Watch Rich Man- Poor Woman
- 2012
- 1 Season
-
7.4 (1,102)
"Rich Man, Poor Woman" is a 2012 Japanese romantic comedy-drama series aired on Fuji TV. The show depicts the tale of a genius CEO and a self-driven programmer working together to create a revolutionary technology startup. The series was a huge commercial success and received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike.
The protagonist of the series, Toru Hyuga, played by Shun Oguri, is a young, successful CEO of Next Innovation, a tech company that he founded himself. He's a complete workaholic and has a reputation for his cold and unapproachable demeanor. Toru is often arrogant and believes that the only way to climb the ladder of success is to put all his effort into his work.
On the other hand, we have our female lead, Makoto Natsui, played by Satomi Ishihara. She is a bright and diligent graduate student at Tokyo National University who dreams of becoming a programmer. Makoto wants to succeed on her own merits, and despite facing numerous rejections for an internship, she eventually lands an opportunity at Next Innovation.
Toru and Makoto's paths cross when she is assigned to work on Toru's project. Initially, Toru isn't impressed with Makoto's skills, and he treats her with indifference. However, Makoto's vast knowledge and passion for programming begin to spark something in Toru, and soon he realizes that Makoto may be the missing piece to his new project.
Together, Toru and Makoto work tirelessly to finish the project, all the while learning more about each other's strengths and weaknesses. Through their experiences and struggles, they develop a deep and meaningful relationship that transcends their initial employee-employer equation.
Throughout the series, we see Toru's character development as he learns to prioritize personal relationships over his work. Makoto's relentless work ethic and passion for her field inspire Toru to become more empathetic towards his colleagues and loved ones. On the other hand, Makoto learns to be confident in herself and her abilities, and she begins to trust others more.
The chemistry between Shun Oguri and Satomi Ishihara is a highlight of the show. Their onscreen chemistry is genuinely heartwarming, which left audiences rooting for their success. Furthermore, the show's portrayal of tech startups, job culture, and interpersonal dynamics within workspaces is realistic and refreshing.
The supporting cast of the show is also noteworthy. Saki Aibu plays the character of Yoko Asahina, Toru's ex-girlfriend, and the manager of Next Innovation's business division. She is the complete opposite of Makoto in every way, serving as a source of tension in the office. Other members of the team include Takahiro Sakai, played by Ryuhei Maruyama, and Kosuke Asahina, Yoko's brother and a rival to Toru.
Overall, "Rich Man, Poor Woman" is an uplifting, inspiring, and romantic journey about the importance of personal relationships and connections in the pursuit of professional success. The show has become a favorite for many who appreciate wholesome romance, brilliant acting, and dynamic storylines.