My Thoughts

Hitotsu Yane no Shita II, was brought back to TV screen in 1997, due to the popularity of the first series.  The introduction of Matsu Takako (of Love Generation fame) brought even more attention to this sequel.

I personally prefer the this series to the first one.  Although some felt that this series was a radical melodrama, I was moved by the story.  Well, I know the plot of Koyuki (Noriko Sakai) having leukemia was very melodramatic, but it was from this that the family ties of the Kashiwagi was further explored.

I still like the way how Tatsuya (Eguchi Yosuke) handled his family problems, though impulsive at time, were motivated by his love for his siblings.  Well, of course he was still very hilarious, often bringing laughter and even tears.  

And I'm sure most people would agree that the song, "Hidamari No Uta" by Le Couple used in this series was very nice, which sometimes I feel, is even better than the main theme.