The Reason I...
TLDR; person who loves the manga goes on a mini rantWatashitachi Ga Koisuru Riyu (The reason we fall in love/ Why we fall in love) is one of my favourite mangas as of recent so naturally I was excited and my hopes were high when I heard that it would be adapted into a drama.
I know it's never good to compare, but I had such high hopes because the drama follows the plot and also uses a lot of quotes from the manga.
The reality was that while I don't dislike the actors, I don't think Fuma and Rinka were the best options for Tomonari and Aoi. They add their own touch to the characters which is all fine in the world of creativity, but in many ways I feel like their relationship and the way in which the plot develops feels very different to how it did(does- its ongoing) in the manga.
This could also be because it's a late night drama and only 30min/ep, maybe they're wanting to keep things short and sweet and dramatic and entertaining.
Someone felt the need to maintain a very Fuma-esque style of comedy to any role he plays and that just isn't Tomonari at all. Don't get me wrong, I love the Fuma adlibs, but I didn't feel like it suited this character. Aoi is also more energetic and mature but I feel Rinka almost exaggerated the level of cute. Also she's not that tall?? They couldn't find a tall woman for the role or at least put her in shoes that made her look much taller? Thats the whole point of how they first connect.
I think the side characters are solid, a shame that they decided to take out Fumino and Munetaka, but I get that in terms of flow it could be confusing for viewers and again with time constraints it could be tricky developing that sub plot and making sure it connects to the main story. I admit when I was first reading it I was super confused as to how they related to the story.
Overall it felt a bit rushed and it was alright but I probably won't rewatch it. The manga is ongoing (Book 6 just came out) so for people who love the plot, I highly recommended it. I think it's a better medium for the story because you get to see more internal monologue which then you can use to justify why characters jump to conclusions/make assumptions and it all feels less dramatic and more just a mirror towards the reality and anxieties of being in love.
Happy holidays to everyone!
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A sweet office romance, if you can ignore the pacing and some filler characters
This office romance ticks off many of the classic cliche rom-com tropes, yet still manages to maintain a certain charm and sweetness that makes it enjoyable overall.The story features three couples working in the same office and with each other.
The main couple Kurosawa Tomonari & Morita Aoi was by far the highlight for me. Their relationship was simple, sweet and
I liked how they avoided the usual drama with those annoying prolonged misunderstandings. The ML was genuinely sweet from the start and the progression of their relationship felt organic. I was rooting for them from the get-go.
The second couple, Sakamoto Ryo and Ichikawa Ayaka, is a noona romance that had potential but sort of falters in execution. The pacing of their relationship felt rushed, particularly when it comes to the development of Ayaka’s feelings for Ryo. Her feelings came out of nowhere and left me wondering when that even started. They were sweet, but it felt rushed and a bit forced.
The third couple, Ozu Kei and Oshima Kei, just didn’t work for me. There was no real chemistry between them and their storyline felt like an unnecessary subplot. Their lack of connection made their presence feel more like filler than something important. I wish they could have spent more time on the other two couples to give a more fleshed out story.
One thing I did enjoy was the friendships between the boss group and their employee group. It added some warmth to the story and gave a good balance to the overall vibes.
If you are looking for a quick, light rom-com with minimal drama and you don’t mind the typical Japanese pacing, this is a good pick. The relationships could have been developed a bit better, but the main couple is cute enough to make it a fun one time watch.
7.8/10
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Guessing, Pining, Misunderstanding, Talking - Rinse and Repeat
For a manga adaptation, the acting in “The Reason We Fall in Love” is quite normal, and I am happy about it. This drama is really simple and you’ve seen similar stories before.. Some might find it slow and does not enough substance.Who might like this drama? Those who enjoy:
1. The beginning stage of the guessing game (does he/she like me?)
2. Pining and longing
3. Likable characters who don’t annoy you too much
4. No love triangle
I happen to like all the above, so I find this drama good enough for a quick binge. Unfortunately, all the romance storylines follow this format - guessing, pining, misunderstanding, honest talks to resolve issues somewhat quickly - rinse and repeat this 3 times.
I like the main couple, but the other two are a little ‘meh’ to me. There are a few kisses with a somewhat good/decent one (for Japanese standard). I am happy to see the couple showing affection in a pretty natural way. The three main actresses are really pretty, but I find the guys less appealing. The pouty look on ML’s face is weird and took me a few episodes to get used to it. He looks so much better in “Usokon” but here, they put way too much makeup on him.
I will only recommend “The Reason We Fall in Love” for those who like the 4 points I listed above, and are looking for an easy and light-hearted short binge.
Completed: 3/1/2025 - Review #548
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That'll do pig, that'll do
To be honest, I don’t have a great deal to say about this drama. It is quite serviceable. It is a short 10x30mins run. The A-plot is focused on office romances. To wit, we have 3 couples from different departments but in the same company. The main CP is probably the most “normal”. The other 2 have more challenges, but they are not insurmountable. It just took them longer to sort out their feelings and work through their issues.Speaking of which, we certainly have a textbook worth of relationship issues. They are ticked off one by one by our couples. Thankfully, there are no deal-breaking revelations nor breakups. There are hiccups and a dating minefield to navigate first. Everything works out in the end.
Production is par for this type of short drama. Acting is workman like. Ditto the OST. Everything clicks together and there are no nasty surprises. Totally acceptable, if uninspired.
I have not read the manga this is based on so I can’t comment on how close to the source material this is. From my perspective, it provided me with some distractions while I wait for a new must-watch release. I certainly don’t regret the time invested even though I'm unlikely to rewatch it. If you are into romance dramas then this is a solid example and well worth a look-see.
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This review may contain spoilers
The Reason We Fall in Love
From start to finish, The Reason We Fall in Love is a beautifully crafted series that explores love, insecurities, and growth, both in romantic relationships and friendships. The show balances lighthearted moments with deep emotional arcs, making it a truly satisfying watch.✮Character Dynamics
The series shines with its rich, multi-dimensional characters. The first couple, ML and FL, represent a classic yet refreshing dynamic with their boss-employee relationship, fraught with both tension and sweetness. Their story feels grounded in real emotional growth, and the way ML cares for FL in her moments of vulnerability—especially when she faces body insecurities—speaks to the show's strength in portraying love as acceptance and support.
The second couple (2FL and 2ML) brings in the age-gap dynamic, which is handled with so much care. The worries about age and external opinions are real and relatable, and watching them overcome those insecurities with patience and tenderness was one of the series’ most heartfelt moments. The growth they undergo individually and together makes their eventual love feel earned, with beautiful moments of reassurance and vulnerability, like 2ML simply saying, “I want to hold your hand.”
The third couple’s journey is all about embracing love in its simplest form—no bells and whistles. It’s an emotionally fulfilling relationship that feels genuine and deeply caring, and their moments together show how much growth can happen when both people are secure in who they are. The height difference between them? It’s more than just a physical contrast—it’s a symbol of how they balance and complement each other.
And then there’s the fourth couple, 4ML and 5ML, who completely stole the show despite their limited screen time! Their moments were brief but so impactful, with their playful yet emotionally supportive friendship (boyfriend energy ✨). 5ML feeding 4ML ice cream? So cute.
✮Friendship Dynamics
The friendships are just as important as the romances. The way all the characters support and challenge each other is so meaningful. From 3FL’s selflessness to 4ML and 5ML’s adorable friendship-turned-romance, the show highlights how friendships shape our experiences and even influence romantic choices. The moments of camaraderie and honest conversations between friends—whether they're helping each other work through insecurities or providing a shoulder to cry on—give this series depth beyond just the relationships.
✮Emotional Impact
The show is deeply emotional, handling topics like insecurities, age gaps, body image, and professional boundaries with such grace. The characters are all so relatable, and their growth feels genuine. 4ML’s role as the emotional anchor in the group, providing support without ever being too overt, adds to the quiet emotional depth of the series.
There were moments of frustration, especially with misunderstandings, but those were always resolved with emotional clarity and heartfelt confessions. The final moments—FL embracing her true self, wearing the high heels, and sharing a simple yet profound hug with ML—were the perfect culmination of the series’ themes: love, acceptance, and living in the now.
★Final Thoughts
✔️ Emotional Depth & Growth – The characters aren’t just in love; they grow through their love. The way the show handles insecurities, self-acceptance, and emotional maturity is so well done.
✔️ Diverse & Meaningful Relationships – Every couple had their own unique charm, from the classic first couple to the age-gap second couple, the sweet third pair, and the underrated but adorable fourth couple. Plus, the friendships were just as strong as the romances!
✔️Hugs & Small Moments Mattered – Instead of just big dramatic confessions, the show truly cherished the little things—hugs, simple words of reassurance, and acts of love. That made everything feel real and touching.
✔️ A Satisfying Ending – No rushed conclusions or unsatisfying separations. It ended in a way that felt true to the characters, with a beautiful message about cherishing the present.
✘ Limited Screen Time for Some Characters – 4ML and 5ML needed MORE TIME! They stole hearts in just minutes, but we deserved at least an extra 15 minutes of them.
✘ Some Misunderstandings Felt Unnecessary – While the misunderstandings weren’t dragged out, a few of them felt like they could have been resolved faster. But at least the characters actually talked things out!
Overall, it's a fantastic, heartwarming drama that delivers on emotions, romance, and character development. It makes you feel every little moment and leaves you appreciating love in all its forms. Definitely worth watching!
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This review may contain spoilers
I really only liked Tomonari and Aoi’s relationship
I personally had mixed feelings for this show because I didn’t really enjoy most of the couples storyline since it was the same thing over and over again. I felt Tomonari and Aoi were so adorable and I was totally obsessed with them and I was glad they were the main couple, but the others I had mixed feelings with. I will warn you that there might be spoilers so be aware.I loved Tomonari and Aoi’s relationship because they truly cared about each other. Their storyline was adorable because it went from the rumors of Tomonari being very scary and a mean boss, but Aoi had a moment with him on the elevator where a guy was saying mean comments about her height since she’s taller than a normal girl, but Tomonari said he doesn’t care about if a girls height towers over him. Over time Aoi started to have a crush on Tomonari and couldn’t tell if he likes her since he never showed any signs until it was clear when Aoi passed out on a work trip and he ran to see her in the hospital and it was clear that he fell in love. Then they started dating and they were so adorable and they were a green flag relationship where they could tell each other anything because when Aoi felt uncomfortable because her undergarments were miss matched Tomonari said he doesn’t care about that and would rather have her be comfortable instead of look good. I would say the only bad part of their relationship was when Tomonari recommended Aoi to go to the Osaka Branch without her permission so she was sent away when she didn’t want to go, but I was glad they made up.
I personally disliked Sakamoto and Ichikawa’s relationship because their relationship became so childish due to Sakamoto always crying and always complaining about something being wrong with their relationship for example he was upset when she didn’t hold his hand and felt she didn’t like him anymore or when she distanced herself from him then he was upset. I’m also gonna bring up the fact that she rejected Robin (Ichikawa’s bed friend) who is so handsome for someone like Sakamoto that’s childish. I also didn’t like how they kept going back and forth about how they have a 8 year age difference, but it’s like what people say age is just a number.
Ozu and Oshima had a weird relationship in my opinion because it focused a lot on how Oshima wouldn’t pick anything out for their dates and always assumed that Ozu would not like him if he became fat or he wanted her to be comfortable, when Ozu kept saying that she doesn’t care about anything, but wants them to both be happy in their relationship.
I also assume there was supposed to be a BL couple which was Itami who was Aoi’s employee/intern and Kodai who was in the same department as Oshima and Sakamoto. They weren’t really in the show, but all we know is that Itami is gay and likes Tomonari and Kodai broke up with his girlfriend because she felt him and Itami were too close. Overall, this show wasn’t my favorite, but it depends on if you like the couples because I could deal with them majority of the time, so I would recommend this series if you like multiple couples.
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An honest and mature drama about relationships
I really liked this drama. It was a calm and mature slow burn romance between adults in different stages of life, and a diverse insecurities and personalities, trying to figure out their relationships but also life in general.This felt like a honest portrayal of modern love and friendship, that was sweet and fun, never overly dramatic. If there was any drama between any of the characters, it was due to misunderstandings, and these never lasted long as these are people who care for each other and actively try to fix things by communicating properly and even clumsily. Sometimes you don't have the words or the perfect speech to win back someone. Other times, actions speak louder than words.
Overall, this was a really fun drama that I would watch again in a heartbeat.
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Un flop evidente fin dai primi episodi
Terminare questa serie - cosa che ho fatto praticamente solo per inerzia - è stato quasi un supplizio. Fin dal primo episodio mi sono ritrovata dubbiosa, inizialmente per via del cast, dove nessuno degli attori principali mi ha convinta (lei appena passabile, lui davvero non performante, né dal punto di vista estetico nè nella caratterizzazione del personaggio, e figuriamoci a livello di espressività).Ho voluto dare comunque una chance alla storia, se portata avanti bene sarei potuta arrivare a farmeli un po' piacere, forse. E invece gli episodi si sono consumati uno dopo l'altro in un piattume davvero allucinante, dove un intimo non abbinato degenera in un catastrofico fraintendimento e l'ostacolo insormontabile è un trasferimento della sede di lavoro. Non ci siamo, davvero. Mi è sembrato di seguire una storia che prevede il cattivo di turno ma dove poi il cattivo non c'è e viene riassegnato il ruolo a un personaggio secondario insipido e giusto un po' antipatico. Non funziona così.
Parlando poi di personaggi secondari, le due coppie portate avanti oltre a quella principale sono anche più assurde (droppate a piedi pari e senza il minimo senso di colpa).
Che dire, ho terminato la visione giusto perchè ormai era tardi per abbandonarla, il danno era già stato fatto, il tempo già sprecato...tanto valeva vedere fino in fondo l'insensatezza di un drama come questo. Il finale insipido come tutto il resto.
Se questo è l'ennesimo esempio di ciò che il mercato offre oggi, vale davvero la pena di prendere in considerazione dei sani remake di ciò che - spesso - è stato fatto bene in passato.
Visione consigliata solo a chi vuole misurare per curiosità la profondità del pozzo.
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