^ Personally, I wouldn't go ahead and watch the first one. Seeing as though this non-sequel, 2011 version is out, I would just start with the new one.
But, if you have the urge to finish the series asap, then go ahead and watch the first one.
here's a little something on the ratings so far, if you're interested.
The first episode of the 2011 Hanazakarino Kimitachihe drama , better known as Hana Kimi, aired yesterday in Fuji TV's "Dramatic Sunday" timeslot. The 2011 remake stars AKB48's center girl Maeda Atsuko as Ashiya Mizuki. The first episode managed to get a 10.1% viewership rating.
During the episode the terms "フツメンパラダイス" (Average looking guys paradise) and "演技下手" (Poor performance) were trending in Japan. People were also pointing out the huge drop from last week's Marumo no Okite finale which got a rating of 23.9%. Not all comments were negative. After the episode people commented things as "Ikepara was interesting. I'm looking forward to the next episode!", "Acchan's perfomance was great! It was really interesting. It was too cute" on Maeda's blog.
In comparison, the first episode of the 2007 original version of Hana Kimi managed to get a 15.9% rating and the lowest rating it ever got for an episode was 14,7%. The 2011 Hana Kimi currently has the lowest rating for the first episode among the few drama's that already started this season, but at the same time it was the best watched show on Fuji TV yesterday evening.
http://aramatheydidnt.livejournal.com/2502465.htmlbleh, I can't believe I'm quoting arama.