Glass Heart

When the music burned brighter than the actual plot!

Sometimes, music is the way to express ourselves, and the drama leans heavily into that. Music didn't just set the mood here, it hijacked the plot, stole the spotlight and not in a subtle way. It's the heartbeat of the story. With every strum, beat and verse, the drama tries to convey things its characters can't say directly and even when the writing slips, the music saves it all.

The story revolves around Saijo Akane, a drummer who her previous mates abandoned, and gets a second chance when she is invited to join the band "TENBLANK".

TENBLANK band members or should I say the "plots" :
✨Fujitani Naoki: He was the genius but eccentric composer with a messy heart and even messier hair. The creative nucleus of the group. I would describe him as intense, obsessive, borderline reclusive, but a fascinating creature. Under all that facade, he is a man weighed down by unresolved emotions and secrets he would protect at all costs. Takeru Satoh did a great job. I know he is a fine actor and it showed. I recently saw him in Marry my husband and the character difference shows his versatile range.

✨Takaoka Sho: He was the guitarist who didn't demand attention but had mine from start to finish! He was soft spoken, observant and incredibly skilled. Machida Keita completely stole the show for me. From episode one to the finale, his styling was absolutely flawless. From the turtlenecks to that effortlessly perfect long hair, every detail was on point. I know this isn't exactly about his acting (which is already well-respected, no need for testimonials there) but the look he served in this drama was iconic. He had me catching second lead syndrome so bad. I mean, imagine ignoring Satoh... and yet, here I am.

✨Sakamoto Kazushi: He was sharp, confident and wasn't afraid to speak his mind, especially when it came to challenging Naoki's authority. But I feel the writing didn't give him enough to fully bloom. We get glimpses of pride and conflict but it feels underdeveloped. Shison Jun did a solid job in portraying this character. He played the perfect tsundere.

✨And the newly added member was Miss Sajio Akane, the underdog drummer, as they say. She had grit, she listened, she learned and she put in the work, not just for show. Nothing she did felt fake or wasted.
Miyazaki Yu gave a genuinely likeable and grounded performance. She played the perfect mix of insecurity and inner fire. I rooted and cheered for Akane.

🔥 Wild card Toya: I know he isn't the official member of TENBLANK but he isn't the one to ignore. You just can't! He is the kind of character who could walk into a scene mid-chaos and steal every ounce of attention. He is a loud, intense bona fide rockstar who seemed crazy but beneath all that is a man who is haunted by choices, loss and love that never really left. He is both tragic and unforgettable. Some scenes definitely tossed realism out the window, but it served the drama and I ate it up.
Maski Suda devoured this role. At first glance, I didn't recognise him. He was raw, a bit feral and had the reckless energy exuding. You just can't look away.

But not everything in the mix felt right. While the music and the stellar cast were a win, the pacing was all over the place, especially in the second half. This would be just me but we (I) DO NOT need a romantic subplot to show up like the last-minute guest. The story would have worked fine without a romantic storyline, it might have worked better if I were being honest. We could have focused more on the other band members and their stories. I feel there was barely any spotlight given to them. There were times it felt like a one-man show, but then a group performance glossed over that feeling, but it definitely lingered more than it should.

Another thing I noticed and maybe this is just me (again), was how the energy and adrenaline would spike during each performance, but then drop off right after. It didn’t really carry over once that fantastic music stopped playing. The in-between moments felt a bit dull and I kept waiting for them to practice or be back on stage to feel that energy again.
Maybe this is what happens when you have full-blown performances. This wasn't just "slap a ballad or two on it" drama but it gave us actual bangers. I feel the music is the main plot here and the rest of everything feels secondary.

The cinematography was stunning, especially the rain shots. And the camera work during the concert sequences was pure artistry. It screamed budget in the best way.

Overall, despite the scratches, this was an entertaining and binge worthy watch. It didn't exactly stick the landing or maybe I had high expectations from the actual plot "writing", but the journey is worth it for the vibes, stellar cast and amazing soundtracks. It's the kind of predictable plot where you will be rolling your eyes a bit but still replay the songs on loop. Not perfect, but comfortable in its own ways.

If you have made it this far, thank you for reading my review! <3
I thought I was going to keep this short… and yet here we are lmao. If you decide to check out the drama, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

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tokyo soul

I’m still thinking about Glass Heart. I am genuinely obsessed with it and there is really no other way to describe the feeling. Just about everything in this drama worked for me. The sharp clothing, the acting that actually felt like real life, the music, and that heavy, unmistakable feeling of being in Tokyo all just clicked. It reminds me exactly of how I felt watching Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born. It is that rare moment where everything just fits and you aren't just sitting there watching a story. You are getting pulled into a world that feels completely realized.

Every aesthetic choice felt like it mattered. From the texture of the jackets to the specific way the neon lights hit the city streets, everything had a purpose. Most shows try way too hard to force a vibe, but this one just lives in it.

The way he builds the band was a huge highlight. I loved how he explains exactly why each member is required. It makes it clear that this isn't just a group of people playing instruments. It is a specific chemistry needed to make the sound work. Sure, there were pitfalls along the way, and his medical condition was a little trite. It is a trope I have seen a thousand times, but honestly, I am willing to overlook it because the show is just that good. It didn't kill the momentum because the focus stayed on the craft and the struggle to create something real.

The fashion and the look of the show deserve their own conversation. It isn't just about the characters looking good. The clothes fit the mood of Tokyo and the weight of the scenes perfectly. There is a grit to the style that feels grounded in the actual music scene. It avoids that sanitized, fake look that usually ruins these kinds of productions. And the music? It is a miracle.

Usually, dramas about musicians have these cringey, fake tracks that pull you right out of the moment, but here the music actually hits. You can feel the vibration of the strings and the intentionality behind every single note. It doesn't just play in the background. It is a character in its own right. The sound design pulls you into the creative process so deeply that you can practically feel the air in the room during the recording sessions. It is symphonic.

I know some people think the romance wasn't necessary, but I didn't mind it at all. I actually think it served a purpose that most viewers are probably missing. To me, it was the specific spark that allowed him to finally transform his music into Ten Blank. Without that connection, he would have just stayed looped in his own internal sound, repeating his own familiar patterns until he faded away. The romance was not just a plot point for the sake of having a love interest. It was a creative necessity for him to grow as an artist. It gave his music a new dimension, and watching that transformation was incredibly powerful. It turned his art from something solitary into something expansive.

The show also builds incredibly well toward the end. The final episode almost feels like fan service, but in the best way possible. It does not feel forced or over the top or like something that shouldn't be there. It felt earned. The detail in this show is just on another level and the characters actually respect the audience. It is the kind of show that stays with you long after the credits roll. The acting is so grounded that you forget you are watching a scripted show. It isn't just another drama to check off a list. It is a mood and an experience that I keep going back to in my head. I finished it and immediately felt that specific void you only get when a show actually means something. I walked away feeling like I had actually been somewhere, and that is a feeling that is almost impossible to find anywhere else.

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Could have been better but it has its own charm...

PROS:
1. Great Acting: Anyone who is into J-dramas is familiar with Takeru Satoh's acting and OMG he was next level in this drama, He embodied the genius music-obsessed composer who was quirky yet charming. The FL's actress also did pretty well and so did the bandmates. The actor who played Toya, Masaki Suda also did a GREAT job (I already knew he was good but damn he was next level in the role of a rockstar) . The stand out actors were definitely Takeru Satoh and Masaki Suda though.

2. Music: I got to hear tons of great music which usually only happens for OSTs. (the campfire scene where they played the song from Hatsukoi was so nostalgic for me)

CONS:
1. Pacing: the pacing was way too fast, a lot of incidents happen back to back and they don't have enough time for development. Its like there were many ideas but only 10eps to execute them

2. Other bandmates didn't get as much attention: We are introduced to the premise that Naoki, Sho and Kazushi are geniuses and Akane is "normal" but what we get to see is Naoki being the "only" genius. Besides the occasional argument from kazushi's side, everyone seems to just go along with what Naoki is saying, for people who claim to be geniuses they have no pride.

3. Rushed Love Lines: Some people catching feelings made no sense (if ykyk) and it felt unnecessary to rush all that development into barely 2 eps.

4. Rushed ending: No matter how I look at it the ending is not good. I guess the writers saw this as the only way to end this drama at 1 season with no speculations for another with everything cleanly ending but to me the ending felt a bit lazy.

5. The drama's plot was drowned by the songs: The plot randomly creeps up between impromtu performances and the balance was definitely not good.

6. Random scenes show up: keyword: stab

All in all this drama has its perks but it doesn't have the best plot, which makes me sad because all of the WASTED POTENTIALLL. I watched through this show and it is pretty decent but It had a whole lot more potential.

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I have the artistic sensibility of a raw potato…

and yet I still enjoyed the drama a lot. I can only imagine how much of a cinematic experience it would be for someone who deeply feels the arts and experiences it on a more spiritual level.

Jokes on me because I neither like the music style presented in the drama, nor this tortured obsessed artist persona Naoki had, and yet I loved every song here and even if I would avoid someone like Naoki in real life, I appreciated him a lot as a character. That’s this title's charm - it makes you feel emotionally involved and connected, even if usually you are more of a pop-girlie.

The music was the forefront of the show, the characters' motivations, the center of some of their existence. Can I relate? Hell no. Personally I find the ultimate obsession over your passion quite sad, hence it was at times painful to watch Naoki so deeply affected and connected to music. There was a level of selfishness under his love for music that I could not stomach. But that’s also what made him an interesting character and it gave me the ultimate question I had while watching Glass Heart - will he touch the grass or nah?

Personally I for sure gravitate towards more mundane and “normal” characters. While eccentric personas can be entertaining, it can also easily become exhausting. Luckily Glass Heart understood potential dangers that come with centering the show around “pure genius” and softened the dynamics with all the people surrounding Naoki.

Akane was not a ray of sunshine, she was the sun flare that demanded ultimate attention with her positive energy and determination that grounded Naoki and helped him get out of the artistic daze and focus. I loved this girl with all my heart and she was easily my favorite character.

Side note, but why was this girl so shippable? I shipped her with 4 different people and all of these seem legit and reasonable choices.

While Akane felt like the force that kept them going, Takaoka Sho was more of a pillar that made them stable during their journey. There is no denying he understood Naoki the best and had the patience of a saint. For all the bromance fans - this pairing will not disappoint you.

And then we have Kazushi who determined the structure and was the silent supporter willing to sacrifice his own goals and desires for people whom he cared about. As a soft potato myself I appreciated him a lot. He led me into the ghost ship that was destined to crush like titanic and I’m not even mad about it.

I have to mention Toya, because I need someone to explain to me why I even liked this rude ass? That styling was also a lot to take, and I did not even recognize Suda Masaki in episode one. Is this man for real? His ability to completely transform into various characters is honestly magical.

As much as I want to focus on the positive and uplifting aspects of the show like - chasing your dreams, found family trope, passion for music, caring for people around you, there was also some underlying sadness in it that drew me more.

The idea that your brilliance might be the downfall for people around you - whenever intentional or not. How deep insecurity and comparing yourself to others can kill whatever talent you have. How co-dependency in any form kills creativity and cages you with the thoughts of self-doubt. The hyperfocus on your passion that you are unable to see other aspects of life worth living for. The obsession is so deep you cannot even take a break - you rather risk dying with it, than live without it.

I truly appreciate how I was able to see the more dark and sad aspect of creative endeavors and how deep sensibility can create beauty while slowly ruining the creator himself. At the same time it highlights the importance of a support system and how slowing down, but being surrounded by like-minded people can be more rewarding than sprinting to your goal all alone.

Production wise this is beyond the typical high quality Netflix gives - here it felt far more intentional. It wasn’t pretty and flashy without restraints. They knew exactly what moments should be highlighted, what directing choices will make the viewers focus on the important aspects of the storytelling, characters dynamics and developments. And what’s most important - they knew how to use visuals to enhance the music. Also all, and I truly mean all producers and directors need to sit down and take notes on how to open a drama, because that drumming in the rain scene was a cinematic experience that perfectly set the tone for the whole show.

At the same time there were some choices I slightly questioned. All the guys saving Akane from trouble Boys Over Flower style. Or when Yukino started to sing at random moments - we get it, singing is your life, but you can in fact use spoken words to communicate too.

Now the music - slays. I love how much focus we had on drums here. Whenever the camera focused on Akane playing I wanted to jump from my seat - the excitement she experienced playing was perfectly translated to screen and infectious. It’s surprising how many dramas that focus on bands and music do not actually have good music in it. TENBLANK is basically a real band with real high quality music and I can 100% believe their songs would top charts.

I have zero notes on acting, because I feel like I’m not in the position to judge the perfection I witnessed. Name me one bad performance. You can’t.

Overall, this was an experience I did not fully relate to on a logical level, but connected on an emotional one.

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Music is terrifying and beautiful

Glass Heart boasted one of the more beautiful casts that I’ve seen recently. Satoh Takeru, Machida Keita, and Shison Jun were three-fourths of the band Tenblank. Miyazaki Yu rounded out the band as the lone female member. High on music and low on plot, Glass Heart was more mood than narrative. Fortunately, the music was pretty good for a drama making it a fast, upbeat watch.

Musical genius Fujitani Naoki has gathered a guitarist, an on-line music sensation, and finally an amateur drummer who opened his heart back up to music three years ago at an impromptu concert in the rain. The group is an awkward fit at the beginning with the men’s egos and Akane’s lack of confidence. Guitarist Sho takes care of Naoki when he wears himself out. Kazushi’s own writing skills expand Naoki’s mind when it hits a wall. And Akane’s unique drumming style calls him. The band doesn’t realize that Naoki is working against the clock to release the music inside him.

The plot was paper thin and barely a scaffolding for the music videos. Few things happen in the 10 episodes. An estranged brother is reconciled with, a singer with a crush on Naoki as well as a jealous manager have to be dealt with, and the bandmates struggle to keep up with Naoki’s musical madness. Naoki’s old traitorous music partner is the lone source of conflict and doesn’t really cause many ripples in the band’s trajectory.

The performances were all solid, though Sho and Kazushi could have used more airtime. Right now, Miyazaki Yu is listed as a supporting cast member, but I would argue she was the lead. A non-threateningly cute, eager, every-girl, Akane stood in for the female audience and was usually the focus of the story when it wasn’t on Naoki’s genius. As per usual, a big chunk of the male drama population fell in love with her. I saw no chemistry between her and Satoh, though chemistry is often in the eye of the beholder. From the moment Sho princess carried Naoki, that was my ship, right until the moment when Sho asked Naoki, “Is this a proposal?”

I enjoyed the music, the found/made family, the reconciliations, and the karmic blow back for the cheaters. It was a quick, enthusiastic binge. Lucky Me ended up being my favorite of the songs and Suda Masaki’s voice my favorite of the singers. For the nice music, beautiful men, call to love through music, Glass Heart was worth the watch for me.

“Music isn’t concerned with who wins or loses. It just plays. That’s why it’s terrifying and beautiful.”

31 July 2025

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More than just great music

This drama may seem to be all about the music, however the music as lovely and as much screen time as it got (which was a loot)felt to me more like a vessel to help people to relate to the much deeper story hiding beneath is a story about finding that context, that place in the world where you are surrounded by people who build you up rather than tear you down. It is about love, connection, understanding and living rather than just surviving.

There may only be one lead listed here but I dare to say that it is about all four band-members journeys, and very much so about our female lead, a woman who gives us an outstanding performance rain, on a boat or in a cramped room, she gives us not only an amazing umbrella scene but is the voice (not the vocals) of this drama, as she is the one who truley invites the viewers in to the slightly unrealistic word of love of music. The second female lead did a pretty decent jobe herself and had some really amazing vocals. Ans yes so did the men, great performances on and off stage, varied, emotional at times a bit to much but over all, all 5 where a pleasure to watch.

A decent binge, with very few annoying elements and a whole lot of good music that may just shatter your heart.

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Wishing Tenblank was real

I watched this mainly for Keita, but honestly, the entire cast was phenomenal. The acting was impressive, but not surprising, since I've seen most of them shine in other dramas.

The plot was decent. I haven’t read the manga, so I can’t say how faithful the adaptation is, but regardless, it gave me a certain spark, you know life energy. The music was also excellent. I'm no musical genius, but it genuinely felt like they’d mastered their instruments. It looked and sounded incredibly natural. I do wonder if the crowd during their performances were all real.

The drama was also visually stunning. Some details really stood out and added depth to the overall mood. You can tell a lot of thought went into the aesthetics.

There’s a bit of romance, too. There seemed to be an age gap, but it didn’t bother me much. Also, some subtle BL/brotherly sparks that definitely caught my eye.

All in all, everything came together to create a really solid show.

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Music is the universal language

I liked it, I still prefer the soundtrack from the film, Our 30-minute sessions. Glass Heart has excellent cinematography, use of colour, props and acting. The story structure paced itself with a few slow moments.

In terms of the romance element, I was not too invested. The cinematography and editing made the chemistry somewhat believable, but due to the disinterest from the ML, it didn't quite convey until the very end.

Overall, I enjoyed seeing how the band came together, the obstacles faced in the music or entertainment industry. Despite the rivalry, hardships, rejection, fallouts, the series makes it loud and clear that music brings people together, no matter what language you speak or know.

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Already watched it twice.

The thing with this drama is the power of the band and the effort behind the music. At first, I was really interested in the filming style because the actors seemed to be actually playing the instruments. The images of them playing are so real… the very first scene grabs you right away. I mean like playing crazy good. It turns out … they are actually playing. The actors trained over a year before for the drama. They play hard. I put the music on in my car and focus on the drums. The girl drummer is really amazing. I really liked this drama. The story is simple but the acting, production and directing behind this drama makes it very different and really worth watching.

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Well Worth The Time

I've only watched a few jdramas so I wasn't familiar with any of the cast members. I'm not a musician myself but my oldest sons were in a local band for a number of years and I got a chance to see firsthand some of that world. I really enjoyed the FL playing her drums in the rain in Episode 1. Truth be told, her story is the story, though as others have mentioned, the series star is the music. I really enjoy the "positive outlook" FL in this type of series, maybe because I don't bump into too many here in the States. And maybe they only exist in fictional series.

The only time I got bored was in episodes 8 & 9 when the writer felt they needed to expand the backstories for the band members. Episode 10 made up for it with a creative victory lap where the band was joined by some of the former villains who turned into allies. Overall a feel good series loaded with enjoyable music.

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Masterpiece

Jdrama never failed when it comes to music theme.. New song, insert song, instrument plays make the plot very exciting and intriguing.. That's why I got hooked the moment 5 minutes intro episode 1.. Beautifully presented from beginning to the end of the series...

Hats off to all the people that involved in this series coz everything is perfect 👍👍 Acting, camera work, visual effect, cinematography, music 💯 💯

Miyazaki Yu as Akane Saijo definitely outstanding with her performance here.. Can't help but adored her.. Sato Takeru,Masaki Suda, Jun Shison, Machida Keita also did a great job...

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

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