Hana yori Dango 花より男子

Hana yori Dango (団子) is a Japanese proverb, which means "Dumpling rather than Flower", in other words, it is more practical to choose food over flower. But the author altered the title to Hana yori Dango (男子) ~~"Boys rather than Flower".

Hana yori Dango is actually a Japanese Manga dated back since 1992. The Taiwanese drama "Meteor Garden" was later on produced in 2001 based on this manga. It turned out a big hit in Asia, creating a popular idol group called F4 alongside with it. A new Japanese version was then aired on TBS on October till December 2005.

Makino Tsukushi (牧野つくし) feels really out of place in Eitoku Gakuen (英徳学園), the elevator school for elites, as she herself is from a poor family. The story begins when Tsukushi receives the red note from a group called "F4", abbreviation for "Flower 4", which comprises of four rich and handsome guys, whose wealthy family background enables them to overpower the school.

Inoue Mao- (井上真央) as Makino Tsukushi (牧野つくし)

Under the order of F4, Tsukushi is bullied by the whole school. With the spirit of the "weed" she is named after, Tsukushi starts to fight back, and declares war with the F4's leader, Do-myo-ji Tsukasa (道明寺司) by giving him a punch in the face.

Matsumoto Jun (松本润) as Do-myo-ji Tsukasa (道明寺司)

Growing up lonely and lacking love from his family, Tsukasa is violent and bad-tempered. Noone has ever dare to challenge him till then. Shocked by Tsukushi's reaction, Tsukasa begins to notice the uniqueness of Tsukushi and falls in love with her. However, having being saved several times when in danger, Tsukushi actually had a crush on Hanazawa Rui (花沢類).

Oguri Shun (小栗旬) as Hanazawa Rui (花沢類)

Rui is the quietest but the most observant among the F4. Most of the time, he will just laze around, reading books as if nothing in the world is of his interest. Nothing but To-do- Shizuka (籐堂静), his childhood friend, working as a model in Paris.

Sada Mayumi (佐田真由美) as To-do- Shizuka (籐堂静)

Tsukushi at Shizuka's Party

Nishikado So-jiro- (西門総二郎) is the heir of the Tea Ceremony family. He is the most outspoken and frank guy in the F4. Kind of a playboy due to a sad memory of his past love (shown in the second season).

Matsuda Sho-ta (松田翔太) as Nishikado So-jiro- (西門総二郎)

The Japanese Tea Ceremony (茶道)

Mimasaka Akira (美作明) is the peacemaker among the F4 whenever they have a fight with each other. He is from a Yakuza family (the Japanese MAFIA). His type of women are normally older ladies, which is later on discovered to be caused by the special behavior (too cute & dreamy) of his mum & sis.　

Abe Tsuyoshi (阿部力) as Mimasaka Akira (美作明)

Matsuoka Yuki (松岡優紀) is Tsukushi's childhood friend. Both of them is working together at a Dango Shop (団子屋) after school. Most of the time, Tsukushi will consult her opinions when she is troubled. Yuki is a good listener and Tsukushi's best friend in lending a helping hand. She falls in love with So-jiro-, shown in the second season.

Nishihara Aki (西原亜希) as Matsuoka Yuki (松岡優紀)

Kato- Takako (加藤貴子) as Sengoku Sachiyo (千石幸代), owner of the Dango Shop

Do-myo-ji Tsubaki (道明寺椿) is Tsukasa's elder sister, who is married to Los Angeles under the arrangement of her mother for the benefits of Do-myo-ji International Finance Group. Having to lose her true love for the sake of the arranged marriage, she whole-heartedly supports Tsukushi & Tsukasa to tackle all challenges set by her mother.

Matsushima Nanako (松島菜々子) as Do-myo-ji Tsubaki (道明寺椿)

Do-myo-ji Kaede (道明寺楓) is Tsukasa's mother, the Director of Domyoji International Finance Group. Busy with her company, she never has time for Tsukasa and neglects him of love and care. She disapproves the love between his son with Tsukushi, as their marriage will not help to strengthen her company status. She is the biggest obstacle that Tsukasa will have to overcome in order to be with Tsukushi. Some sort of a wicked witch in Snow White.

Kaga Mariko (加賀まりこ) as Do-myo-ji Kaede (道明寺楓)

Thumbs up for Hana yori Dango. I could not help myself but keep on pursuing for the next episode once I start to watch this drama. In the beginning, I prefer Rui to Tsukasa as the prince charming for Tsukushi. However, as the drama progresses, Tsukasa is just too cute and I couldn't resist hoping that Tsukushi will choose him.

Romantic Kiss at Sunset

Saturn Necklace

A gift from Tsukasa - Saturn Necklace

Christmas present from Tsukushi

Happy Tsukasa

The opening theme song is "Wish" by Arashi (嵐). The MV is so cute! Very sweet, reminds me of Christmas. Check this out, you'll find Matsumoto Jun (the actor of Do-myo-ji Tsukasa) as one of the singers.