13sai no Hello Work : Initial Thoughts

What if you were given the chance to start over. Fix your mistakes. Start your life anew? What would you do? Would you make the effort to make the change or let opportunity pass you by? For 35 year old Teppei Kogure, he was given that chance and with this chance he’s determined to change his life for the better… if only he can get his 13 year old self to actually focus on the goal at hand.

I like Masahiro Matsuoka as an actor. He has a style to his acting that is simply perfect for these larger than life characters he usually ends up with. I am iffy with Yuu Yokoyama as an actor. With his latest string of dramas these past four years, I’m afraid of him bringing to the table the same character with the same cadence and same, flat, approach. Never the less, I was still excited to see this drama.

It has not disappointed me so far.

Mabo's great at forming good on screen relationships

13sai no Hello Work, or A 13 Year Old’s Hello Work, manages to capture the bubble period of Japan very well. The gaudiness, the attitude of being on top of the world, the expansion of businesses, the big hair and cell phones. Bright colors with equally optimistic personalities. Throwing Kogure into this mix as our 21st century eyes helps bring life to this crazy world. His pessimistic attitude towards Japan’s current success is a great, hilarious, touch because these people have yet to figure out that their bubble is about to burst and further showcases how much of a fish out of water he really is.

That’s what keeps this drama interesting. Kogure reacts to things as if he’s a 13 year old boy seeing the adult world for the first time. What he remembers of the bubble is the memories of a playful child not disco night clubs, land sharks, greedy business men, and adults trying to get rich an quick. He’s the odd one out trying to help his 13 year old self become something greater than what he became while trying to navigate a crazy time and blend in while stuck doing random odd jobs.

Not only that, the dynamic between the characters are great. Matsuoka molds well with any cast he’s with and 13sai is no exception. Everyone flows well with each other. They’re natural. Which is great considering how stiff Yokoyama has became over the years. Seeing Yokoyama as a carefree, yet slightly egotistical, man obsessed with Kogure’s “modern” outlook on the world is a breath of fresh air. Matsuoka brings out a character in Yokoyama I have not seen since Lonely My Room; happy, relaxed, and in control. He falls into his character with ease — he’s not fighting it or trying to force something out of it. Matsuoka and Yokoyama’s chemistry works here. Yokoyama’s future counter part, played by Arata Furuta, needs no review. He’s a strong actor with any character he plays.

It's funny when these two play off each other

Matsuoka’s character is almost reminiscent of his Kenji from Yasuko and Kenji. Except, in this drama, he’s less anal and frustrated. He has a quick attitude, he’s diligent, and he’s set on a goal. Usually, I would complain about rehashing characters but it works here. There are little things that separate Kogure from all the other characters he’s played in the past. Matsuoka manages to make the character his own, a piece of his own personality. I like that.

The star though is the child actor, Taketo Tanaka, playing Matsuoka’s younger self. There is such passion and liveliness brought to this character by this kid that he keeps you watching. A lot of child actors really don’t bring nothing more than there character to a drama but Tanaka owns it. He’s adorable, absolutely adorable and meshes amazingly with Matsuoka.

The weakest player here is Mirei Kiritani. I look at her character and all I see is a character. I don’t see a person. Looking at her acting profile, she hasn’t done much and is basically a fresh new face, but I hope to see more out of her than pouting and frowning.

As for the story, its clear cut. Kogure goes back to the past, ends up doing an odd job for the cram school President (who is also a landshark), tries to push Teppei away from his new job obsession for the week, and tries to use Takano to his advantage in order to become commissioner. But, there are missing pieces to this puzzle and each episode gradually finds them, requiring us to put it together.

How come modern day Takano’s watch is broken? Why doesn’t he remember his adventures with Kogure in the past? How come Kogure is unable to fix his own life but is able to fix everyone else’s? What is he doing wrong? What will become of Shoko? What is up with her insecurities? And will there be a romance between Shoko and Takano, now that Kogure’s interference has caused them to meet?

13sai is a feel good, mindless drama. I hope it continues this trend and only get better.

For some reason, I have a feeling Kogure is going to fix himself rather than fix his life.