Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge
Score: 10/10
Number of Episodes: 10
Episode Length: 45 minutes
Air Date: January 15, 2010
Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge (Perfect Girl Evolution) is a Japanese drama that is adapted from the manga of the same name. The story is about Sunako, a girl who loves all things horror, wears a cape and doesn't like to leave her room. She prefers to socialize with two plastic anatomy models and a skeleton rather than actual people. Her rich aunt Mine runs a boarding house and offers her four male tennants free rent if they can turn Sunako into a lady. Every character has some issue or situation that they are dealing with. Sunako became completely asocial and eccentric due to bullying in high school. Kyohei is extremely handsome and hates it. The attention he receives from females (and some males) has gotten him fired from countless jobs and ruined his relationship with his parents. Ranmaru is a playboy that has never had a serious relationship because he can only love himself. Yuki is in a long-distance relationship and feels inadequate compared to his friends. Takenaga has a domineering father who wants to control his life. While attempting to change Sunako, the guys each begin to go through changes themselves. In the end Sunako never needed to change, she just needed to be accepted for who she was.
I have only watched a few Japanese dramas but I really like them. They tend to have fewer episodes (between 9-11) compared to the sometimes lengthy Korean dramas (16-50+) and are easier to get through. I found myself comparing this drama to Hana Kimi due to the humor and quirky characters, although I liked more of the characters in this drama. Sunako and Kyohei are the primary focus but all the characters get a chance to shine. Acceptance and friendship are strong themes in this drama and help keep it grounded amongst all the bizarre situations. The pacing of the story was great, it didn't drag or get weighed down by the more serious and emotional plot elements. I really enjoyed this drama and I highly recommend it.