At 25:00 in Akasaka

Cute but Extremely Frustrating

The first half of this drama was really cute and enjoyable, I really loved it but the latter half could sometimes be quite hard to get through. I really don’t enjoy miscommunication trope and it was even worse because Yuki was jealous of his damn self. I wish that the person Asami was hung up on had been left a secret for a while longer because it was infuriating watching Yuki get upset and pull away over himself. I found the backstory crush super cute and I’m happy they included it but because of that inclusion, we the audience were stuck watching a character act against his own self interest. The one that angered me most was the last episode, when they sleep together but Yuki leaves. Asami should’ve been vocalizing his affections while they were sleeping together, at least once, but also Yuki didn’t bother staying long enough to hear him out. It was extremely frustrating watching him walk away, I was very happy that Asami chased after him but oof it was annoying. Overall I really liked this drama, it was cute with lovable characters and no toxicity. But the miscommunication did make the second half of the show annoying to watch a lot of the time. Overall I do recommend but if miscommunication isn’t your thing, I’d advise you steer clear

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A very Japanese type of storytelling

I have mixed opinions about this BL. It started frustrating me at one point, the pacing is very slow and the story almost feels like it's not progressing at all. Then I tried to look at it from another angle : how the japanese express emotions and feelings. They do it through language, through words or even through their absence. The acting feels quite rigid many times, to the point I felt like the actors themselves are just bad. The last episode kind of changed my mind, particularly related to the guy playing Asami. This is a very Japanese show in every sense, probably harder to relate to than other BLs like Thai or Korean. I still would not call this a great show, however I don't think it's as bad as some of the comments make it out to be.

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It is sweet.

At 25.00 in Akasaka is a BL from Japan. It is about two actors falling in love in the set of their new show. Basically, they are hired to play lovers in the show but emotions tend to be a bit more than what they expected as they learn that it really takes more to be in this industry. Asami is a more experienced actor who is known for his looks and Shirasaki is around the same age as him but he is a new actor. He is struggling to get roles so he is super thankful when he booked this one and wanted to give an authentic experience so he agreed with Asami to be his boyfriend. Little did he know is that Asami have been pining for him ever since they were in college and this will be the journey of them starting a more romantic relationship. This is a simple BL story and I am a sucker for a well-made BL from Japan. They are seriously giving us concepts here and there but this one is a bit simpler in terms of the story but what I like about this story is that the chemistry of the actors really is evident. This is a full-blown romance story and that is the focus here. They are so good together and it worked out just fine. They are creating a BL series within a BL series which is interesting for me because we are seeing the behind the scenes and the way that they made this series is interesting for me. The look is simple. You will be able to see when they are watching scenes from the BL that they are doing and the scenes that they are doing as the actors because of the cinematography. The more realistic tone is when they are just being themselves around each other and the BL scenes that they are doing in the show have more light in it. It had a more romanticized feel to it which is a good way to represent some BL series nowadays. It is surely an interesting journey between these two characters as they are trying to navigate how to admit to each other that they are interested. It is not irritating. It is actually quite romantic to watch the push and pull. Shirasaki is, obviously struggling with his emotions but they addressed it well. The addition of Nagumo Shoma as Yamase Kazuma is pretty entertaining too. He is such a strong guy and the abs is ridiculous. He is a fun character but he did not go much storywise. The romantic scenes are good. The ending is sweet and it is surely a feel-good show that I just enjoyed watching.

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Don't judge by cover

1st of all the storyline was very i don't how to describe. It's just it was complicated or simple enough to not make me watch it for 2 times. Fr, i tried watching this drama for 2 time but every time after 1st ep i gave up watching on it. 1st time i tried it cz it was a new drama. Just was curious, 2nd time tried it bcz i had nthg to watch and watched some edits related it. Tbh it was not that bad that i had give up. Don't know why i didn't i finished it. And for acting all actors acting is good. But my fav is character is yamase!!! His character is so cool!!!!! I thought it would be a love triangle but thankfully it wasn't a love triangle or i would have been very devastated. And just found out he is the one in love in the air's japanese version bcz of his long hair. I almost didn't recognize him.
Overall the drama was good bcz the misunderstanding troupe is in every drama. Even if there is no love triangle there always will be a misunderstanding. I don't get it sometimes the mains talk about everything and sometimes doesn't talk about important stuff just why???? Okay now overall for me it was 8 out 10. I won't say must watch but you guys will probably like the interaction between yuki and kazuma. I am giving it 8 mostly bcz of that.

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When actors confuse their character's desire with their own

The meaning behind the title of J-BL At 25:00 in Akasaka remains obscure (to me, at least), but the series itself delivers solid, if unspectacular, BL entertainment. Among the recycled tropes deployed here are secret crush, fake relationship, failure to communicate, BL-within-the-BL, and flirtatious co-workers who create misunderstandings between the lead characters. While none of those concepts suggest originality, the mixing and matching of these shopworn tropes imbues the series with a degree of freshness sufficient to elevate the final product. Building the series more around character psychology than story action likely blunted the potential “seen this” reaction from viewers, who get caught up instead in understanding the lead characters. They are compelling enough to hold our attention. Akasaka also offers yet another iteration of the “wannabe actor/singer/idol breaking into show business” plot. This version of that overused trope arrives complete with a full-scale BL series in which our lead characters have been cast as the romantic leads. This BL-within-the-BL is used to great effectiveness because it is grounded in the realism of “show business as job” rather than the histrionics of “show business as glamor.” A sprightly start in the first several episodes and a finale that pays off viewers’ patience with sweet couple moments bookend several middle episodes that laboriously ponder along in circles. The series may not linger long in anyone’s memory, but its strengths surely warrant watching.

Shirasaki Yuki is an aspiring actor who lands his first major role in a forthcoming TV series adapting a BL manga. To his surprise, his co-star turns out to be onetime acquaintance Hayama Asami, now transitioning into acting after attaining fame and wealth as a model. Shirasaki begins the series intimidated to be paired opposite someone who has already achieved noteworthy professional success, albeit in a different field. Despite overlapping at the same university, with Shirasaki two years younger, the two are essentially strangers. Astute observers of Shirasaki's mannerisms will, as early as the premiere episode, suspect that that version of events may not be entirely true, but Shirasaki does not number among the astute. His lack of professional experience engenders such feelings of inadequacy that the character grapples with Imposter Syndrome for nearly the full ten episodes. He mopes his way through much of the series as he grapples with those feelings. (For someone who has supposedly just earned his big professional break, all this moping seems excessive.) Meanwhile, Hayama proves almost as depressive as he struggles to balance his prior romanticization of student-Shirasaki against the novice actor in front of him. When Shirasaki confesses that his own absence of any romantic history leaves him unsure how to approach the portrayal of his character, Hayama proposes the two spend quality time together in a “fake” relationship. This attempt to “get into character” lets the series depict Shirasaki and Hayama in numerous couple situations that will also come up in the rom-com story they are playing in. Later, Shirasaki will grapple with the confusion of whether a growing attachment to Hayama is real or is merely a reflection of his character’s attraction to Hayama’s character.

In place of a proper side couple, Akasaka has the two characters in the faux-BL, portrayed by Shirasaki and Hayama. These avatars of the “real” characters become a pseudo-side couple because many scenes for the drama-within-the-drama are staged for our benefit. We either witness the production on set or we join Shirasaki and Hayama as they watch their scenes back during the TV broadcast. As our leads struggle to articulate their connection to one another, the process of rehearsing and performing for the TV series sheds insight into their growing bond. Two fellow actors in the TV show also contribute to the character development. Sakuma Hajime is the most veteran actor in the troupe, and he offers insight into the craft of acting and the price of celebrity. He functions to make the main characters think even more about the way actors root performance in their own emotional intelligence. Joining the company of actors halfway through, Yamase Kazumo plays a love rival in the fake series. Ditto, for the real actors. Yamase’s flirtatious interactions with Shirasaki, both on- and off-camera, stir jealousy in Hayama. His behind-the-scenes attentiveness further discombobulates Shirasaki, who can scarcely process his burgeoning attraction to one co-star. The new character's casual, off-hand approach to sex contrasted sharply with Shirasaki and Hayama, each of whom seemed to overthink everything. The scenes featuring Yamase injected a jolt of energy into some of the series’ more languid episodes, rescuing many scenes from lapsing into the somnolent. The presence of Yamase provides another example of the series using the fictious TV production to both mirror the main story and to amplify its emotional beats.

At 25:00 in Akasaka does far more character building than the typical BL series. While this approach also accounts for the slow-burn to the Shirasaki-Hayama pairing, viewers who enjoy a studied character psychology in their dramas will appreciate the result. Likewise, the worldbuilding is fully realized, with the show-within-the-show attaining a more prominent function within the plot than any other such series since Lovely Writer. Where that series played with the connection between an author’s emotional state and the worlds he creates on paper, this series plays with the connection of actors creating their performance. Both stories succeed in creating a meta-narrative that not all shows-within-a-show manage to pull off. Ultimately, the series is too slow-slow burn for greatness. It wears its thoughtfulness like a burden. The middle episodes, in particular, prove circular and slow. Akasaka narrowly falls short of this genre's elite series; yet, it surely numbers among the many, many BL series that deliver solid entertainment and the satisfaction we BL fans all feel when two young men—finally!—recognizing they like one another.

Note: each episode includes a brief tag following the credits and “scenes from the next episode.” Some merely replay a significant moment from earlier, while a handful offer a new interpretation of that prior scene. The scene chosen for the finale episode proved an especially well-chosen final view of our lead characters.

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luvluv (MORE RECOGNITION FOR THIS SERIES!)

UPDATE: AAGHHH I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH! What I love the most are the hug scenes T_T it's so gentle and so comfy, also the way Asami strokes Yuki's head AGHHHHHHH. How to be Yuki? I want to have someone so gentle and caring like Asami huhu.
Anyways an update about the kissing scene, DAMN episode 9 and 10 really surprised me. 10/10, hahaha.

Contrary to what other people said here, this series is actually really good! I like it sooo much! Although the first few kissing scenes seemed a bit off and looks pretty awkward, its still good though. However as a bl fan, kissing scenes don't really matter to me, as long as they know how to convey the character's emotion—which the actors did—I'm fine with it and will like it very much!

(I can't watch it properly because of Kiita😭🤚 tooo handsome!)

P.S. This is my first ever review. I've never written reviews before, this series is just too good for me that I made an account and shared a review here to support them.

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Such a refreshing story

I loved it!

I loved the trope already with BL drama no Shuen ni narimashita, but I was left disapointed from the lack of proximity between the mains.
This drama goes exactly like I would have imagined the trope to carry on, but still in some surprising ways that got me hooked each episode. The slow burn was on point, the ending was so satisfying and their proximity at the end was awesome.

Here are a few things I specifically liked:
-The romance (obviously lol): I often find JBLs annoying for dragging us through never ending conversations rather than actual actions, and a lot of time they promise each other the moon before even having their first kiss which feels very childish. Here, the romance feels much more real. They cannot tell each other feeling's but they constantly make moves on each other, and they just go with the flow rather than making long confessions with tones of promises.
-Hayama. Although I would have liked to see the more sensible or goofy side of him, I found his quietness endearing. I wouldn't be able to tell why him specifically, when I usually dislike characters that act like Christian Gray (like takashi in Love is better the second time around), but there is something in his character that just makes me want to hug him.
-The music was super nice and recognisable, which is not very common in JBLs.

Here are some stuff I didn't like:
-Shirazaki: Nothing wrong with his character, although he was pretty cliché, but something about his posture and expressions bothered me and made some scenes awkward.
-Sakuma was a pretty nice character and I wish we'd see more of him. Maybe in season 2? if there will be any.
-Sooo many clichés and other stuff we've seen a hundred times in Japanese romance. The main's insecurity, the lack of communication, the hug before the kiss, the top being in love first, the super stiff first kiss, etc... But I guess it's ok because contributes to making it a comfort show.

Overall, I loved this show and I'm sure a lot of people will enjoy it too!

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A Slow Start With A Satisfyingly Conclusion

I liked this show a lot more than I had thought I would, while watching the first 5 episodes. The second half was worlds apart, and even if it hadn't been, that last episode was totally worth the time spent on this show.

Shirasaki is an awkward character-- while Hayame comes off as cold and detached. Their relationship begins to shine when the story breaks down Hayame's persona, and we're left with the raw attraction between the two.

In true Japanese fashion, this is a slow paced romance, with two characters who refuse to communicate, and instead choose to hide their needs and emotions. It's not until they find themselves at the verge of loosing everything that they're no longer willing to let the other go.

TLDR : #Slow start #Watch it for Ep10!!! #The Chemistry!!!

Watch if you enjoyed : Taikan Yoho, Perfect Propose

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Good chemistry, cute couple but slower pace in the second half

“25 Ji, Akasaka de” is a 10-episode drama that I think could have been shorter. The first half of the drama is fun. It was great watching two people who are clearly attracted to each other play fake boyfriend/boyfriend. The chemistry is great and their scenes together are sweet and cute. However, in the second half, the pace slows down, especially when the misunderstanding happens. Not a whole lot happened.

The acting is pretty good and not overly dramatic. Komagine Kiita is attractive enough for me to believe that Hayama Asami is a very popular idol. Initially, I thought Shirasaki Yuki is just another passive and shy male lead (similar to Adachi in “Cherry Magic” or Hira in “Utsukushii Kare”). I am pleasantly surprised that though shy, Shiaraski does speak up and take initiative to pursue what he wants. He’s not as passive as I feared. The earlier kisses were meh but the last ones are a little better and their intimate scene was sexy and sensual.

I enjoyed the ending. The scene of Hayama Asami chasing after Shiaraski Yuki, worrying he did something wrong after their night together, was sweet and satisfying. I finally see some emotions from him, and he’s not holding back in expressing his feelings. Finally!! It did take 10 episodes for that to happen.

This is a sweet, nice watch, especially if you like faking relationships (though this one is not that fake) and the guessing-if-he-likes-me trope.

Completed: 6/22/2024 - Review #453

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A Familiar Yet Engaging Tale

While the series boasts strong performances, its familiar plot and drawn-out melodrama hinder its potential. The series follows the well-trodden path of a blossoming romance between co-stars, with Shirasaki's character development taking center stage. Taisuke delivers a commendable performance as the overwhelmed actor, effectively conveying Shirasaki's internal struggles. However, the series leans heavily on misunderstandings and jealousy, stretching the narrative beyond its natural conclusion.

The comparison to 'Drama no Shuen ni Narimashita: Crank Up Hen' is apt, as both series explore the dynamics of on-screen and off-screen relationships. While the former embraced a lighter tone, '25 Ji, Akasaka De' opts for a more serious approach. The actors' chemistry is undeniable, but the script fails to capitalize on their potential. While the plot adheres to well-established BL tropes, the series shines in its portrayal of the characters' emotional journeys. Shirasaki's internal struggles and Hayama's supportive role create a relatable dynamic. The actors deliver commendable performances, bringing depth to their characters. However, the series suffers from pacing issues. The constant misunderstandings and separations become predictable, hindering the overall narrative flow.

In conclusion, this series is worth binge watching thanks to the splendid work of the actors but it falls short of delivering a truly memorable experience

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25 To Life: On How Much Miscommunication Kills Mood

I blew through this series in one day, because I just needed to see how it ends. I was entertained the entirety of the show, albeit it frustrated the hell out of me with the two main characters lack of communication skills. However, the bouncing back and forth between the real love story and the series the characters are playing in was really interesting! I actually really liked how that played out. I just think we could've introduced more than just a side "love interest" into the mix. This series also made me think of a weaker version of 'My Beautiful Man', because this is also about a school love from afar turned into an unexpected love affair in present day. So I would say, watch this but watch MBM first! Also side-note, the score in this series was beautiful like holy damn.

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