When It Rains, It Pours

Things definitely happen for a reason ...

This turned out to be a really good story, one about how fate always plays a part in life. Two people that really needed each other to fill the void in their lives are brought together just because of a simple mistake on a text address.
I think the way the writers brought them to finally realize who was speaking on the other end of texting was brilliant. It happened at the end of episode 3 and it really was a priceless moment. By the time they finally meet, they both know more about each other than the people they actually live with. It really was great how this played out.
Muto Jun & Ato Ashai was a perfect fit for each character they were portraying. The all important episode 5 shows this when they give each other what they have both been missing in their lives.
It's a bit of a dark drama at times, especially when it's revealed what secret Sei's roommate has been concealing from him all this time, but there are very tender moments in this series as well.
Overall, a very enjoyable drama that takes it to the final seconds of the last episode in giving us the happy conclusion we were hoping for. Thumbs up!!!!

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When the rain hits your face, my hands hold up an umbrella

Rain can be sticky, make you uncomfortable, but in the right moments, it can be freeing. Even then, you sometimes just want an umbrella close by, because even if the rain is liberating, you can want that it only surround you, outside the shield of your umbrella.

One missent email shakes up the lives of both the leads, and what begins as pure courtesy and politeness, soon turns into the rain in their lives. Sometimes sticky and uncomfortable, but those emails carry the freedom their lives do not mirror. Emails turn into real life but the two of them are still under the umbrella, and their real lives are ultimately going to catch up to them, but their lives are intertwined in a way that is going to be difficult to cut off or ignore because what they share with each other are not just their thoughts, or fears, or aspects of their lives, they've essentially bared their heart to each other.

The drama, much like my explanation, is as complex as complex comes. Both leads are in precarious situations with their love lives and one email sparks a whole conversation where after each email, you get the feel that those two finally found someone who gets them. Whether we as the audience understand their conversations is not the point, it's that they understood. They share their pains, and troubles and deepest thoughts with each other because they need not worry about being judged or worry about slighting each other. They are strangers after all.

As the drama progresses, them being each other's safe space, each other's liberty is the only thing that goes unchanged because every other line they unconsciously set is erased. This of course means, a whole lot of drama, but that was expected. Nothing in here was ever not going to be complicated.

I loved how every important moment between the leads happened when it rained and I loved how whether they did it consciously or unconsciously, the rain signified something for their relationship. I love that the leads actually spoke to each other, no misunderstandings, no silly arguments, the drama came when it was supposed to and it wasn't because they refused to talk to each other. I love that they were always open with each other, no matter how their situation changed. I love that they noticed things about each other, and that they took the initiative when they needed to.

It may seem like I'm describing things that are normally there in some senses in a relationship and in dramas, but this was a plot that needed a whole lot of development, and they did that while also doing all this. I wanted a little more though, that's my only complaint, I wanted a little more closure, a little more of a deep dive into Hagiwara and Sei.

But believe me when I say I ate this series up, I was completely obsessed with it while I watched, and for good reason. This series was like a summer rain, a light enough drizzle to cool you down, while the sunshine warms you up, and when that happens, you can't help but love it.

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I Can't Stop Thinking About The Museum Statue

Before I direct my attention to the plot of this BL I just wanna talk about that statue, it's so powerful and beautiful the way it was made to speak so loud yet it will never say a word. I honestly don't know if its possible to see that statue irl but if there is you best believe that's going in my bucket list because I fell in love with how beautiful and powerful that statue is. But anyway, this BL is pretty good, I didn't have many high hopes in the beginning, I thought to myself "another predictable Japanese BL" and even though it is predictable, I was still hooked. The chemistry was really good, and the tension was there. I really liked the scenes where Sei and Hagiwara would be together. I also like how different this BL is from majority of JBL where the plot is very very similar, in this one it's about 2 guys who are basically being held from having intimate moments with people they love and are just basically craving a moment like that which is completely normal, I like how this show normalizes the fact that wanting to be sexually active even if its considered "a lot" for some people is completely normal, everyone has a different sex drive. But it also normalizes people who may not be ok with being as sexually active or being in the spectrum of asexuality. Both are so valid and understandable, but in this show these clash and it becomes a conflict, I think even though Kaori felt this way she still could've talked about it to Hagiwara and come to terms together as a couple, or maybe if she had things could've ended better, I do believe she could've handled this differently and could have been a bit less selfish. One thing that is still on my mind is the fact that Sei basically got TW TW TW TW TW (r*aped) by Fuji, they literally went past that like it was nothing and so did the characters, like this isn't something you wake up the next day and say "Im sorry" like hello? And the fact that Sei apologized to Fuji too... this whole "friendship" was just toxic. I noticed since I first started seeing them that Fuji 100% saw Sei as a possession he can keep rather than a best friend/lover. I don't get why hide ur feelings when Sei is obviously also interested in Fuji. I did not get that at all. And then Fuji has the audacity to get jealous over Sei being intimate with Hagiwara even though I'm sure for a while Sei has tried to do so with Fuji but he just kept refusing. Again it's giving possessive and toxic. I hope after Hagiwara and Sei have their little happily ever after, I hope Fuji never returns, because he's not a friend, he shouldn't be near Sei. But yeah, I'm glad this was a short BL, made it so much easier to watch, I do hate when theres like 8 episodes and the last one is a filler episode, but for this one I just had wished we had a couple minutes more seeing Sei and Hagiwara happier together. But regardless I'm satisfied knowing they got together at the end, I got scared when I saw there was like 3 minutes left and Hagiwara was deleting Sei's contact and everything I was like "OMG plot twist" but no hehe. I'm happy. I rate this 8/10

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The acts of fate or faith?

It's been a while since a story as realistic as life has been told. The complexities of relationships and the motives propelling the willing and unwilling participants to their ultimate fate. Somehow, this series is very cathartic. Processing the reasons why each individual acted in the manner they did, brought what was a one sided relationship to full circle, laid open by honesty, kindness and forgiveness.

Nakarei Sei and Hagiwara Kazuaki both cohabitate with their significant person. Cohabitate is used correctly as neither receives any warmth reciprocated at them. For varying reasons, they live emotionally isolated in their homes. Any form of intimacy is rebuffed or easily side stepped under the guise of being occupied or of tiredness. Though throught to be an error, NS and HK start sharing their thoughts on their similar plights via email. I am reminded that NS views on life changes what was thought to be an error to destiny. He resolutely believes that no one is to blame for the death of his parents. They were to die at that time. We, the viewer, must then believe that the first email was fate. NS and HK were always going to meet.

HK's girlfriend's actions were duplicitous and selfish. She desires the title of wife but doesn't share with HK the reason she no longer wants to be intimate. Stringing him along, she feigns tiredness and preoccupation. Unwilling to share with him, she tells a friend who is in the same predicament. Falsely entrapped into marriage by a husband who doesn't desire sex with her, she knows the pain of her existence and reveals the partial truth to him. He is stunned.

NS desires his roommate and as this is not returned, in essence this is what they are. Predetermined events place them in each other's lives. There is a nonchalant detached coldness that NS displays in every action. This is his armor. He appears disinterested with life beyond his home but cannot escape the fact it is in his home that his armor is essential to his survival. He knows a secret is being kept and wishes to return the hurt he has felt. He rebels.

It is at a point of mutual frustration that NS and HK meet. The culmination of their desires both shock and release pent up feelings of rejection. NS places boundaries on their meeting but it is HK who makes the bold move to seal their fates. In their tender moments, he rocognizes what he feels and acknowledges that he has bonded with NS. This is just a moment, he wants a lifetime.

Returning to their homes, their meeting sets off a ripple effect of events fated to happen. Eventually, they both learn the reasons for their partners attitudes. HK's girlfriend admits, she cannot maintain desire for her partner beyond a certain point as it has happened before. Selfishly, she forces him to break up with her to appear as a victim to their acquaintances. HK does so as he really wants to be free of the relationship. His other motive is his kindness and decency to everyone. His secrets are for their protection.

NS has to face his demons also. The unwilling partner reveals the pain and guilt he feels towards NS. He believes that NS only grew to have feelings for him as he was cared for by him after NS was left an orphan. He believes he was the reason they were killed. He becomes twisted mentally and shuts out NS. He feels some pleasure in knowing he has created a vacuum that seals them in and allows no one to be close to NS. The pain he inflicts on NS is his internal struggle projecting at him. In one scene, he presses NS swollen toe, inflicting more pain to get a reaction.

I feel no sympathy for the girlfriend. She shifts the blame to avoid scruting and to seek help. She is too proud to admit she is at fault for the distance betweenthem. The roommate hides his guilt, and makes NS feel vulgar for wanting more from him. They could have had happy lives had they been honest at the beginning. After his revelation, we see how his methods caused his loss but the kindness shown to him, he is thankful for it and vows to do better.

I applaud the writer for tackling adult subjects in a mature fashion. Here, we see:
The effects on relationships when true feeling are not expressed.
The lack of desire for sex can affect both parties at any given time.
Under the weight of a lie a relationship will not flourish. The prejudices that can still cloud the judgement of a supposedly modern woman.
Two hetero males entering a gay relationship without fear of the outer world's perception. Previously, NS says to HK that until he fell in love with his roommate, his desire was for the opposite sex. It is with HK that he delves into gay sex. He feels safe.
Truly loving someone will allow you to forgive, give them grace and encourage healing.

I will remember this series for its use of the actors and the script. Every interaction and word was necessary for the propelling of the story. None were wasted. The actors were utilized skillfully. HK's declaration of his growing feelings for NS at the office was very descriptive. The pain etched on his face was believable. I especially loved the ending as both intending on sacrificing their personal feelings for the other, meet again by fate at the museum.

This is worth every moment of viewing pleasure. Trust fate.

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A Thoughtful Take on Love, Communication, and Heartbreak

Note: This is just my opinion!

Futtara Doshaburi is an emotionally charged drama that explores the complexities of love, intimacy, and communication. While the story is centered on romantic relationships, it delves into deeper themes of personal struggles, unspoken feelings, and the consequences of avoiding difficult conversations. The series does a commendable job of presenting flawed, human characters who make mistakes, forcing the audience to reflect on their choices and motivations.

▫️Story and Characters

The drama follows four key characters:
Hagi and Kaori, a couple facing intimacy issues, with Kaori pulling away from physical affection and Hagi struggling with his unmet desires.

Sei and Fuji, two roommates entangled in an emotionally complicated relationship, where Sei harbors feelings for Fuji, but Fuji refuses to engage in a physical bond.

One of the most polarizing aspects of the show is the way it handles cheating. Some may argue that the male leads had a “right” to cheat because of their frustrations, but that perspective ignores the real issue—a lack of communication. Kaori and Hagi both failed to express their emotions fully, leading to misunderstandings and resentment. However, blaming only Kaori for the breakdown in their relationship is unfair. Hagi had every opportunity to voice his feelings before resorting to betrayal.

Kaori, in particular, is an interesting character. While some have vilified her for her emotional distance, she is clearly not a villain. She is someone struggling with her own uncertainties and fears, unable to express them properly. The show hints at the possibility of her being on the asexual spectrum, as she acknowledges her love for Hagi but recoils at the thought of intimacy. Her inner turmoil is painful and realistic, making her one of the most complex characters in the drama.

Fuji, on the other hand, is much harder to sympathize with. His actions feel more manipulative, and unlike Kaori, he doesn’t show remorse in the same way. That being said, despite hating him, I found him to be an incredibly interesting character. I couldn’t read his mind at all—his thoughts and motivations remained a mystery throughout the show, making him unpredictable and, in a way, compelling. His presence added an element of tension that kept me engaged, even as I despised his decisions.

▫️Cinematography and Direction

One of the highlights of Futtara Doshaburi is its cinematography. The visuals are beautifully composed, using lighting and framing to enhance the emotional weight of each scene. The frequent use of rain not only aligns with the title but also serves as a powerful metaphor for the turmoil and cleansing that comes with heartbreak and growth. The color palette is often muted, emphasizing the loneliness and emotional distance between the characters, making the rare moments of warmth and connection stand out even more.

▫️The Breakup and Its Impact

Despite the cheating, the show handles the eventual breakup in a mature and realistic way. Instead of an over-the-top dramatic fallout, the characters finally communicate honestly. The breakup was painful but necessary, showing that sometimes, relationships end not because of a lack of love, but because of unresolved personal struggles. The way the show portrays this difficult yet necessary conclusion is commendable.

▫️Final Thoughts
This is not a drama that offers easy answers. It presents deeply flawed characters and forces the audience to sit with their discomfort. While it is frustrating to watch characters make poor choices, it is also refreshing to see a drama that does not romanticize toxic behavior or paint a single character as entirely right or wrong.

For those looking for a thought-provoking drama with stunning cinematography and well-executed emotional depth, FuttaraDoshaburi is definitely worth watching. However, if you prefer clear-cut heroes and villains, this show might leave you feeling conflicted.
Either way, it’s a drama that sparks conversation—and that in itself is a mark of strong storytelling.

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Captivating drama about fragile relationships and psychological journey

At first, I avoided this drama because of the infidelity theme but was actually quite surprised by how different it was. I feel like the story summary tricked me a lot. The drama focuses more on emotional connection and intimacy rather than lust.

The main character's current relationships in the story are extremely fragile in the first place. The infidelity serves as a catalyst for changes in both their lives. One thing I really appreciate is all the little details in the script; I feel you have to rewatch a second or third time to catch them all especially with the psychological abuse between Fujisawa and Sei. Lots of dialogues and details, especially in earlier episodes, will make you understand how Sei feels he is difficult to be with, or how because he has no connection to others in his life, he became grateful to Fujisawa for putting up with him. Another thing I really likes are the foreshadowing and symbolism. The droplets representing little sprinkles of desires. The rain bringing the two main characters closer and closer each time. The foreshadowing of phones being people's hidden secrets.

All four characters are well developed. The only setback was probably the length of this drama because the story and plot is quite detailed and needed few more episodes but they unfortunately end up with a shorter drama slot run. Hopefully they can follow up with a sequel since the books still has two other novels.

Love the cinematography, color grading and music. It is consistent to its theme. Lots of rewatch value for me personally because each time you will pick up details you did not before. Last, the casting was on point and the acting was perfect for me. Matsumoto Hiroki, as Fujisawa Kazuaki, though really stood out to me with his acting. He is such a toxic character but his eyes acting really show all the range of emotions he felt without much dialogues.

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So, this feels like a hate crime.

I too fell into the trap of projecting my feelings onto Kaori and Fujisawa and was sorely disappointed when neither character turned out to be asexual. Instead, Kaori sometimes treats Hagiwara like a child (but at other times I was also kind of scared for her, so there are layers) and Fujisawa is abusive. Delightful. Clearly, Sei and Hagiwara were incompatible with their partners, and not just in terms of sexual needs. Still, and regardless of anyone’s sexuality, the lengths this story went to villainize the partners of our two male leads felt like a personal attack.

It’s all well and good to ask for sympathy for the main characters because they’re unfulfilled. But can we agree that nobody owes anyone sex and that being in a sexless relationship is not the literal hell on earth the main characters proclaim it to be? And it bears repeating that I really could have done without the rape. Sei and Hagiwara’s mutual reassurance that they’re oh so good people was a bit much too. Is the insistence on viewing every conflict through the lens of sex not just a societal ill but also in part a problem of this genre? I don't know.

Everyone’s non-confrontational to a fault in this one -- right up until they blow up on each other. No one is really honest about their identity either. Points for realism! I would also be remiss not to mention the good acting. If only this story wasn’t so set on sex being essential to romantic relationships, it could have meaningfully expanded upon the complexities of intimacy. It’s all very frustrating because the building blocks were there, and it’s not like the show can’t do nuance at all. It’s just that the amatonormativity won out. Even for a self-proclaimed enjoyer of toxic erotic relationships like moi, Futtara Doshaburi went against one too many of my core beliefs to remain a pleasant viewing experience.

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