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A Little 90s Nostalgia and a Whole Lot of Itakiss Charm!
Since Itazura na Kiss is a manga from the 90s, watching its 1996 Japanese adaptation felt like experiencing the story in the era it originally belonged to. The presentation, music, and humour have a distinct 90s charm, and I really enjoyed how the drama embraced that style rather than trying to make everything feel modern.What I particularly liked about this Naoki is that he isn't portrayed as a complete robot or an outright jerk. He is detached, stubborn, and emotionally reserved, but there is vulnerability beneath that cold exterior. His emotions often come through his eyes and subtle expressions rather than dramatic declarations, and I really appreciated that. Kassy's performance felt natural and understated, making Naoki's feelings believable without needing to spell everything out for the audience.
You can sense that there is something special about his feelings for Kotoko from early on, so his gradual emotional development doesn't feel as though it comes out of nowhere. He is still a teenager trying to figure out his future, dealing with expectations and pressure while struggling to understand his own emotions. His behaviour can be frustrating, of course, but I found it easier to understand him in this version. He doesn't feel like someone who is incapable of love; he feels like someone who doesn't quite know how to express it.
Kotoko, played by Sato, is loud, funny, clumsy, and occasionally downright annoying, just as her character is meant to be. However, what I appreciated most was that she had a backbone. She may be hopelessly in love with Naoki, but she doesn't simply accept everything he does without question. She can stand up for herself and push back when he goes too far, including when his behaviour affects the people around him. Her affection for him doesn't completely erase her own personality.
I also liked seeing how she gradually influences Naoki. She brings warmth and spontaneity into his rather controlled world, encouraging him to open up and become more considerate of the people around him. Their relationship isn't perfect, but there is a sense of gradual change in both characters. Kotoko doesn't magically transform Naoki overnight, and he doesn't suddenly become a completely different person once he falls for her. Their development is part of what makes this version so enjoyable for me.
The editing was another unexpected highlight. I especially loved the inclusion of Naoki's dreams, which offered little glimpses into his thoughts and feelings. Those scenes were a lovely way to communicate things he would never openly say, making his character more interesting without taking away his reserved nature.
I also adored the episode opening titles. They might seem like a small detail, but the way they incorporated Yuki's drawings and idiom-related quotes gave each episode a little something extra. Some episodes even carried that charm into the ending. These touches made the drama feel thoughtfully put together, and I always appreciate when a series uses its presentation to add something meaningful to the storytelling.
And then there is the music! The soundtrack is one of my favourite aspects of this adaptation. The romantic instrumentals have that unmistakable 90s feel, and they fit the atmosphere beautifully.
The humour is very much rooted in its era, too. It relies heavily on exaggerated characters, over-the-top reactions, and circumstances that are deliberately played up for comedy. Depending on your taste, some of these moments might feel silly or dated, but I found that they suited the overall tone. The drama doesn't take every romantic moment or character interaction too seriously, giving it a lighthearted quality that I enjoyed.
One noticeable difference for me was how the supporting characters and their romantic storylines were handled. Compared with some other adaptations, the SML's feelings and confessions didn't carry quite the same emotional weight. He often felt more like a comic-relief character than a serious romantic alternative, and the friends seemed particularly interested in gossiping about the leads rather than having much depth of their own. I didn't mind this too much because the main couple was clearly the heart of the story, but it did make the surrounding relationships feel less developed.
The romance itself also has a different emphasis here. Rather than treating every development as a major emotional turning point, the drama often lets the comedy and everyday interactions take centre stage. I enjoyed that approach because it allowed the characters to feel like young people navigating school, friendships, family expectations, and their uncertain futures. It isn't always the most emotionally intense version of their love story, but it has a sweetness that works for me.
Overall, I had a wonderful time watching Itazura na Kiss (1996) I particularly loved this interpretation of Naoki, Kotoko's more assertive side, the thoughtful editing, and the soundtrack. It may not handle every supporting character or romantic subplot as deeply as I would have liked, and some of its humour is definitely exaggerated, but the overall experience was thoroughly enjoyable.
For me, this version stands out because of its characterisation and the way it tells the story. It gave me a Naoki whose feelings I could actually see, a Kotoko who could stand her ground, and a soundtrack I will happily revisit.
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I really love this version really much….
I really love this version really much. this version are my first version that I have watched now. Even I’m not yet watch the other version I can say this original version will be evergreen for me. the chemistry between the main lead and also other supporting actor/actress really great. I really wish this version have more episod. I really want this version show their love story after the confessing,marriage,work together in the same hospital and that I really want to see their baby girl. This kotako and naoki for me are the best one. Can’t bealive this version aired 27 years ago. Miss too see Takashi & Aiko on screen together.Was this review helpful to you?
This isn't my favorite version of this story, but it had some good things about this drama.
Story: I love the story, but it was so different from the original. But it's because the manga was still being written in 1996. The manga will forever be incomplete with no ending at all. The reason is that the author passed away(if you haven't known that, then that's the main reason that the story is so different). It's actually kind of more comedical(not as funny, but still).
Acting: I think Kashiwabara Takashi did pretty well as Naoki. He was so cold that I wanted to beat him because he was cold. There a few moments that he wasn't too cold. Sato Aiko got her role down. But I couldn't really relate to her. She was very annoying character. Aoki Shinsuke as Kin-chan didn't have much screen time at all because the story was still being written at the time. The person who played Yuki was pretty good as well.
Music: Not that memorable at all.
Rewatch: I didn't like the drama very much, but there were some good moments in the drama I would watch over again.
Remember, it's my opinion. If you disagree, that's fine with me.
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KASHIWABARA TAKASHI WAS SO HANDSOME!!! ???
I'm so glad I watched a fanvideo on tiktok of Naoki and Kotoko! At first I was hesitating to watch this version cause of the Taiwanese version which is one of my all time fave drama. But because of Takashi, I gave it a try since he was so cute in this drama 😁The plot was the same but I was glad that there were some small changes on the storyline, because of these the next scene was not predictable. I love how I'm gonna get surprised especially to the reactions of Naoki toward Kotoko. This drama has a slight difference to the Taiwanese version but I wouldn't say that it was bad. It has its charm as well as funny and cute moments of Naoki and Kotoko. 😊
I just wished that it should have got more episodes, 9 was not enough! I would want to see more sweet moments of them!
Overall, this drama is worth seeing. Takashi is such a perfect Naoki for the Japanese version. Although its short, you will really enjoy watching this. 😊
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This review may contain spoilers
BEST ML EVER !!!
TAKASHI KASHIWABARA NAILED IT!And Aiko sato she also did a great job .
Everyone is commenting that this drama is not good enough and rushed 😭 it's because the mangak died before ending the manga.
And that's why this drama has a little bit different ending 😔
In a recent interview on arigato Kassy said that it happened so suddenly and he was also curious how they'll end this.
I definitely agree that this drama needs more episodes but they have to close it because of the death of the mangak. And when another writer started to complete this manga and finished it in 1999 until then Kassy took a break from the acting industry 😭 that's why there is no season 2 .
About the story line:
My favourite part in the whole drama is when Naoki rushed to confess to Kotoko
Why?
Cause in the last episode if you'll notice when Kotoko was going to Akita she said her last wish is to see Naoki smiling. And told him that she'll go on the opposite side of the railway passing and requested him to say goodbye with a smile BUT when she did that he didn't smile ( maybe he don't want her to go ) and she ended up crying 😭
After 2 Years
When Kotoko is sneaking to see Naoki in his University she saw him smiling with that bit*h (Reiko) and she felt that she was not going to get him and maybe he don't want her now 😭 And then after that day when
Kotoko was leaving Ma-chan told Naoki to Go with her to Akita but before he could say something she said he has to study to become a good doctor. And that's when Naoki realised that it was not the same as before 😿
And then Kotoko said goodbye to him knowing it's the last time saying goodbye to him 😭
( The emotions in her eyes said that 👀)
After that when she left her mother told him to chase after her or he'll loose her FOREVER
But he just went upstairs......
AND THAT'S WHEN IT CLICKED TO NAOKI THAT SHE'LL NEVER COME BACK AGAIN AND HE'LL NEVER HAVE A TRUE LOVER
(Not like that scheming Reiko)
HE GOT UP AND RAN FOR HIS LIFE 😭
AND REACHED TO THAT RAILWAY PASSING AGAIN!!!
AND STARTED SCREAMING "KOTOKO KOTOKO KOTOKO"
but when he turned to his left he found her standing there 😭
She was still there....
He Hugged her without wasting a second 😭
And Kotoko was trying to understand what was happening for a moment 😔
And here is My favourite part :
Naoki: (while hugging Kotoko) whispered
"Mo... Doko ni mo iku na"
(Don't... Don't ever go anywhere anymore)
"Ore no soba ni iru"
(Stay by my side forever)
WHEN I HEARD THAT I WAS SOO HAPPY I CAN'T DISCRIBE THAT FEELING IN WORDS 😭🤧
AND HE GAVE HER A PASSIONATE KISS 💋
after the kiss he was blushing Soo hard 😆
I loved that
IT'LL BE THE BEST J DRAMA FOR ME FOREVER.
MANIFESTING A NAOKI FOR ME IN REAL LIFE 😭
they don't make this much handsome man's now .....
KASSY IS MY FIRST LOVE AND HE'LL BE MY FIRST LOVE TILL THE END NO MATTER WHAT 😭
LOVE YOU KASSY I'LL DEFINITELY MEET YOU ONCE IN MY LIFE
And I always love Itazura na Kiss forever.
Thankyou for reading the whole paragraph
KASSY 💌 AIKO
BYE BYE
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my review
the reason why i am writing this review is becuz i have seen the one with Yuki Furukawa and i really liked it. i watched both seasons. thats also the reason why i watched this version thinking i would like it. Not only did i force myself to finish this but as the series continued i found kotokos voice getting more and more load and annoying. and i did not like the actor for Naoki. i also did not like the ending. it felt too rushed. i did not feel anything for the 2 main characters. i would not recommend this version to anyone. go watch either the anime or the live action movies or live action drama.Was this review helpful to you?
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nice & fluffy comedy
Totally lovable comedy, with a melodramatic vibe. Actors are good-looking and natural, and all in all they make this series so enjoyable! The support cast - the parents and the little fellow - are especially funny.The video quality is bad, but the rest of this drama doesnt scream outdated! Fashion is ok, nothing to hurt the eyes.
Very lively, nothing to resemble a manga adaptation. This is a plus! I didnt give this a ten because the "dumb-but-sweet-girl" is not my fav trope, and also i didnt like that the SML was treated like trash, comedy or not...
I watched this on mute, after reading the previous comments, so the FL screaming didnt bother me.
I really really liked this, though not for a moment it can be taken seriously.
Better version than the Korean one, way more genuine.
Recommended.
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This review may contain spoilers
A Kotoko worse than the Korean version
I started watching this drama a few years ago, right after I finished the Korean and Japanese versions and ended up abandoning it halfway through the first episode, uncomfortable with how much the protagonist couldn't stop screaming even with the person in front of her. Anyway, I wanted to give this version one more chance and I finally managed to finish and I must say it was a great effort, I felt like running a marathon, I was so tired, that i just wanted to ended as soon as possible. There were several points that bothered me, I'll mention some of them:-- The protagonist manages to be more boring than in the Korean version, it seems they took all the traits that were supposed to make Kotoko a silly, idiot protagonist and just made her really unbearable to put up with. Like I've already said, but she would start screaming out of nowhere, for everything, even if the person was in front of her, do you think we have hearing problems?
-- The actor who played Irie wasn't so bad, I think he played the role he was given as well as in his other versions, and I agree with some of the posts I read here, I didn't feel bad at all when he treated Kotoko like garbage, honestly she deserved a lot and not because she ran after Irie like a puppy, because honestly I'm already used to the fact that this drama and manga were made in the 90's and this thing about the protagonist being a "bad boy" was still a thing.
-- Another problem was the ending, it seems like that the producers realized that they only had one episode to finish everything and they did everything very fast and rushed, honestly I didn't feel any change in the protagonists, mainly in Irie's feelings to simply make him leave in a hurry behind Kotoko, like, hi?! You were away from the girl for two years and simply found out because of something your mother said that you are in love with Kotoko, it doesn't make any sense, I felt lost, as if I had skipped several episodes and simply went straight to the end. He had more chemistry with the other girl, than with Kotoko herself.
--The other characters didn't make much difference, whether they were in the scene or not, it didn't make any difference to me, like Kotoko's best friends and Kin chan, the other versions did a good job. exploring better these characters, I think they paid more attention to the A and F class teachers than to the rest of the people.
-- The soundtrack was... yeah, whatever, it was nice as far as possible.
Overall, it was torture to watch and I doubt I'll watch it again unless I want to watch again every possible version of Itazura na Kiss. Sorry for some mistakes, english is not my first language.
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Favorite
THE BEST VERSION.The characters are so awesome. They act so well it's so natural and cute.
The side "bully" is so pretty and Kotoko's friends are so cute and always there for her The parents are awesome. I love his mom sm 😭
His baby brother is so cute too.
She has such an amazing and supportive dad.
Kin Chan is such a kind dude.
I love them all so much I could watch this forever,I wish it had longer episodes without having to rush.
9 episodes only with this perfect cats is not enough. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️🥰
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