Tsukuritai Onna to Tabetai Onna (2022)

Un GL doux et reposant, qui propose une relation saine et naturelle

Tsukuritai Onna to Tabetai Onna est un GL léger et mignon qui mise sur la simplicité et le naturel plutôt que sur le drama intense. L’histoire suit Nomoto, passionnée de cuisine, qui se rapproche progressivement de sa voisine Kasuga en partageant des repas faits maison, donnant naissance à une relation tendre construite autour du quotidien.

Le rythme est calme, contemplatif, avec une ambiance très slice of life qui rend le drama facile à regarder. La relation évolue doucement, avec beaucoup de pudeur et de délicatesse, ce qui donne un côté très wholesome et réconfortant. On est clairement sur une romance qui privilégie les petits moments, les gestes simples et la complicité qui se construit naturellement.

Ce qui fonctionne particulièrement bien, c’est la représentation de deux femmes adultes qui apprennent à se connaître sans toxicité inutile. La série aborde aussi, de manière subtile, certaines attentes sociales pesant sur les femmes, notamment la pression du mariage ou des normes hétéronormées, tout en gardant un ton positif et accessible.

La production reste assez simple, mais cohérente avec l’esprit du drama : une atmosphère cosy, une mise en scène épurée et un focus sur la nourriture comme langage émotionnel. La cuisine devient un moyen d’exprimer les sentiments, ce qui renforce le côté chaleureux de la série.

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Perfectly Complementary Character Growth in a Cozy Backdrop

Japan just has a way with these food dramas that few other productions can match. It just feels so down-to-earth, real, and cozy. It puts the small details into focus like nothing else can, and somehow manages to soften any societal critique messages and story stressors.

I wouldn't say this is a GL drama, but rather a lesbian adult coming-of-age drama. There isn't that same focus on the *need* to enter into a romantic relationship. Instead, we get to navigate the slowly shifting dynamic between these two women who find their perfectly complementary half. We get to see how the small comments and practices (what has often been coined as "micro-aggressions"), seemingly insignificant to the masses, can have a longstanding impact to others. They can become a source of insecurity, dissonance, and wariness. Things that make you feel "other." But this drama does it in such a way that it feels almost conversational, in such a way that we actually see every day and with responding messages that, while feeling unnatural at times, weren't drawn out and hung up for continuous reference).

I loved seeing the progression of these characters through the work. From shy, uncertain, and insecure, to understanding, to irreplaceable. From a dynamic where one ate and the other happily watched, to a dynamic where they both ate meals together, to a dynamic where their relationship was no longer limited to meals. I really hope that we get a season 2, and I don't say that about many dramas.

And the food looked delicious. I am so glad that the producers included recipes on the drama's website for the key dishes - because I'm definitely going to be trying some of these.

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