Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!

A Kdrama if it were Boys Love

The format of this drama is exactly like that of an office romance kdrama if it were a boys love. This follows the same bland setting, some office with the exact cubicles. Yes there has to be two couples, the main couple and the side couple.

I actually liked maybe the first two episodes, especially the pilot. It started off grounded. He wakes up and realizes when he comes into physical contact with another person, he is able to read their thoughts. I wished it'd take the double edged sword further. When he bumps into strangers in a crowded street, and when he bumps into his coworker who frankly thinks Adachi is nice because he does his work for him, but looks grumpy again. Or that onigiri street vendor who says Mayo onigiri again.

I actually forget how good the pilot was.

Then I realized how shallow and underdeveloped the characters are. The pilot relied on comedy, but then it gets stale. I actually found the pacing to be sluggish. By episode 6 I still know nothing about the characters. All I know is Kurosawa only thinks about Adachi when they are together and how his actions may affect Adachi. I mean having a love interest who is consenting and respectful is hardly plot or characterization. Hello anyone seen Banana Fish? Adachi I still know nothing about, other than he likes Kurosawa back. The plot solely relies on the will-they-wont-they that frankly gets dragged out too long for the majority of the series. I mean Adachi knows Kurosawa likes him from the pilot.

There isn't a plot. I wished that it'd at least take advantage of the comedy where whenever Adachi touched someone's hand, he realizes they were secretly in love with him. Like I wish it'd take the fantasy elements even further.

I couldn't relate to any of the characters. I could relate maybe just to the pilot where when he first hears the thoughts of strangers.

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Full of stereotypes

Cherry Magic came to the BL stage in a year where BL series have diversified a lot. In 2020 we saw many different BLs from Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, etc. Unfortunately, quantity is different from quality. Every year we still get too many repetitive and boring engineering series coming from Thailand, specially from that channel number 25 that we all know.

When I heard about CM, I was excited since it seemed to be a refreshing plot set in Japan, very different from the series we are used to. I watched the first episode and I felt ok. It was promising. But then my expectations didn't match the reality. The fact is that CM is a very classical and traditional BL series. It looks like refreshing to some people because we are used to Thai BLs for a long time, so anything that is not set in a warm university campus in Southeast Asia looks like a genius thing. But if you are already used to Japanese Yaoi animes or mangas, you probably have already seen several stories like CM. Everything is excessive fluffy and unrealistic. Some situations that work very well in animation cannot be transported to the series without causing cringe and embarrassing feelings for a more mature and demanding audience. One example is when Kurosawa's boss is angry at him for some unknown reason. Instead of explaining the motives for his angriness, the man keeps grumbling "Hum" for several minutes. Adachi needs to use his reading mind powers to discover that their boss only wanted a different cake flavor. Well, who is the person who would keep mumbling "Hum" - just like a cow - for 10 minutes instead of asking directly for a new cake? It is a funny scene for animations, but quite odd when we see it in live-action.

Just like a traditional Japanese Yaoi, the couple tend to be excessively stereotyped. We have in this BL the clear gender roles division between a seme and an uke. Gender roles, different from what many people think, are not simply sexual position (top x bottom). It is more like stereotyped men and women's roles in a relationship. These stereotypes tend to be annoying even in straight couple stories, but they become even worse when they force it into gay relationships. Kurosawa has excessive good masculine attributes: hard worker, charming, protective, strong, independent and confident. He looks like a prince riding a white horse. Adachi, in turn, is imaginative, sweet, gentle, jumbled, insecure and more likely to need help.

This old-fashioned duality is generally criticized by many BL fans, but I have the feeling most of them like this uke/seme dynamics and fetishize about it. There is a general understanding in the West that BL series are Fujoshi things, but the reality is that many gays watch it and became an integral part of the audience. And many gays love the same things in a BL that a Straight girl likes.

I personally don't appreciate this kind of stereotypes since they make me feel embarrassed all the time. There is a scene in particular that I really couldn't bear. In episode 5, Adachi and his female friend are attacked by some gangsters on the streets. Adachi (as a good uke; and his friend, as a good woman) doesn't react and accept being humiliated by the assaulting men. So, the "man of the relationship" (Kurosawa) needs to come to protect both the the innocent uke and the woman. The scene is already cringe because the fight between Kurosawa and the gangsters is quite fake, and on top of that, they gave us a scene that reinforces the ideia that gays who play the supposedly feminine part of a relationship are weak people who cannot save their own asses, but need a "man" to do that for them. Most BL fans might think that this kind of scene is cute, but I cannot help but thinking: "WTF!".

CM is a type of series for an audience who likes fetish. Fetish is not only about sex. We can have fetishes related to cute and fluffy situations and this series is all about that. For the ones like me who love a more realistic approach where the LGBTQ community is positively addressed, this shows is a huge disappointment.

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Wholesome

Cherry Magic: 30 Years Of Virginity can Make You A Wizard is one of the most beautiful and wholesome series I've ever seen. Every single character was wonderful and unique in their own way. Green flags everywhere. Its one of those series that don't need sex scenes or kissing, the chemistry was enough. Also I love the workplace setting.

since the review needs to be 500 characters long I will just finish by mentioning the Thai adaptation because I have no idea what else to say. There's not enough words to compliment or show my love and appreciation for this series.

My understanding that there will be a Thai adaptation which will drop this Saturday (9.12
23) and I just know Newwie will bring so much Justice to Adachi and I just know Sing, Jan, Tay and the rest will bring so much Justice.

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I really loved it.........

At first I thought that I'm going to watch this after watching TayNew version of Cherry Magic. But when I watch the 1st episode of thai version it urged me to watch the japanese series and it turn out I'm really hooked with this.

If we talk about their acting skills everyone gave their best to this. When we talk about Kurasowa he is the greenest flag among green flags I must say that. and Adachi is really cute I really love his clumsy behaviour. and everytime when I'm watching their moments I'm having butterflies in my stomach. Seriously Kurasowa made my standards go even high.

So this is a must watch series and I must say that I can see Taynew is giving their best for this. and I really love watching both Japanese and Thai series.

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Absolutely beautiful

No words. This is bloody hell good. Didn't really expect much but I left wanting for more. Kurosawa's smile melts my heart and Adachi makes my heart itch. The whole show is so sweet, AND there's actual character development!??!? WOW.

The scenes are also heart melting. I really really want to cry now that I've finished it. Last time I've been so so so hooked on a drama was like, last year ago. I cannot forget their smile and interaction. Just remembering it makes me want to re-watch it again.

OST bloody fucking good. Acting?? Absolutely. Story? Yes. Rewatch Value? Does that need to be asked?

15/10, this is a whole ass masterpiece.

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Their flag is so green that it can stop global warming

30 year old virgin, Adachi is having a panic attack because suddenly he can hear other people mind. that's how he find out that his co-worker Kurosawa has a crush on him.

The story is captivating. I appreciate how it deviates from the typical "office-affair" narrative, featuring two contrasting individuals with mutual attraction. The infusion of the "30-year-old virgin magic" adds an imaginative element, enriching the story with vibrant hues. However, the fictional aspect does not overshadow the realistic portrayal of relationships. Both characters evolve in tandem, and the "magic" serves to amplify their realization that true enchantment lies within their feelings for each other.

Both actors deliver exceptional performances in their respective roles. Machida Keita, portraying the character Kurosawa Yuichi, embodies the good-looking, capable, and kind-hearted nature of his character with perfection. Similarly, Akaso Eiji, in the role of Adachi Kiyoshi, effectively portrays a shy and low self-esteem character, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. Eiji's emotional performance, particularly in one of the episodes where he cried, moved me to tears and left a profound impact with his heartfelt portrayal that words cannot fully describe.

In terms of production, I appreciate the diverse range of settings utilized in the show. It's evident that the production team put considerable thought into this aspect. The framing also effectively complements the overall atmosphere of the story. However, I do wish there was an editing technique that could more explicitly convey to the audience when Adachi is reading other people's minds, as I occasionally missed these moments and had to rewatch certain scenes.

as for the OST i have a very selfish opinion. it's good but it doesn't make me go instantly to spotify to look for it and add the song to my favorite list. However the music in the background that accompanying the scenes is good. very contributing in the feeling of the scenes.

Rewatch value 10, even the thought of rewatching this makes me giddy :)

Overall this drama is very good BL and i really support it

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I don't watch a lot of Jdramas, so I am really glad a friend made me watch this one, because Cherry Magic is so fun. It's funny, refreshing, and sweet. It's wacky without being annoying. The premise is delightful, and I gave myself an asthma attack (literally) laughing at how tightly wound Tsuge is.

I really enjoyed the depiction of figuring out your sexuality as an adult. Sometimes it's just like that!

It would rate higher for me if they actually kissed onscreen. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I know that isn't a dealbreaker for everyone, but it is for me. There were so many chances for it, but somehow it didn't happen. Rude to me personally.

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I WANT MY OWN KUROSAWA YUICHI !!

A REVIEW or a COMMENT or an Opinion is not needed, just Watch it, it's that Lovely n heart warming :)

IT'S JUST WOW!! :)

I WANT MY OWN KUROSAWA YUICHI !! 💕🤤

Keita Machida is the BEST as Kurosawa!
Everything about him in this is just wow. He just brought life to the character!

My all time fav, 10/10 for Live action drama..

Don't miss the Anime and Thai version too.
Whatever this has not covered from KuroAda's magical story, above two adaptations covered.

Currently reading the Ongoing Manga, found that this JD live action drama, Anime and Thai version TOGETHER covered everything from the manga.

*******
My fav scene in the drama:

Tsuge at Adachi's doorstep.

Kurosawa sees Tsuge holding Adachi n the immediate jealous n anxious reaction of his: "Ehhh?"

Thn Adachi sees Kurosawa: "Ehhh?"

Tsuge: "Ehhh?"

Adachi realises that Kurosawa misunderstood them: "Ehhh?", "Ehhh?", "Ehhh?"

Pure comedy! Sweet jealousy of Kurosawa :)
I love this iconic "Ehhh?", "Ehhh?" Scene , haha

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AAAAA CANT STOP SMILING

ok this was seriously so cute

i love Kurosawa so muchhhhhhh. he’s so gentle and sweet and i love it when he smiles! but every time he got hurt by Adachi just breaks my heart. especially when he still smile to cover his hurt and tears. AAAAAA

im so disappointed they didn’t kiss on screen, even the side couple kissed UNFAIRRRRR (also i didnt really care about the side couple haha) (i cringe)

but i do love Rokkaku, and FUJISAKI!!!!!! i LOVE UUU THAT LAST SCENE, you are so precious omg

all of the actors/actress chemistry was so goooood :”)

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