Too Much Sweet With No Salt.
Aah... the age gap returns. Or did it really?After inheriting his Grandfather's local coin laundry, Minato Akira leads a simple and happy life. His life takes a turn when he encounters Katsuyaki Shin, a 17 year old high school student, who happens to have an intense crush on him. His straightforward advances and innocence enamors Akira, but also digs up unpleasant memories.
Honestly, I really liked the first two episodes, but it sort of descended into boring land very soon. Both the characters of Shin and Akira were beautifully written - everyone had their own fears and setbacks. I loved how straightforward Shin-chan was in particular and it was hilarious to see Akira-san's scandalized reactions. All the actors played their roles well.
Setting that apart, it did have other aspects of friendship, study life and even a sprinkle of Shin-Chan's sister and a few passerby's. Hanabusa Akusa was my favorite, unfortunately. He had a vibe and story that seemed more intriguing to me.
This drama is not a complete waste of time. But, for some reason all that sweetness and tug of war exhausted me and I found myself skipping through the episodes to make it to the end.
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This review may contain spoilers
Simple Sweet Age Gap BL
**Brief Synopsis**B (Owner): Minato
T (Student): Shintaro
Beginning: T is a high school student and B is the owner of a laundrymat. One day, T enters B's laundrymat and starts showing signs of wanting to date B. B is of course very unwilling despite finding T hot because T was only 17 at that time and he was in his late twenties. However, T is very insistent.
Middle: T keeps showing up around B and despite his reservations, B starts to enjoy T's presence and starts feeling something more for him.
End: The story ends with B finally accepting T's advances and they settle in a relationship. The first season ends here. In the second season, they continue getting used to being in a relationship. B is still very hesitant to touch T even when they are together but when T loses his memories and B realizes just how precsious T is to him, he confesses to him once again and fully accepts T as his lover. The second season ends with them finally sleeping together.
**My Opinion**
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT IT
- The main characters look really cute together. They really fit the manga really well. T is super super cute and how much he cares for B is really touching. It's just a little annoying B keeps refusing his advances.
- Except for season 2, this series is relatively angst free. This also means that nothing really happens. The focus is on how their relationship develops through spending time together.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE ABOUT IT
- Nothing really happens which means the show can feel a little boring.
- I didn't like how season 2 wasn't very fluffy. It was only after nearly losing T that B realizes he loves him and accepts his intimacy. This make the slow burn aspect of this show feels way too long.
**Conclusion**
Simple, sweet BL.
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Cute but a little long
This was a very sweet little story. Probably a little long for what it was. There wasn’t a whole lot of plot, so they probably could’ve made it 8 eps and it would’ve functioned the same.I do agree with the other comments that this ran in circles a bit, but I honestly thought it would be more frustrating based on what people led me to believe.
The age gap is problematic but nothing really happens between them when Shin is underage.
Acting is good, though there aren’t too many emotionally impactful moments. Even those that are didn’t pack much of a punch for me, and I am a notorious crier.
Chemistry between the leads was surprisingly good. They even have a decent kiss, which is unusual for Japan (unless it’s a really twisted drama lol).
Other than that, I don’t really have any strong opinions. It was a good one time watch. I would recommend if you’re looking for something light and not plot heavy.
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Everybody has somebody they can't forget
What starts out as an unlikely friendship at the neighbourhood laundromat transforms into an unsteady tension when Minato discovers Katsuki’s feelings for him. Is his affection that of an older brother who wants to watch over Katsuki as he grows older, or something romantic? In his confusion, he resists his initial attraction toward Katsuki, a task that only gets tougher in the face of Katuski’s relentlessly earnest pursuits.The relationship dances in circles for most of the series but their chemistry is unmistakable. Apart from looking wonderfully compatible despite the age gap, both characters were also well-balanced, each alternating between childlike playfulness and maturity.
Minato Shouji is about feelings that don’t go away, despite the passage of time – for both Katuski and also Asuka, another highschooler who has fallen for an eccentric man far older than he is.
As their story unfolds in a lazy seaside town where everybody knows everybody, it turns out that everyone has somebody they can’t forget.
My full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/09/15/minato-shouji-coin-laundry-review/
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This review may contain spoilers
Solid show that dragged on a little too long
I enjoyed this show a lot overall, and found it to be a fun watch. I liked the characterization of the leads - Shin being the more confident and self-assured while Akira was lacking in same flipped the power dynamic to make the age difference feel more palatable. All the characters were likable, production values were high, and the romance was sweet.That said, I found Akira to be a frustrating character in the end. He was far too passive, too cowardly, and too uninterested in (or incapable of?) figuring out his own feelings, and none of that really changed over the course of the narrative. The plot with his former teacher dragged on way too long and Akira’s characterization suffered for it. While I enjoyed the love story, I didn’t find the leads equally matched on emotional maturity and was left feeling like Shin could (and eventually probably would) do better.
I dinged it a bit on rewatchability because if I ever did I would definitely fast forward through a lot. Plot was very repetitive and the story probably would have been better served if they’d cut a couple episodes. Still, I think this is a solid show worth watching.
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This review may contain spoilers
This was a sweet, quiet and calm drama, it felt almost serene. There were no big upheavals, no hidden agency, no scheming from jilted lovers or anything like that. It was your typical slice of life Jdrama.Which made it, well, kinda boring. After several episodes, it felt to me personally that it was dragging a little, the back and forth arguments were of the lather-rinse-repeat variety and I really didn't like the secondary couple - if you could even call them that.
The whole thing was heavily carried by the two leads, Kusakawa Takuya and Nishigaki Sho, and even though Kusakawa Takuya was great, especially in moments when Akira was all flustered or almost halfway seduced already, it was Nishigaki Sho who had the biggest on me, his Shin was simply marvelous and I could really feel the depth of his love for Akira.
Still, I'm not sure I will ever re-watch this one. Except for a few truly exceptional moments, this drama was really slow. Turns out I really like some, well, drama in my drama.
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The age gap can't beat the younger lead's true feelings
All characters didn't have an evil side within them. Their sincerity from the very start is as clear as the sky. No wonder that I haven't felt an anger towards them despite their desperate actions in every sense. This is my first time to support a happy ending of main leads in a series. The unrequited love breaks down the wall that surrounds his loved one. This may not be the best of all series but I really appreciate it for showing the results of a genuine feeling. Good karma really comes to those who deserve it.Nishigaki Sho (Shin) is the prettiest actor I've seen in my whole life. His acting delivers an angelic and pure portrayal of his role. Contrary to him, Kusakawa Takuya (Akira) portrays well his role as a near 30-yr old man who struggles to express his real emotions inside bravely. The mixture of their characters really did harmonize perfectly and turn into a fluffy and lovely relationship (not intimately tho).
Cute. Lovely. Watchable.
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a stupid little slow burn that did exactly what a stupid little slow burn should do
if you like slow burns/the classic japanese drama charm this is definitely for you !! this drama is so so precious, its something that will easily lift your mood and put a smile on your face.the story itself is pure and heart warming, the main characters relationship is full of moments of bliss, gentle touches and tender looks. for those that are worried about the age difference - nothing 'big' happens between them before the mc is of age, there is nothing creepy or weird about their relationship so please dont let that be a worry (it was for me and i was happily proven wrong) the main characters are understandable, easy to empathize with and very loveable. not to mention they are both BEAUTIFUL. the side characters are all gorgeous and likeable too !! i was very invested in this story and as i watched it whilst it was airing they made my week a lot brighter. i feel like it makes a lot of sense this was aired in japan as a television drama due to the way it was edited (in a very television show way)
the cast is so perfect. i knew of both the main leads already however this drama has made me develop a much deeper appericiation for their acting skills. in places where the dialouge/writing lacked their acting always made up for it (the writing was Not bad. it just lacked at a few parts but to balance it out there were times it exceeded expectations too). they both did well in scenes they had to show more emotion than you would usually see in characters and did their parts perfectly, they deserve a lot of attention as actors. (again theyre both sosooso gorgeous). their chemistry was so good it shocked me at times, theyre both so good at acting with their eyes and when they looked at eachother sometimes it was sohfjshj. very very good chemistry.
there wasn't a lottt of music used in the show from my memory but when it was it was used well plus the intro/outro songs were SOSOSOSOSOSOOOOOO good, bu thats usually the case witth jdramas.
conclusion/TLDR - GO WATCH IT !!! its such a cute and fun drama, smth that everyone needs to watch every now and then. its such a happy pill, with a pretty cast, v good actors and amazing chemistry(and the plot is nowhere near as problematic as you probably think pls give it a try). this deserves sm love !!! i will defnitely rewatch this often. im gonna miss this airing sm God pls go watch it
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This review may contain spoilers
Coming into oneself and finding love.
Overall thoughts; I love the comedy the show had to it. I loved the simplicity and warmth this series had to it. I was a bit uncomfortable with the age gap.1. What I liked?
I liked how the actors where able to bring this story alive. They delivered with the portraying of emotions.
I liked the realism of local people's life and the normalness this series gave us.
2. What I disliked?
I disliked the age gap of 12 year, but it's not the gap is the problem it's the age between Minato Akira and Katsuki Shintaro. They were 9 and 17 when they first met, and 29 and 17 when they happened to meet each other again for the secondth time.
I disliked the fact it's a love story between an older man and a high schooler. This was the main reason why I was a bit uncomfortable with this show.
3. Personality Observation.
Starting with Shintaro's personality. He has a dominant personality, he is naturally assertive, straightforward, confrontational, expressive, has a natural innocent, and is jealous at times. He was my favorite character out of everyone in the show.
While Minato Akira personality is shy, reserved, timid, cowardly, non-confrontational, and shy's away from speaking his mind or admitting the truth out loud to others. I think this is why he can't maintain a healthy relationship with anyone.
4. Where their chemistry between characters?
I would say Yes! but it was mostly one sided and slow to develop. But it is worth it.
5. Character development.
Minato Akira character was developed nicely in the story. I think because of the influence of Shintaro, he able to be honest with himself and others around him for the first time. He found the confidence within himself to confront and open up about his true feeling and thoughts he been holding in for the longest time. I truly enjoyed watching his progress.
End thoughts; I rated this series 8.5 because I enjoy it despite its uncomfortable flaws. I loved each of the main lead character individually and they progress as the show goes along. For that alone It is worth watching.
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Way too dragged out.
Setting the uncomfortable age gap aside because of cultural differences, the show was good. The couple were cute and for the most part the chemistry between them was definitely there. The side couple were also cute and all the characters were very likeable. However I feel like the whole show could have been finished within way less than 12 episodes. Most of the scenes felt completely unnecessary to the point I found myself skipping large portions of the later episodes just so they'd get to the point. An issue would come up, they'd resolve it, and then for the next three episodes they'd just be dragging it on. It felt like I was going in circles. One minute an issue is settled, next minute they're arguing about it again. Honestly I got bored after the first 4 episodes and the ending wasn't exactly anything worth waiting for, without spoiling too much. Like I said, the show was good, but I can't give it a high rating when I had to skip 80% of the later episodes.Was this review helpful to you?
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So Very Disappointing
I loved series 1, It was cute and quirky, and I have been waiting excitedly to see their relationship develop and grow.Sadly series 2 is more or less a repeat of S1, but way worse. There is zero development and growth and absolutely no chemistry between the main characters.
Considering Minato and Shin have now been together for 3 months, they appear to be in exactly the same place that we left them at the end of series 1. Minato has a hissy fit every time Shin gets any where near him, and runs away screaming, while Shin stands about looking like a wooden plank. Shin isn't even allowed to use Minato's first name!
The whole series goes on like this for every episode until it becomes extremely annoying and boring.
Later there is a horribly contrived "accident" that is utterly pointless and adds nothing to the story. It is lazy writing and I have to wonder if even the script writer was bored by this point!
Overall a disappointing story I blame the script writer and the director.
... :~(
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Funny, cute, simple, explained thoughts
When i first saw ads for this bl it didnt look all that interesting. I don't think the ads did this bl justice whatsoever. But i just now watched the first episode up until the current episode, episode 8, in less then half a day. Very cute and bright love, if you know what i mean. Yes its shows a range of emotions other then happiness, but its not dark and it doesn't have a gloomy or dark or mysterious backstory. Atleast what ive see so far. I personally really like when the characters are clear with each other what theyre feeling, or think out loud(basically saying what theyre feeling for the audience to understand). I cant read people or understand social situations, so i appreciate thoughts and feelings being explained withiut being obnoxious. This is how the characters are. Very simple, nice, funny love. 10/10. I wil definitely rewatch this series once it ends.Was this review helpful to you?
