‘Hana Yori Dango‘ started airing from October 21, 2005 till December 16, 2005 on TBS network. A total of 9 episodes have been aired. Each episode spans to around 46 minutes. On 2006 it was released in four DVDs. A DVD collection has been released, titled ‘Hana yori Dango DVD Box‘ where a photobook is also included. This series is based on the popular manga of Kamio Yoko.
Synopsis
The dorama focuses on Makino Tsukushi’s life and how she has to deal with countless problems, especially at her school. Her problems started when she decided to attend Eitoku Gakuen, an exclusive school where the rich and celebrities attend. The students are all from a high class level and make it a point to flaunt their riches, even at school at various levels. Students are driven to school with limousines, hummers and sports cars. They also make sure to wear the most elevated brands to display how rich they are. It’s quite impressive to see how ridiculously rich some of the students are and how they go to extents to display it.
To make matters even worse, there is a group of four students called ‘Flower Four’ or most commonly ‘F4′, who actually control the whole school because their parents give generous donations to Eitoku. F4 are the richest students, they do whatever they want and entertain themselves by ‘eliminating’ whoever comes in their way from Eitoku with a ‘red notice’. The student who gets a red notice ends up bullied and ostracized until they leave the school. Their system resembles the middle age political system where any sign of rebellion was stunted.
Since Makino is a ‘commoner’ and certainly cannot afford these luxuries, she feels excluded and tries not to stand out and attract attention. Nonetheless she still really hates how the F4 flaunt their power and does not willingly attend to these activities. Yet, she passively accepts it because she knows how proud her family are of her school. However this all changes when she crosses the path of F4 and clashes with their leader, Domyouji Tsukasa. Makino ends up getting a red notice, which leads the whole school to torment her but she refuses to leave Eitoku. A member from F4, Hanazawa Rui secretly helps her during this difficult time which leads to Makino falling for him.
Domyouji is used to being in control and when Makino refuses to bend at his will he is baffled and enraged. Things start changing when Makino punches him, which reminds him of the only person who wasn’t intimidated by him; his sister. Surprisingly he starts falling in love with Makino, but he isn’t very good at displaying his feelings so he ends up confusing her by his bursts of jealousy and his strange displays of affection. Without wanting to Makino’s life is turned upside down, getting unwanted attention and rivals, while she unsuccessfully tries living a normal life.
Tsukasa’s way of settling the score
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Tsukasa confessing again
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Makino is thrown in a love triangle, trying to decide who she likes. However, Makino slowly starts trusting Domyouji and accepting him as he is. Most of the episodes see them facing rivals, misunderstandings and unbelieveable obstacles. However Makino also finds a lot of allies, who are determined on making the two of them get together, no matter what!
The Characters
Inoue Mao as Makino Tsukushi
Makino Tsukushi is the protagonist of this dorama. She is a typical high school student from a middle class family. When she is accepted to the distinguished high school Eitoku Gakuren, she is horrified to see that the students attend school to flaunt their status and is disgusted at F4’s attitude.
However she sacrifices her happiness and attends, because her family are thrilled at the idea that she attends such a prestigious school. Yet this is only the start of her troubles. When her friend Sanjou Sakurako ends up spilling juice over Domyouji, Makino decides to stand up for her which leads to her getting a red notice.
Makino’s strong character is clearly portrayed when she’s being bullied by the whole school. She hates being pushed around and she retaliates and confronts Domyouji, something that would lead to him falling for her. Her stubborn attitude rivals to the one of Domyogi leading them to clash at every single opportunity.
It is also interesting to note that this was Inoue Mao’s first major act in a dorama, where she acted brilliantly and won an award as best actress in the ‘47th Television Drama Academy Awards’.
Matsumoto Jun as Domyouji Tsukasa
Domyouji Tsukasa is the leader of F4 and the heir to the international Domyougi Financial group. He’s a spoilt, arrogant and bull-headed person, who hates losing. Thus it’s quite common to see him beating people up when he’s pissed off. Also he seems to mix words quite a lot, leading to confusing and funny moments.
He falls for Makino, the only girl who doesn’t care about his money, fame or power. He awkwardly tries extremely hard to get Makino’s affections in the wrong ways. He threatens to kill her if she doesn’t do what he wants, claims that she loves him and buys expensive gifts to her family which lead to a very frustrated Makino. Jun Matsumoto is part of popular J-pop band ARASHI. He won an award as best supporting actor in the ‘47th Television Drama Academy Awards’.
Oguri Shun as Hanazawa Rui
Hanazawa Rui is the most mysterious and introverted member of F4. He frequently spends his time in the fire escape staircase reading or sleeping. Despite that he’s a member of F4, he doesn’t seem to enjoy their activities and he’s intrigued when Makino stands up for them to the point that he starts helping her.
Makino falls for Rui but quickly realizes that he has hidden feelings for his childhood friend, Shizuka and she urges him to follow her and quit holding back his feelings. Makino helped Rui express himself more and he slowly ends up falling for her too!
Shun is the former boyfriend of J-Pop idol Yaguchi Mari. He got the role as Rui because Jun told the producers that if they didn’t give Shun the role, he wouldn’t act as Domyouji. In real life, Jun and Shun are good friends, all the way from the Gokusen days.
Matsuda Shota as Nishikado Sojiro
Nishikado Sojiro is the son of the head of a prestigious tea ceremony school. His elegant appearance and manners are quite deceiving though. He’s a typical rich playboy, who is always playing around with different girls and avoids commitment. In the end he never seems to consider any girl seriously.
He’s often seen partying with Mimasaka Akira, with whom he gets along quite well, probably because of their mutual love for women. His attitude is quite laid-back, charismatic and full of confidence, however he tends to lose his temper if things do not go his way. Despite the fact he’s a social person, he’s quite cold and detached from anyone, except F4. Shota actually comes from a family of actors, so it was inevitable that he’d end up as one himself.
Abe Tsuyoshi as Mimasaka Akira
Mimasaka Akira is the most mature and reasonable member of F4. Despite being seen as a side-kick, usually he’s the one who patches up everything when something goes wrong and probably the person who keeps F4 together. He’s known to give a helping hand, whenever something comes up.
His family are bosses in the Underground. He’s also known to enjoy women who are much older than him, especially if they’re married and is considered a ‘lady killer’. And very much like Sojiro, he doesn’t take any relationship seriously and he avoids commitment.
Abe was actually born in China. His family moved to Japan at age 9 and he’s of mixed Chinese-Japanese heritage and speaks both languages fluently.
Sato Megumi as Sanjou Sakurako
Sanjou Sakurako came to Eitoku as a transfer student. She quickly bonded with Makino and became her first and only female friend at Eitoku. Sakurako was the only person who didn’t seem to mind that Makino was poor and also seemed to enjoy her mother’s cooking.
When she ends up spilling juice on Domyouji, Makino stands up for her. Sakurako ends up quitting school but Makino and her still keep in contact during her absence.
However Sakurako’s intentions are quite obscure. She is seen as timid and shy and yet in reality she’s quite different. Actually Sakurako is a manipulative individual who holds a grudge and a secret for many years. In the end Makino’s and Sakurako’s relationship is quite odd. They are friends yet rivals and they seem to always aim for the same goal.
Matsushima Nanako as Domyouji Tsubaki
Domyouji Tsubaki is Tsukasa’s gorgeous elder sister. She’s married to a hotel owner in Los Angeles and seems to live a happy life. She frequently visits Japan to see her brother. Apart from Makino Tsubaki is the only person who stands up for his nonsense and frequently punches him and pushes him around. Nonetheless they seem to have a strong bond, where Tsubaki is often seen offering advice and help to her brother.
Her warm and bright character livens up every episode she takes part. However in the past she has given up a love because of her mother’s pressure and she regrets it. When she meets Makino, she quickly warms up to her, maybe because their characters are so similar. She sees potential within Tsukushi and Tsukasa and so she is frequently seen as giving a helping hand.
Matsushima Nanako is a very famous actress who starred in the 1996 movie ‘Ringu’ which became a hit. Her popularity is widespread and she regularly tops such polls as ‘best jeanist’ or ‘favorite female star’.
The Music
This dorama happens to have an excellent soundtrack along with a brilliant cast. The opening song, Wish is actually by ARASHI, the group which Jun makes part of. This single was extremely popular and topped the Oricon charts selling a total of 303,812 copies.
Otsuka Ai composed and sang the image song for this dorama called Planetarium, which was released as her 10th single. Unlike the opening song, Planetarium was a slow and melancholic ballad. This single was another hit, getting the top spot on Oricon, selling 315,669 copies and ranking as Ai’s 2nd highest selling single.
Conclusion
I must say this dorama was quite entertaining to watch. Every single tiny detail and aspect about it was just perfect. The actors were well selected and fitted their role so realistically that the watcher could easily relate with how they were feeling. Inoue Mao really does an excellent job by portraying Makino’s woes and confused feelings and is extremely entertaining to watch. Also watching how carefully they selected the scenes and the high budget, I was thrilled to see how they replicated the manga scenes into reality.
Tsubaki realising how dense Tsukasa is
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Tsukushi trying to learn the piano.
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‘Hana Yori Dango‘ is definitely one of the best doramas ever released. There was nothing to gripe about and everything is definitely set to be of the highest quality. Despite only having nine episodes the series covered a huge part of the manga and it wraps up everything quite well in the end. Thus it is no surprise that this series got a high rating and fanbase.
What has brought this dorama to life, was the fantastic amount of chemistry between the characters of Tsukasa and Tsukushi. While their relationship is quite odd and awkward, it creates a spark between them which makes you feel that they’re made for each other, no matter how many problems may arise.
On a final note I do suggest you keep an eye out for ‘Hana Yori Dango 2‘ which will continue from where the first series ended and shall take the protagonists to New York.
Rating: 
Purchase this item: YesAsia US | YesAsia Global
Torrent: Fansub by Sars Fansubs
Torrent: Original Soundtrack
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171 responses so far ↓
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Rinoa
// May 7, 2007 at 9:43 am
Chelsee maybe you should watch in on Veoh. I also have a terrible internet connection but veoh allows you to watch it online and the quality is relatively good. Otherwise I’m sure there are some summaries around, since I’ve dug up a few myself. This one is particularly good, with caps and a very interesting summary. [WARNING SPOILERS]
http://randomc.animeblogger.net/2007/03/17/hana-yori-dango-2-11-end/
chelsee
// May 7, 2007 at 9:18 am
i’ve watched already this drama and i enjoyed a lot. but im sad because i didn’t finish the final episode of HYD season 2.. can anyone help me to find the summary of the final episode of the HYD 2..plss…coz i don’t have time to watch it in the net because of my poor internet connection…please email it to chelsee_me@yahoo.com
thanks in advance!
joan
// May 6, 2007 at 11:15 pm
WOW!, it’s so beautiful, and inspiring!,
I hope we could watch it everyday, even during weekdays!,
I feel like our day isn’t complete without it!,
The casts are so cute and talented(I wish I could meet them in person!, hehe!,)!,
it’s the best manga serye in the Philippines!,
It’s PERFECT!, as in…….!!!!!!!,
joanne
// May 6, 2007 at 11:46 am
HANA YORI DANGO
i luv it, its so nice.
all d characters are good.
Sakurako
// May 5, 2007 at 9:36 am
Moshi-moshi,
Ay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I Love hana yori dango because jun matsumoto and Inoue Mao are so cute and oguri shun i love it!
Sayonara!!!!!!
jAm
// May 5, 2007 at 7:32 am
I really Love Hana yori dango!
especially jun matsumoto!
he makes me crazy!
even in gokusen 1!
Hana yori dango is really fantastic!
Its story is very unique…
The story has its own circulation!!
promise!!
Cha
// May 5, 2007 at 6:16 am
I Luv it!!!!!!!!
Both season 1 and 2,,,,
I love the role of matsujun and inoue!!!!!
Especially matsujun since he was in gokusen!!!!
It really rocks your world!!!!!!
No doubt this is the no. 1 jdorama now in the Philippines!!!!
MWUAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
amy
// May 5, 2007 at 5:01 am
THE BEST EVER! since it was aired here in the Philippines, we always watch it, that our attention even cannot stay away from the television!, It’s so inspiring, like for us, who are also in highschool!, “nakaka-inlove!”
I hope there would be more Hana Yori Dango’s to be released!, I really love it!
mariz
// May 4, 2007 at 6:43 am
i luv matsujun !!!! so kawaii !!!!
watever show he makes
it will really rock ur world
haha 4 xur..
^___^
H.Y.
// May 3, 2007 at 10:44 pm
hana yori dango
makes me
crazy..!!!
i bought dvd
and i’ve watch it
many time
i spend my week end
just to watch it….
Irises and Marifa Valladolid
// May 3, 2007 at 8:00 am
HEllo!!!! Hana Yori Dango rocks!!!!! We love Jun Matsumoto and Inoue Mao….
chArisse anne
// May 3, 2007 at 12:06 am
hana yori dango rocks!!
absolutely the best…
i like the role of tsukushi..
coz she has a strong personality..
and
jun matsumoto..
i really like him..
since he was in gokusen …
mariz
// May 1, 2007 at 9:33 am
i had watch d season1 and 2
i bought the dvd ^^
it really rocks !!!
hana yori is d best !
and mastujun is really great !!!
jamaeca
// May 1, 2007 at 8:11 am
i love hana yori dango!the character is very unique..
mariz
// May 1, 2007 at 7:59 am
elow..
waaa hana yori dango season1 and 2
really rocks !!!
so kawaii !!
h0pe to see u in japan !
^sayonara !
cHarLene
// May 1, 2007 at 6:49 am
i Like the taiwanese version the most!!
esp. dao ming si or jerry yan,, but this drama is also good!
Princess
// May 1, 2007 at 5:17 am
its soo nice!
Marie Yvon
// May 1, 2007 at 12:58 am
wow!! ds s my fvorite jdorama!! although ive already seen d original anime version of hana yori dango at animax,, i just cant resist watching ds series al over again!! honestly,, d characters rock!! specially jun matsumoto.. my ultimate crush!! hope to get a dvd of ds 1.. dunno wer to buy.. uhm,, does eni1 know wer can i download ds series in d internet?? tnx.. peace yall!!
Whitescarlet12
// Apr 30, 2007 at 4:53 am
I love HANA YORI DANGO so much really.. the characters act well too… I also love the chemistry of Jun matsumoto and Mao inoue… i also love their love triangle, SUch A cuTie!!
hope they’ll visit our country!!
keep up the good work and keep acting well!!
<3
prox
// Apr 29, 2007 at 9:24 am
i love this dorama so much :-)
ybeth
// Apr 28, 2007 at 6:31 am
hana yori dango absulotely no. 1 here in our country today and i love the role of makino she is very brave and loveable like me!!!!!! i want all of them come here and enjoy the philippine culture
Aila
// Apr 28, 2007 at 3:27 am
it’s very cute… i love hana yori dango. i wish i can have the lyrics of wish by arashi….
Empress
// Apr 28, 2007 at 2:09 am
i really really love the jadorama ‘HANA YORI DANGO’ the story rocks the girL(MakinO and sakurako) the taiwanese f4 and the japanese too and of course
= =
=_JUN MATSUMOTO_= I really like him
= =
may baliton
// Apr 27, 2007 at 10:11 pm
i really love hana yori dango i always watch it every noon
:heart: *blushes only for matsumoto and inoue*
Nicole
// Apr 27, 2007 at 6:13 pm
i LOVE to watch HYD!! My good friend Amanda got me into IT!! I’m not Japanese but my favorite character is RUI!! I think he’s GORGEOUS!! Even from here on the Big Island of HAWAII!! Everyone here starting to LOVE it! Hope the cast keeps on CONTINUING THE SERIES! I wish the seasons will never end!!
rica omen
// Apr 27, 2007 at 11:13 am
i really love it!! all the scenes and series!! i believe it will be a top rating here in the PHILIPPINES.. its just starting so i dont yet the rating.. but i believe everyone loveS this show!! thanks for this kind of show!! mwaH!! God Bless!!
Rinoa
// Apr 23, 2007 at 5:54 pm
Hey there, I just want to add that I didn’t sub the videos to avoid any confusion. Guess there’s another Rinoa around! Thanks for giving a helping hand Erika.
Erika
// Apr 23, 2007 at 5:31 pm
lol YouTube had them on for a while, but then a copyright claim came from the Tokyo Broadcasting company and they took them down. I had also tried uploading them onto YT which ended up with my suspension twice already. Anyways…the site that I was referring to was http://www.himura-kaoru.com/hanayoridango.php
A great site to download all dramas. Actually…Rinoa did the subs herself, unless there is another Rinoa on the internet. Enjoy the vids.
oh…and if you’re on YT add me: silentxXxregrets
-Erika
sakuranbo
// Apr 23, 2007 at 4:56 pm
omg ERIKA!!i would like to no about taht site!i luv hana yori dango but i couldnt watch it on youtube:P
Erika
// Apr 23, 2007 at 3:46 pm
For anyone who is interested in owning Hana Yori Dango…season 1+2, I have searched the internet and found a site that has download links for the series by episode. Also, they are in rm format…so you’ll need to have Real Media Player to use them. But they’re out there…if you can’t download them from sars-fansubs.
Also…I’m starting a HYD2 article so I hope I can have it out soon.
-Love, Erika
margoux
// Apr 22, 2007 at 8:36 pm
i love i love
i totally love the show (=
literally watched every episode !!
lol i LOVEEEEEE Matsumoto Jun !!
gahhhh his so adorable.
and the rest of the cast.
cannot wait to get the DVD set
chibi
// Apr 11, 2007 at 1:35 am
Dorama hana yori dango season 2 so sweet…
maila
// Apr 8, 2007 at 3:20 am
All I can is that I love both HYD 1 and 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
jewel
// Apr 2, 2007 at 11:09 pm
this is my fav manga so far, i still want to watch taiwanese version MG and MG 2.
shawtie
// Apr 2, 2007 at 3:49 pm
i love the movie that you guys did
i love it
hope to see more from you guys
love me always
Riko
// Mar 20, 2007 at 12:18 am
I also agree that the Taiwanese ver. was not as complete as our Japanese ver.
This is apparent, because the original manga(same title) was created by a Japanese manga-ka. The story line was more foreign to the Taiwanese producers than to the Japanese producers. So, the Japanese version ended up as the better drama, who understood the storyline; understanding how Japanese schools function, and how Japanese life is generally.
This ver. had potential, with more emotion and the right people for it; plus great settings. My friends and I can’t wait for season two!
Lilla
// Mar 19, 2007 at 8:05 pm
This jdrama was way much better than the taiwanese MG. I loved how they both expressed their feelings and there were no parts that dragged on forever! The ending of Season 2 is excellent!!! Way much better than MG! At first I didn’t think Domyouji was cute or anything, but as the movie progressed, I noticed he fit the part very well and he just started getting cuter! I love this movie! A must watch!
john
// Mar 12, 2007 at 2:37 pm
by the wat is it alright for me to ask other japanese drama over here? because that is euqally important to me…
john
// Mar 12, 2007 at 2:22 pm
oic tkz
Rinoa
// Mar 12, 2007 at 1:40 pm
No idea. Since the dorama is still airing one can only speculate.
john
// Mar 12, 2007 at 9:34 am
oic… when is the release date for singapore? any idea?
Rinoa
// Mar 11, 2007 at 1:11 pm
Season 2 is not out yet in a DVD Box. I suggest waiting for the release date.
john
// Mar 10, 2007 at 10:04 pm
where can i buy Hana Yori Dango season 2? i’m from singapore
addicted bitch
// Mar 10, 2007 at 3:21 am
i really love this drama . its so addictive . my eyes are on Rui . love him LOLS.
Right now im despareted to watch series 2
>.<
girl
// Feb 26, 2007 at 7:43 pm
You can find the set on ebay.
it won’t be a real copy because it wont play on american dvd players.
But you can find it and buy a copy.
I’m now watching season two very nice I love it.
^^
Isis
// Feb 23, 2007 at 11:22 pm
Lol, what’s funny is that my CLASS started watching this! Of course, it was Japanese class, but someone was kind enough to lend it to my Japanese teacher. I’ve seen very little so far, but I gotta’ say, even at this point, it’s well laid out and addicting! I even went looking for a way to watch it on Youtube but the best thing I could find was a clip of Episode 6. It’s very promising, too bad I can’t seem to find it, lol. Otherwise I’d know more about it. Sadly, I don’t. But so far it’s exquisite and quite heart-pounding!
dunlap
// Feb 10, 2007 at 3:51 am
I never read the manga, but I tried out this drama and I was instantly floored my Inoue’s performance. I was a fan of both Matsumoto and Oguri’s past works, but Inoue came and soared above the others. I couldn’t stop watching, it was my favorite drama of the season.
toni nguyen
// Feb 7, 2007 at 10:25 pm
i have fallen in love with this series and all of its characters!!! wow, i’m hooked.
please send me any updates on the series as well as any other series with similiar story lines. thank you!
Ryuumi
// Jan 30, 2007 at 10:05 pm
Hana Yori Dango - AWESOME :D I absolutely love it; definitely a favorite ^_^ Plus, I became infatuated by Otsuka Ai’s PLANETARIUM, which I also love. Such a beautiful piece with meaningful lyrics, love it all. Hana Yori Dango 2 [Returns] is so far just as great. Only up to episode 4 of the set 15, but it’s still just as entertaining, funny, and enjoyable. Plus, every episode keeps you wanting for MORE !!!
Naru
// Jan 28, 2007 at 10:57 pm
HANADAN 4 LIFE~hahahahaha but yes nice outlook on the series. If you haven’t read the manga READ it. it makes the opening scene with F4 even more drool-worthy in my opinion. It was like..OMG F4 in real life!! Now with the 2nd season…*swoons* its 15 episodes this season which is a little more than a normal drama which works cuz’ the first was shorter than a normal drama. hahahaha and DAMN its scream at the TV good so far and its only 5 episodes in! 0_0
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