Sayonara Horikita Maki. But Hello Again, Ikuta Toma!
I've mentioned in my "How I turned from idoling ayu to Arashi" post that it was Mizobata Junpei who got me into Japanese dramas. Although I've seen a few before I found Junpei, it was him who actually started my J-drama craze. One of the very first dramas I saw was Hanazakari no Kimitachi e . Although Junpei only had a small supporting role in it, it led me into the three main stars of the drama, Horikita Maki, Ikuta Toma and Oguri Shun. Long story short, I fell in love with them and it just started spreading from there. I started watching all three's individual starring works, and Horikita Maki became the first Japanese actress I love. She remain very important to me to now. With the recent news about her retiring from the entertainment industry, it did brought me sadness, and my tears did well up in my eyes a bit. I will miss her dearly. The Japanese entertainment industry lost yet another great talent. But I also feel great for her, and I respect her decision.