I finally just finished watching Stand Up!! after around an 8 month break between the last 3 episodes. On the list of Japanese Drama’s I have watched, this one ranks near the top as one of my favorites. It’s extremely funny, yet tackles some tough topics teenagers have while growing up.

Four schoolboys find themselves the last virgins left at school. During the summer holidays, a girl they knew as children 11 years ago, moves back to the neighborhood. Despite their childhood attraction to her, they realize she is a mere shadow of the “princess” they all thought they knew. This story of summer – love, friendship, school, family, the hypocrisy of adults, complications of life, experience and failure is set in an everyday shopping district and shows the clumsiness of children who have developed a little later than their peers. It’s a bright romantic comedy that both young and old can appreciate. (TBS)

Out of the amazing cast, you may recognize the star Ninomiya Kazunari as Asai Shouhei in the series. He is one member of the hit boy JPOP group Arashi. Ninomiya is a very good actor, and has even crossed over into the mainstream movies stateside with his role in Letters from Iwo Jima.

If you get a chance to watch Stand Up!!, I would definitely recommend it! For more JDrama, check out the Japanese TV category.