Watashitachi wa Douka Shiteiru (2020)

A beautiful drama

This drama is definitely something! I started to watch it because I wanted something light and funny, I'm not quite sure if this drama is that but it's very enjoyable!

The story was great, it had the suspense and cliffhangers that made you want to watch more of it. I was hooked after the first episode. The only thing I disliked was that we didn't find out who the real murderer was until the last episode, but that's okay! The drama had too few episodes for it to be revealed earlier.

I liked the cast a lot, the two main lead had a nice chemistry and none of them were airheads or immature. It was hard for me to like the main guys mom because of everything she did, I honestly can't see the plot from her pov and I'm glad about the ending.

The music was capturing and I honestly don't have anything bad to say about this drama. I'm not a person who rewatches dramas but this is still one of my favourite japanese dramas.

If you are someone who likes romcoms with a bit of mystery and drama in it this is definitely for you! Watch it :)

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A delicate & moving story

With numerous traditional Japanese elements woven into the story, the drama pulls you into the mood & culture resonating with the historical times.

The breathing landscapes, gorgeous kimonos, the tea ceremonies, and the beautiful art of wagashi will take you on an enthralling journey which will linger in your mind.

The emotions portrayed by the characters are complex & chaotic yet relatable. The OST is appealing & compliments the scenes artistically.

Thought the plot revolves around the murder mystery, it has more of a soap-opera & manga feel to it. But the most interesting part is the precise balance of high & low moods in the drama which gives it a poetic sense.

The rich palette of of colours used in the drama represent much more than external beauty. They bring to life the feelings which cannot be conveyed by mere words. The emotions which sometimes transcend language.

A delightful watch which conveys the ephemera of existence & the need to follow your heart ❤ Highly recommended.

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I rarely binge-watch but this one made me do it.

I was excited to find this drama after enjoying Yokohama Ryusei in 'Hajimete Koi wo Shita Hi ni Yomu Hanashi'. With just eight episodes the plot here moves quickly and there's never a dull moment. Performances across the board are excellent. It was also interesting to me that it's set in modern times yet you rarely see anyone in modern dress -- it's kimonos practically 24x7.

I also like that the FL is resourceful and strong-willed. She knows what she wants and is willing to do what she needs to. She is clearly a good match for the ML, and it's nice that he himself realizes that very early on.

One thing for sure, I really want to try Japanese sweets now.

A few things did bother me though. ** WARNING: SPOILERS BELOW **

First, the fact that all the trouble starts with a 9yo making an accusation that nobody seems to question. There's never any followup from the police to make sure he wasn't mistaken, lying on behalf of someone else, or acting out of spite. (And a case could be made that all three of those were true.)

Another thing is that we get seven episodes of the evil matron doing her best to destroy both the FL and her own son but once again we have a final episode of a drama where the main villain is given a redemption arc from out of nowhere. (And why didn't the father-in-law take action after she nearly killed him?) I don't know why it seems that most of the Asian dramas I watch end up redeeming the villain in the end. For me there's something unsatisfying about that. I want people to be forced to account for their wrongdoing.

Speaking of which, we then have Jojima, who does the evil matron's bidding in the early episodes and even attempts to *kill* the FL, but who then turns into a good guy who never has to account for the terrible things he did. (Also, the matron seems unconcerned when he stops working for her and joins the opposition, so to speak. I'd think she would be the last person you'd want to double-cross like that.)

Still, it's a fun ride if you're willing to overlook some of these inconsistencies. An easy 8/10 for me.

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Good Enough

" Watashitachi wa Douka Shiteiru " was a telenovella consetrated into eight episodes.

Trully, the story had everything, from a tragic romance to a revenge plot, in addition to heartache, family issues, mysterious characters, health problems, a fire, stricked traditional family, love triangles, time skipping, murder, infidelity and more. But, overall, the drama focuses on the first two, with a love story that had a sudden start (honestly, the marriage proposal was too quick and not at all of my taste), but it smoothed the pace after that rushed begining, having many dramatic moments, many cheesy ones, many sad and a satisfying conclusion. That said, the couple had chemistry and looked good together.

However, the revenge twist was more interesting, as it was less predictable and had a solid and surprising ending. The murder case kept things thrilling till the very end and the dynamics between the two female leads were spot on.

Finally, the deserts were pretty and they presented their manufacture well and in details.

So, overall, seven out of ten.

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The essence of Wagashi or the traditional sweets in Japan.

Japanese stories are known for their explicit display of that mundane culture and turn it to something meaningful and beautiful. In this drama, it was centered upon the art of making traditional sweets called "wagashi".
The culture of wagashi is an interesting genre to explore for me, since I'm foreign to it. It was particularly catching to me since the characters show deep entanglement with that mundane culture. Its just about making sweets, but why does it feel so twisted and complicated? I just love it when Japanese writers do that.
Its something so simple...characters show varied emotions, thoughts, ideas, and eccentricities that were somehow revolving around the story yet those building emotions felt very central to that culture which makes it very complicated. You would want to make your way through the story because you get entangled as well. It catches you with your emotions as well.
I also commend the actors and actresses in this drama. The main leads did a very good job and this is the first time I have seen them. I love their chemistry. The main lead would likely end up to be one of my favorite Japanese actor!
Overall, if you plan to watch this drama, you are in for a treat! literally! and you might want to do a little research on the wagashi culture. When you understand how significant this culture is, you might find this drama more interesting!

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Why did I only watched it now?! I love this!❤

It's been too long since I last binged a Japanese drama. I am a huge fan of Oguri Shun, Takeru Satoh and many other Japanese actors, but lately I haven't had the chance to watch any dramas. Not enough to catched my attention, not until one of my friends insisted that I watch this drama as she has a huge crush on the ML. It's a good thing, I listened to her. Oh My Gosh! This drama is superb! Actors are fantastic, realistic, convincing and Sakura and Tsubaki's chemistry is off the charts! They really worked well with each other. ( their pairing). The MIL is a sorry character but really, she deserved what happened to her, she's such a good actress that you wanted to skin her alive, just to make you feel good. Also, jeez! Why did I torture myself to drool all over the traditional sweets of Japan? Deym!!! They all look sooo good and what a masterpiece! It's a waste to eat them as they look sooo picturesque. Anyway, you better watch this drama, you'll finished it quickly, and hope there's a season 2 or even a SP just to have a quick glance of what happened next. Hope it's not asking for too much from the casts, directors and producers of the show.

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Cringefest

I usually don't pick on logic, but what was that in the very beginning? A boy with demonic stare, bloody hands and cheeks stands near a corpse and a murder weapon, points to a woman, the next moment cops arrive and take her away under arms, without cuffs. Once reconstructed in the end the scene looks cringy as hell as well. There's quite a few things like that.
It's also quite funny that on pretty much every important event there's someone walking from the corner, noticing the event, taking a step back and observing it from the corner. How can you seriously take it after all that?
I like Hamabe Minami, but I don't buy most of her dramatic acting at all. Okami on the other hand is overacting at times by being the most stereotypical evil.
As good parts I would put the setting, sweets and everything around them, some characters. It's not terrible or unwatchable, I was curious about various things along the way, but overall I think it's far from being a decently constructed story and the score it has right now is a bit too much.

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A Profound Journey of Suspense, Drama, Unbreakable Bonds and Rewatch Delight!

"Watashitachi wa Douka Shiteiru" isn't just a J-Drama; it's a transformative experience that has left an indelible mark on my soul. From the very first moment I embarked on this journey, I was ensnared by the alluring world it presented. The unfolding of the plot and the intricate integration of characters into the narrative is nothing short of brilliance, and it had me perched on the edge of my seat throughout its entirety.

One of the defining strengths of this J-Drama lies in the meticulous crafting of its characters. Each individual is a finely honed work of art, endowed with depth, complexity, and raw humanity. I found myself forming a profound emotional connection with each character, a testament to the authenticity with which their journeys, struggles, and personal growth are portrayed. Their experiences felt so achingly real that I often found myself reflecting on their trials long after the series concluded.

The heart of the drama lies in the tragic events of the past, where Hanaoka Nao's mother, Yuriko, a single parent and confectioner at the esteemed Kogetsuan, becomes the prime suspect in a murder case. This case tragically separates young Nao and Takatsuki Tsubaki, the son of Kogetsuan's owner and Nao's first love. Yuriko's arrest and subsequent passing under interrogation shatter Nao's world, leaving her as the daughter of a murder suspect and Tsubaki as the son of the victim.

More than 15 years later, Nao and Tsubaki are unexpectedly reunited at a Japanese confectionery competition. Tsubaki, unaware of Nao's true identity, becomes enamored with her creations and proposes to her during their first meeting. Nao, concealing her past and driven by the desire to prove her mother's innocence, agrees to marry him and infiltrate Kogetsuan.

Little do they know that a web of adversities and hidden truths awaits them. Despite the cruel hand of fate that has toyed with their lives, Nao and Tsubaki are inexplicably drawn to each other, bound by an unbreakable connection that transcends time.

"Watashitachi wa Douka Shiteiru" masterfully balances suspense and drama as it unravels the mystery of the past. Every twist and turn is orchestrated to keep the viewer in a state of constant anticipation. The suspenseful moments are heart-pounding, and the dramatic scenes are delivered with such emotional gravitas that they leave you in awe of the powerful performances by the cast. The actors breathe life into their roles, infusing the drama with an intensity that lingers in your thoughts.

This J-Drama isn't just a one-time watch; it's a gem that I've revisited not once, not twice, but three times. With each revisit, I unearth new layers of meaning, nuances, and subtle details that only serve to deepen my appreciation for the series.

In a personal reflection, "Watashitachi wa Douka Shiteiru" is not merely a J-Drama; it's a transcendent exploration of the human experience through the lens of suspense, drama, and character depth. It offers a transformative and thought-provoking journey that lingers in your heart and mind long after the final credits roll. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a thrilling, emotional, and intellectually stimulating watch. It is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling in the world of drama, and an unforgettable masterpiece of the genre.

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BEST AMOBG THE BEST J-DRAMA EVER!!

Watch this drama ramdomly because of the froth poster,I dont feel really good for a traditional culture,but this one really change my perception

The first ep just really satisfying,they end up together easily even there is a revenge actually

I also interest in the japanese sweet,because every sweets that they do actually have a huge message,its about art..its no plain story

Minami(nao) also give the best acting here,she never act with a revenge and mystery personality,but here,its really a different role and I just really love it

But 8 episode is really not enough,I want them to end up married and have a baby....but its just okay for the happy ending

And I also want tsubaki(ryusei) to pay more attention the nao(minami) or have more time together...I hope this will be on the other drama if they could work together again

The antagonise also good,when here in the drama,they actually have a lot of antagonise..and also,they do it on purpose,its not jiat a zero action..

Every single action was really smooth and they not even waste the story with such a plain action...this productin was really creative

I hope for another J-drama that really have a clean purpose its not just a drama with just a love scene

Hope for this this two work in other drama pleasee

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Good beginning, mediocre middle, bad ending. Do not recommend.

The ending was poorly thought out. It broke the characters past believeability. The reasons it gets a score as high as 7, are that the story was sort of interesting, and the acting was quite a bit above average.

It has a big problem that is common in dramas nowadays.
The writer seems to have given up on the ending.
At least in this drama, it is only the last episode that is really poor.

It may be a good idea to follow some of the actors from this drama.
The male and female leads are good.
The Shiori-san character is pretty good.

Good beginning, mediocre middle, bad ending. Do not recommend.

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Weirdest PLOT-TWIST ever

It came out of nowhere, abruptly, almost like being hit by a train, or maybe being thrown down a bridge. That ending felt extremely rushed, although quite obviously was intricately written in the manga. Perhaps, the production had to be halted earlier than expected due to Covid. What a shame. A few more episodes to even out the pacing would have allowed the acting to appear more natural and the conflict to be better integrated.

Minami's acting was good; she really suits these types of innocent but inwardly fierce female leads. Ryusei's acting was questionable at best, or maybe that was just how the character was written to be. I really wished that the director allowed him to show a wider range of emotions during pivotal moments like the reunion scene or like most of the scenes. For now, we have to endure the occasional frowns and the occasional watery eyes...

Came for the visual, stayed for the plot! Highly recommend if you want to watch two otherwordly beautiful humans falling in love in the most unusual, yet quite cliched, yet extremely tragic ways.

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