Sekai no chuushin de, ai wo sakebu [????????????]

Crying Out Love, In the Center of the World is a Japanese novel written by Kyoichi Katayama (????). It was published by Shogakukan in April 2001. When initially released only 8,000 copies of the book were printed. A year after its publication Japanese celebrity Kou Shibasaki wrote an article, highly praising the book, "I read it thoroughly even though it made me cry. I wished to have a relationship as such in my life." The book instantly became a bestseller. By May 2004 over 3 million copies were sold, exceeding the sales record of Norwegian Wood, previous record keeper of the biggest issue in Japan since 1987. It has since been made into a novel, movie and a drama series.

This is definitely the best japanese jdorama I've watched to date. Absolutely gripping storyline. A beautiful style of directing from the drama, which is filmed from the view of a present 34 yr old Matsumoto Sakutaro reminiscing on his past and the loss of his one true love in high school, Hirose Aki, to leukaemia in 1987. I thought Ayase Haruka and Yamada Takayuki were perfect for the roles.

Decide to buy the drama series after watching the movie version of it last year. This version is defintely better than the movie, which basically skimmed through the story. Here, we get to understand the multi-faceted characters, and the roles they play in the lives of Sakutaro and Aki. Aki's character and development was much better in the tv drama, her interpretation in afterlife, life and death at the end, felt encouraging. This is one of the dramas where the cast are fantastic; there is nothing not to like about everyone of them.

This is the JUN-Ai story that really touched me deeply. How deeply Saku loved Aki, keeping his memories of her in him for 17 years. As the story switches from past and present, we are shown the stark contrast of the life Saku led with and without Aki. This is the sort of story that really grows on you, making you care for the characters. From the time where they first met, till the end, it shows such a deep relationship between Saku and Aki, it made me understand why he could never have forgotten her. Ever.

There was a great supporting cast in the form of Saku and Aki's buddies, as well as their families.

True love is indeed so elusive. Perhaps it might only happen once in a lifetime.

Nearly taking a clean swipe at the 42nd Television Acadamy Awards including, Best Drama, Best Actor for Yamada Takayuki, Best Supporting Actress: Ayase Haruka, Best Theme Song: Shibasaki Kou, Best Newcomer: Tanaka Koutaro, Best Screenwriter, Best Director, Best Casting, Best Theme Clip... Just don't know what the judges were thinking but it should have taken best music too!! The OST is really beautiful.

Once in a while, not that often, you will come across a true gem in drama making. A truly beautifully told story of love that will move anyone to tears from the beginning 'till end. A true masterpiece in the making and story telling, well supported by amazing actors and a well fitting soundtrack.

Highly recommended jdorama.