Let me start off this review by saying that I`m a HUGE fan of teacher/student relationships and all the tropes that follow. Yes I`m aware that sounded quite weird, but what I mean is like how some are attracted to sparkly vampires and others are attracted to shallow sadists, I am hugely attracted to relationships with big age gaps, since their clichés are usually still somewhat bearable and the problems that arise in such a relationship are interesting to discuss. Now, I`m NOT condoning grooming, manipulations nor other machinations of ill taste. But there is something special about these kind of stories.

I`ve seen this drama three times now and I love it, for all the fluff and innocence it holds. Kyoko Fukada is a GREAT choice for this role, not only for her grand talent, as after this drama I took a look at some of her catalogue and was pleasantly surprised by the versatility I found, which I didn`t expect, but also for novelties she injects in her character. I love her as a clueless, innocent cram school teacher Junko, who reached her early thirties without ever experiencing love and believe it or not, especially in Japan, her case is pretty common, in regards to romantic experience. She still lives with her parents, and her mother is genuinely overbearing because her child couldn`t`ve fulfilled her dreams of being accepted to Todai and thus somehow, helping her mother become more accepted. It is an antiquated way of thinking which still plagues many cultures, so that is also relatable, even to me and I`m barely hitting my early twenties. Yes, she`s airheaded, bordering on completely clueless and that`s exactly why this couple is plausible. Yuri-Yuri( I love that nickname) is effectively more emotionally mature and he`s the one who largely pursues their relationship. My second favorite is Yamashita, an old childhood flame, who has grown up to become a reformed delinquent teacher and is admittedly, mostly my type. This may be an unpopular opinion, but as much as I enjoy Masashi`s character, waiting for 20 years on something you haven`t even questioned is such a dumb thing to do as an adult and the pairing of Junko and Masashi would quite literally be the most frustrating dynamic to watch, ever. They are equally as confusing, so that would be awful. As much as this drama is sweet, cheesy, simple, it is also heartwarming, hopeful and fresh, in a way. Typically, most student/teacher relationships are dramatic, dower and for the lack of a better word, heavy to stomach. So, in that way, this drama IS original.

Also, I like the heavy juxtaposition between Miwa and Junko, if anything, just to drive the point home of how not in control Junko`s life is. Like Miwa said in the first episode:"At least I married. I married someone whom I loved. And then I got divorced."I would`ve been so mad if Miwa didn`t get her happy ending. Also, chemistry between Junko and Yuri is top-notch. It is seriously overflowing. Ryusei Yokohama did such a good job with this role that now I can`t see his other dramas(yes, it`s a personal problem, it happens sometimes). He`s also a juxtaposition to both Masashi and Yamashita. He is much more decisive and emotionally intelligent than Masashi, but is also more innocent and childish than Yamashita and is the best option for Junko(on an unrelated note, can I just have everything Junko is wearing in this drama?It`s all stunning). Their relationship develops naturally, without rush and/or immediate sexual gratification. Which brings me to my issue with the drama. I wish we saw more skinship from both of them. I understand this was done because Yuri was still underage and it`s icky, but I just can`t believe that a hormonal 18-year old can control himself that much, it`s funny. At least some caresses or kisses would`ve been fine.
Also, this drama IS still a romcom and is not exempt from clichés, but here it doesn`t bother me.

So, if you are looking for an excellent Japanese drama, this is the one as 2019. and 2020. have proven to be amazing years for Japanese dramas altogether.