Name: Itoh Masaki (Itou Masaki/Ito Masaki) Real Name: Anzai Tomoko Birthday: 5/26/77 Height: 5'7" (171cm)

Where do I know her from? Densha Otoko, Gokusen, Taiho Shichauzo (You're Under Arrest), Maison Ikkoku (live action drama), Ju-on: The Grudge

Tell me some more! Besides acting and modeling, Misaki is qualified to teach kindergarten. She also has a license to be a social welfare officer. Despite it being rather uncommon for Japanese celebrities, Misaki has drivers license as well.

What is your opinion of her? At this point in time, I've only seen a couple of her series. She seems to do well playing a "typical" quiet Japanese woman. I have yet to see her in a role where she breaks the rules or is more forceful with her feelings. It would be interesting to see her try out some different types of characters.

Title: Gokusen
Broadcast date: 4/1/02 - 7/3/02
Number of episodes: 12
Genre: comedy
Cast: Nakama Yukie, Matsumoto Jun, Oguri Shun, Waki Tomohiro, Narimiya Hiroki, Ishigaki Yuma, Namase Katsuhisa, Itoh Misaki, Nakazawa Yuko
Plot: Yamaguchi Kumiko (Nakama Yukie) always wanted to be a teacher, like her late parents. However, she is the granddaughter of the third generation Oedo yakuza boss. Kumiko will try her best to keep her family's business secret when she gets a job at Shirokin high school as the homeroom teacher for the worst class of the school - 3D.
What is good: Both Nakama Yukie and Matsumoto Jun's acting.
What is bad: No matter what the situation, Kumiko insists on doing everything herself and refuses help from anyone.
Letter rating: A

Overall: The casting director managed to get a wonderful group of actors together for this series. While I haven't seen any of her dramatic roles yet, Nakama Yukie absolutely shines as a comedic actress. Pairing her with Matsumoto Jun (of the group Arashi) was brilliant. The two of them have a chemistry that pops on the screen and you can see the friendship bloom through the entire show. Add in Namase Katsuhisa as the vice-principal of the school to keep Nakama-san on her toes. There isn't much more you could want in a comedy. Each of the main students of 3D get a background episode so it isn't left to just the leader of the group. While there is a special that follows the end of the series, I would have loved to see more of 'what became of Yankumi's first class.' I suppose I'l have to leave that to my imagination.