Then You Try Making It! (2025)

Best drama of the year and one of the best ever made

Just finished watching ep 10 on TBS stream (watched it with Japanese sub, the Viki English sub should be released some time next week, usually on Tuesdays) and I can confidently say Jaa, anta tsukutte miro yo ("Then, you try making it" on Viki) is my best drama of the year.

At the core of drama, the message is, everyone can change. The degree to which one can change is dependent on a variety of factor, but I love the encouraging message that no matter how old you are, or how rigid you were previously, change is possible if you put in the effort, and with the help of friends and family.

Jaa, anta is not a rom com, it's only labeled as such. I'd call it more a true slice of life. It is so much more than a rom com (nothing against rom com, and it's rather hilarious, especially ep 1-8). Rather than focusing on the initial fluttery, exciting part of dating, it entirely focuses on the relationship building part after the initial excitement has worn off. Even if Katsuo's changes are rather quick and probably unrealistic in real life, many issues the drama mentions are real life issues, be it gender roles (Katsuo's family and Ayumi's preconceived notion of what a woman should do), workplace dynamics, or (in)compatibility in a relationship. And it brings up these issues in such a lighthearted manner, not once does it feel preachy. Katsuo's family members appear briefly but each has an episode dedicated to themselves, it doesn't feel like they just appear to "make a point".

After breaking up, Katsuo and Ayumi have to learn to be alone, and I think this is such an important concept. Sure, it's exciting to guess who they "end up with", but that entirely defeats the purpose of the drama - which is learning about yourselves and those around you, your family, building friendships, not just romantic relationships, and being ok with just yourself/not settling with a partner just because it's convenient.

Highly recommend this drama to anyone. In fact, for me it's a quintessentially Japanese drama. It is comforting yet bittersweet and realistic. It is ordinary yet daring. It does not need fanservice via physical affection to make us fall in love with the characters and their relationship (though sometimes I do crave it, haha). It does not need plot twists, dramatic moments and reconciliations, hot people showing their hot bodies (save that for Ryoma's other works lmao). Japan did it again, ever so well. For those who keep yapping about how "over-acting" Japanese actors/actresses are, I challenge you to find one instance of over-acting in this drama. Kaho and Takeuchi Ryoma are both very established actors so we know they're capable, but even amongst the supporting cast, there's no overacting here.

This has been a good year for Jdramas for myself, with Hot Spot, Tokyo Salad Bowl, A calm sea and beautiful days with you being my top contenders for the top spot. Even so, Jaa, anta ga tsukutte miro yo, a Tuesday TBS drama not in a "hot" time slot with not a ton of promotion has taken everyone by surprise, myself included. It shows that you DO NOT need a big budget and an all star-studded cast, all you need is a good story. And that is why Jdramas will always have my heart, as long as they prioritize a good story.

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See a different side of Takeuchi Ryoma after he shook his hips sexily in "10 Dance"

Takeuchi Ryoma is definitely the main reason I am checking out “Then You Try Making It”. After watching him so sexily shook his hips in “10 Dance”, it is quite eye-opening to see him in a completely different role here. Playing the role of the egoistic, chauvinistic Katsuo, Ryoma is really showing his diverse acting skills. It’s really hard not to want to punch Katsuo in the face in the first episode. His words and actions make my blood boil. Luckily, Ryoma is so adorable and good-looking, that makes his initial introduction somewhat tolerable. Of course, knowing the fact that this drama is about his and the female lead’s character growth helps as well.

Ryoma really is great here, even if I take away how good-looking he is. Katsuo can be so insufferable, yet cluelessly adorable. He’s not mean, but actually quite sweet and adorable. Seeing Katsuo slowly realize his embarrassing actions, accepting his faults and wanting to change is the best part of the show.

Kaho plays the female lead Ayumi. I think she has a slightly tougher and more subtle character growth than Katsuo. But it’s no less important and amazing to witness her growing from a girlfriend who wants to be chosen and perfect, to someone who finally is able to express herself and finds out who she really is, and gains the independence that she wants.

Other areas that make “Then You Try Making It" enjoyable are all the cooking of delicious food, and the group of really supportive and amazing friends and co-workers. There are no bad and irritating antagonists in this drama. It’s a slice-of-life of two individuals' character development, supported by really great people who help and cheer them on along the way.

This drama is adapted from a manga, so I was initially concerned about the comedy and possibility of overdramatic acting. Luckily, I worry for no reason. There are so many funny bits - the older TV show, dating reality tv, Ryoma dancing samba as if his hips couldn’t move, etc. Some comedic moments are sarcastically funny and subtle, others are just plain making fun of themselves.

Despite these glowing reviews, there are areas I’m not quite sure of. I think 10 episodes for this drama is a little too long, and I lose steam in the last few episodes. 8 episodes might be enough. Nothing much really happens, since it’s quite slice-of-life. If you are looking for romance, then you might be disappointed. There’s slight romance, but not really any romantic, fluffy, angsty or cute moments, kisses or skinship. Additionally, the acting of the cast isn’t bad, but I wouldn’t call them excellent or fantastic. I think Ryoma just shines so brightly and others pale in comparison.

I did have a decent time watching “Then You Try Making It” and I definitely cannot try making it! 🤣 LOL. I like the ending and think it's realistic. I wouldn’t say the plot is revolutionary and you’ve probably seen many similar dramas. But if you are a fan of Takeuchi Ryoma, you should definitely check it out.



Completed: 3/20/2026 Review #674

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