Utterly Charming!

Of course, Shiz's Chitta-kun is also adorable, but there's something I've become obsessed with this winter drama season: "Ashita no, Kita Yoshio" on Fuji TV, Tuesdays at 10 PM.

That's not to say Kohinata-san is charming (or rather, he is quite charming), but it's Yuriko Yoshitaka, who plays the former idol Shinobu Yoimachi.

I regrettably hadn't known of her existence until I saw her on a Fuji TV promotional bowling tournament after the New Year. Intrigued, I checked out the first episode of the drama and was completely captivated. Or rather, I was floored (laughs).

Her role is that of a washed-up former idol, with dyed brown hair and a somewhat brassy demeanor, yet she possesses an overwhelming sense of purity that surprised me after a long time.

At the time of the first broadcast, her mixi community probably had around 200 to 300 members, but by the end of today's broadcast, the number of registered members has reached 2,050.

I'm sure she's floored many across Japan (laughs).

Speaking of purity, Ryoko Hirosue in Fuji TV's "Beach Boys" was divine, but Yoshitaka's purity is different from that virginal quality; it's refined, and her acting is superb.

I immediately rented and watched her film "Noriko's Dinner Table," and was so impressed by her presence that I regretted not having paid attention to her sooner.

This was a "Tuesday treat" (laughs) from the biggest fan in the OPENERS editorial department. I urge you to watch next week at 10 PM, just give it a try.

(Kajii)