Shinigami-kun Ep 1: Drama Notes

[earth_colors]

Episode 1: "I've come to call on a beautiful heart. You have 3 days to live. I'll be with you in your final moments."

Episode Synopsis:
High school senior student, Fukuko (Ohara Sakurako) is concerned about her best friend Mami (Takada Riho) who suffered burns on her face and vision loss due to a fire accident. Mami was the prettiest girl in their class and aspires to be a model. On the other hand, Fukuko is teased as "Ugly" by their classmates and stays in Mami's shadow as her "stooge". Despite this disparity, the two get along well and aim to get into the same university together. However, after the accident, Mami is pessimistic that she has no more future since she has lost her good looks and even attempts to commit suicide. Fukuko tries her best to encourage her friend and help her see through this ordeal. But suddenly, Fukuko gets a visit from a strange man who claims to be a Shinigami. "Congratulations," the Shinigami says to her. "I've come to call on you. Your name is included in the Assigned-to-Die list." He advises her to do the things she has yet to do for she has only three days left to live...
(pix from tv asahi)


Drama Notes:

Shinigami-kun, the manga. Created by Endo Koichi and first published from 1983 to 1990. Fans of Endo consider it as his lost masterpiece (since he is more well-known for "Tsuideni Tonchinkan").
(info: ja.wiki, animenews)

Episode One Story. It is based on "Kokoro bijin no maki", Story 2, Volume 4 of the manga. The fire accident is not mentioned in the episode, but in the manga, Mami was home alone when her house burned down, and her face got burned when a piece of the burning ceiling fell on her.
(info: ja.wiki)

Shinigami. In Japanese culture, "shinigami (死神, "death god" or "death spirit") is a god or supernatural spirit that invites humans towards death, or induces suicidal desires in humans." Synonymous in the west as the "Grim Reaper" or "angel of death."
(info: wiki)

Omikuji. These are "random fortunes written on strips of paper at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples in Japan. Literally "sacred lot", these are usually received by making a small offering (generally a five-yen coin as it is considered good luck) and randomly choosing one from a box, hoping for the resulting fortune to be good."
If you want, you can try this online Omikuji generator: quizopolis.

(info/pic: wiki)

Episode filming locations:

Tokyo University of Technology (Katakuramachi, Hachiōji, Tokyo). Scene in front of hospital.
Hachimanyagumo Shrine (Motoyokoyamacho, Hachiōji, Tokyo). Scene of Omikuji at the shrine.
Shakuji Park (Shakujiidai, Nerima, Tokyo). Scene of the boat riding in the park (pic above).
(info: loca.ash)

Comments

[4reen]

Ah, now you mention about the fire accident from the manga, my curiousity about how Mami get the scar was answered. And you give more explanation too about other thing. Thank You so much! (´▽`ʃƪ)

[dhisashi]

I really appreciate your Drama Notes. They really add to the enjoyment of the viewing experience.
I could place this after each episode, but I will just do it here at the beginning.
:-)