J-Drama: 家政婦の三田

Having feast my eyes on all the Japanese male actors...I thought it was about time to divert my attention to a new unusual "family centric" J drama　ー　家政婦のミタ (Kaseifu no Mita). 

I say unusual because this is not one of those "Oh feel so good" everybody-love-each-other-happy-go-lucky drama. Instead, the story revolves around a family whose wife/mother had recently deceased, leaving behind a seemingly at lost dad and a bunch of kids ranging from eldest daughter in senior high, 2 sons, and the youngest daughter in kindergarten. As the house was constantly messy and lack of proper meals, the father decided to engage a house helper to assume the household chores responsibilities. Everything would seem normal except for the eccentric helper who is mysterious, quiet but chillingly knowing in everything. 

Starring in this is Matsushima Nanako san, who has "retired" from the TV screen for the past 2 years, making her return with this suspenseful mystery drama. In here, she will assume the role as kaseifu (Japanese term for housekeeping helper). However, departing from her past drama image which had endeared herself to the audience with her cheerful, ladylike persona; this time round Nanako will have to draw in viewers with a completely "emotionless" character who maintains a cold expression at all time. It is a refreshing and bold 360degree change for both the actress and audience.
If you ask me, this seemed like a Japanese twist on the famous Nanny Mcphee's character except there seemed to be no "magical" transformation or powers to date (having watched 3 episodes).

Story plot


Mita san is assigned to the Asuda family as their new Kaseifu. 


The Ausda family had recently lost their mother who had drown in the nearby river for no reason. The eldest daughter Yui tried to assume the household responsibilities but it was indicative that she was not coping well with a messy home, non-cooked meals and un-replenished items. Yui has 2 other brothers Kakeru and Kaito and youngest sister Kii aged 6. 


Mita's arrival into the family will bring about a series of up and downs for the family. While she was perfect in her job, yet her mysterious character and following instructions to a T without any thought or opinion seemed to create unexpected problems, but also seemingly resolving them eventually. 
Is Mita's presence a blessing or a curse? The audience will soon find out with the story development in each episode!