Beautiful Life (futari de ita hibi)
Pretty-boy actor Kimura Takuya and soap queen Tokiwa Takako join forces in this highly rated new series. A bike-riding hair stylist meets a wheelchair-bound woman who refuses to let her disabilities prevent her from enjoying life. Neither gets a good first impression of the other. But as Shuji watches Kyoko deftly handle her job at the library, and as Kyoko notices that Shuji doesn't treat her any differently from other girls, their impressions improve.
Starring
Kimura Takuya, Tokiwa Takako, Mizuno Miki, Ikeuchi Hiroyuki, Matoba Koji, Watabe Atsuro
Theme Song
"Konya Tsukino Mieru Okani" by B'z
Air Dates
Encore presentaion ended 11/8/01
Fully subtitled in English
11 Episodes
|
 |
Image courtesy TBS |
Episode 1 - 70-minute special 9:00-10:10pm
On his way to the library by bike, Shuji has a minor run-in with Kyoko, a young woman driving a red sportscar. Sparks fly, but when they end up at the same destination, Shuji is stunned to see that woman get out of her car and into a wheelchair. Kyoko works at that library, and Shuji is impressed by her efficiency. Kyoko, on the other hand, comes to respect Shuji for his unbiased treatment of her.
Episode 2
Kyoko is afraid of getting too close to other people. She tries to keep her tender feeling for Shuji under wraps--that way, no one will get hurt. Shuji's family operates a hospital, and his mother doesn't want him advertising the fact that he is a hair stylist--it would be an embarrassment.
Episode 3
When Kyoko goes to return Shuji's sketchbook, she's greeted at the door by Shuji and Mayumi. The following day, Shuji finds out that Satoru has stolen his hair designs. Mayumi believes it's Kyoko's fault, and she goes to confront her.
Episode 4
Shuji is named top hair stylist at Hot Lip. He hurries to the library to share his good news with Kyoko, but discovers that she's on a trip to the U.S. He's a bit put out that she never mentioned the trip to him. The day Kyoko returns, Sachi visits her home dressed in a kimono...
Episode 5
Now that Shuji's talent as a hair stylist has been recognized, he is inundated with requests for interviews, and more clients are asking for him. He now has less time and energy to spend on Kyoko. Kyoko begins to feel cheated, and Shuji doesn't know how to make it up to her.
Episode 6
Shuji falls and injures his left arm while attempting to protect Kyoko at a live concert. With his arm in a sling, for the first time Shuji becomes aware some of the trials Kyoko goes through every day. Meanwhile, things begin to warm up between Masao and Sachi.
Episode 7
The night Kyoko visits Shuji, his ex-girlfriend comes to see him. She's now married and works in a Ginza art gallery, but he doesn't mention her visit to Kyoko. The next day, Takumi is promoted to stylist although Shuji doesn't believe he's ready.
Episode 8
Kyoko finds it difficult to believe in Shuji when she finds out about his ex-girlfriend, Satsuki. With Sachi's support, Kyoko decides to confront Satsuki. However, the meeting is not without incident and Kyoko is rushed to the hospital. From Kyoko's mother, Shuji learns about Kyoko's illness.
Episode 9
Shuji and Kyoko promise to be together, and Sachi and Masao's relationship deepens. While the couples' relationships are going well, tension mounts at Hot Lip. Another salon tries to lure Takumi away from Hot Lip, but first, he must steal the client list.
Episode 10
Shuji can't seem to concentrate on his work because he's preoccupied about Kyoko's illness. It is only during his dates with her that he feels comfortable. Sachi has news for Masao, but with Kyoko's worstening condition, they have mixed feelings about making future plans.
Episode 11 - Final Episode
With her doctor's permission, Kyoko plans a celebration for Masao and Sachi at home. It's been a long time since the Machida residence is filled with lively conversation. Kyoko expresses her feelings and appreciation for the happiness Shuji has brought into her life.
