Japanese Dramas

This was just so funny! Not as hilarious as Kieta Hatsukoi, of course, but it had me bursting out into hysterical laughter at least once every episode.

Kouta was an iconic character. "Fuck the law," and "I don't care if I look like a stalker" just killed me!

Also, the consent was great!

Give it a shot when you have the time.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Wonderful. I like how simple the premise is as well. Two people who only want to show a more unknown side of themselves to just each other. It makes it more special to them that they have only one person who is that close to them.

I also really like how the two of them basically formed their own little family along with Hori's brother. Miyamura almost became an adopted father of sorts. It was really sweet to see how much he genuinely cared about her little brother.

They manage to add a lot of depth to the characters in so short an amount of time. It's really well-done. That, and it's shot and lit in a way that fits the mood of every scene. It starts comedic but then quickly goes dark. There were a few instances where I thought the writing of the dialogue could have been better, but for the most part I found it convincing and moving (probably because of the actors doing a damn good job).

Overall, I found it quite touching and I felt a bit like I was getting a peak into the intimate details of real peoples lives. In a way, I felt I didn't earn the right to know their personal stories so quickly. But, I felt honored as well.

Do not go into this with any spoilers! It is best to be surprised here.

This was a slice-of-life slow-burn drama, both with character development and romance. Not everyone's cup of tea, but I quite enjoyed watching this.

Side Note: The soundtrack was fantastic!

Can be found on Rakuten Viki 

This was a very silly and warm drama that had some surprisingly progressive takes/discussions. And now, I just want to eat some curry!

Can be found on free websites

Through seemingly impossible obstacle after obstacle, they overcame and grew as a group, blooming in their own way.

It was inspiring.

Criticism: I did find the romance lacking, but it wasn't the real main focus, so I can understand putting it on the back burner. Still, I would have liked to have seen more.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki or Netflix

Going from the previous heart-pumping, character-driven, first and second seasons to this nebulous third one was disappointing to say the least. I didn't dare hope it could top them, but I did place my hope in them playing tricks with my mind and the players, as any good joker would.

And trying to wrap up what was left with only six episodes instead of eight, while getting us attached to new characters, turned out to be too difficult a task.

I did find some aspects creative, but overall found the spark of adrenaline missing amid too-complicated games, poorly explained puzzles, and seemingly nothing to build toward. The rubble felt fitting by the end.

Guess we're going out with a little more than a whimper but hardly a fight.

I think you'll honestly feel more satisfied stopping at S2. But if you REALLY want to see more of our leads, maybe S3 is worth watching for you.

Can be found on Netflix

It was an interesting watch, and I liked that they didn't have perfect protagonists. But I wished they had delved more into the characters. I cared about them, but I felt they didn't give me enough to truly get invested.

Additionally, I got incredibly frustrated by them equating love/romance with sex. Because, excuse me, Asexual people exist! Also, are you telling me it wasn't love until they had sex? That Sexual Attraction=Romantic Attraction? Because, newsflash, it doesn't! 

Can be found on Netflix

I have such mixed feelings about this!

#1.) On the one hand, I almost recommend everyone watch this drama just for having the extremely rare representation that is an AroAce lead and discussing Asexuality. On the other hand, I have to criticize the drama for incorrectly using the term "Asexual" for its FL when it should be AroAce. 

#2.) On the one hand, the Queer characters are shown to come to their own conclusions regarding their sexuality. Example: Asahi, the Pan ML, mentions how he once thought he was Gay and even uses the label "Bisexual" for a short time before settling on calling himself Pansexual. On the other hand, there was this subtle idea that Queer people should be the ones comforting and easing the guilt of others. And by having a character come out solely for the person they love, that coming out is something to do for others rather than yourself.

#3.) On the one hand, the conversations between characters about sex education and other "taboo" topics are great! On the other hand, the group of girls often will start an episode being insanely judgemental about a topic only to completely open up and be understanding by the end. I felt whiplash from the sudden shift!

I would absolutely love to cover my eyes and give this a 9/10 or even a 10/10. But there are issues here that I just can't unsee.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

It was so nice to see this actor, Akaso Eiji, in another drama. I really enjoyed his performance in Cherry Magic.

It's a cute and fluffy drama. He just asked her out immediately which had me on the edge of my seat until I saw the next episode. Also, I loved having such a nice and non-toxic ML. This drama was a great deal of fun and I really enjoyed my time watching it.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

A pretty entertaining drama with good acting and a bit of mixed messaging at times but does have some heart to it.

I would give it a 7.5/10 but because it was so fun to watch I'm adding an extra .5 to it.

Weird, and ranging from slightly to very twisted/disturbing. Yet, also hopeful and a bit peaceful at times oddly enough.

Not as enjoyably twisted as Trapped in the box, but still a fairly interesting watch. It felt lifeless oftentimes, but in a purposeful way that you could only really appreciate.

Regarding representation, we had a Lesbian SFL. She was morally grey/dark like everyone else though. 

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

They managed to create an atmosphere that captured the melancholic feelings brought about by winter as well as the end of a long relationship. However, something about this left me feeling cold about the drama itself. It was missing something. Perhaps a more thorough resolution.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki or GagaOOLala

I didn't like some of the comments they made regarding suicide, but, overall, I found this drama a worthwhile watch.

Regarding the Gender-Questioning representation, I thought it was pretty well done.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki or GagaOOLala

Talk about looks being deceiving! From the poster, I'd think this would be some spicy and messy romantic J-Drama. But, no, it was about a young woman's career/life journey (with a small slice of romance). Picking herself up from her lowest point, progressing forward, and learning to like herself.

It was hard to watch Umi beat herself up at work and fail to take care of herself again and again. But it made me even more proud of her when she finally did.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

This was bold. The kind of bold I didn't always approve of, but also admired many times.

I just felt it lacked . . . Time. Time to really soak in the hazy, messy, conflicted feelings they had for each other while on the road before everything else happened.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

Well, this was a weird but fun watch that could only come from Japan!

I really liked how, when it came down to it, this was about two kind-of-kinky people who just hadn't had a proper conversation with each other about where they're at in their relationship, with one lead being terribly dense and unwilling/anxious to fully voice his desires and concerns and the other being forward physically all the while desperately craving simple but meaningful things from his lover: quality time together outside of sex, being relied on, being greeted at the door, and verbal expressions of affection.

All in all, I would recommend this sometimes frustrating drama.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki or GagaOOLala

You know, while watching this, I kept thinking it reminded me of another J-Drama I'd seen, but I couldn't remember which one it was. Then, it hit me: Le Uru Onna.

Le Uru Onna also had a strong businesswoman at the center, with side characters having their shining moments and causing her to grow along the way. Though, I think Super Rich, while admittedly less entertaining than both the first and second season of Le Uru Onna, had not only a much more complex FL but a more mature perspective on life and work that rounded out to a higher quality drama.

Regarding Representation: It's Noir approved!

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

I like this second series a lot more than the first. I think that's mainly because they included more drama between Sangenya (FL) and Yashiro (FL's husband). And, there's more character development not just with the FL but with the side characters as well. For example, Adachi has his own compelling side story and is generally more present. The first series set up the possibility of him being Gay so it came naturally and easily when it was included here.

Also, there was an entire episode basically dedicated to discussing LGBT+ people and them living in a conservative Japanese society. There were some mistakes made in the explanations and outdated definitions but they did a good job for the most part of respectfully talking about and showcasing the community. I appreciated it :)

I had a fair bit of fun with this one. It's incredibly energetic and optimistic. At times, it did feel like it was trying a bit too much to always "turn things around," when realistcally, not everything ends/goes well in life. Since they were going for something ultimately hopeful, I don't feel I can rightly knock them for that, though.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

This was fun. The effects weren't very good, but they had a certain charm to them.

The FL and ML were both really sweet and thoughtful. She wore down his defenses rather easily. Lol. Also, I was glad he had a legitimate reason for his past behavior that made sense in hindsight and it wasn't like he went from cold to warm out of nowhere. 

I loved them as a couple :)

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

It's a drama with challenging people and a challenging love that challenges you as a viewer.

It was hard to see them fall apart or take the "easy," non-confrontational path so many times. But, even if they didn't say it, you knew the other would be there even when they hadn't managed to pick themselves back up yet.

You're not sure what they have will last. Hard-won as it is. But I suppose that's love, isn't it?

Can be found on Netflix

This was a very bright and charming watch.

The ML was so gorgeous and had such crazy presence! I couldn't get over it! He was a real cheerleader for others, confident, and a straight-talker, but had his own insecurities to work through; not hiding behind makeup like armor. I liked the FL, too—don't get me wrong—she was sweet, but I wished she had more to her outside of her shyness and sweetness—some personal ambition or goal to make her feel more like a rounded person. Sure, she found something at the end, but it felt more like an afterthought than anything; we didn't get to see her growth/journey. 

Outside of the ML, this drama, unfortunately, didn't have too much going for it for me.

Can be found on Netflix

I was pulled in like the Korean adaptation, yes, waiting for the satisfying bouts of revenge to finally come. However, I found the FL to be a bit weaker here, and the evilness of the SFL and SML underplayed for my taste. I craved more crazy before the calm and bite back.

If I have to recommend one over the other, it would have to be the Korean "Marry My Husband." It just has that edge to it that this lacked.

I don't NOT recommend watching it. Just . . . I've seen this done better already.

Can be found on Amazon Prime or free websites

This drama hit the ground running with a great opening to hook in viewers. From there, things only seemed to get better, with creative stylistic cuts and smooth comparisons between the MLs in the past and present. These two also had a great teasing push-and-pull dynamic to their relationship—they were delightfully sharp and to the point in their retorts.

However, I'm sad to say that I felt like this drama ended with a whimper in the last episode. Not necessarily like they rushed things, but that the key points along the way didn't hit right.

I'd say it's worth a watch; just don't expect a masterpiece.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

It had all the ingredients for an excellent drama: Solid acting, gorgeous cinematography, a compelling backstory, and an interesting direction to take the plot. However, I felt something was lacking. I can't put my finger on it exactly. Finishing it, though, I just feel . . . Incomplete, somehow.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki or GagaOOLala

It starts off really good but the last four episodes really drag. I still enjoyed watching it but I was frustrated to see Minato fail to make progress each week.

The acting and tension were great though. No complaints there!

Can be found on GagaOOLala

There was some obvious toxicity in the beginning, but that quickly smoothed out, and it became about a frustrating but sweet couple facing challenges and learning together.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

There was emotional vulnerability and a constant, comforting presence even when distance separated them. As if knowing of the others' existence and their support was enough. A connection unlike any other, which is what a soulmate is. And there was love.

The cinematography was incredible. The found family truly heart-warming.

But as a viewer, I felt like too much was hidden from me. Characters can keep private moments to themselves, and things can be purposely kept secret/ambiguous, but to be left in the dark for so many little moments and important milestones leaves me feeling . . . Forgotten.

Like this was a passion project that failed to consider the audience. And, perhaps, had restrictions to it due to the popular actors involved in it.

And to spend so much time away from our main leads as well . . . I think they either needed more time or to prioritize the time they did have better.

I wanted to love it so much more, but it wouldn't let me.

Can be found on Netflix

I was pulled in from the start, as if tugged by the cord of the earphones both MLs shared to listen to music.

There was a quiet, mutual relief when they were together. Like the rest of the world/other people were white noise, and they could just . . . Be.

No pressure or high expectations, conversation to fill, or mood to decipher.

And that interested, buzzing, connected feeling seemed to have been there for both of them from the start. A simple, repeated locking of eyes from afar and feeling tethered/knowing someone more than the people standing right next to them.

They and, by association, we (the viewers) easily understood their feelings without having to spell it out.

The drama also managed to balance the shifts in perspective well. I was impressed.

But, for how criminally undiscussed and largely not condemned the toxic/manipulative adult tutor/minor student relationship was, I was more than disappointed. Silence isn't neutral.

So in summary, I found Contrast to be uplifted by the MLs connection but dragged down by the dark shadow looming in the corner that everyone chose to pretend didn't exist.

I'd still recommend it, but with a caveat.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

As someone who adored the film adaptation and has gone back to it again and again and again, this was pretty darn faithful, showing how one meaningful connection can expand someone's world and how all you really need is one person to see and understand you, just one.

I liked how this Taichi showed more of an interest in Kohei right off the bat, which led to some lovely, thoughtful moments. And Kohei was more forward with his feelings in his own way. However, over time, I did begin to feel like the drama was dragging its feet. By making Taichi more attached to Koehi but also more dense, there was this constant circling around his feelings. And while I, of course, was happy to see them explore hearing loss and the different perspectives and struggles of people who are deaf/hard of hearing, I think it took away valuable time that could have been spent with Taichi and Kohei. While they focused on Taichi's passion for making a better world/helping others, Kohei ended up taking a backseat. Some later episodes had barely any scenes of Taichi and Kohei together, let alone from Kohei's point of view.

The ending also didn't quite sit right. While it did its job and was sweet, it felt rushed and lacking.

I think this drama wanted to be bigger than it was and lost itself a bit.

I wasn't disappointed, per se; I just think they could have done more.

Can be found on iQiyi or GagagOOLala

It's kooky in a good way. I agree with other MDlers in that this reminded me of A Man Who Defies the World of BL. It's got a similar style.

I had some laughs and it's fun and all . . . But the build to a romance wasn't done very well, in my opinion.

I would say you will enjoy this more if going into it you view it as a slice-of-life-ish-comedy rather than a romance.

Side Thoughts: I thought it was neat and unique of this drama to reverse the trope of BL writers being women who just have some obsession with writing about Gay guys in a stereotypical/unrealistic fashion and make it be an actual Gay man doing it. 

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Boy, were things bafflingly easy for these two! And this drama was bafflingly fun!

I swear, everyone around them looked at them and immediately concluded they liked each other based on very little. It was incredibly amusing for everyone's reaction to be, "I knew immediately!" and "So?" down to the students, teachers, principal, and parents. It was wild!

Can be found on GagaOOLala

A strange yet uplifting watch that could only come from Japan. The only thing is that the ending really confused me. 

Can be found on GagaOOLala

What a creative use of cuts and playing with time! Small indie projects like this just hit differently.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKBUT-3OTTEtr1IUBFP8N5tCc2HboEu7X&si=GgGbYQMo_1m4KyFb

This felt like a longer Ace Attorney case with a lot of monologuing, interrogating, pointing, and red herrings before the "big reveal" when everything was pieced together.

It was fun! But, honestly, I was more interested in the sweets themselves than the mystery or the romance. And there were certainly many beautiful/haunting sweets to be found!

Can be found on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, or free websites

It was visually spectacular, well-shot, and (dare I say) had artistic merit. Clearly, they were leaning toward a more experimental angle and trying to intertwine everyone's stories into a deeper message. However, the lack of time they had . . . Showed. The problem was that not enough time was spent developing the relationships between the characters or lingering on the aftereffects of one person's actions/words on another; what should have cut like a knife only left a single scratch.

Regarding the FL, it seemed overall like she didn't have agency. She was very reserved, and rather than making decisions that weren't the best for her, it was more like things just happened to her, and she went along with it. It didn't fit with her "Nevertheless," they were going for, at least in my opinion.

As for the side romance between SFLs Manami and Saki, while admittedly heart-tugging, I found it underdeveloped (especially compared to the Korean Nevertheless). If there were only some more background moments between them to establish their connection.

Can be found on Netflix

I found Yuri and Tae Oh's relationship to be very sweet. It was fun to see them build a bond over their shared love of food and have many heart-fluttering moments. The side couple was also very cute! I loved how oddly perfect they seemed to work together. Not to mention, Yuri's moments with her father were just precious.

However, once the drama started to delve into Yuri's powers more and the "consequences" of her relationship with Tae Oh . . . It all went downhill. They referenced a picture book as if it were biblical text to be inspected, revered, and followed to the letter (even though the writer themself didn't have all the answers), yet they refused to be clear about anything. And did they resolve the "scary" boogeyman setup they put into place themselves? Nope! They simply shrugged and went, "But, who cares about that anyway? Love!"

I want to be mad, but I can't find it within myself to be so; all I can feel is frustration. Because it wasn't terrible! It's just that the ultimate conflict was so poorly executed! The actors truly saved this drama from feeling like a disaster.

Do I recommend it? Even with my complaints, I probably still would.

Side Note: I'm becoming convinced that country collaboration between Japan and Korea is the way to go for romances! They just seem to gel really well.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki or Netflix

Nothing fantastic. But, it kind of grew on me *shrugs*

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Was the mutual pining/yearning great? Yes! Did the flashes through time and tracking of days/the date add a unique element to the drama? Undoubtedly. It felt painfully nostalgic and sincere. Like a private school scrap-book.

However—a big however—one character did the majority of the heavy lifting, emotionally speaking. One character put themself out there, opened up, and took steps forward for the relationship: Minato.

At first, Wataru's hesitancy to cross the line of friendship was relatable. Change is scary. A start risks an end. But refusing to acknowledge what's there . . . Doesn't make it disappear. And delaying can cause others pain: It did here.

And while Minato was self-sacrificing, pushing his feelings down for Wataru's sake, taking time to sit with himself and try to see a way forward . . .

Wataru leaned on his cowardice like a faithful crutch. Practically moping around in self-pity before he finally got it together.

It made the romance feel so unfairly one-sided and unearned once the "yes" finally came.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

A charming drama just about the life of some wacky teenagers.  It was fun and relatable.

Can be found on Netflix (with a VPN)

A sitcom-humor-style drama that marched at its own pace. Made me confused on many an occasion but never truly annoyed. Rather, amused.

Regarding Representation: I would label this a Queer-friendly drama worth a watch!

Can be found on free websites

It was undoubtedly fun with a likeable cast and an intriguing main ML. However, with the final twist they chose to go with for the "big villain" and scheme, it kind of made much of what Mars went through feel pointless, as though they were just puppets.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

I've seen this going around on the feeds for a while. The episodes are much shorter than I thought, so I think I can squeeze this into my schedule soon. Looks like it will be chaotic fun!

Update after completion:

It was very intense right from the get-go but then quickly became heartfelt as well.

Momoko and Hase were sweet together, but even though Momoko grew more and started to stand up for herself more I wish she had become less timid. I understand it's part of her charm, but there were times I found her too naïve to be real.

Overall, I enjoyed this. Not as much as others, but I saw the appeal.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

I really liked how sweet, trusting, and communicative this couple was. There is nothing wrong with being in a relationship with a large age gap. It can make things difficult though due to when you were born affecting the smallest and seemingly most unimportant parts of you that actually make up who you are as whole.

They aren't perfect and certainly have their issues as all couples do. But what's important is that they genuinely care about each other and are always thinking of their partner when they believe something may hurt or help their relationship.

I did feel some parts of this were a little slow or could have been more eventful which is why my rating isn't too high, but don't think I didn't enjoy watching this.

Also, let's just take a moment to appreciate Harumi (ML) being respectful for a certain character (in spite of them being rude) in asking about pronouns/name when he was unsure. It was a small moment, that may have gone unnoticed by many watching the drama, but it added to his character.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

At the beginning of watching this, I found myself in the minority of people who weren't too upset about the premise, even though it was like a step backward. Minato has always been a jumpy and nervous overthinker, like a rabbit. Would it be nice if he'd made more progress? Of course. But I got it.

But as things progressed, I grew more annoyed at the drama and Minato putting off clearly expressing his feelings. At the end of the day, it was just unfair to Shin. Minato is generally a person who is not good at saying how he feels outright or initiating physical contact himself, which isn't bad in itself at all. But he should have sat down and had a VERY clear conversation with Shin about it; let Shin know he's not holding back to be mean or because of his age.

Also, near the last half of the drama, it felt like the writers just straight up ran out of ideas and just threw a dart at a bunch of tropes written on the wall and went with it. To be fair, it did make me laugh at how out-of-left-field things went.

Do I recommend it? Ehhhhhhh . . . Maybe.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

This was a fun watch. I felt that the FL could have had more character development though.

Can be found on free websites

It's so short, so I'm not sure where to put it. I guess here.

So warm and fluffy :)

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKawxU11I7gJzxiyXqBjzlyjNsbrpzzSg&gl=JP

It was very odd but also real?

The way it's shot and the conversations are natural, flowing, and interesting, but the body swap comes out of nowhere. It also doesn't really have a conclusion. I enjoyed it. But, I am puzzled by it.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOYWWtYemvA&list=PLgodl52c3xo1UDBiiUZIHtn3oeS4oYpZf&index=1

Pretty sweet watch. It was nice to see Riko coming out of her shell.

Regarding Representation: Such easy Bi rep! Love to see it!

Riko to Kei: Do you like girls?

Kei: Girls, boys, I do like both.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyqngFOTdamAXFE9oFKVflhYaYCM75hRU

It's about music? You bet I'm watching it! This looks soooo good! It's only 6 episodes and  it's a Japanese Drama to boot! Japan seems to make some of the most high-quality and artistic things.

Update after completion:

The first episode was great and set the tone for this drama. It really makes you think of an anime (makes sense as it is an adaptation of one). Especially with things such as the opening description of the main character, the shots/lighting that were used, etc.

The two leads are intriguing in different ways. The main lead has a too-cool-for-school personality, but he is also a pushover and he feels a lot more than he lets on. The second main lead has NO sense of personal space. Lol. And he is also carrying a heavy burden that constantly leaves him feeling sad as well as apathetic.

I haven't seen the anime, so I can't compare this live action version to it.

While I enjoyed this, I think it would have been more suited for this to be in a movie format rather than a short drama. I think it would flow a lot better that way as far as pacing.

Not as great as it could have been, but I was very glad to have seen it.

Can be found on Crunchyroll

Something short and sweet. I needed this fluff.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOHd2AnMfkDHd7XAEZKFt7iZ00IsC9uNl

Sometimes I was charmed. Sometimes I found their reactions too fake.

Can be found on GagaOOLala or Rakuten Viki

A kooky little drama with a bit of heart that was good for some laughs and smiles. I felt things didn't flow as well after the halfway mark, though, which is why I'm not rating it higher.

In general, I'd still recommend it to pass the time, though.

Can be found on iQiyi or GagaOOLala

It was sweet. Really. And far more sincere than I anticipated. And neither ML was one-dimensional; they were aware but flawed. A strong sense of responsibility, but at the cost of being too trusting of others. A natural confidence, but a struggle to be vulnerable when it matters.

Sadly, it really fell off for me near the end!

Here's the thing: It did touch on some more serious topics/roadblocks for the couple as to why committing and feeling safe wasn't such an easy ask, but it didn't go far enough. It would talk about how thoughtful something and/or someone was, but not ACTUALLY go into detail or show anything. In other words, constantly monologuing to the viewer about the drama itself.

I almost think I would have liked it better if they cut out the finale entirely! Or if they spent the last couple of episodes showing Shizuma and Minato working on building a solid foundation for their relationship.

Overall, really quite alright, but could have been better.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

I knew it was a standard, whirlwind, short J-Drama romance, but damn did they move FAST with everything!

Also, the bad effects took me out, but were also sort of charming? I don't know how to feel about them. Lol.

Overall, not bad. I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend it, though.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

A very unique and entertaining watch. But the narrator calling her a "slut" really got on my nerves! Shouldn't the whole point of this drama be to show people who live their lives differently/have different relationships than others as being something that's acceptable? Calling the main FL a slut because she has multiple sexual partners goes against that if you ask me.

Regarding Representation: I found it to be a mixed bag. My biggest criticism was the execution of the presumably Transgender SFL. At times, they affirmed her and, at other times, put her down/denied her identity.

Can be found on free websites

I enjoyed the same aspects I did about the last season as well as found the same problems.

Can be found on free websites

Cute and entertaining as it was, I ultimately found this drama lacking. A big contributing factor to this is that in comparison to Ayaka's overwhelming determination and commitment to her feelings and to Hiroko, Hiroko felt "flaky" with her constant evasions and half-efforts. I wanted their relationship to be more equal.

Not to mention, the resolution felt rushed.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

I hate to say this . . . But I found myself more interested in the plot outside of the romance. And, while they were cute together, I felt the story would have been more interesting if it had been about Sayuri coming to terms with her father's marriage and accepting Yui as her new sister.

Side Note: I was really upset that Yui not only chose a completely inappropriate moment to kiss Sayuri but that she also didn't ask for her consent. We do not let that fly here!

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdTbAAy4JGzj26Vn8LKpyHvFxFIt76UNy

Just some little in-between scenes from the second season.

Can be found on free websites

It's just fun!

They both constantly misread the situation/what the other girl was thinking. Lol. I loved it! It was cute AND funny!

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-PWvwJngGZAyNAhGi1D1J_1cpqPL5oIU

It was well-acted and kept my attention.

But, at some point, it felt like they were just adding tragic event after tragic event to just pile on the misery rather than say something.

And the fact that physical abuse from a partner was basically brushed aside left a bad taste in my mouth.

Admittedly inspiring but lacking.

This adaptation, unfortunately, felt not only less intense but almost surface level when compared to Korea's Itaewon Class. I could tell the actors were doing their best, but it felt like they weren't directed properly and/or given time to really sink into their characters.

In particular, I felt the quality dip in regard to representation. Their take on SFL Ma Hyun Yi's (instead called Ayase Riku here) journey publicly coming into her identity as a Trans woman not only was rushed but missed out on many valuable moments/pieces of dialogue in the Korean adaptation that were used to take a firm stance, move viewers, say something about the ML, and bring the group together.

I can't say I'd rewatch it. I'd rather recommend Itaewon Class.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

This was an ambitious project that fell short. They portrayed gender dysphoria and invalidation of one's gender identity in such a raw way. But with the plot only getting more convoluted as time went on and repeated deadnaming only adding to the confusion, I'm left disappointed as well as a bit irritated.

Can be found on free websites

It was a short, fairly entertaining watch. Not much else to it.

Link to Ep 1-3: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIBpX20YnmIio0UGovUu57yeZdzYTODUf&si=smYjOpquqkxzl6tm

The rest of the episodes can be found on the mov app or free websites

I don't have much to say about this one. At times it was a refreshing watch. Overall, I just felt like this had a lot of wasted potential.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

Note: .5 out of my rating is just pity points, though.

Alright. So, sometimes, it was sweet and charming. But, overall, I just felt this was SO clumsily put together. As if they were just like, "Okay, forming a connection around food. Now what?"

I'd say you can skip this one, my dear MDLers.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

I don't necessarily mind an open ending with a hinted future romance. But when you spend the majority of your time on a poorly built-up mystery, all the while teasing about two of the leads getting together, I'm left with nothing to really fall back on. What did I watch this for?

I'm just disappointed as I felt this had potential. 

I'd say you can skip this one, my dear MDLers.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

It started out promising, appearing to be a fairly faithful remake with a lot less questionable scenes than the original, and I (for the most part) felt the chemistry between Arashi and Rei and enjoyed the creative decisions they made with their story/dialogue that resulted in many tender moments.

However, I could not buy into Fuma and Kai having even a spark between them, and I feel like the original Thai adaptation had a lot more impact with what were supposed to be the biggest and most dramatic moments. You could blame this on the difference in production quality, subpar acting, editing choices, etc. However, I think it was a combination of all of these factors and, above all, the limited runtime. If they had time to linger and let the viewers and characters actually sit with their feelings, I think it would have come across as more genuine.

Would I recommend it? Yeah, no.

Can be found on GagaOOLala or Rakuten Viki

Yeahhhh  . . . Other than an easy cash-grab, unfortunately, I didn't find much of a reason for this drama to exist. Other than some interspersed cuts to the other world in the beginning, creating an eerie-whimsical feeling, they stuck to the script and basically copied the original Thai adaptation shot for shot. 

I just really wish they had brought some originality to it, or at least attempted to improve on it in the areas its Thai Drama counterpart lacked.

Oh well *shrugs*

Can be found on GagaOOLala

I have no explanation. I've watched this five or more times at his point. 

Why? I have no idea!

It's trash. 

Can be found on Netflix