Interesting premise but Predictable: Good-looking leads + good chemistry
Subjective Gut Rating: 7.75“Koifure: Situationship Is Just Right” is the perfect title, because everything in this drama is just right…as in average. The premise is interesting though - two individuals who want to enjoy everything positive about dating without falling in love and no physical intimacy.
“Koifure” is a very predictable and light watch. Because the drama is only 7 short episodes (20-25 minutes each), it was unable to really spend a lot of time within each stage of the relationship. They meet quickly, develop feelings quickly, fall in love quickly, and become a couple quickly. If the drama is longer, it can spend more time on the getting-to-know each other stage, a little more push-and-pull and even some angst once koifure has ended, before eventually getting together. The ‘traumatic experience’ didn’t really seem traumatic enough to cause both leads to be scared of falling in love, especially for FL.
Having said all that, I have a pretty good time watching this, as I treat this as a comfort watch and not looking for something extraordinary. Hiaguchi Kouhei and Kawazu Asuka make a beautiful couple and their chemistry is good. Higuchi Kouhei is just as handsome as ever. I actually like him here as a handsome nice guy, more than the manga-like cold, toxic male lead in “My Personal Weatherman”. He has big expressive eyes, especially when looking lovingly at FL. There are some emotional scenes that he did very well. Kawazu Asuka’s character is the typical manga shojo female lead. She’s kind, friendly and cute. But luckily, she can still express her feelings and communicate honestly. I was worried she’s another naive pushover.
The supporting cast is small but very likable and good-looking. The acting is not overly dramatic or cringey. Suitors of the leads are nice and not annoyingly clingy or frustrating. The bartender and his specialty cocktails are hilarious.
I would recommend “Koifure” if you are looking for something predictable and easy to watch with an adorable couple. However, if you want to be surprised, this drama is not going to satisfy you. I am rounding this up to an 8.0 because of the handsome Higuchi Kouhei and his smize 🙂
Completed: 2/28/2026 Review #671
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Great premise but dull execution
The idea is very intriguing, this is the first time I've seen someone wanting romance without intimacy or being in serious relationship, most dramas focus of the physical connection and disregard feelings.Be that as it may, I think it was too sugarcoated and molded into a simple healing drama.
I genuinely wanted to see romance with no string attached, this's just two people with bad experience that made them scared to enter a new relationship or open up to others, romance has nothing to do with it.
I don't think Seri's past should affect her love life the way it did, because it's completely unrelated, not to mention they fell in love pretty quickly and I still don't know what exactly made them fall in love, because if a simple romantic gesture was enough for seri to fall in love and want a relationship then why was she against the idea in the first place... If she gave anyone a chance ( her colleague for example) she would have easily started a relationship with romance and everything, because it's obvious she wanted a that not just the romance, but the full package.
Same with Mahiro, I see nothing seri did that would make him fall for her except maybe being kind?
The way they went with the story has nothing to do with the idea they start with, that's why I was slightly disappointed, however the show was entertaining and fun, I loved the Mangaka character he was funny, crazy and adorable.
I wouldn't recommend it tbh, it was ok, if you have nothing else to watch give it a go ~~
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A VERY CUTE DRAMA ! Need a 10/10 ??
This is an adorable drama that approaches romantic relationships from a different angle. It's not about physical intimacy or seriousness, but rather a kind of friends-with-benefits dynamic that has all the best qualities of a relationship. All of this is carried by a great cast of two very cute young people who make a beautiful, simple couple where neither is toxic nor annoying. Beautiful shots, beautiful moments, beautiful music… this drama has everything to charm! The ending is sublime, and the manga's themes are interesting. I had a wonderful time watching it, and I'm so glad I didn't rely on the disastrous ratings on kisskh, because there, all Japanese dramas are poorly rated before they've even been seen. Honestly, I highly recommend this drama, and I'm delighted to have translated it.Was this review helpful to you?
