Probably my least favorite 90s jdrama I've ever watched. I like the realism and how grey the characters are but it is too much melodramatic for me. The main lead in particular is very relatable the theme of growing up was captured so well. I also like how she is not a goody two shoes character she has this unlikable trait and she is aware of that. The best friend ended up very confusing one probably just a product of its time. Overall a very relatable theme just the execution is not that great.
No one takes risks more than Japanese writers thematically and execution wise this is perfect from beginning to end. Love the use of those pictures and Tokyo tower as symbolism and did I say those insert songs are perfect as well? That telephone gazing at Tokyo tower scene while the Spitz song is playing is peak jdrama moment. I was afraid at first when I saw the large cast of 8 because I know it was a formula for disaster but I am glad they just focused on 4. I love the ending I do think Natsuki do love Soichiro but as cliché as it sounds love is complicated. I believe it was a product of time in a different world they will end up together.
9.5/10
Now let us talk about actors most of them are still acting until now. Sorimachi Takashi has great chemistry with both Esumi Makiko and Kimura Yoshino. I guess that is another reason why I didn't hate the ending because Yoshino cuteness is peak. Years later Boku no Yabai Tsuma happen and there are moments here of both Yoshino and Ito hideaki I cannot stop thinking about that drama as I watch them together lol. Then there is Shiina Kippei the joe murata in forrest of love is young here. Both Ishida Yuriko and Nishida Naomi are still acting as important supporting characters. Only Esumi Makiko is retired now.
I am trying to figure out what is with 90s jdrama's charm that we can't find in modern dramas. I think it has something to do with the casting I don't mean acting because it is obvious these people are not the best actors in the world at that time, but chemistry wise they triumph over modern dramas. The insert songs are also much better I don't mean modern jpop songs sucks but compared to songs in this drama or songs in other 90s dramas I watched it is unmatched. I don't have nostalgia for old songs I heard it first here.
At times it felt like a giant coffee ad sprinkled with Wabi Sabi philosophy on top. Your opinion on this will depend whether you believe the organ transplant explanation because I don't buy it at all so even thematically they achieved what they want in the end overall they still fail for me. I would like it more if it is straightforward soul transfer trope. The good thing is cinematography. They really did a great job showcasing both Hokkaido and Hawaii landscape. Lastly I think this is already 4th time where Arimura Kasumi and Kentaro didn't end up with each other lol.
8/10
Seems like the same people who work on Soshite, Ikiru also work on this but I definitely like Soshite, Ikiru more.
Come to think of it this is probably the most underrated Koreeda work to date. My review there above was during the time I was more harsh in my reviews lol now I would probably give it a 9.
I had this former co worker that is like Takano lol not that exaggerated and obviously not as hot as Nanao. She watches YouTube at work full screen doesn't give a damn if bosses saw her. I like this drama since I don't take it seriously I just view it as satirical representation of office work. I can't decide who is more exaggerated Takano or those programmers lol. Another incentive for me watching this is Sato Honami and I am liking her role here.
After watching I understand why it have such a low rating. Modern dorama watchers would hate this I mean we have a playboy male lead, a stalker clingy female lead then a serial cheater and pervert side characters oh I forgot old school father lol. But these characters grow throughout the story they learn to be true to themselves, have goals and be independent.
Nowadays when it comes to romance I only enjoy old school dramas I just can't explain there is some authenticity in them. The way they look at each other seems real and 90s actors didn't have any problem kissing each other. It also have fun parts great editing made me laugh at unexpected moments. The insert song "Squall" by eiko matsumoto is also darn good makes scenes more romantic the end of episode 8 is a masterpiece. The drama seems long though and a lot of back and forth between couples. It could easily be a 9 episodes drama and it will be the same.
As for the actors damn I didn't know Kimura Yoshino was this adorably cute when she was younger I only watched her in strong and yabai roles, one of the best smile in Japan. Fukuyama Masaharu is a very good actor but he is still very raw here. Yusuke Santamaria is still the same Yusuke Santamaria and Itaya Yuka is as gorgeous as ever.
I've been fan of jdramas for 15 years and it is just my first time watching beach boys. I know it is legendary cause it was always brought up if someone looking for recommendations. It is indeed very good. Two men was brought ashore found family concept is really strong. If you are fan of modern slice of life jdramas you should check this too. From wabi sabi theme to ikigai approach this drama will feel like home. Young Inamori Izumi reminds me of Kimura Fumino and young Hirosue Ryoko is as adorable as Rena Nounen in Amachan.
They managed to end it in a very high note kudos to the staff, director and the writer Yoshida Erika whom I think is the most progressive writer in Japan today. My first time watching an Asadora that spans decades it just makes you appreciate life more.
1 
8/10
9.5/10
Now let us talk about actors most of them are still acting until now. Sorimachi Takashi has great chemistry with both Esumi Makiko and Kimura Yoshino. I guess that is another reason why I didn't hate the ending because Yoshino cuteness is peak. Years later Boku no Yabai Tsuma happen and there are moments here of both Yoshino and Ito hideaki I cannot stop thinking about that drama as I watch them together lol. Then there is Shiina Kippei the joe murata in forrest of love is young here. Both Ishida Yuriko and Nishida Naomi are still acting as important supporting characters. Only Esumi Makiko is retired now.
I am trying to figure out what is with 90s jdrama's charm that we can't find in modern dramas. I think it has something to do with the casting I don't mean acting because it is obvious these people are not the best actors in the world at that time, but chemistry wise they triumph over modern dramas. The insert songs are also much better I don't mean modern jpop songs sucks but compared to songs in this drama or songs in other 90s dramas I watched it is unmatched. I don't have nostalgia for old songs I heard it first here.
8/10
Seems like the same people who work on Soshite, Ikiru also work on this but I definitely like Soshite, Ikiru more.
Nowadays when it comes to romance I only enjoy old school dramas I just can't explain there is some authenticity in them. The way they look at each other seems real and 90s actors didn't have any problem kissing each other. It also have fun parts great editing made me laugh at unexpected moments. The insert song "Squall" by eiko matsumoto is also darn good makes scenes more romantic the end of episode 8 is a masterpiece. The drama seems long though and a lot of back and forth between couples. It could easily be a 9 episodes drama and it will be the same.
As for the actors damn I didn't know Kimura Yoshino was this adorably cute when she was younger I only watched her in strong and yabai roles, one of the best smile in Japan. Fukuyama Masaharu is a very good actor but he is still very raw here. Yusuke Santamaria is still the same Yusuke Santamaria and Itaya Yuka is as gorgeous as ever.
8.5/10
9/10
9/10