave.
While my palms still have reminisce of your warmth,
while my body still have remaining memories of being together as one with yours.

I'm sorry
I turly love your smile so much, and yet, I was unable to make you happy
I'm sorry.
I didnt know the way to love you.
I'm sorry.
I am unable to make you happy.

Goodbye, Michiru.
You must be happy!"

******************* ( Continue Ep 11 Recap - Part1, Part 2) ********************

Watch Ep on youtube

11 -1 : http://w11.mocovideo.jp/movie_detail.php?KEY=6Vtz1fm5CwQ

11-2: http://w11.mocovideo.jp/movie_detail.php?KEY=A1apqUlyEOI&REL=1

11-3: http://w11.mocovideo.jp/movie_detail.php?KEY=oS-sdLqD8WA&REL=1

11-4: http://w11.mocovideo.jp/movie_detail.php?KEY=xIEKuelb428&REL=1

11-5: http://w11.mocovideo.jp/movie_detail.php?KEY=oDYFrCLZfWk&REL=1

11-6: http://w11.mocovideo.jp/movie_detail.php?KEY=zsSw75PmmSc&REL=1

11-7: http://w11.mocovideo.jp/movie_detail.php?KEY=VD6ZK5z2iFo&REL=1

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My thoughts

[OMG, the letter was so touching! I could almost feel the anguish before he decided to die. Poor chap, so misguided and so in love.... like I said in last episode recap, I was begining to feel sorry for him and while it was cowardly to just die, he knew he could nevr tame the monster inside him and so he decided to free the woman he love in the only way he knew how.... My eyes were getting misty just thinking about him in those last moments.....]

Last friends Last Episode 11

Last friends last episode is out! Not sure if I have time to complete the recap tonight with so much packing to do, but I will try! If it's not up tonight, it should be by tomorrow. OMG, I am so looking forward to it! Wonder if Michiru will die from bith complications...

Last Friends 10 Summary

Last Friends Episode 10 Review

I kind of expect the ending, so nothing was unexpected in this ep I guess. Anyone following this series would probably have seen these events coming....

Towards the end, I havent quite figured out if Sousuke was feeling sorry about what he did physically (read recap below), feeling sorry that he destroyed Michiru's happiness with her friends, feeling sorry that he will never win Michiru's heart or feeling sorry for himself that he would never have such happiness and friendship bonding that Michiru had. Hence in the recap, I was struggling for a right adjective to describe his mood but I think no single word would have been sufficient to describe the magnitude of his emotional complexities then. Suddenly, I felt a little sorry for him even though I despise his cowardly physical violence for everything. A person like him so caught up in his own insecurity and darkness will forever be alone. I think that is kinda sad....

Last Friends: Ep 10 Recap

Continuing from last episode, Sousuke was bashing Ruka up after her love confession for Michiru. As he started to rip off her shirt and kissing her ear as a sign of male/physical dominance, Ruka reached out for the table lamp stand and bashed it on Sousuke's back in order to break free. She frantically ran to the nearest mall to get a new shirt and cried helplessly as she changed. When she went home, she lied to Michiru that the facial wounds were caused by her fall from her bike but Takeru had his suspicions.

While having dinner, everyone in the house was jumpy when the doorbell rang thinking it might be Sousuke coming to wreak havoc again. Michiru apologised and said that it was better for her to move out so that the rest need not live in fear due to her (sousuke indirectly). Ruka rejected her idea stating that Sousuke would hunt Michiru down no matter where she went.

Meanwhile, Sousuke went back to the park to check on the little boy. He was surprised that the boy's mother returned home but was happy that the little boy would no longer feel alone. Before he left, he told the little boy that he would work hard to get back someone important to him.

Eri accidentally found an article discussing about Ruka's Gender disorder and brought it home to show it to Takeru. Ruka came home just then and told Erin again the article was all lies before returning to her room (and ripped the magazine apart). Takeru went to Ruka's room and started asking Ruka if she wasnt going to talk to Michiru. Takeru asked : "Is it ok not to let Michiru know? Abt your "issue" and "feelings, about how Ruka thinks all these while...and actually, what you truly would like Michiru to understand about yourself."

However, Ruka sadly said that of all people, Michiru is the one person who should never know the truth as they have been friends since high school and they had so many good memories together. She had thought that they would never meet again after Michiru disappeared before graduation, and thought she was dreaming when they met again. Ruka was afriad as she knew Michiru only saw her as a normal friend whereas her own intention was never so pure from the start. Ruka did not want the truth to hurt Michiru nor taint the "innocent" memories (described as snowy white memories).

Unfortunately to Ruka's dismay, Michiru heard the whole conversation and dashed out of the house in shock. The next day, Michiru decided to pack up and leave sharehouse (for her mum's place). Takeru tried to dissuade her. Despite Takeru's sharing that Ruka treasured her alot, and asking if she couldnt accept Ruka's feelings? However, Michiru said she was at loss and didnt know how to face Ruka as she knew she could never return Ruka's affections. Sadly, it was Ruka's turn to overhear their conversation. (Side track: Doesnt people in this house ever learn that people can hear you talking from behind the door?)

While everything was happening, Ruka's dad read the article on Ruka and being disturbed, he went to visit her at the bike course on the pretext of missing her. During the drink together, after Ruka thanked him for his support all these years, her father finally asked her if there was something she wanted to tell him. Ruka finally confided the "gender disorder" truth to her father, that she could never fall for a man nor be married, to be happy in the manner that he had envisioned for her. To her relief, her father told her no matter what, he will support her.

After they parted, Takeru chanced upon her dad in the park. Ruka's father started reminiscing about Ruka's tomboyish childhood and disdain for skirts. He finally cried (after the facts sinked in that Ruka would never be the sort of female daughter he once thought he had and he will miss his cute daughter.)
(sidetrack: its always really hard for any typical parents to have to confront the truth initially i think)

The next morning, Erin saw Sousuke sitting in the park and in frustration, she chastised him for his stalking behaviour, his intentions to cause fear. Erin told Sousuke to be a man and learned to step back or Michiru will only distance herself further if he continues to pester her. Erin stomped off for work. her words were not intended solely for Sousuke alone. Sousuke thought over the words and made a decision.

Sousuke called Michiru and told her that he had packed her remaining clothes. He told her to returned her sparekey to his place and picked up her belongings as erin had told him to "take a step back". While Sousuke was preparing coffee, Michiru spied the good luck charm she had given to Ruka lying on the floor! She confronted him if Ruka was ever at his place and he admitted. He asked Michiru if she now know the real truth about Ruka's feeling.

Michiru pressed Sousuke on what Ruka had said and he had done to her after recalling the wound on her face previously. Sousuke repeated Ruka's confession to a crying Michiru who started to have flashbacks about those moments ruka had supported her. Memories of Takeru telling her that Ruka is now "protecting Michiru with her whole life at stake" came flooding back. Michiru suddenly felt the gushing waves of emotions as she memeories of all the sacrficies that Ruka had done for her overwhelm her. Sousuke continued to mock Ruka that "the fact she was afterall a girl". Shock to hear those words, Michiru fearfully demanded to know what Sousuke had done. Sousuke told her that "everything was easier once one pin her down" Michiru insisted on knowing what else had Sousuke done and he merely calmly told her "Nothing... except to deflate her ego alittle.." In anger, Michiru walked up and slapped Sousuke and started to leave. Sousuke grabbed and stopped her from leaving. Michiru asked wasnt what he had intended for her to leave, Sousuke said he was only "stepping back" to trick her to come back and told her he lied again about letting her go. He started to bash her again, before finally raping her this time! (A scream, a black screen, and 2 crying adults later....)

A despondent naked (covered in sheets) Michiru lay "lifelessly" on the bed promised to stay on and let him "have his ways" whenever he desired, but only if Sousuke promised never to hurt any of her friends, esp Ruka and Takeru. Sousuke got up and sat next to her, asking her why was she crying. her silence only brought more tears and frustration to him. He left her alone in the room and walked out to the living room, not before sliding all the doors closed.

Anguished and feeling alone ( I'm not sure if he felt guilty about what he did), he chanced upon Michiru's happy photos at sharehouse with the rest of her friends. Sousuke cried harder to himself and feeling of darkness engulfed him....

Next morning, an seemingly emotionless Michiru finally got up and went to the living room, wondering where had Sousuke went and why was it so quiet (prob surprised no more punching). As she slowly approached the sofa, to her shock, Sosuke was lying peacfully on the sofa, clinging on to a wedding dress drapped over him, totally soaked in blood...

At the same time, Ruka's competition started. "Michiru, I'm starting off now"

[End of Ep 10]

Last friends episode 10 is out!

Last friends Episode 10 is out now! Thankfully it is a much shorter wait. Gonna watch it after dinner . Hang in there folks!

(Ghees.. so much things to write... so little time.... arrrrrhhhhhh...)

However for those waiting to know if Ruka was "physically" violated left off from the cliff hanger in last episode, well......................... she wasnt, at least not within the first 5 mins i have seen. After he punched her and tried to "slobber" all over her ear, Ruka reached out for the broken lamp stand and whack it across his back. She made a quick dash exit to a mall to buy new clothes for the one that was ripped. Why she didnt hang around to give him a few more good "bashing" (which I prob might) after all the violence and attempted rape was a pity....

Then again, I doubt I too would hang around, but i think I would have given the bastard a good whack to his legs at least to make sure he doesnt come chasing after me, and of course for the punches he threw earlier. Ok... I'm straying....

Last Friends 09 Summary

Each episode gets better and better with this series and its getting to the climax soon!

I often found myself unconsiously holding my breath at each turn when something "bad" is about to happen!

As far, they still have not attempt to explain Takeru nor Sosouke's problems and the series is already coming to an end. Then again, the focus is about DV (domestic violence) victims so it naturally has to revolve more on Michiru. However the script is so fast paced and tight that I didnt really mind since I rather they don't do a draggy long out explanation and ruin everything fantastic now. "Ruka" is an amazing actress, she did the boyish role so well that I can almost believe her being a "boy".

Last friends Episode 09 Review

The sharehouse friends were feeling bored from Ruka’s absence. Just then, Ruka called to announce her win in the race and promised to return the next day for celebration with the rest.

The same night, Michiru passed Takeru’s room and chatted about Ruka. Takeru replied Ruka and himself are friends.The sort of friendship that wont change even till death.” Takeru said to himself.

The next night when she returned to sharehouse for celebration, Ruka thanked Takeru for being the emotional support (after learning her gender disorder truth) and with that, it had taken the weight off her shoulders. Michiru witnessed from the door, a cheerful Ruka and Takeru chatting happily. She thought to herself that it was the first time she saw a relaxed Ruka laughing happily in Takeru’s company.

Michiru answered the doorbell next morning and found Takeru’s sister at the door. While explaining her presence, Takeru’s sister suddenly rushed in and relaxed alittle upon seeing a snoozing Takeru in the living room. She left the banana bread and left. Just then Takeru woke and asked Michiru about the bread. He dropped the bread just Michiru informed him of his sister visit, and requested a surprised Michiru not to reveal the visit to anyone before dumping the bread away.

Due to a renewal of rental contract, Takeru volunteered to accompany Michiru to her mum’s home to request for approval. Unhappy, Michiru’s mum asked Michiru aside for private talk. Initally, Michiru was faced with her mum’s suspicions of Takeru ‘s character due to his appearance and her constant praise for Sousoke. Shocked by her mother’s slip, Michiru asked her mum when had she met Sousuke (since she has never made the introduction)! Sensing a problem, Takeru interrupted and requested her to avoid t=sharing Michiru’s whereabouts to Sosouke. At then, her mum confessed she had borrowed money from Sosuke. Takeru revealed about the truth of Sosuke’s physical abuse on Michiru. When the mum tried to make excuses that it was common for man to occasional behave as such, Takeru vehemently rejected that notion and that it was absolutely uncalled behavious. He officially requested the mum to protect Michiru as a mother would. With that, Michiru’s mother came round by Takeru’s sincerity and truth of words and quickly come to good terms with Takeru.

On way back, Michiru made an excuse and rushed off to avoid close intimacy with Takeru while sharing an umbrella. Unknown to her, Sosouke was stalking her! When he appeared before her, she trembled and tried to remind Sosuke that they had broken up. Unwilling to listen to her, Sosuke continued on with his wishful request for her to return home with him. In fear, she tried to flee and told a dumbfounded Sousuke to set her free as that she had fallen for someone else! Sousuke said he didn’t believe her but Michiru insisted it was the truth and run off, only to bump into Takeru who was searching all over for her.

The next day, an unsuspecting and happy (over a makeup job offer to work for movie production) Takeru was suddenly attacked by Sousuke’s crutches and fell down the stairs. In rage and jealousy, Sousuke unrelentlessly and cruelly bashed Takeru with his crutches and cracked Takeru’s hand! Learning the news, Ruka decided to move back to Sharehouse to protect Michiru - who was then feeling guilty and taking all responsibility for Takeru’s injuries. Ruka tried to assured Michiru it was Sousuke’s fault but Michiru insisted it was her confession to Sousuke that caused the incident. Ruka asked if Michir liked Takeru but Michiru replied she wasn’t sure and Ruka is the person of his affection. Ruka sigh with a smile and said “ Takeru and I are just friends ad not as what u think.”

WhileMichiru accompanied Takeru to the hospital, Ruka went to Sosuke’s flat to confront him. He tried to intimidate Ruka with threats of exposing her hospitals visits and disorder to her parents but Ruka was unafraid of anything anymore. Sensing his loss of advantage, he asked if everything was planned by Ruka. Ruka told him that Michiru was no longer his girlfriend had she had nothing to do with the chain of events.

Looking at Sosuke, Ruka added “ Michiru is standing up for herself and learning to live by herself. She is gradually falling for a real guy, someone gentle, someone who knows how to love someone else and she will be blissful. I will not let u ruin this happiness of hers.” Sousuke chucked and asked her what right does she have to say all these. Ruka stoically replied “Because…. The real person who loved her is me. Your sort of “love” isn’t love at all.”

Sousuke went silent before suddenly advanced towards Ruka and started to bash her! The fight ensued and at the end, Sosuke pinned her down on the floor and ripped her shirt apart after punching her!

Back at sharehouse, Takeru’s “glued” mug suddenly fell apart with the handled falling off! Both Takeru and Michiru looked on uncomfortably at the inauspicious omen!

Last Friends 08 Summary

The English sub episode 8 is out by the time I got back from HK, so do not really see a point to write a recap for it. So instead, I'll stick to only a short review instead.

Last Friends Episode 8 Review
This is basically like a "tear jerker" episode. Initially I thought they were dragging out the gender issue abit too long but hell was i wrong. The script writer decided that its time to leak the truth to keep up the heighten plot!

So Ruka's gender disorder issue was being accidentally discovered by Eri who wanted to use her computer. Of course Eri was unsure and suspicious about what she saw on the screen and after confiding with Takeru, she figured it must be a misunderstanding. Takeru is turning out to be really big hearted when he finally chased after a departing Ruka and declared his support and love, right out in the public park. This is after he read Ruka's confession of her true problems in a letter for him before her house move. When they hugged together, I was thinking "Oh Shit is going to hit the fan soon!" Based on Micheru's last line in episode 8, that "she thought she was witnessing the blossom of a love romance", only means that it is the unfolding of someone's tragedy....death in the next few episode. Well, we always knew someone is to die, but "WHO" is the ultimate question.

At this point, I must say Sosuke is really twisted. What i do not understand is why didnt they report him to the police as yet after seeing his obsession with Michiru. It's hard to think they can be so careless about it when he obviously had no qualms to bash her up so severly in the past. When i saw the preview for next episode, I was shock to see him hitting out unexpectedly at Takeru. Not sure if the preview is meant to "misled" but highly impossible. Well in the next few days, we shall find out soon!

Last Friends 07 Summary

Last Friends Episode 7 Review

Continuing from last episode's confession, Ruka was forced from revealing her problems to Takeru. Instead, Ruka's departing to Takeru was for him to love Michiru even more because Michiru is afraid of being lonely. Before they returned into the house, Ruka seeked Takeru's assurance that nothing had changed and that they will remain as friends as before.

Inside the house, Ruka put on a bright disposition and mingled with the rest of her housemates in the new game. Takeru looked on by himself, understanding that in order to be part of Ruka's life, he had to keep his sorrow to himself and not become a burden to Ruka. While everyone was having fun, Eri shared that she had won 6 free tickets to the amusement park and asked everyone along. Michiru cautiously looked on to Ruka's response and was secretly glad and relieved that Ruka wanted to join in the shared activity with her in it.

The next day, Ruka unexpectedly brought her biking coach to the house and introduced him as the 6th person to join in for the day's activity. Michiru misread the situation and openly asked if the coach was the "person that Ruka secretly liked for years." Ruka awkwardly admit to it, while Takeru sadly looked on.


In the park, as everyone else paired up and moved ahead, Takeru looked ahead and saw his sister with her family. Takeru was rooted to the spot from shock. His sister looked up and saw Takeru, pausing before giving a smile to herself but without greeting him. Takeru feeing weak to his guts slowly ambled away and walked off in the oppposite direction. Michiru saw and worriedly followed him, where Takeru later said he was unwell. Meanwhile, Eri discovered the missing two but Ruka brushed it off as nothing (and giving the 2 private times) and proceeded to lead the group to play the games.

Back at home, Takeru and Michiru was alone at home while the rest were not back yet. Michiru told Takeru that she will be happy to listen to his troubles and to support/help him, as he and everyone else had saved her from Sosuke. She would like to be by his side when he is lonely. While Takeru was seemingly touched, yet he hid the truth from Michiru and said he was only tired from work.

Just then the rest returned and sprung a surprise "present" on Michiru. When she unveiled the box, it was a cake saying "Welcome home Michiru". Ruka explained that things were alittle messy earlier and so this is a belated welcome party. Michiru looked almost in tears and shared that "she had always been afraid to be alone, and she wanted to tell everyone that it's so good to be here." As the rest joked on with Michiru, Takeru excused himself to pour coffee for everyone. Just then, Ruka's coach walked in with food and shock registered on Takeru's face as he looked on from the kitchen.Ruka walked in, "carelessly" ignoring Takeru, poured coffee to her "paired" mug and offered it to her coach. Takeru looked choked with overwhelming emotions at Ruka's behaviour and was seen silently brooding in his room in the next scene.

Michiru made up her mind and approached Ruka in her room. She confied that she had decidedi to have a chat with Sosuke and end the relationship with him. She felt that she now possess the necessary courage. Ruka initially tried to dissuade her from meeting Sosuke face to face but Michiru wanted to prove she is capable of solving her problem on her own.

The next day when Michiru rang Sosuke, he misunderstood and assumed she was returning back to his place since she had no place else to go. He was stunned when Michiru told him she wanted to end the relationship. Sosuke asked if she was being brainwashed by the "sharehouse" people and they will eventually abandon her as well. Michiru defended her friends while Sosuke said he will never leave her until till death. When Sosuke said he loved her alot, Michiru questioned didnt he hit her so that she would do his bidding? When she said that Sosuke only viewed himself more important as her, Sosuke denied and defended that he only wanted to be one entity with Michiru. Michiru sadly apologised that she didnt understand Sosuke either and said her goodbye (formal end of relationship) before hanging up.

Next scene, everyone at the biking place stared at the pasted noticed about "Ruka's personality". After Ruka angrily tored off the notices, her coach asked her "What exactly are those and if she has any clue who might have done that?" Ruka awkwardly explained the defamation probably was from Michiru's ex DV boyfriend and was hateful that Ruka ruined their relationship. As Ruka walked away, her coach firmly asked her "So there is absolutely not a shred of truth inthose word?". Ruka replied if those things are believeable and her coach sheepishly said that no he doesnt believe so.


Sosuke met the "welfare" boy again, one whom he had been sharing bread with in the past. He asked when did the boy's mum disappeared and the boy said he couldnt remember anymore. Sosuke followed the boy home and saw the messy house which stirred up Sosuke's emotions.

Sosuke brought the little boy back and made dinner. When asked, Sosuke said his mum has passed on, he wasnt married and he broke up. When the boy stated isnt he (Sosuke) lonely, Sosuke said no as he was confident Michiru would return.

Just when Takeru returned home, Ruka passed him and stormed into her room without a glance or a word to him. Giving in to his struggle and unknown that Michiru was actually home overhearing, he stood outside Ruka's room and asked what was bothering her and she should share with him since they are friends. Totally frustrated, Ruka threw stuff at the door (where Takeru was standing outside) and shouted that he was a nuisance and there are some things that one would rather die than spill. Dejected, Takeru stormed off to his own room in despair, with flashbacks of his sister when he was a child.

The next morning, Ruka's odd mood set everyone to be jumpy and concerned. After she left,Takeru spotted her forgotten mobile but struggled not to chase after Ruka. Instead,Takeru helped out in the kitchen and asked Michiru openly if she cried last night thinking of Sosuke again. She sadly admitted to it, sharing how sad it was to regrettfully leave something she cherished behind, when ironically it was actually hell in reality. Takeru said he understood as he had shared a smilar past, "someone whom he once loved dearly is now someone he hated". Sensing Michiru's worries, he smiled and assured her "everything will be better. A new person you will like will appear, and new friends will also appear. And even if you have a wound in your heart, with slow tender care, the wound will decrease in size".

With that said, Michiru suddenly leaned forward resting on the shoulder of a shocked Takeru and asked "Can i like you?" While Takeru maintained his silence but gingerly put his hand on Michiru's shoulder, the whole scene was witnessed by Ruka who returned to retrieved her mobile. Ruka quietly left the scene but accidentally knocked over a flower pot which broke the daze for Takeru. He looked at the sofa (with missing mobile) with dread as he realised that Ruka had witnessed the earlier event.

Last Friends Episode 6 and Overview

The first 6 episodes have already been sub with English Subtitles, so there really is no point doing an episode recap for the older episodes. However for those who hasnt caught on, below is a review summary.

My Review

Last Friends is currently a new J-drama that is being aired on Fuji TV, intended for mature viewing presumably because the theme deals with the darker aspects of love. Up to espisode 6, the focus as far has been obviously about relationship violence in all forms, from emotional blackmailing & scarring, to actual physical violence (Domestic Violence).

Before you turn away thinking "this is too dark for me" or that "what a twisted series", I implore you to give this drama a chance because the script, the acting are really good. This is about reality, a side where most of us are lucky not to see or experience in our lives. Not knowing doesnt mean it doesnt exists, plus the drama is done so excellently that you end up rooting for more.

There are 6 main characters in the series, though up to now, the producers are only slowly clue-ing us in on the main 4 leads- Sosuke, Michiru, Ruka and Takeru.

The episodes started off with a heavily pregnant Michiru, reminiscing about her friend "lost" Ruka, and about an unfortunate death (not specifying who). Then it went back in time relating Michiru's reunion with Ruka her highschool best friend after 4 years of absence. The series also start off with viewers being led to believe (as how we as spectators to other people's life would think in real life) how gentle and loving her boyfriend Sosuke is, patiently and understandingly waiting for Michiru to knock off from her irregular and budding hairdstylist hours.

Moving rapidly forward, in episode one, we are shocked by the sudden change in Sosuke behind closed doors. Insanely charged with jealousy, possessiveness and mistrust, we are forced to witness the first tormenting abuse of Michiru.


Ruka comes into the picture, determined to protect Michiru at all cost, while Takeru (Ruka new found friend and housemate) in turn secretly made up his mind to protect Ruka. Ruka invited Michiru to stay with her at her "Sharhouse" as a refuge to escape Sosuke her abusive boyfriend. In the first night when Michiru ran to Ruka for help and fell asleep, we see Ruka bending over and kissing Michiru on her lips, indicating Ruka's struggle to keep her affections underneath. She understood that in keeping Michiru and Sosuke apart, the only person that will hurt the most is her.


In later episode, we also saw how Ruka realised with shock at how her protective concerns mirrors Sosuke's possesiveness, when Michiru timidly and obediently tried to throw her mobile away after Ruka vocalised her displeasure of everyone jumping at "Sosuke's shadows" (mobile rings). I doubt Michiru will remain oblivious to the Ruka's increasing and protective love for long.



We see Michiru timidly submitted to Sosuke in the name of love, and how with friends support and renewed courage, struggle to break free from Sosuke's darkness and relentless binding raging "love". What I admire is the director's realistic portrayal of how a DV's victim would struggle to break free, or how they would (unexplainably) sink back to the cycle of violence, without a voice and losing themselves to the situation that they felt they had no chance of breaking out. The story has it that Michiru's mother ran away from her abusive husband, but the home violence doesnt seem to dent Michiru's kind character. However later, the story seemed to hint at the her weakness and ability to escape from a desperate situation because she was desperately clinging on to her only thread of "love" (Sosuke), even if it means being abused, because that was her understanding of love...

Takeru is a character we would love. A seemingly mature sensible, sensitive and understanding companion. He has his own dark past, monsters he wanted to avoid but not seeminly able to break free no matter how far he ran. Takeru is scarred, knows he is scarred and tried to help himself. I suspect he is sexually abused by his sister or maybe her husband but the story hasnt progressed to there.


As far, the viewers have only been shown his good sides, his intervention to save Michiru, his implicit understanding of Ruka's feelings and his ability to defuse an awkward situation. I suspect that later on Michiru be in a relationship with Takeru since Ruka has gender disorder but its only a personal guess.


Sosuke, a seemingly nice person turns out to be a cruel man who is both an abuser and a stalker. From Michiru's account, we know Sosuke has a dark unwanted childhood, but the story has yet to evolved to how his current behaviour came about.

Eri and Ogurin's characters have yet to be accounted or developed fully and so we will see in later episodes.

I liked the script writting alot, especially those quiet & profound inner moments of each character such as:

Ep5:

Takeru:
From when was it, that people’s thought become so complex. Living with a small secret bottled up inside, and carrying their troubles along with them….. I wonder when we will be happy?”

Michiru:
Life isn’t simple. When we are in a hurry to find happiness…it wont work out well.

Ep 6:

Eri
Humans just aren’t black and white..even worthless man has his cute side.

Last Friends (Japanese)

Just finished watching "Last friends"...all i can say for now before I add my review later, is that "Wow..OMG. What a drama!"

It's good, really good... Dark but good.

To start with, I absolutely love the drama song intro "Prisoner of Love" and the various shots (seen below) the editors have pieced together so aptly. While it may seem strange initially with people walking about haphazardly, the song intro finally begins to make sense as the drama episodes progressed and the various states of emotions of the different character started to appear and cracked.

I love the simple representations (to me at least). The binding red string signifying our entangled destiny/ fate), house keys representing the key to a person's home but more importanly and indirectly, to one's world and heart, the cup as like our heart, overspilling with (dark) emotions.

The song lyrics couldnt be more aligned with the drama, the despair, anguish, agony and contradictions of love. There is a reason why its titled "Prisoner of Love". Aint we all are?

Japanese Music Track: Prisoner of Love (May New Release)

Yeah! Utada Hikaru has released a new song "Prisoner of Love" few days ago (May 20) ! Yep, it has already secured the #1 spot under iTune Japan Top Song.

The track has a few versions, and this original will serve as the theme song for the Japanese TV drama "Last Friends" with (official website).

Came across her song while watching Hana Yori Dango 2 (F4 series). It was the insert track "Flavour of Life" (dwnld) that caught my attention to this singer even though by then, the song was already her 18th single releases.

Thought about it and decided that I would only share the "Prisoner of Love" original version (dwnld) here and not the whole album because the idea is for people to like songs heard and START buying artists ORIGINAL albums like I did.

Honestly I would never have bought all the manga figurines (bleach bleach bleach and all the way from Japan Tokyo, not some cheap Taiwanese ripoff!!!), original DVDs and CDs (subsequent) if I had not first stumbled into them free on the internet and fall in love with them. I too have suffered the extreme frustration of loving a song/movie/drama but only having them being not released out of the originating country at all, or until much later...you just wished desperately someone would fulfil your fervent search...

However, I think if the artists/ dramas have proven themselve to be of sustainable interest and not a one song/ep wonder rip off, it is only fair that we should really not quibble over $20 or $1/per track on iTune and just buy them isnt it?