Japanese Dramas

Link to review (my thoughts were too much for the character limit: https://kisskh.at/profile/MademoiselleNoir/reviews/419870

The short version:

"The sea had never called to me.
But you were wading out into it.
And, suddenly, I was up to my knees."

They can't rescue each other or run away; they're not adults. And even when they age, discrimination still puts up walls in front of them. They don't live in a fairytale, but they're happy just staying together, even in a reality with limits.

It's the kiss of a beer bottle's edge against your cheek, brown flecks and sharpened edges raining down on you in a beautiful but painful shower.

This is a drama of consequence that I would beg you not to ignore.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

The first episode did a great job of setting the tone of this drama. It is something new, is SO fun and heartfelt, brings up meaningful and important topics, and on top of that it is really charming and makes you excited to see what happens in the next episode.

They do a great job of not just showcasing authenticity but also starting conversations and showing both attitudes people may have.

Of course, one of the best things is just how healthy Meguru-Kun and Wako-Chan's relationship is. They are just one of the healthiest couples if not THE healthiest couple I have ever seen.

What is also incredibly refreshing is how there is no love triangle or rival competing for the ML or the FL. The sole focus is not them getting together, but rather the challenges they face united together once they are in a relationship that just have to do with every day/personal/work problems.

Each episode I kept expecting there will be some unnecessary conflict between Wako-Chan and Meguru-Kun, but it never happened. I loved that! And the conflicts and issues we did see were resolved through communication, trust, and understanding.

Kira is just Kira. He is THE Kira. He is an absolute riot and the epitome of an oddball manga or anime male protagonist come to life, or a villain. Lol. He also has a lot of heart but just can't always figure out how to express his feelings properly. I adored him being paired with Asahi. They went great together and balanced each other out. Asahi needed some more unpredictability and fun in her life. Kira needed some stability.

This drama was a spectacular ray of sunshine for my mornings, as well as evenings. I will miss having a new episode to watch. I have no doubt I will be coming back to rewatch this over and over again.

For now...

"Come on, set forth!"

You want to inject yourself with lethal doses of cuteness? Watch this show! Cherry Magic is a cure for sadness, I swear. 

The premise is also different. I haven't seen anything like it before.

Life. That's what this is about. Just, life. The joy, suffering, advantages, struggles, and changes of many different people with different mindsets as they take in air another day.

This was something special. I could already tell from the description, comments, and reviews. But, now that uniqueness has been made fully clear to me.

Favorite quote that was said in response when a character came out to one of their friends (it's what I and everyone else in the LGBTQ+ community deserves to hear:

"Thanks for telling me. I think it's wonderful. You'll definitely become happy. With the person you love. Without a doubt."

I just . . .<3 ❤❤❤

Such wholesome and supportive ML's! Ida and Aoki were everything good in this world.

Link to Full Review (my words of praise could not be contained!!!): https://kisskh.at/profile/8835865/reviews/181039

Can be found on Rakuten Viki or through fansubbers 

What a rare drama!

At first I thought this would be some sort of mean parody. But, it's not.

Miki is a very strong character with an interesting personality and outlook on life. 

Episode 3 was a particularly emotional rollercoaster. I was so impressed with the way they show her doubts, fears, and challenges in life as well as with family. 

It's funny when appropriate and interesting throughout, while remaining respectful.

Definitely a solid 8/10 stars at the very least.

Can be found on YouTube

Only Japan could pull something like this off. The way they went along with the premise like it was just another day was brilliantly executed.

It's sad but not in the typical way since it's really what everyone, including Koichi and Mitchan, knew was going to happen: This was inevitable. But at least we had the time we did.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki or GagaOOLala

Genius fourth wall breaks, plentiful dark humor, and self-awareness of touchy topics and taboos? What more could I ask for? I was highly entertained! Now the problem is that I can't seem to find another drama like it to watch.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

What a tender story about love, family, and acceptance. It was filled with warmth. And Kana was such a precious, curious, and kind little girl! Truly stole the show! 

Can be found on free websites

Everything is top-notch and armchair-clutching.

Can be found on Netflix

Just as gripping as the first season, if not more so.

Can be found on Netflix

The world's fave super domestic foodie couple came back yet again to make delicious sunshine for us to eat. I couldn't have been more happy to watch this. This second season managed to add even more heart and background to our couple than the first season. Season 3, when?!

Can be found on GagaOOLala

Just felt like a longer episode of the drama and was just as enjoyable.

A beautiful and emotional drama that took the "right person, wrong time" experience and expanded and breathed new meaning into it.

The approach this drama takes with time takes some getting used to. But once you understand its purpose of connecting emotions rather than linearly laying things out so as to be easily understood, you come to understand how frightfully clever and perfect the cuts between the present and different points in the past truly are.

Can be found on Netflix

What got me to start this was knowing the ML from another drama as well as the absolutely gorgeous poster. I went in with average expectations, and I was not disappointed. It was better than I imagined.

Watching Kieta Hatsukoi and this back to back was an interesting experience. This featured a fairly masochistic character, some unhealthy relationship dynamics, and ominous music/shots. It's also somewhat dark but honest about it, with characters who are at times morally grey. But, believe it or not, you can enjoy this and KH.

This was an addictive drama that made me curious enough to go back and rewatch the recently released episode about six times before the next one came out. I had to pay attention to see what I may have missed. And there are quite a few small details that can be missed.

It was also wonderfully shot, had moments that promised something dangerous, and the music in particular really lended to the uncomfortable atmosphere at times. The light masochism was also quite interesting to watch. Not to mention they did a great job at building tension between Hira and Kiyoi. You feel those stares.

The way this was shot in particular really lended itself to the idea that Hira views Kiyoi as a King/God. They did an amazing job of making us see him the way he did too. On a pedestal. Above him. Some untouchable ethereal person. He comes into the classroom and a light shines on him while petals fall gracefully around him. He turns to the camera and gives us one smile and our heart stops. Or with symbolic moments such as Hira getting down on one knee to kiss his hand and even that small touch is so precious and he feels unworthy for receiving it from his King.

Can be found on GagaOOLala or Rakuten Viki

I don't want it to be over! *sobs*

It continued on from the first series perfectly, but at the same time there were small changes in Hira and Kiyoi's dynamic; namely Kiyoi chasing after, propping up, and expressing more of his feelings to Hira.

I only wish the finale went out with more of a bang! Maybe that's just me not-so-secretly wishing there were six more episodes though. Lol. 

Can be found on Rakuten Viki or GagaOOLala

Saying I loved the ever-loving shit out of this would be an understatement! Gripping sword fights, an intriguing story, and a mysterious and talented ML? Yes, please!

My one minor gripe is that having the reporter FL felt rather unnecessary/annoying at times when I would have rather spent more time with Kakeru and the rest of the team. I understand that she served as a way for the viewers to learn what's going on, but still.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Very quirky, unique, and fun!

Never has there been such an amazing drama with amnesia. I can't think of any that did it better than this.

Yes, her memory resets every day. "To be continued, but she won't remember." But, her heart and spirit remain the same. She could be anything else and do anything else, but every morning she chooses yet again to be Okitegami Kyoko-san, Private Detective. That's just who she is. Who she chooses to be.

So overdramatic and fun! They go over the top but it's never too much to the point that it's annoying.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

How this drama filled my life with joy and laughter. Each Ossan's Love production from Japan always takes me along for a uniquely fun ride. They somehow manage to take the most ridiculous lines and situations and not only make them funny but heartfelt. I think Ossan's Love Returns somehow even managed to top its predecessors in this manner.

I cannot recommend this to you enough, my Dear MDLers.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

It was nice to see these extra moments. It was an enjoyable watch.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

I stumbled across this one quite randomly and my only thought was that it looked a bit interesting and there seemed to be a large fan base for it. I'm so happy I gave it a shot!

It was so ridiculous, over-the-top, heartfelt, weird, cheesy, and funny.

I was glad at the times when Haruta finally stood up for himself. And, despite his many shortcomings and odd behavior, he was still believably charming.

This drama is just so fun to watch! I had no idea where things were going to go at times, I just knew it was going to be a wild ride.

I really enjoyed my time watching this drama. I enjoyed it so much that I moved around my time for other dramas just to get to this sooner.

Easily a 9/10 in my heart.

Over the top, twisted, childish, predictable as well as unpredictable, and just a ton of fun.

I couldn't help but binge this! 

Can be found on Netflix

Just a nice little continuation of the side characters' stories/romances.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

It's not nearly as heartfelt as the original series. But it is just as funny!

Can be found on Rakuten Viki or GagaOOLala

So sweet and at times heartbreaking. Why do you have to hurt me in this way? It does end happily though, which fixed my sadness.

I love how they have such childish imaginations in the beginning. And the line concept was so cute.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki (watch the directors cut)

Oh what a tangled web we weave, inside this box where we continue to deceive.

Partial Review: 

This is not a drama for most people. It is not something casual, generally pleasant, or easy. It is a drama that makes you feel uneasy and does not offer simple or generally expected solutions/problems or even characters you can always feel okay rooting for. Even the ending doesn't quite sit right. But, that's what I think they were going for.

If you are looking for a very interesting watch maybe give this one a go. Just, look at all the tags first for any trigger warnings that may be damaging for you.

Link to Full Review (with one spoiler about a character's sexuality): https://kisskh.at/profile/8835865/reviews/171993

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

This is exactly what I needed. Something light, like a dessert. Lol.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Inspiring but also sad.

Can be found on free websites

I started this because the feed posts intrigued me. It was very much comedic yet sultry detective noir, particularly with how it was shot.

I was not disappointed.

Don't start this if you're looking for big action scenes or intense romance. 

Do start this if you're a well-delivered-dialogue junkie and enjoy a subtle and unique connection that is playful yet earnest.

Also, we had a Bi ML here who was explicitly Bi. Said the word and all!

Summery sweetness. Makes me want to experience it all over again.

Link to watch it: https://www.bilibili.tv/en/video/2043743299?bstar_from=bstar-web.search-result.0.0

What started as almost a typical cheater-husband-discovered-and-wife-struggles-to cope-plot quickly became a heartfelt drama about not only society's judgment of the not "normal" but also one's internal judgment, the struggle to fight for one's own happiness, and the willingness to open oneself up to new possibilities, all featuring genuine people trying to do the "right" thing. And beyond just that, the scale of "like."

If you're looking for an exploration of relationships that is complicated but worth it in the end, then this is the drama for you.

I only want a monogamous relationship. I may not understand--I say "understand" because I myself have felt some annoyance hearing Straight people say they "understand" my being Bi, because, to me, you can't truly understand something unless you live it--what it's like to be polyamorous. But I can accept the reality of it because it is someone's reality, I can learn about it, and I can widen my understanding of the world past my own nose. I feel that's what this was trying to say in the end: You don't have to "get it." Just try to grow and see more than yourself. 

Can be found on GagaOOLala or free websites

This just brought a soft smile to my face. Food, family, and connection. So peaceful :)

Can be found on GagaOOLala

Just a nice little special :)

Can be found on GagaOOLala

Perhaps, it is better left unsaid. Once the words are out they can't be put back again.

Can be found on free websites

I came in prepared. I knew. Yet, without me noticing, Aya's struggles built and built and built . . . Until I couldn't see myself, couldn't see the screen, couldn't bear to not wrap my arms around myself, tight . . . Couldn't hold the tears back anymore.

There is no magic cure to come to the rescue. Love doesn't fix everything. Family doesn't fix everything. You cannot go back, and there is only so far you can go forward. So what can you do? Nothing? No. You can find a reason. Any reason--no matter how small--to keep on living.

My advice: Watch this drama. Only, do not watch it unless/until you are in a mentally healthy place.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxNVM2emFBx3ZYZjGh___LEDIKNhT-6y5 

The short version of my thoughts on this show: The Boyfriend was an emotional journey that was not just focused on finding love but on friendship and personal growth. I felt honored and overjoyed to see each man find new courage, realization, motivation, and/or peace in their life.

This Queer reality dating show marks a monumental step forward for Japan, finally following in Korea's footsteps with their successful "His Man."

All in all, I was quite delighted with The Boyfriend, regardless of production choices. I sincerely hope there is a second season.

Link to my review (the character limit couldn't handle me): https://kisskh.at/profile/8835865/reviews/379071

Can be found on Netflix

This was a very powerful and touching drama. I especially loved how, in this world of Japan, things appear hopeful by the end. It seems that because of this terrible law, people are now taking notice and caring more about minorities, those who are LGBT+, disabled, ill, of a different nationality, etc. 

Regarding Representation: I have only praise. I would recommend it just for the rep alone and how it showcases/discusses Queer people.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Can be found on GagaOOLala

The beginning/how Jin ended up in the Edo period didn't really make sense to me, and it seemed like opportunities to show his surgery skills/medical knowledge seemed to just conveniently fall into his lap.

But that was also part of the fun. And the chaotic atmosphere they managed to create of being useful but also out of your element in an unfamiliar place only added to it.

I loved seeing Jin's drive for medicine and life come back and watching him battle with himself over his actions in the past and their effects on the future, only to have simple words from new friends give him the perspective he needed.

This was also something different for me as I've never seen this time in history in Japan portrayed before in a drama. The hairstyles, outfits, and customs were all quite fascinating.

Can be found on Netflix or free websites

I very much enjoyed this. Really captures the naïve, inexperience, and curiosity of youth. As well as how scary it is to be open about yourself.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

It was hilarious just like the first season! I love how dramatic he is. Lol.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

Sweet summery goodness! This was such an easy, breezy cover-girl—jk—soothing romance. And I loved how it ended on a beautifully simple night with a desire to linger together, where the air itself seemed electrified with potential.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

This was a hilarious little gem of a series with a great deal of charm to it. I found myself bursting out laughing multiple times during each episode. I really had the best time watching this.

My recommendation? Go watch it right now! Come on, it's only three episodes.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

For Japanese LGBT+ List

Looks like it's just a condensed version of the 3-episode series.

Platform/Subber not known yet

What a perfectly charming little drama!  J-Dramas and food are just the best pairing!

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

A drama full of coincidences and missed chances, and characters somehow inspired to find optimism and joy for life and their dreams. This felt like taking an evening walk in a park with a charming stranger. The sun is almost close to setting, and the world is aglow with warm, orange light, and something about the stranger's smile makes them seem almost familiar.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

A strange and twisted (yet hopeful) tale of bonds between those who can be leaned on, no matter the cost, though dig like a thorn in one's side. 

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

These two were really sweet as honey!

I liked how this made for an unconventional love story. Also, I was glad to see the ML seek enthusiastic verbal consent and, while being flirty, wasn't forceful at all. And the FL truly was cunning in a sweet and amusing way.

Overall, I see why it was so loved.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Alluringly poignant and complicated.

This love story existed in a blurred world of grey. I felt these two MLs were simply bound to find comfort in each other when their own partners continued to dismiss their desires.

In place of deafening silence and restricted conversations came free expression, genuine curiosity, and companionship.

When you're cast aside and then finally find someone who wants you. All of you. Someone who doesn't take your body, your mind, or your feelings for granted . . . Feelings become a steady drip drop of rain, and then it pours.

I wanted more of them together in the finale and time for them to process things, but that's my only real major complaint.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

The atmosphere they managed to create was simply masterful. This feeling of drifting away from reality and sinking into the dark recesses of your mind. I loved the lighting and use of shadows.

And, in hindsight, knowing her name and her story, everything made sense. For what (on the surface) appeared to be a silly premise, they really took it seriously and set it up so well.

An intriguing start. And I Iove the lighting and use of shadows. Non-con was NOT it, though!

Can be found on GagaOOLala

This was just so funny! Not as hilarious as Kieta Hatsukoi, of course, but it had me bursting out into hysterical laughter at least once every episode.

Kouta was an iconic character. "Fuck the law," and "I don't care if I look like a stalker" just killed me!

Also, the consent was great!

Give it a shot when you have the time.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Wonderful. I like how simple the premise is as well. Two people who only want to show a more unknown side of themselves to just each other. It makes it more special to them that they have only one person who is that close to them.

I also really like how the two of them basically formed their own little family along with Hori's brother. Miyamura almost became an adopted father of sorts. It was really sweet to see how much he genuinely cared about her little brother.

They manage to add a lot of depth to the characters in so short an amount of time. It's really well-done. That, and it's shot and lit in a way that fits the mood of every scene. It starts comedic but then quickly goes dark. There were a few instances where I thought the writing of the dialogue could have been better, but for the most part I found it convincing and moving (probably because of the actors doing a damn good job).

Overall, I found it quite touching and I felt a bit like I was getting a peak into the intimate details of real peoples lives. In a way, I felt I didn't earn the right to know their personal stories so quickly. But, I felt honored as well.

Do not go into this with any spoilers! It is best to be surprised here.

This was a slice-of-life slow-burn drama, both with character development and romance. Not everyone's cup of tea, but I quite enjoyed watching this.

Side Note: The soundtrack was fantastic!

Can be found on Rakuten Viki 

This was a very silly and warm drama that had some surprisingly progressive takes/discussions. And now, I just want to eat some curry!

Can be found on free websites

It was an interesting watch, and I liked that they didn't have perfect protagonists. But I wished they had delved more into the characters. I cared about them, but I felt they didn't give me enough to truly get invested.

Additionally, I got incredibly frustrated by them equating love/romance with sex. Because, excuse me, Asexual people exist! Also, are you telling me it wasn't love until they had sex? That Sexual Attraction=Romantic Attraction? Because, newsflash, it doesn't! 

Can be found on Netflix

I have such mixed feelings about this!

#1.) On the one hand, I almost recommend everyone watch this drama just for having the extremely rare representation that is an AroAce lead and discussing Asexuality. On the other hand, I have to criticize the drama for incorrectly using the term "Asexual" for its FL when it should be AroAce. 

#2.) On the one hand, the Queer characters are shown to come to their own conclusions regarding their sexuality. Example: Asahi, the Pan ML, mentions how he once thought he was Gay and even uses the label "Bisexual" for a short time before settling on calling himself Pansexual. On the other hand, there was this subtle idea that Queer people should be the ones comforting and easing the guilt of others. And by having a character come out solely for the person they love, that coming out is something to do for others rather than yourself.

#3.) On the one hand, the conversations between characters about sex education and other "taboo" topics are great! On the other hand, the group of girls often will start an episode being insanely judgemental about a topic only to completely open up and be understanding by the end. I felt whiplash from the sudden shift!

I would absolutely love to cover my eyes and give this a 9/10 or even a 10/10. But there are issues here that I just can't unsee.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

It was so nice to see this actor, Akaso Eiji, in another drama. I really enjoyed his performance in Cherry Magic.

It's a cute and fluffy drama. He just asked her out immediately which had me on the edge of my seat until I saw the next episode. Also, I loved having such a nice and non-toxic ML. This drama was a great deal of fun and I really enjoyed my time watching it.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

A pretty entertaining drama with good acting and a bit of mixed messaging at times but does have some heart to it.

I would give it a 7.5/10 but because it was so fun to watch I'm adding an extra .5 to it.

Weird, and ranging from slightly to very twisted/disturbing. Yet, also hopeful and a bit peaceful at times oddly enough.

Not as enjoyably twisted as Trapped in the box, but still a fairly interesting watch. It felt lifeless oftentimes, but in a purposeful way that you could only really appreciate.

Regarding representation, we had a Lesbian SFL. She was morally grey/dark like everyone else though. 

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

They managed to create an atmosphere that captured the melancholic feelings brought about by winter as well as the end of a long relationship. However, something about this left me feeling cold about the drama itself. It was missing something. Perhaps a more thorough resolution.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki or GagaOOLala

I didn't like some of the comments they made regarding suicide, but, overall, I found this drama a worthwhile watch.

Regarding the Gender-Questioning representation, I thought it was pretty well done.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki or GagaOOLala

Talk about looks being deceiving! From the poster, I'd think this would be some spicy and messy romantic J-Drama. But, no, it was about a young woman's career/life journey (with a small slice of romance). Picking herself up from her lowest point, progressing forward, and learning to like herself.

It was hard to watch Umi beat herself up at work and fail to take care of herself again and again. But it made me even more proud of her when she finally did.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Well, this was a weird but fun watch that could only come from Japan!

I really liked how, when it came down to it, this was about two kind-of-kinky people who just hadn't had a proper conversation with each other about where they're at in their relationship, with one lead being terribly dense and unwilling/anxious to fully voice his desires and concerns and the other being forward physically all the while desperately craving simple but meaningful things from his lover: quality time together outside of sex, being relied on, being greeted at the door, and verbal expressions of affection.

All in all, I would recommend this sometimes frustrating drama.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki or GagaOOLala