The basic scenario is intriguing : an introverted, unsuccessful author has allowed five pretty young women to live at his house. They were mysteriously invited to do so by someone ( not him ) & must also pay a million yen per month in rent, & there are other rules in place. Parallel to this odd arrangement, we follow a cocky, best-selling young author who is the opposite of our "hero" & is championed by an arrogant critic, while the back-stories of the ladies form a major part of the narrative.
As the story unfolded & captured my interest, my thoughts inexorably turned as they always do to the ending. Would it do justice to the rest ? I really HATE it when I fall in love with something & then get stabbed in the back by a rubbish finale, but thankfully I wasn't disappointed. And though I don't usually like a BIG revelation with minimal or zero clues, I'm happy to forgive thanks to an exhilarating, blockbuster final ep bulging with surprises & an unexpected emotional wallop that made me teary.
A well-written script ( adapted from a manga, & where would Japanese media be without them ? ) has the lot : nefarious deeds, sex in various forms, humour & a pleasing focus on both the philosophy of writing & the joy of reading. Central to the story, of course, is who sent the invites & why, though some of the most memorable moments are small ones : a kick in the backside after a posh party; a young girl in a wordless scene with her author father; the lead's final meeting with a murderous relative. And the last few eps explore the simple power of a human connection.
And the cast ? All are good, with two standout efforts : in a showy role, Rila Fukushima is wonderful as the abrasive "nudist" while Noda Yosiro is deceptively great as the main author. You might think this sort of quiet, self-deprecating character would be easy to play, yet speaking in a monotone & not displaying emotion doesn't mean he lacks it & he does have a moving journey to make by the end.
Kudos to the director for keeping things flowing smoothly, some of the photography is gorgeous & the music is another asset. Yes, I'd have liked a calamity for the cocky writer but we get a sadly realistic outcome instead.
24 Reviews
Artful and compelling Japanese drama
DagRos9 October 2018
It is very refreshing to watch something else than the standard kind of series we are used with. It is a different kind of storytelling in a different culture. Very addictive and unpredictable story about a man, writer of crime fiction, housing five women and getting paid 1 M Yen a month for it while he is trying to understand and uncover what is going on. It is a really great series of twelve short episodes of circa 25 min each. It combines so many qualities: its intelligent, polite, complex, soft, scary, violent etc in a unique combination you don't get watching the standard Hollywood output.
This series increased my appetite for more quality Japanese drama, thanks Netflix for bringing it up on my recommendation list
Don't miss this artful and intriguing drama !
This series increased my appetite for more quality Japanese drama, thanks Netflix for bringing it up on my recommendation list
Don't miss this artful and intriguing drama !
Drama that could have been an anime
hidarher5 February 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I have always been a fan of Japanese anime that is why some of the elements shown in this drama was not new or suppressing to me! This did not ruin the drama for me, instead it heightened my enjoyment. I loved very minute of the drama but I did not like the ending completely, I was still sad and not happy although I should have been happy! It should have been a bit longer so that I can get over my sad feelings and accept the ending.
A Refreshing Drama Series!!
markfirdaus5 September 2017
This too showed up in my Netflix recommendation, and I thought I'd give it a shot since the format is nicely kept at 25mins each episode. About 5hours straight-on bingeing if that's your thing. Good God, I couldn't have been more pleasantly surprised by how riveting this series was. I've seen my fair share of Japanese series, but personally, this is truly a refreshing take, perhaps it's due to the genre change. I thoroughly enjoyed it! I remembered kept saying to myself, "What the hell is going on?" positively in an inquisitive direction several times during the 12 episode series. Initially, it's palpable how bland the main male character was, but the performances of all the main female characters (which I love individually) really brought out very interesting dynamics with him in the household, which brings that much weight to his character. If you want something short and refreshing (even if in a foreign language), give this one a shot like I did!
Incredibly Powerful and Compelling Work of Art!
spasek10 January 2018
This is the type of film that could easily be talked about and discussed in universities. If it isn't, then it's a tragedy. This complex, amazing character study rivals some of the best films and shows that I've ever seen in over 40 years of viewing.
This film is truly a work of art. Each character brings something refreshing, new and compelling to the table (almost literally!).
This powerful character study is about a novelist with a tragic past who is unable to become a successful author. For some strange reason, five women are invited to live with him for a million yen per month. When he's not writing, he cooks and looks after them. Each woman is different in age, occupation, personality, and background. Part of the mystery is in trying to figure out why the invitations were sent, what the purpose of the women being there is, and who sent them.
The author learns to accept his new living situation, and finds that there are rules for his interactions with them.
The story weaves like a fine tapestry of tragic, complex pasts in the lives of all of the characters, and basically what drives people to do things and be who they are. It's riveting story-telling that keeps you hooked, and makes you wince when the number of episodes left to watch dwindles. You want more. You crave more, and you find yourself grateful for finding such a unique and exquisite gem such as this series.
This is a series that can easily be watched over and over again. It's touching and heart-breaking that compels the viewer to dig deep within themselves; about the walls we put up to keep from being hurt; about the fear of loss, and the fear to love.
I can't recommend this series strongly enough. It's a story with characters that stays with you long after you've finished, and that's the mark of something so powerfully artistic in how it captivates its viewer.
This film is truly a work of art. Each character brings something refreshing, new and compelling to the table (almost literally!).
This powerful character study is about a novelist with a tragic past who is unable to become a successful author. For some strange reason, five women are invited to live with him for a million yen per month. When he's not writing, he cooks and looks after them. Each woman is different in age, occupation, personality, and background. Part of the mystery is in trying to figure out why the invitations were sent, what the purpose of the women being there is, and who sent them.
The author learns to accept his new living situation, and finds that there are rules for his interactions with them.
The story weaves like a fine tapestry of tragic, complex pasts in the lives of all of the characters, and basically what drives people to do things and be who they are. It's riveting story-telling that keeps you hooked, and makes you wince when the number of episodes left to watch dwindles. You want more. You crave more, and you find yourself grateful for finding such a unique and exquisite gem such as this series.
This is a series that can easily be watched over and over again. It's touching and heart-breaking that compels the viewer to dig deep within themselves; about the walls we put up to keep from being hurt; about the fear of loss, and the fear to love.
I can't recommend this series strongly enough. It's a story with characters that stays with you long after you've finished, and that's the mark of something so powerfully artistic in how it captivates its viewer.
Sometimes vacuous, sometimes has a great deal of substance
Hallelujah28923 July 2019
"Million Yen Women" is a Japanese TV series on Netflix that is based off a manga. The protagonist is Yojiro Noda, lead singer of RADWIMPS, the band that did the very popular soundtrack of animated film "Your Name."
The structure of "Million Yen Women" is the basic set-up of a "harem" manga. "Harem" is a a popular sub-genre in manga where a clueless man lives together with many young, attractive women, many of whom develop crushes or fall in love with him. Although the harem set-up is fine for comics, it rather loses its tenuous credibility in live-action film such as in "Million Yen Women." However this TV series has a twist, an element of mystery, that is almost as fantastical but rather more welcome. Kudos to Yojiro Noda, anyway, for making his protagonist likable anyhow.
Harem is not particularly my cup of tea, but I did enjoy some of the character development in the series and some surprising moments of depth and pathos sprinkled throughout.
Although "Million Yen Women" contains elements of romance and murder, it also is about Yojiro Noda's character, who is an upcoming novelist, and his rivalry with a popular established author. This rivalry is pretty basic, but I did enjoy some of the discussion about novels and expression and "creating a new emotion" and etc. There's an odd peace about Yojiro Noda that makes character as a novelist believable, and makes him unique against the backdrop of criminal intrigue he stands against.
Unfortunately however, the rivalry between the two authors isn't as resolved as I would like, and there are various other plots of the drama that seem rushed or underdeveloped or sort of like afterthoughts. (I haven't read the manga so I make no comparison.) Nevertheless, "Million Yen Women" does have a degree of substance that elevates it beyond a typical boy's fantasy, and it is mostly fun and enjoyable to watch so I recommend it.
This drama also has Japanese audio description and Japanese captions for those wanting to learn the language.
The structure of "Million Yen Women" is the basic set-up of a "harem" manga. "Harem" is a a popular sub-genre in manga where a clueless man lives together with many young, attractive women, many of whom develop crushes or fall in love with him. Although the harem set-up is fine for comics, it rather loses its tenuous credibility in live-action film such as in "Million Yen Women." However this TV series has a twist, an element of mystery, that is almost as fantastical but rather more welcome. Kudos to Yojiro Noda, anyway, for making his protagonist likable anyhow.
Harem is not particularly my cup of tea, but I did enjoy some of the character development in the series and some surprising moments of depth and pathos sprinkled throughout.
Although "Million Yen Women" contains elements of romance and murder, it also is about Yojiro Noda's character, who is an upcoming novelist, and his rivalry with a popular established author. This rivalry is pretty basic, but I did enjoy some of the discussion about novels and expression and "creating a new emotion" and etc. There's an odd peace about Yojiro Noda that makes character as a novelist believable, and makes him unique against the backdrop of criminal intrigue he stands against.
Unfortunately however, the rivalry between the two authors isn't as resolved as I would like, and there are various other plots of the drama that seem rushed or underdeveloped or sort of like afterthoughts. (I haven't read the manga so I make no comparison.) Nevertheless, "Million Yen Women" does have a degree of substance that elevates it beyond a typical boy's fantasy, and it is mostly fun and enjoyable to watch so I recommend it.
This drama also has Japanese audio description and Japanese captions for those wanting to learn the language.
An excellent Drama
adiwsusanto24 August 2017
I'm happy that this show popped up in my recommended section in Netflix. The story line was intriguing & so captivating that I finish all episodes in 2 nights. It's story telling is much different than Hollywood, yet if you enjoy drama in general, you will enjoy this. Scene by scene changes in an unpredictable way. You feel like you want to know more about its character stories and you are teased with clips of flashbacks, side stories etc. LOVE IT.
Beautiful, Interesting and different.
hjalsayegh7 November 2018
An unsuccessful writer is suddenly visited by five women that claim to have been invited to live in house under strict rules. One of them is that the monthly rent for each of them is 1 million yen per month.
Right off the bat each woman is so distinct that the guy seems bland and boring in comparison. With every episode you learn more about the women and the guy and every interaction uncovers another layer.
This is the kind of series you can binge in one sitting, Every time an aspect of someone is revealed it leaves you wanting to dig deeper and learn more.
The filming style is artistic and beautiful, writing is sharp and the acting is superb. It's proof that you don't have to shout everything to the heavens to make your point. Sometimes just a quiet moment would do... or a kick to the rear!
It's a very Japanese show with people being too polite and subtle which just adds another layer of charm to it. Watch it!
Right off the bat each woman is so distinct that the guy seems bland and boring in comparison. With every episode you learn more about the women and the guy and every interaction uncovers another layer.
This is the kind of series you can binge in one sitting, Every time an aspect of someone is revealed it leaves you wanting to dig deeper and learn more.
The filming style is artistic and beautiful, writing is sharp and the acting is superb. It's proof that you don't have to shout everything to the heavens to make your point. Sometimes just a quiet moment would do... or a kick to the rear!
It's a very Japanese show with people being too polite and subtle which just adds another layer of charm to it. Watch it!
A breath taking series
marco-aravena-f21 August 2017
I was amazed with every episode. With this show I realized how used I am to Hollywood films and TV. The story is so unpredictable and my jaw drop at every scene. Funny, sweet, sad, charming and mysterious, this series has it all. Even tho I didn't like much the actor for Shin at the beginning, the series sure did won me over. This is a very Japanese show, so it can be weird for western audience to see how the Japanese people are always so polite and stoic, but also, very charming. I would totally recommend it 9/10
Intriguing and captivating. Definitely worth your time.
matiinsatria23 July 2020
After looking up the review on IMDb, I decided to give this show a try as each episodes are just slightly over 20 minutes. Little did I know, I finished the whole show in just 1 day. The interesting story line, the plot twists and the beautiful actresses definitely a plus point. Highly highly recommended for those who are scrolling through Netflix trying to find a great series to binge on. Hoping there will be a second season.
So many loose ends and undeveloped characters
raymondlo-5834829 October 2021
Whoever wrote the final script didn't care ... The plot got so many holes and the main character is beyond bad looking.
The only bright side is the main characters girls are pretty and that's the only thing kept me watching.
The only bright side is the main characters girls are pretty and that's the only thing kept me watching.
Slow Burn, But worth it
virusfoundvs25 March 2020
If the IMDB description of the show didn't make you watch the show, nothing else will. Nonetheless, let me give it a shot.
The series setting, unusual at first, is like a puzzle whose pieces seems to be permanently lost, only to emerge out of nowhere.
All the female characters are so developed. After the end of the show, you will develop a crush on al of them.
Highly recommended
Million Yen Women
Tweekums24 October 2022
Shin Michima is an author but his books do not sell well. He has a policy that none of his characters ever die in his books because his father is a convicted murderer who is awaiting execution. One day his life changes in a strange way; five women turn up at his home; somebody has invited them to live there for a rent of one million yen per month... Shin is hardly in a position to turn them away. One condition of the arrangement is that Shin can't ask the women any questions about themselves. They are all very different and as the series progresses we learn more about them. Shin gradually gets more successful but then a shocking event occurs that lead them to suspect there is something sinister behind the organisation of their living arrangement. In the background we see a rival, and far more successful, author, along with a literary critic, who are constantly belittling Shin's writing; especially as he becomes more successful.
When I saw the premise for this series I assumed it would be a live action equivalent of a harem anime... some mildly suggestive hijinks before we learn which girl Shin end up with; it is nothing like that. Instead we get an intriguing and sometimes dark drama. Even after it became clear that it wasn't going to be as I expected there were more shocks to come. I enjoyed the story from the start; this was down to the interesting set-up and characters. The characters are delightfully varied. The cast do a fine job bringing their characters to life. I would definitely recommend this to people looking something rather different looking for the next series to watch on Netflix... another plus is the short episodes mean if you only have thirty minutes to kill you can watch an episode.
These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.
When I saw the premise for this series I assumed it would be a live action equivalent of a harem anime... some mildly suggestive hijinks before we learn which girl Shin end up with; it is nothing like that. Instead we get an intriguing and sometimes dark drama. Even after it became clear that it wasn't going to be as I expected there were more shocks to come. I enjoyed the story from the start; this was down to the interesting set-up and characters. The characters are delightfully varied. The cast do a fine job bringing their characters to life. I would definitely recommend this to people looking something rather different looking for the next series to watch on Netflix... another plus is the short episodes mean if you only have thirty minutes to kill you can watch an episode.
These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.
Surprisingly Good!
hafizmalek9 June 2021
Wonderful execution of a delightful setup
divemabini10 January 2023
This show snuck up on me.
OK, I will admit it, the splash screen on Netflix showed some attractive women, so I clicked. Well played, Netflix. Well played.
Then the premise listed under 'more info' reeled in the hook already firmly set in my head. A guy lives with 5 beautiful women, and intrigue and hijinks ensue? Count me in!
But don't think this is a light-hearted show. It gets creepy (not in a supernatural way) and very dark. And the ending? Well, the ending....is VERY satisfying. That's two shows I've reviewed lately that have been able to take seemingly difficult subject matter across the finish line in an enjoyable way. The other being Alice in Borderland.
Slightly more than the usual suspension of disbelief is required to fully understand why the ladies accept the invitations in the first place (the reasons given are kind of 'meh' in my book). And the pseudo-antagonist other author and annoying book critic are more throw away characters than anything major, so some wasted screen time there.
So, one star deduction for those two minor gripes. But otherwise, a terrific and well-paced show. Glad I...er...stumbled upon it on Netflix.
OK, I will admit it, the splash screen on Netflix showed some attractive women, so I clicked. Well played, Netflix. Well played.
Then the premise listed under 'more info' reeled in the hook already firmly set in my head. A guy lives with 5 beautiful women, and intrigue and hijinks ensue? Count me in!
But don't think this is a light-hearted show. It gets creepy (not in a supernatural way) and very dark. And the ending? Well, the ending....is VERY satisfying. That's two shows I've reviewed lately that have been able to take seemingly difficult subject matter across the finish line in an enjoyable way. The other being Alice in Borderland.
Slightly more than the usual suspension of disbelief is required to fully understand why the ladies accept the invitations in the first place (the reasons given are kind of 'meh' in my book). And the pseudo-antagonist other author and annoying book critic are more throw away characters than anything major, so some wasted screen time there.
So, one star deduction for those two minor gripes. But otherwise, a terrific and well-paced show. Glad I...er...stumbled upon it on Netflix.
Refreshing and interesting!
tonystarkmarveluniverse12 October 2021
Amazing drama with a 'happy ending'
mgallardo6819 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I am so in love with this drama! It is different, exciting, thrilling, complex yet refreshing, super sexy, social, with a powerful metaphorical story telling and more plus GREAT performances. Male leading role is soft, even could be weak for some but he is only a good lonely heart that needs love and companion desperately and he finds it in the most unexpected way but the best thing is that he embraces it despite of previous pain and misery in his life because he accepted he deserves happiness. I was really fond with all the symbolism in this Beautiful 'movie' and the best thing was to see Yojiro Noda (lead vocalist of the Japanese band Radwimps, creators of animated Japanese film Your Name OST) playing it. BRILLIANT!!
Not afraid to die
alaningle79 March 2022
Five women move into an unsuccessful writers home, no one including the writer knows who is behind the set up. The rules are they must pay one million yen a month and ask no questions and the novelist must not enter their rooms. An interesting plot based on a manga where we learn over twelve episodes who is behind the idea and how it eventually leads to tragedy. Well acted with a strong female cast and even though the story is far fetched it holds your attention through every episode as the individual characters back stories are revealed.
Excellent binge worthy show!
dylan-2303524 August 2018
There are times when Netflix gets ahold of some really great tv shows and their foreign selections rarely disappoint. This one will pull you in from the start if you just give it a moment. Intriguing from the start as five women just show up at a frustrated writers home each bringing with them a million yen for him. At first he's taken aback at this wondering why this is happening but for whatever reasons just accepts the situation, what man wouldn't. He's expected to cook and care for them which he does as he's also preoccupied with his attempts at whatever it is he's writing to question why, all he has to go on is what a friend of his told him he has to do he's looking out for him and thinks this is what he needs in order to help him complete his tale since he's stuck, not having been able to get past even a title. Nice friend to have! Anyway, give it a shot, the 12 episodes are only about 28 minutes long and imo the shorter most of these shows are in terms of how many episodes and the length of each with the rare exception here and there, means they'll get to the heart of the matter without branching off in needless directions while the writers figure out how to bring to a close the show. It's just something I've noticed in that they feel like pilot eps that get a good reaction from viewers but then the producers need time to finish them hence the unneeded storylines or they're just milking it for all it's worth and rarely are any of these shows worth it, they don't know when to quit, that also being the problem with second seasons, there's only so far you can take something before it's pointless but this one isn't one of those. So dive in and enjoy the show!
Worth it
faithtinya8 December 2018
It was an amazing experience to watch this show
bowtiemouse31 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
My heart almost stopped after I finished watching this. Not literally, but I can say that I was almost in a panic because of how much it moved me.
I was actually really happy for the male main character that he was able to find 4 women that was able to support and I believe loved him even though he wasn't exactly good looking and his life was struggling. Even the fifth woman with her twisted reasoning for sending out invitations probably wanted to help him out subconsciously.
It was so sad for me that the male lead only ended up with Hitomi since it would have been nice to see both women with him at the end.
Either way I wanted more closure but I didn't get it. That kinda hurts. The director and author did that on purpose.
I was actually really happy for the male main character that he was able to find 4 women that was able to support and I believe loved him even though he wasn't exactly good looking and his life was struggling. Even the fifth woman with her twisted reasoning for sending out invitations probably wanted to help him out subconsciously.
It was so sad for me that the male lead only ended up with Hitomi since it would have been nice to see both women with him at the end.
Either way I wanted more closure but I didn't get it. That kinda hurts. The director and author did that on purpose.
Absolutely Perfect for me
rosenators28 November 2018
Deviant emotions
imuckenschnabl10 October 2019
Million Yen Women is wicked pleasure
williamrich-804011 June 2023
Shin Mishima is a quiet, polite young man who lives alone in a large house. He writes novels for a living but has not seen much commercial success. He doesn't own a computer or a cell phone. His most modern electronic device is a vintage fax machine that whistles, squeaks and whirs as it prints its daily missive of malicious epithets and death threats.
One day Shin enters his house and finds a strange woman waiting for him. She shows him a formally printed invitation that instructs her to rent a room in his house. As he has no idea what this is about, Shin objects. He relents when she tells him that the terms of the invitation require her to pay him one million Japanese yen (US$7,000) a month as rent. By day's end four more women show up at his door bearing identical engraved invitations.
The invitations include rules for Shin and the five women. He must cook and clean for them. The six of them must eat all their meals together. He is not allowed to enter their rooms and he is forbidden to ask them any questions.
Shin knows nothing about these women. They know nothing about Shin or about each other.
The youngest, Midori, is in high school. Each day she puts on her school uniform, gathers her books, and goes to class. Why was a 17 year-old chosen to receive one of the invitations? Why did she accept? Where are her parents? Where does she get the money to pay the rent?
The oldest is the charismatic 30 year-old Minari. Tall and willowy, she gracefully walks about the house dressed in nothing but a cigarette.
Each of the women is a bundle of enigmas for both Shin and for each other. Conversation always returns to the central questions. Who sent the invitations and why?
The story unfolds in twelve tightly wound 24-minute segments. As the episodes pile up and learn more about Shin and the women, the answers still elude us. The pace quickens, the tension builds, the plot thickens and the story shifts from being a mystery to a being a mystery and a thriller.
We, along with the six housemates, want to know who is behind it all. Is it Shin's agent? Is it his literary rival? Is it the obnoxious critic? Is it one of the women? Is it Shin himself?
This is a wickedly smart story. The anticlimax is climactic. The climax is wickedly delicious. Once you have seen Million Yen Women will be thinking about it for a long time. WICKED!
One day Shin enters his house and finds a strange woman waiting for him. She shows him a formally printed invitation that instructs her to rent a room in his house. As he has no idea what this is about, Shin objects. He relents when she tells him that the terms of the invitation require her to pay him one million Japanese yen (US$7,000) a month as rent. By day's end four more women show up at his door bearing identical engraved invitations.
The invitations include rules for Shin and the five women. He must cook and clean for them. The six of them must eat all their meals together. He is not allowed to enter their rooms and he is forbidden to ask them any questions.
Shin knows nothing about these women. They know nothing about Shin or about each other.
The youngest, Midori, is in high school. Each day she puts on her school uniform, gathers her books, and goes to class. Why was a 17 year-old chosen to receive one of the invitations? Why did she accept? Where are her parents? Where does she get the money to pay the rent?
The oldest is the charismatic 30 year-old Minari. Tall and willowy, she gracefully walks about the house dressed in nothing but a cigarette.
Each of the women is a bundle of enigmas for both Shin and for each other. Conversation always returns to the central questions. Who sent the invitations and why?
The story unfolds in twelve tightly wound 24-minute segments. As the episodes pile up and learn more about Shin and the women, the answers still elude us. The pace quickens, the tension builds, the plot thickens and the story shifts from being a mystery to a being a mystery and a thriller.
We, along with the six housemates, want to know who is behind it all. Is it Shin's agent? Is it his literary rival? Is it the obnoxious critic? Is it one of the women? Is it Shin himself?
This is a wickedly smart story. The anticlimax is climactic. The climax is wickedly delicious. Once you have seen Million Yen Women will be thinking about it for a long time. WICKED!
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
