Drama tries to sell inappropriate as romantic
I genuinely went into this drama with an open mind. I thought we were getting a simple, harmless setup: a kid with an innocent one-sided crush, they grow apart, and years later when he’s actually an adult, they reconnect and the romance naturally develops. Cute, believable, and morally intact. But apparently the writers said, “Why follow logic when chaos exists?”Because what we actually got was… wild. This grown woman doesn’t just gently reject a child’s crush and set boundaries like a functioning adult. No, she somehow catches feelings back. For a kid. And then to make it even worse, she kisses him. I don’t care how persistent the boy was; persistence from a minor is not an excuse for an adult to lose all sense of judgment. And let’s not forget she had a whole fiancé during this mess. A real, fully grown man. The disrespect was astronomical.
Honestly, the only sane character in the entire situation was the boy’s mother. Her reaction wasn’t overprotective; it was common sense. If anything, she was too calm. I completely support her. Accepting the female lead should have never even been an option, and the fact that the drama tries to frame it as some tragic love story is mind-boggling.
In short, this wasn’t romantic. It was uncomfortable. And no amount of cute music or soft lighting is going to change that.
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An uncomfortable student x teacher drama... which is why it's a gem
This was the most uncomfortable dorama that I’ve ever watched with characters that made so many wrong decisions along the way.Which is why it’s my favorite JDrama of all time.
To note, I hate student-teacher dramas with a passion. I hate that it tries to romanticize a very serious issue regarding a relationship between a minor and an adult, and in some cases they try to condone it; saying that the minor is “mature for their age” and the adult “cannot choose who they love.” Chugakusei Nikki absolutely did NOT go that route.
Instead, it presented the relationship as it is in reality: a uncomfortable relationship that shouldn’t happen, and why it shouldn’t have happened in the first place. Here, the characters are portrayed as they would in real life. Hijiri, the teacher, is recognized to be an adult where everyone expects her to have good reason, but she did not. Akira, the student, is presented to be immature, impulsive, and passionate; just like an actual teenager and not that “mature for his age” type of guy. It clearly showed that even though there is an emotional foundation for the development of their feelings, the unequal maturity level between both Hijiri and Akira were the ultimate teller of the downfall of their relationship. The show never once shied away from this fact, and even reinforced it. In the end, [SPOILER ALERT] even both Hijiri and Akira realized this fact, and voluntarily decided to back away. For Hijiri, she realized that she was getting in the way of Akira fully realizing his true potential and dream of the future. For Akira, he realized how much of Hijiri’s life was disrupted and destroyed simply because of their relationship. While they've made a LOT of bad decisions that I would never agree with in real life, finishing the drama left me feeling so empty; I felt pain for the characters, that remained even after hours after watching (like what I felt with the ending of Your Name).
Moreover, the side characters are not one-dimensional, especially Akira’s mother. Despite the occasional use of ominous music as Akira’s mother tries to interfere with the relationship of the leads, the show has made it VERY clear that she only does it out of pure love and concern for her son, rather than just being antagonistic. The poignant moments where she tries to fight for Akira’s future, even at the expense of her own son hating her, was heartbreaking. Because in real life, a mother’s love would always choose their children’s well-being even if it meant that their children would see them as a “bad guy.” I felt particularly empathetic of the mother in one episode, after [SPOILER ALERT] Hijiri has signed a legal document promising to never meet Akira again after her persistence. Instead of bragging this signed document right in front of Akira’s face, she instead chose to calmly relay Hijiri’s choice to Akira. She even explained that Hijiri’s decision to stay out of Akira’s life was made out of love, and encourages Akira to think how he could respond to this act of love. This, for me, made her a very empowered character, and I never thought she was a villain.
Technicalities wise, all the cast exhibited strong performances. In particular, Arimura Kasumi, Yoshida Yoh, and Natsukawa Yui delivered the best performances amongst all the actors. They portrayed the characters with so much sincerity and you can feel their own pains and regrets. Mizukami Koshi, on the other hand, delivered a good performance that it's shocking to know that Chugakusei Nikki is his very first ever acting project. He naturally showed the impulsiveness of being a 15 year old boy (which, tbh required more from him since he was 19 at the time of filming and had the build of a 19 year old too). While there are areas for improvement, he undeniably showed good potential which is why he's named a rising star.
Lastly, the SOUNDTRACK. IT HAS THE BEST SOUNDTRACK AMONGST ALL THE DRAMAS I'VE WATCHED. It contributed SO much to the emotional weight of the story and it matches the tone of each scene well. I still play the soundtrack to this very day, years after the drama ended.
Ultimately, this show was one of the very few gems where you have to be open to watching it, to be able to be comfortable with the discomfort it brings, before you can truly realize how special it really is. At the end of the day, it makes you realize why love is never enough and that sometimes love is in the form of selflessness.
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Well done!
Totally worth the guilt trip.Pretty photography.
Endearing characters, all of them!
Lovely mood if sometimes so suffocating... I fast forwarded because the angst was too intense for me
but I eventually returned and watched the whole thing.
I highly recommend it.
Not a flaw.
Enjoy!
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Do give it a try
It really should’ve been titled “Chūgakkō Kyōshi Nikki” instead. The female lead is clearly at the center of the story, while everyone else, including the male lead, feels more like supporting cast. I was initially hesitant to watch it since it revolves around a teacher-student romance, especially with the student being underage. However, the series handles the subject with surprising sensitivity, beautifully depicting the teacher’s emotional journey once their relationship comes to light.The characters are well written and actors have done justice to it. The female lead is kind yet strong, but never pitiful. What stood out the most to me is the student's mother's character. She would do everything within her means to make sure her kid doesn't go astray and finishes his education. Her character is a blend of rainbow themes, being warm and loveable at the beginning to strict and terse, seemingly heartless as the story progresses. The school principal, too, is portrayed with such warmth and empathy; her eyes alone convey the compassion one expects from someone in her role.
The only annoying character is female lead's fiance whose feelings keeps ping-ponging between 2 women, never really sure of what he wants, or may be both ;-)
Story and pacing is perfect. The narrative is strong and well-paced, no filler moments or unnecessary dragging. Every character serves a purpose, contributing meaningfully to the story’s progress. I especially loved how the plot unfolds over several years, allowing the characters to grow naturally without rushing to a resolution.
The cinematography is stunning — from lush green rice fields to sparkling blue oceans and winding coastal roads, it’s an absolute visual delight.
What could’ve made it a 10/10:
The male lead often feels too passive. If he had shown more initiative truly stepping into a leading role instead of being passively driven by the circumstances, it would’ve elevated the show to greatness.
Overall:
A deeply emotional, heartfelt series that left a lasting impression.
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This review may contain spoilers
A tale of courage
This is not a story that condones or encourages romantic relationships with minors.This is a story about the mistakes we make, the consequences we pay and the painfully unforgettable memories that come with it.
This is a story that smells of nostalgia, youth and first love.
A story that inspires courage.
I had to express most of my feelings in my native language but let's take a look at the ratings in English:
---- Story 8.0/10
Although the focus of the story is on the forbidden relationship between Hijiri and Akira, the story follows Hijiri's time and growth as a teacher. We watch her grow from an immature, naive, lacking-in-confidence newbie to a teacher who was able to face her students and parents straight on. Despite being commented by numerous people that she wasn't suited to become a teacher, she held on to her passion. It's one of the things I appreciated most in this drama. The transformation of Hijiri as an individual, the courage she mustered, the resolve she grew to have, it was her memories with and feelings for Akira that gave her the strength to stand on her own. Confidence, courage, determination. These are not things that others can give you. The fact that she was able to find them within herself at the end of everything is enough proof that it had been a journey well worth it.
And of course, I loved the storyline revolving around Hijiri and Akira. By no means was their time together long enough to be convincing that it would be a relationship that lasts forever, but the fireworks at night, the fingers that barely intertwined, the stolen stares and skipped heartbeats, the gradual setting of the sun, the gentle waves of the ocean, the desperation, fear and uncontrollable desires. Sometimes there's just no reason at all. And the fact that a J like me was convinced of their thoughts for each other really shows how successful the production was in the portrayal of their journey together. I haven't watched a lot of Japanese dramas but most that I've watched, I always had to fast forward in some of the parts. But not this. Unless it's the Shotaro-Haraguchi storyline, which I'm not a fan of but I'm most likely in the minority. Anyway that's how much I was engrossed in how Hijiri and Akira's story unfolded. The plot is not flawless in the least (that slap?? And we need more of the ending), but there is an immense charm to it that made me finish the whole thing in one day.
---- Cast 8.0/10
Honestly, everyone was pretty great (how is this Mizukami's debut role??) but Arimura's acting lacked just a bit of depth in some places. It would have made the watching experience more engrossing if her acting was better, as important as her role was. But most of the times her performance was passable and there were several scenes where I was impressed with her acting as well.
---- Music 9.0/10
"Prologue" is such an amazing song. The lyrics spoke of what Hijiri and Akira couldn't. All of the BGMs/OSTs fit the vibe so well.
---- Rewatch value 8.5/10
Even though it was so depressing in parts, I loved the atmosphere of the series, especially the first five episodes! I rewatched it the next day I finished it and plan to do it in the near future again.
---- Overall 9.0/10
Because I enjoyed it so much and because I was so inspired by the characters. I can't say that I will ever have as much courage as Hijiri and Akira did. In fact I'm fairly certain I never will and never had. But it's incredibly endearing to know the courage and transformation love brings.
Lastly, major props to the production team - every cliffhanger, every close-up shot, every slow-motion frame, the impeccable timing when the OSTs played, the colours, the angles. All of these built together to make the story as memorable as it is.
后记：
爱。
不是一个应该轻轻被抛出的字眼。
15岁的恋慕，到底是一时冲动的喜欢，还是炽热长久的爱情，我想中学圣日记用了八年告诉我，青春的美好不限于懵懂纯粹，也可以深沉热烈。
如果在报纸上看到一则女老师和中学三年级的男生在一起的新闻，我想我一定会无法理解和认同。能够让我真心的为他们应援，大概是中学圣日记的成功之处。（当然也因为罔田弟弟真的好帅啊！！！！99年我可以！！（划掉
中学圣日记并没有美化师生恋。相反的，每个角色都有自己的立场，身为观众我也深以为然。看完之后的我依然不认同成年人和未成年的交往，但是这个故事的妙处在于体现每个人的犹豫，让步，失误，纠结，退却。很真实。如果想要爽快的看剧，也许不该选择伦理剧，看些打戏爽剧傻白甜的戏就够了。伦理剧之所以是伦理剧，是为了展现人们在明明知道不应该，在明明畏惧世人的眼光，在连自己都不知道自己在做什么的时候，还是跟随内心做出决定，那一份不知道是对是错的勇敢。
为什么被这个故事打动，就是因为勇气。
----晶的勇气来得相对简单，因为青春（笑
在还没有经历世道的磨练，在被社会的框架限制之前，我们都曾经有过或多或少的叛道离经。那是因为我们被体制，被父母，被老师所保护。曾经的自己或许不懂，但是进入社会，就能体会到作为一个小孩子，是有多么的幸福。成为大人，是要为自己负责任的。而未成年，可以为所欲为，可以肆意妄为，可以有无限的勇气。在明明什么都不懂却自以为是的年纪，也许以为只要两个人愿意就可以对抗全世界。只要我放弃一切，就可以守护你。这份不知道是充满傻气还是勇气的认真着实让人动容，恰恰正是15岁独有的执着热血。但正因为晶只有15岁，世界不会容忍他的放弃。
因为15岁。
----圣的勇气来得艰难，因为社会。
明明知道对方是个孩子，明明知道会自毁前程，明明知道没有任何一个人会认同，如何义无反顾？但是又无法忽视自己的内心，被对方的勇敢和热忱一点一点的打动。这样的犹豫不决反反复复，很真实。很人性化。因为一份不知道是否长久的爱而愿意违背世间的规矩，这很不理智，可是很勇敢。而圣最后能够拿出这份勇气，让我很佩服。
我非常羡慕这份勇气。因为我没有，绝对。
很多人都说圣是个绿茶婊，口嫌体正直。我却完全能够理解她的做法。最初只是把晶当成孩子的圣，一点一点发现他的优秀，被依赖，被信任，被认可，都是在圣还一点自信都没有的时候打动她的原因。身为一名教师，她要怎么接受自己竟然对自己未成年的学生动心？就算动心，也要否认，要拒绝。可是圣一味的逃避终究还是败给了夏日的悸动。
被拆散是无可厚非的。未成年之所以是未成年就是因为这个年纪的我们还什么都不知道，而身为成年人的父母老师监护人绝对有义务和权力终止两个人的关系。
重逢，却也是必然。（18岁的晶太帅了无法不再次沦陷吧？？
中间的拉拉扯扯，说白了，谁可以在那种离别下没有一点留恋？看到晶狂踩自行车摔倒还站起来狂奔我都不行了，遑论是已经被打动的圣。
留恋留恋，挥之不去。
我还是那个时候的我。你还是那个时候的你。
所以继续逃避，继续沦陷。
看似反复甚至更严重的情节，悄然起了一些变化。15岁和18岁的区别，还是挺大的。就像剧里说的 ’この年の三年、ヤバイな’。遇到圣的事情好像总是被打回15岁小屁孩原形的晶，也在悄悄成熟。
为了你，成为更好的自己。这就是爱情最该有的样子。
所以你说为什么可以爱八年，因为从来没有开始过没有拥有过的，总是会在回忆里发酵升华。也许他们会被现实打败，也许会永远热恋，我不知道。可是经历过这样的感情，难以忘怀。是以我这样旁观的观众，也难以忘怀。
看的时候不断感叹，青春だね。やっぱり青春だね。まだまだ子供だね。对于有这种想法的自己难免有点伤感。
我真的，是大人了。
-- 最后想说这部戏每个晶圣在一起的场面都是名场面啊太强了！！初见，春夜喜雨，表白，体育祭，包扎，火车，夏日花火，离别，重逢，山江岛的脚车，小木屋，摩天轮，每一个夕阳，每一个海边 T_T（略过还是不知所谓的巴掌（划掉
-- 两次的离别都太戳心——从脚车上摔下来重新站起狂奔的晶，迎着风大喊 “我会成为大人的 所以你别离开”（我靠眼睛又开始流汗），也许这个时候他才真正感受到‘大人’和‘小孩’的区别，全力的奔跑，竭力的呐喊，但是无力，太无力。——站在摩天轮底下仰望圣的晶，能够说出 “我会一直祈祷你能幸福”，真的，真的，真的让我很感动。你终于学会放手，长大了。那三声加油，那本沉重的笔记本，传递他的真心。被这样爱过，真的无法忘怀。
（完了我中毒了出不来啊啊啊
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Stupid plot
FL is such a hypocrite. She acted like she wanted to be a good teacher, but all she did was being in love with a minor!!! Her character is so weak and annoying.Story telling is bad. I can't seem to believe that they fall in love. Nothing happened that would make it make sense for a teacher to fall for student. Also, she should just quit teaching if her feeling is that easily swayed. She can't seem to be able to control herself, let alone control her students.
FL acting is also plain. She can only make one face, trying to be cute and all. I don't seem to enjoy the show and not recommend anyone wasting time with it.
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The not so confident teacher in a reputed school fell in love with her student. The consequences she had to face is picturised in this drama.
Hijrichan is not your usual teacher. She is well aware that her love is a minor. Based on that she takes a sensible practical decision which is not very easy. Her fiance Kawai comes to help her but she refuses to let any other to help her with this. She is well aware that such things have to be handled only by her.
Hijrichan and Kuroiwakun faces opposition from Society and their parents - which is a given considering the situation that the student is a minor. But Hijri's sensible decision calms the situation.
Hijri, Akira, their parents, Kawai, his love interest - every one is right in their own way.
A very sensitive subject relevant in Society handled in a very brilliant way - that's what this drama is.
You need to watch this for the cute love story between Hijri and Akira and how practical they are with their love.
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Woooow, this is the first J-drama I watch after a long time and I have to say it has reached my expectatives. Even though the teacher-student romance thing is kinda edgy, the writers could handle it well and gave the story a realistic ending. I predicted that they would end up together right after he turned 18, but it wasn't the case. I love how she continued to pursue her dream as a teacher and went to work abroad, despite everyone was telling her she ''should just get married''. I also found interesting how Haraguchi being Bi was considered normal to all the characters and there was no issue. Her whole character was actually really cool and I liked her initiative.
Another good thing was that there were no hard feelings between the four main characters, like, between the exes, lovers, and stuff. That's really mature. I like how Hijiri and Akira's moms ended up being supportive of their children by the end of the show. Character development was definitely a 10/10!
Tl;dr. An amusing story with interesting and well developed characters, I recommend everyone to watch it, even if the student-teacher concept looks weird. :)
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Perfection at its core- The legendary 10/10
I hesitated to watch this, thinking it might be an NTR/cheating drama (which I hate), but not once did it feel that way. The show keeps everything pure and heartfelt.The actors bring their characters to life—you feel every tear, every smile, every moment. Even the side characters are well-developed, making the story richer.
The story is beautiful. It pulls you in and refuses to let go. I lost count of how many times I cried or smiled from the heart. It explores life choices, their impact, and the weight of love in a way that stays with you.
Extra credit to the music, especially Prologue by URU. That song alone elevated this from a 9 to a 10. The second it plays, expect tears.
Nitpick? At times, I didn’t know who to root for. The drama gives every perspective depth, making you care for all of them—even when you don’t want to.
Final verdict: Watch this. You won’t be disappointed
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A resilient love
This series was beautifully shot. From the scenery, locations, photography, acting, to the OST... everything was perfect!Though it is a delicate theme, everything was carefully shown and they respected the fact that one of the main characters was under age. They didn't cross the line.
This J-drama has one of the most beautiful OST's I've ever heard in my entire life. The piano songs played by Akira Kosemura made me emotional and I still listen to them often! I was delighted by the quality of this drama. There's a lot of sadness and pain and beautiful scenes and you see how powerful and resilient love can be. It is perfection!
It surely deserves a higher rating.
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Realistic age gap trope
I'm a huge sucker for age gap tropes. The only problem within this is that not everything is done right or realistic, which sometimes annoys me. What, I think, captures viewers when it comes to age gap stories is the—always—bittersweet journey in between. The dilemmas, the hurt, the rejection, and the scrutiny. This j-drama captured all of that; we see a woman with the perfect life find love with a student ten years her senior, and like a sensible adult, she runs away from it because she knows it's not appropriate. I love this kind of characters, the rational and sensible ones who truly mirrors what normal people would do—flight than fight. I also love Kuroiwa's development; stubborn, rebellious, and reckless at 15, but matures at 18. I love how he's gotten better at communicating his feelings when he was older, and how at the end, he finally understood and let go.Overall, this j-drama is a gem. Age gap tropes are controversial and not for everyone, and besides, it's hard to find compelling stories like this. But for us fanatics, once we've found hidden treasures like these, it's quite unforgettable.
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about the storyline, I'm actually feel a little bit uncomfortable with teacher X students relationship but thanks god both student and teacher look so young especially the teacher.. i love how this drama try to play the viewer's emotion and feeling.. it's like a roller coaster for me.. but sometimes I'm getting bored in the mid of the drama but its getting better when its come to climax.. i think people should this student X teacher genre one.. it's literally different with others because the teacher is girl maybe (?) so no pedophile vibe at all lmao I'm joking.. please watch it if you are bored hehe
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