Tokujo Kabachi

I think my curiosity with Sakurai Sho and Horikita Maki’s team up had made me watch Tokujo Kabachi sooner than planned. I find nothing extraordinary with this drama. You would also need patience to get into the “rhythm” and carry on with the series. But it was somehow special. And of course, there were things I’ve learned from it.

Though Tamura Katsuhiro (Sakurai) was not the most brilliant legal practitioner, he’s not a lawyer by the way, rather very emotional and naive, I find his character heart-warming. Tamura was pure and sensitive, except on logical matters. I like how firm he was with his belief on what a legal practitioner should be. Although kind-hearted he didn’t back off from anyone, not even from his boss, when his sense of justice was stepped on. I think that was admirable of him.

Somehow, I could relate to him, mostly with some of his mistakes but I’ll keep that to myself.

As for Sumiyoshi Misuzu (Horikita), I’d say my choleric high school and college self could relate to her, minus the cigarette smoking.

I still haven’t had the “WOAH!” feeling with Horikita’s acting but I’d say she’s been trying her best to be in-character. I said “trying” because there were moments when I find her reactions questionable. As a result, I was wondering what was with Sumiyoshi-sensei. Was she being cold? Perhaps indifferent? Or maybe she was trying to understand the emotions involved? Those were my questions whenever those questionable moments happen.

It’s interesting that albeit the gap between Tamura and Sumiyoshi, in terms of emotions and intellect, they were still able to find a common ground to keep holding on to each other as legal practitioners.

I also find it interesting whenever a case gets settled and Sumiyoshi would look at Tamura then the latter would turn to her and pull a nonchalant smile. It’s like it’s just business.

 

There was a scene (below) when Sumiyoshi had to go back to the Ohno Office and confront Tamura. When Tamura would face Sumiyoshi, he looked “calm” but when he turned his back to her, it was where his true feelings showed. It was anguish, one that, in a sense, had me taken aback. The eyes of Sakurai just said it all.

This was a poignant moment for me.

Besides Tamura and Sumiyoshi, the other Ohno Office staff I find interesting was Shigemori Kanji (Endo Kenichi). He may be strict but I like his concern for everyone, especially for Tamura. Well, it was kind of harsh for the nice Tamura but I think that was needed.

“Okaeri.”

“Tadaima.”

That exchange of one-liners was the first to put me on tumbling or sommersault mode. The other two were of Honda-sensei and the last episode’s last scene, respectively. The latter was not perfect, I would say, but I’m glad the camera captured another angle so there was a better view. Well, the sakura trick was really nice. I love it.

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Originally posted on: 6 April 2013

Reposted on: 3 August 2013