Everyone knows someone like Shinsuke. A successful architect in his 40s, he’s a bit eccentric; neat and tidy, particular about how he eats his meals, listens to classical music and enjoys movies that you wouldn’t think he would. Shinsuke builds wonderful homes for people, particularly fond of larger kitchens, but he doesn’t really care to spend a lot of time with people.

The changes in his routine start one night when the girl living in the condo next to his comes by to complain about the incredibly loud music blaring through the walls. When he collapses on the floor, his neighbor has him brought to the hospital. It’s here where Shinsuke meets Natsumi, as she is the doctor who is treating him. And even though he is extremely rude to her, Natsumi does her duty and begins to treat Shinsuke.

Things really start to get interesting when Natsumi and Michiru (the neighbor) meet Shinsuke’s collegues, Eiji and Maya, and the four of them share stories about their experiences with the architect. None of them can believe there is anyone out there who would be the least bit interested in marrying a man like him.

But more and more, as Shinsuke finds himself surrounded by people, he wonders if solitude is really what he wants for the rest of his life. Does he really want to find someone that he can be with, and real friends that will be there to support him and encourage him when things aren’t so good? Maybe there is someone out there who would be interested in marrying someone as odd as he.

Natsumi & Shinsuke

Hiroshi Abe, the actor who plays Shinsuke, is one of my favourite Japanese actors. His roles are so diverse, and he’s always enjoyable to watch on screen. Hiroshi has been in over 60 Japanese TV series and movies (including Shiroi Haru which I am currently watching, At Home Dad, and My Little Chef) and is someone I will watch again and again.

Original Air Dates: July 4 to Sept 19, 2006
Number of Episodes: 12 episodes
Genre: Comedy
Broadcast Network: Fuji TV