Kikazaru Koi ni wa Riyuu ga Atte (2021)

Kikazaru Koi ni wa Riyuu ga Atte is one of the best romance Jdrama of 2021.
The opening of episode 1 of Koi Nante reminded me so much of Kikazaru.
The FL are both into fashion and the ML are chefs :D

aesthetic wise, might be in par with one another. would update this after finishing the series ;)

Similar vibes but Dear My Room is more focus on the female protagonist than in the romantic plot.
Also, the male protagonists are a bit similar, perhaps due to the long eyelashes eheh

Similarities for both Jdramas:

-The main female leads (Mashiba Kurumi from Kikazaru Koi and Kono Etsuko from Jimi ni Sugoi) are strong, fashionable and straightforward. They are also hard-working at their jobs.

-All of the main leads are both considerate and supportive to their partner, friends, acquaintances, housemates and/or co-workers.

-Both Jdramas include a comical character that brings laughter to the viewers and brightens up the atmosphere (Fujino Shun from Kikazaru Koi and Kono Etsuko from Jimi ni Sugoi).

-Both Jdramas show bickering moments between certain characters (Kaizuka Hachiro aka "Tako" & Kono Etsuko from Jimi ni Sugoi, and Mashiba Kurumi & Fujino Shun from Kikazaru Koi).

-Great visual effects in each Jdrama.

-Displays positive group dynamics (e.g. the housemates from Kikazaru Koi, and the co-workers in the workplace of Jimi ni Sugoi).

-Shares valuable life lessons.

-Consists of skillful acting from all actresses and actors!

Few differences:
-While Kikazaru Koi shows viewers a balance between the main leads' work-life and personal life, Jimi ni Sugoi focuses more on the female lead's work-life than her personal life. There are fewer scenes that depict the romantic relationship development between Kono Etsuko and Orihara Yukito. However, the special final episode gives closure to their relationship.

Please support the fansubbers who dedicated their time to post english subtitles for each Jdrama. Links to the episodes are listed below:

Kikazaru Koi niwa Riyuu ga Atte:
https://furritsubs.livejournal.com/#entry-furritsubs-20202

Jimi ni Sugoi! Koetsu Garu Kono Etsuko:
Unfortunately, I couldn't find all of the episodes for Jimi ni Sugoi on the fansubber's official website anymore. But I want to give credit to the fansubber, mikilove13.
If you're interested in checking the other Jdramas that she subbed, links are below:
https://mikilove13fs.livejournal.com/
https://twitter.com/mikilove13fs

As an alternative, you can also access the 10 episodes on Dramacool website by searching the title, "Jimi ni Sugoi."

Here is the link to the special final episode of Jimi ni Sugoi:
https://kissasian.li/Drama/Jimi-ni-Sugoi-Koetsu-Garu-Kono-Etsuko-Special

Both story is about male/female cohabitation. The overall vibe is slice of life and feels comfortable food with love triangle, but not too dramatic.

Mashiba Kurumi works as a publicist for "el Arco Iris," an interior design company becoming popular with young people on social media. She's a fashionista who cares a lot about her appearance and what others think. She works hard to gain the admiration of her coworkers and boss, Hayama Shogo.

Kurumi is so busy with work she forgets to renew her apartment lease, so her friend Koko helps her find a new place, but it's a share house with three strangers -- Fujino Shun, a minimalist chef who only wants to live a simple life. Then there's Terai Haruto, Shun's cousin who works as an online counselor to help people with their problems. Finally, there's Hase Ayaka, an aspiring artist who makes contemporary art while working part-time as a delivery driver at a high-end supermarket. And so, these people of different ages, occupations, and values come together under one roof. Though their personalities clash, Kurumi falls in love, deepens her friendships, and learns to take off her "armor" and live as herself.

Mashiba Kurumi works as a publicist for "el Arco Iris," an interior design company becoming popular with young people on social media. She's a fashionista who cares a lot about her appearance and what others think. She works hard to gain the admiration of her coworkers and boss, Hayama Shogo. Kurumi is so busy with work she forgets to renew her apartment lease, so her friend Koko helps her find a new place, but it's a share house with three strangers -- Fujino Shun, a minimalist chef who only wants to live a simple life. Then there's Terai Haruto, Shun's cousin who works as an online counselor to help people with their problems. Finally, there's Hase Ayaka, an aspiring artist who makes contemporary art while working part-time as a delivery driver at a high-end supermarket. And so, these people of different ages, occupations, and values come together under one roof. Though their personalities clash, Kurumi falls in love, deepens her friendships, and learns to take off her "armor" and live as herself.

These two Jdramas that consist of different storylines and target audiences surprisingly share common themes, character traits, and much more.

*Note: I'll refer 30-sai made Dotei Da to Mahotsukai ni Nareru rashii as its short title in english, "Cherry Magic."

Similarities for both Jdramas:

-They are wholesome Jdramas depicting healthy relationships for both romantic relationships and friendships. There is amazing chemistry and relationship development in both Jdramas. All of the main leads are both considerate and supportive to their partner, friends, acquaintances, housemates and/or co-workers.

-They are both romantic comedy Jdramas that display plenty of fluffy moments for the couples.

-The main leads (Mashiba Kurumi from Kikazaru Koi and Adachi Kiyoshi from Cherry Magic) are straightforward.

-Each character possess interesting/unique personalities that shows their charming side.

-Both feature cute pets as characters too!

-Each Jdrama consists of characters that go through great character development.

-Both Jdramas teach valuable life lessons.

-Radiate good vibes for the majority of the season.

-Both include characters that had a crush on someone for 7 years.

-Cohabitation occurs in both Jdramas, except it only happens briefly in Cherry Magic.

-Consists of skillful acting from all actors and actresses!

Few differences:
-In Cherry Magic, they place less emphasis on the characters' work-life, while concentrating more on their personal lives. Whereas Kikazaru Koi focuses on the characters' work-life and personal life simultaneously.

-Cherry Magic includes supernatural elements because the main male lead, Adachi Kiyoshi gains the power to read people's minds.

-Kikazaru Koi express straight couples, while Cherry Magic shows same-sex couples.

Please support the fansubbers who dedicated their time to post english subtitles for each Jdrama. Links to the episodes are listed below:

Kikazaru Koi niwa Riyuu ga Atte:
https://furritsubs.livejournal.com/#entry-furritsubs-20202

30-sai made Dotei Da to Mahotsukai ni Nareru rashii (Cherry Magic):
First page:
https://irozuku.org/fansub/tag/cherry-magic/page/2/

Second page:
https://irozuku.org/fansub/tag/cherry-magic/

Mashiba Kurumi works as a publicist for "el Arco Iris," an interior design company becoming popular with young people on social media. She's a fashionista who cares a lot about her appearance and what others think. She works hard to gain the admiration of her coworkers and boss, Hayama Shogo.

Kurumi is so busy with work she forgets to renew her apartment lease, so her friend Koko helps her find a new place, but it's a share house with three strangers -- Fujino Shun, a minimalist chef who only wants to live a simple life. Then there's Terai Haruto, Shun's cousin who works as an online counselor to help people with their problems. Finally, there's Hase Ayaka, an aspiring artist who makes contemporary art while working part-time as a delivery driver at a high-end supermarket. And so, these people of different ages, occupations, and values come together under one roof. Though their personalities clash, Kurumi falls in love, deepens her friendships, and learns to take off her "armor" and live as herself.

Mashiba Kurumi works as a publicist for "el Arco Iris," an interior design company becoming popular with young people on social media. She's a fashionista who cares a lot about her appearance and what others think. She works hard to gain the admiration of her coworkers and boss, Hayama Shogo.

Kurumi is so busy with work she forgets to renew her apartment lease, so her friend Koko helps her find a new place, but it's a share house with three strangers -- Fujino Shun, a minimalist chef who only wants to live a simple life. Then there's Terai Haruto, Shun's cousin who works as an online counselor to help people with their problems. Finally, there's Hase Ayaka, an aspiring artist who makes contemporary art while working part-time as a delivery driver at a high-end supermarket. And so, these people of different ages, occupations, and values come together under one roof. Though their personalities clash, Kurumi falls in love, deepens her friendships, and learns to take off her "armor" and live as herself.

Similar story 2 ML & 1 FL, friends from younger days until they getting older. A twist of youth love along the way. Ray Zhang too adorable as always! Both movies a must watch movies with different story line.

Inseparable childhood friends Shou Heng and Cheng Shing have their world thrown into chaos when a new girl comes to town and falls for Shou Heng.

-Kikazaru... is a similar story set-up as Cha-Cha-Cha, except the leads are the late 20's versions of the lead couple from the latter (who are in their mid-30's). The high-flying city girl, and the homely, earthy and grounded boy with opposing sets of values!
-The FLs land as a tad superficial; fashion and self-image obsessed. The MLs are pretty low-key in comparison, and often give our FLs wholesome critiques which causes them to evolve and not be so uptight.
-Plenty of found-family themes. The story-telling is paced like slice-of-life in both.
-The lead couples have a very youthful, playful dynamic. Their bickering sessions are fun to watch.
-FLs have a previous 'crush', they look up to and immensely respect, but they mistake familiarity and nostalgia with 'love'.
-The MLs are initially reserved in their affection. Both have bouts of jealousy, but FLs are very reassuring in their feelings towards the ML!!!
-Both FLs are extremely career-oriented & independent. Both face immense repercussions at work due to a small incident, at different points of the series.
-Both MLs suffer from heavy emotional trauma (although slightly different reasons). The outcomes are the same though, both retreat from their successful & regular full-time careers, and currently operate only as self-employed part-timers. Like quirky twins, Chief Hong has his 'off-days' and Shun keeps his food-truck open on 'weekdays and whenever it doesn't rain.'
-Both FLs help our MLs overcome their traumas. Likewise, the MLs cause them to become more likeable and soft eventually!
-The couple's 'dreams' clashes in both. However, they eventually can settle on a mutual middle-ground!

BONUS: The first episode epilogues in both the series is the EXACT same. While the leads look like they don't really get along, and are as different as chalk & cheese, the MLs have almost the exact same reaction to our FLs, when they realize the women aren't as superficial as they seem. That's the initial point of attraction between both couples... <3 <3

Nishimori Aoi's parents moved to another city for work, but Aoi didn't want to transfer to a new high school. She stays behind and lives in an apartment by herself. Shusei Kugayama moves in next to Aoi's apartment. Shusei is a very popular student at their high school. Due to a mistake, Aoi makes the fire sprinkler go off in his room. Until Shusei's room is fixed, he stays with Aoi.

Mashiba Kurumi works as a publicist for "el Arco Iris," an interior design company becoming popular with young people on social media. She's a fashionista who cares a lot about her appearance and what others think. She works hard to gain the admiration of her coworkers and boss, Hayama Shogo.

Kurumi is so busy with work she forgets to renew her apartment lease, so her friend Koko helps her find a new place, but it's a share house with three strangers -- Fujino Shun, a minimalist chef who only wants to live a simple life. Then there's Terai Haruto, Shun's cousin who works as an online counselor to help people with their problems. Finally, there's Hase Ayaka, an aspiring artist who makes contemporary art while working part-time as a delivery driver at a high-end supermarket. And so, these people of different ages, occupations, and values come together under one roof. Though their personalities clash, Kurumi falls in love, deepens her friendships, and learns to take off her "armor" and live as herself.

Both of these Japanese dramas tell the stories of a group of people who are living in the same house.

Tanimachi Mizuho has big dreams of living in Daikanyama and becoming a famous writer. In the middle of the winter, this strong-willed 26-year-old moves to Tokyo from the snowy countryside. Never doubting her ability, she keeps telling herself that if her desire to realize her dreams is strong enough, they will come true. What is waiting for her in Tokyo though, is something altogether different.

Morinaga Kenta is an up-and-coming variety program scenario writer. Kenta moved to Tokyo five years ago, and with luck on his side, he became well-known in no time. Kenta and Mizuho are from the same hometown, and were friends growing up, but their friendship never blossomed into anything else. "Hachiko," as Kenta was known as when he was growing up, just goes with the flow and doesn't really have any big aspirations for himself.

These two, who aren't having much luck with work or with their love lives, suddenly run into each other one day in Tokyo in the middle of winter. Being 26 is a tough point in life because it's too late to think of new dreams, but on the other hand, it's too late to abandon old ones...