lovetune

I didn't know if I would like this when I started it, mostly because I found Mukai to be too pathetic and they largely played it straight, but that's the point and I warmed up to it by the end. It's more like a late coming-of-age story and its debates about societal institutions and modern romance are better viewed through the lens of personal growth, the other character's arcs serving to drive certain points home. A very talky drama with not a lot of definitive conclusions... but that's what adulthood is sorta like, eh?

It's uneven quality-wise compared to the first, likely because the directors kept jumping around (4 for 9 episodes - and none are original director Matsumoto Kana, who I think understood best how to direct the motley crew, though they've mostly settled into their roles at this point) but Tobita Kazuki stuck the landing with the final 3 episodes as it really puts the themes of grief, loss and healing from abuse at the forefront. Still very strong and worth it for that last sprint.

Kawahara Eito grew so much in the span of two years. He's still a baby to me but every time we flash back I realize he was even more of a baby in the first season lol.

Would recommend this if you liked the drama Animals (2022) since it has similar themes and a modern feel. Though I didn't care for the romance angle at all (Igeta Hiroe had way more chemistry with Sou then Ryuche). Still, a great addition to the canon of the new adult genre.

I love the idea that there's a multiverse of mass production type Rikos and a singular Yassan (and multiple assistants) watching over them, with the shop as a nexus point, defying space-time continuum. Not something you're ever made to think about, but it stays in the back of your mind and gives everything that happens some more weight.

This season felt just as strong as the first, even if some of the plamo inclusions weren't as organic (some very obvious "we have new Gundam to promote" mandates from Bandai). What made it click for me was that they were exploring the same themes of the first season but don't step on its toes, rather coming to the same conclusion to Riko's arc in a different way. It ends up being a satifying parallel course.

This has been light fun so far, easily on the same level as the enjoyable first season. Maybe even a little zanier now that it knows it can get away with it.

Feels like it's been a while since we've had a popcorn drama that feels this slick and sexy. Doesn't matter how ridiculous the whole thing was when the ride is just as fun. It knows exactly when to punch and when to pull and that's all this kind of formula stuff really needs.

The ad-lib scenes are the best. Endo Sakura can't keep a straight face. XD

This absolutely needed to be longer. There's so much potential especially with the cast. It feels like we're only getting started and already it's over. I still liked it though.

Subs are being posted by the subber on both D-Addicts Forums and Drama-Otaku. :) You'll need an account but registration is open for both sites right now.

Things got interesting with episode 2. Takumi's more pathetic than initially presented (Fuma's killing it here) and I think it's going to work well next to Yae being a noble idiot. We're headed for shenanigans! Also the direction has its moments, particularly liked the K.O. bit.

This is for sure an underrated gem. Offbeat, sometimes off-putting, but it never sacrifices itself. It went there with some episodes and I'm glad it did, even if just for the boldness. I can't really compare this to other school dramas, if anything it feels more like Degrassi with a sprinkle of that old-school J-drama charm.

This made me laugh, made me cry and reminded me why no matter how hard it gets, as long as there's good people and good food around us, it doesn't have to be so bad.

Another one for the rom-com bucket with some especially fun characters. For me, knowing they would figure it out by the end of each episode is what kept me coming back. A refreshing low-stakes drama for the spring!

Such a cool idea to do an alternate universe for the 2nd season. I'm excited for this one!

It's a double entendre: a reference to him having a large appetite but also a play on the Japanese term "Nikushoku-kei danshi" (Carnivore man) which means a man who is typically a flirt or proactive in relationships.

The 60-minute episodes are available to download on NSBC (https://justpaste.it/nsbc2 - just search for 0-nen 0-gumi in the list) but they don't have English subs.

The 20-minute digest versions of the episodes are available with English subs here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi_66nXMhrvGaxxYpjflJYOlRjuktDGZH

First half was definitely more subversive, it's a lot of conveniences in the latter half, but I think the finale manages to pull something interesting in spite of that. I also understand the writer wanted the story to be more idealistic and optimistic, so in the end I think they delivered a good version of the story they wanted to tell.