Japanese Dramas

You know, while watching this, I kept thinking it reminded me of another J-Drama I'd seen, but I couldn't remember which one it was. Then, it hit me: Le Uru Onna.

Le Uru Onna also had a strong businesswoman at the center, with side characters having their shining moments and causing her to grow along the way. Though, I think Super Rich, while admittedly less entertaining than both the first and second season of Le Uru Onna, had not only a much more complex FL but a more mature perspective on life and work that rounded out to a higher quality drama.

Regarding Representation: It's Noir approved!

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

I like this second series a lot more than the first. I think that's mainly because they included more drama between Sangenya (FL) and Yashiro (FL's husband). And, there's more character development not just with the FL but with the side characters as well. For example, Adachi has his own compelling side story and is generally more present. The first series set up the possibility of him being Gay so it came naturally and easily when it was included here.

Also, there was an entire episode basically dedicated to discussing LGBT+ people and them living in a conservative Japanese society. There were some mistakes made in the explanations and outdated definitions but they did a good job for the most part of respectfully talking about and showcasing the community. I appreciated it :)

I had a fair bit of fun with this one. It's incredibly energetic and optimistic. At times, it did feel like it was trying a bit too much to always "turn things around," when realistcally, not everything ends/goes well in life. Since they were going for something ultimately hopeful, I don't feel I can rightly knock them for that, though.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

This was fun. The effects weren't very good, but they had a certain charm to them.

The FL and ML were both really sweet and thoughtful. She wore down his defenses rather easily. Lol. Also, I was glad he had a legitimate reason for his past behavior that made sense in hindsight and it wasn't like he went from cold to warm out of nowhere. 

I loved them as a couple :)

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

This drama hit the ground running with a great opening to hook in viewers. From there, things only seemed to get better, with creative stylistic cuts and smooth comparisons between the MLs in the past and present. These two also had a great teasing push-and-pull dynamic to their relationship—they were delightfully sharp and to the point in their retorts.

However, I'm sad to say that I felt like this drama ended with a whimper in the last episode. Not necessarily like they rushed things, but that the key points along the way didn't hit right.

I'd say it's worth a watch; just don't expect a masterpiece.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

It had all the ingredients for an excellent drama: Solid acting, gorgeous cinematography, a compelling backstory, and an interesting direction to take the plot. However, I felt something was lacking. I can't put my finger on it exactly. Finishing it, though, I just feel . . . Incomplete, somehow.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki or GagaOOLala

It starts off really good but the last four episodes really drag. I still enjoyed watching it but I was frustrated to see Minato fail to make progress each week.

The acting and tension were great though. No complaints there!

Can be found on GagaOOLala

There was some obvious toxicity in the beginning, but that quickly smoothed out, and it became about a frustrating but sweet couple facing challenges and learning together.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

As someone who adored the film adaptation and has gone back to it again and again and again, this was pretty darn faithful, showing how one meaningful connection can expand someone's world and how all you really need is one person to see and understand you, just one.

I liked how this Taichi showed more of an interest in Kohei right off the bat, which led to some lovely, thoughtful moments. And Kohei was more forward with his feelings in his own way. However, over time, I did begin to feel like the drama was dragging its feet. By making Taichi more attached to Koehi but also more dense, there was this constant circling around his feelings. And while I, of course, was happy to see them explore hearing loss and the different perspectives and struggles of people who are deaf/hard of hearing, I think it took away valuable time that could have been spent with Taichi and Kohei. While they focused on Taichi's passion for making a better world/helping others, Kohei ended up taking a backseat. Some later episodes had barely any scenes of Taichi and Kohei together, let alone from Kohei's point of view.

The ending also didn't quite sit right. While it did its job and was sweet, it felt rushed and lacking.

I think this drama wanted to be bigger than it was and lost itself a bit.

I wasn't disappointed, per se; I just think they could have done more.

Can be found on iQiyi or GagagOOLala

It's kooky in a good way. I agree with other MDlers in that this reminded me of A Man Who Defies the World of BL. It's got a similar style.

I had some laughs and it's fun and all . . . But the build to a romance wasn't done very well, in my opinion.

I would say you will enjoy this more if going into it you view it as a slice-of-life-ish-comedy rather than a romance.

Side Thoughts: I thought it was neat and unique of this drama to reverse the trope of BL writers being women who just have some obsession with writing about Gay guys in a stereotypical/unrealistic fashion and make it be an actual Gay man doing it. 

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Boy, were things bafflingly easy for these two! And this drama was bafflingly fun!

I swear, everyone around them looked at them and immediately concluded they liked each other based on very little. It was incredibly amusing for everyone's reaction to be, "I knew immediately!" and "So?" down to the students, teachers, principal, and parents. It was wild!

Can be found on GagaOOLala

A strange yet uplifting watch that could only come from Japan. The only thing is that the ending really confused me. 

Can be found on GagaOOLala

It was visually spectacular, well-shot, and (dare I say) had artistic merit. Clearly, they were leaning toward a more experimental angle and trying to intertwine everyone's stories into a deeper message. However, the lack of time they had . . . Showed. The problem was that not enough time was spent developing the relationships between the characters or lingering on the aftereffects of one person's actions/words on another; what should have cut like a knife only left a single scratch.

Regarding the FL, it seemed overall like she didn't have agency. She was very reserved, and rather than making decisions that weren't the best for her, it was more like things just happened to her, and she went along with it. It didn't fit with her "Nevertheless," they were going for, at least in my opinion.

As for the side romance between SFLs Manami and Saki, while admittedly heart-tugging, I found it underdeveloped (especially compared to the Korean Nevertheless). If there were only some more background moments between them to establish their connection.

Can be found on Netflix

Nothing fantastic. But, it kind of grew on me *shrugs*

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

A charming drama just about the life of some wacky teenagers.  It was fun and relatable.

Can be found on Netflix (with a VPN)

A sitcom-humor-style drama that marched at its own pace. Made me confused on many an occasion but never truly annoyed. Rather, amused.

Regarding Representation: I would label this a Queer-friendly drama worth a watch!

Can be found on free websites

I've seen this going around on the feeds for a while. The episodes are much shorter than I thought, so I think I can squeeze this into my schedule soon. Looks like it will be chaotic fun!

Update after completion:

It was very intense right from the get-go but then quickly became heartfelt as well.

Momoko and Hase were sweet together, but even though Momoko grew more and started to stand up for herself more I wish she had become less timid. I understand it's part of her charm, but there were times I found her too naïve to be real.

Overall, I enjoyed this. Not as much as others, but I saw the appeal.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

I really liked how sweet, trusting, and communicative this couple was. There is nothing wrong with being in a relationship with a large age gap. It can make things difficult though due to when you were born affecting the smallest and seemingly most unimportant parts of you that actually make up who you are as whole.

They aren't perfect and certainly have their issues as all couples do. But what's important is that they genuinely care about each other and are always thinking of their partner when they believe something may hurt or help their relationship.

I did feel some parts of this were a little slow or could have been more eventful which is why my rating isn't too high, but don't think I didn't enjoy watching this.

Also, let's just take a moment to appreciate Harumi (ML) being respectful for a certain character (in spite of them being rude) in asking about pronouns/name when he was unsure. It was a small moment, that may have gone unnoticed by many watching the drama, but it added to his character.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

At the beginning of watching this, I found myself in the minority of people who weren't too upset about the premise, even though it was like a step backward. Minato has always been a jumpy and nervous overthinker, like a rabbit. Would it be nice if he'd made more progress? Of course. But I got it.

But as things progressed, I grew more annoyed at the drama and Minato putting off clearly expressing his feelings. At the end of the day, it was just unfair to Shin. Minato is generally a person who is not good at saying how he feels outright or initiating physical contact himself, which isn't bad in itself at all. But he should have sat down and had a VERY clear conversation with Shin about it; let Shin know he's not holding back to be mean or because of his age.

Also, near the last half of the drama, it felt like the writers just straight up ran out of ideas and just threw a dart at a bunch of tropes written on the wall and went with it. To be fair, it did make me laugh at how out-of-left-field things went.

Do I recommend it? Ehhhhhhh . . . Maybe.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

This was a fun watch. I felt that the FL could have had more character development though.

Can be found on free websites

It's so short, so I'm not sure where to put it. I guess here.

So warm and fluffy :)

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKawxU11I7gJzxiyXqBjzlyjNsbrpzzSg&gl=JP

It was very odd but also real?

The way it's shot and the conversations are natural, flowing, and interesting, but the body swap comes out of nowhere. It also doesn't really have a conclusion. I enjoyed it. But, I am puzzled by it.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOYWWtYemvA&list=PLgodl52c3xo1UDBiiUZIHtn3oeS4oYpZf&index=1

Pretty sweet watch. It was nice to see Riko coming out of her shell.

Regarding Representation: Such easy Bi rep! Love to see it!

Riko to Kei: Do you like girls?

Kei: Girls, boys, I do like both.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyqngFOTdamAXFE9oFKVflhYaYCM75hRU

It's about music? You bet I'm watching it! This looks soooo good! It's only 6 episodes and  it's a Japanese Drama to boot! Japan seems to make some of the most high-quality and artistic things.

Update after completion:

The first episode was great and set the tone for this drama. It really makes you think of an anime (makes sense as it is an adaptation of one). Especially with things such as the opening description of the main character, the shots/lighting that were used, etc.

The two leads are intriguing in different ways. The main lead has a too-cool-for-school personality, but he is also a pushover and he feels a lot more than he lets on. The second main lead has NO sense of personal space. Lol. And he is also carrying a heavy burden that constantly leaves him feeling sad as well as apathetic.

I haven't seen the anime, so I can't compare this live action version to it.

While I enjoyed this, I think it would have been more suited for this to be in a movie format rather than a short drama. I think it would flow a lot better that way as far as pacing.

Not as great as it could have been, but I was very glad to have seen it.

Can be found on Crunchyroll

Something short and sweet. I needed this fluff.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOHd2AnMfkDHd7XAEZKFt7iZ00IsC9uNl

Sometimes I was charmed. Sometimes I found their reactions too fake.

Can be found on GagaOOLala or Rakuten Viki

A kooky little drama with a bit of heart that was good for some laughs and smiles. I felt things didn't flow as well after the halfway mark, though, which is why I'm not rating it higher.

In general, I'd still recommend it to pass the time, though.

Can be found on iQiyi or GagaOOLala

I don't have much to say about this one. At times it was a refreshing watch. Overall, I just felt like this had a lot of wasted potential.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

A very unique and entertaining watch. But the narrator calling her a "slut" really got on my nerves! Shouldn't the whole point of this drama series be to show people who live their lives differently/have different relationships than others as being something that's acceptable? Calling the main FL a slut because she has multiple sexual partners goes against that if you ask me.

Regarding Representation: I found it to be a mixed bag. My biggest criticism was the execution of the presumably Transgender SFL. At times, they affirmed her and, at other times, put her down/denied her identity.

Can be found on free websites

I enjoyed the same aspects I did about the last season as well as found the same problems.

Can be found on free websites

Cute and entertaining as it was, I ultimately found this drama lacking. A big contributing factor to this is that in comparison to Ayaka's overwhelming determination and commitment to her feelings and to Hiroko, Hiroko felt "flaky" with her constant evasions and half-efforts. I wanted their relationship to be more equal.

Not to mention, the resolution felt rushed.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

I hate to say this . . . But I found myself more interested in the plot outside of the romance. And, while they were cute together, I felt the story would have been more interesting if it had been about Sayuri coming to terms with her father's marriage and accepting Yui as her new sister.

Side Note: I was really upset that Yui not only chose a completely inappropriate moment to kiss Sayuri but that she also didn't ask for her consent. We do not let that fly here!

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdTbAAy4JGzj26Vn8LKpyHvFxFIt76UNy

Just some little in-between scenes from the second season.

Can be found on free websites

It's just fun!

They both constantly misread the situation/what the other girl was thinking. Lol. I loved it! It was cute AND funny!

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-PWvwJngGZAyNAhGi1D1J_1cpqPL5oIU

What a creative use of cuts and playing with time! Small indie projects like this just hit differently.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKBUT-3OTTEtr1IUBFP8N5tCc2HboEu7X&si=GgGbYQMo_1m4KyFb

It was well-acted and kept my attention.

But, at some point, it felt like they were just adding tragic event after tragic event to just pile on the misery rather than say something.

And the fact that physical abuse from a partner was basically brushed aside left a bad taste in my mouth.

Admittedly inspiring but lacking.

This adaptation, unfortunately, felt not only less intense but almost surface level when compared to Korea's Itaewon Class. I could tell the actors were doing their best, but it felt like they weren't directed properly and/or given time to really sink into their characters.

In particular, I felt the quality dip in regard to representation. Their take on SFL Ma Hyun Yi's (instead called Ayase Riku here) journey publicly coming into her identity as a Trans woman not only was rushed but missed out on many valuable moments/pieces of dialogue in the Korean adaptation that were used to take a firm stance, move viewers, say something about the ML, and bring the group together.

I can't say I'd rewatch it. I'd rather recommend Itaewon Class.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

This was an ambitious project that fell short. They portrayed gender dysphoria and invalidation of one's gender identity in such a raw way. But with the plot only getting more convoluted as time went on and repeated deadnaming only adding to the confusion, I'm left disappointed as well as a bit irritated.

Can be found on free websites

Note: .5 out of my rating is just pity points, though.

Alright. So, sometimes, it was sweet and charming. But, overall, I just felt this was SO clumsily put together. As if they were just like, "Okay, forming a connection around food. Now what?"

I'd say you can skip this one, my dear MDLers.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

I don't necessarily mind an open ending with a hinted future romance. But when you spend the majority of your time on a poorly built-up mystery, all the while teasing about two of the leads getting together, I'm left with nothing to really fall back on. What did I watch this for?

I'm just disappointed as I felt this had potential. 

I'd say you can skip this one, my dear MDLers.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

It started out promising, appearing to be a fairly faithful remake with a lot less questionable scenes than the original, and I (for the most part) felt the chemistry between Arashi and Rei and enjoyed the creative decisions they made with their story/dialogue that resulted in many tender moments.

However, I could not buy into Fuma and Kai having even a spark between them, and I feel like the original Thai adaptation had a lot more impact with what were supposed to be the biggest and most dramatic moments. You could blame this on the difference in production quality, subpar acting, editing choices, etc. However, I think it was a combination of all of these factors and, above all, the limited runtime. If they had time to linger and let the viewers and characters actually sit with their feelings, I think it would have come across as more genuine.

Would I recommend it? Yeah, no.

Can be found on GagaOOLala or Rakuten Viki

I have no explanation. I've watched this five or more times at his point. 

Why? I have no idea!

It's trash. 

Can be found on Netflix

Looking back, I don't really like this drama as much as I used to. And I definitely don't like this relationship anymore. I honestly can't believe I ever did.  I couldn't understand the more negative reviews I read about this show. But, I decided to rewatch it, and I can definitely see how messed up Uehara and Nao's relationship is.

Uehara almost never expresses his feelings, never really apologizes, doesn't put Nao first, doesn't consider Nao's feelings, waits too long to clear things up or never does, and doesn't pay enough attention to Nao.

Everything that is wrong with this couple, from the beginning and in the future episodes, can be found in season 1, episode 10.

Daichi summed it up best a third of the way into the episode: "What's wrong with you? Are you even thinking about Nao's feelings? If you make a promise, then keep it! You got her hopes up and played with her feelings. She just giggles and brushes off whatever you say. Have you ever thought about her feelings?"

Can be found on Netflix

*Ahem* YOU. NEED TO. ASK. FOR. CONSENT.

Well, I knew what I was getting into when I started this for the "rep."

I'm actually going to seemingly do things backward and answer the question usually reserved for the end of my review: Do I recommend it? Absolutely not!

There is touching without consent, unprovoked inappropriate and suggestive jokes and comments that either border on or are definitively sexual harassment, completely inaccurate statements, definitions, and comments about any sexuality other than heterosexuality, and constant excusing of stereotyping, bullying, stalking, harassment, and emotional/physical abuse.

All in all, this was like toxic soup for my brain.

You know what? I don't want to elaborate any further! I'm tired and this was awful.

Peace! Noir out!

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

It's a special so I guess I'll put it here.

Sweet, funny, and gives more insight into Adachi and Kurosawa.

It's a special so I guess I'll put it here.

My feelings about this are kind of mixed. It was very well-acted and shot.  But, personally, I was a bit uncomfortable with the constant dirty words. I knew what I was getting into when I watched this, though. I just didn't expect it to be SO upfront about the premise. I almost skipped this entirely, but I'm sort of glad I didn't. But, I DID have to skip a couple scenes that were too much for me.

It did hold my attention though. And I found the characters compelling and different than what I've seen before. But, I'm still not sure how I feel about the climax, or the ending.

I think it's possible to find something here and may be worth watching once. 

Non-Con/Dub-Con Warning!

Can be found on Rakuten Viki or GagaOOLala

In preparation for watching this, I rewatched most of The Pornographer. This does have some more artistic shots and colors, but I think that just comes down to this having a bit of a different style.  

It wasn't as engaging as The Pornographer. And the motivations of the characters didn't make sense sometimes. Plus, there was a disgusting incident that wasn't fully addressed.

If you liked The Pornographer, maybe give this a shot if you want some background story for Kijima. But, if you came for Kido, you'll just be annoyed. And if you came for the same amount of chemistry, you won't find it here.

It's objectively a 7/10 from me. Beyond that, I'm not sure what would be a proper rating to give.

Non-Con/Dub-Con Warning!

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Honestly, this low rating hurts my soul because Japan and food usually result in something special and wonderful.

I hate to say what I'm about to say:

My disappointment has ended with this drama's conclusion as I will finally be free of watching it next week.

This one is a skip, my dear MDLers. The beginning episodes will fool you into thinking it will be good, but it will become frustrating to an inconceivable degree until you can only sigh as you watch it (if you have NDD and can't drop for shit, that is).

Can be found on GagaOOLala

Felt like I finally had to watch this. It was definitely nowhere near as good as the original drama or the following spinoffs/sequels.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

This is the first drama I'm rating 1/10. I just cannot think of anything redeeming about it whatsoever, any reason to recommend it to anyone, anything positive or so-bad-it's-good at all: Not even the Queer rep (one of my reasons for completing this).

The FL is a shivering bunny rabbit, a blob, a glob of jello with nary a spine to speak of who is there to be molded, shaped, and manipulated as anyone would like, without protest.

Every side character either wants to steal the ML from her or assault/force their feelings onto her. And after she inevitably gets saved by her "Knight in Shining Armor," she then forgives/apologizes to her assaulter and/or apologizes for being assaulted. Yay! Victim-blaming! ?*feel the intensity of my sarcasm*

And the ML? He is the "perfect" man. Except--wait--he's not. He's the walking, talking, living embodiment of a red flag. He lies, pressures, manipulates, and is toxic and overly possessive of the FL.

In other words, this is flaming hot garbage I wouldn't touch with a ten-foot pole again, not even if you paid me.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Have to rewatch this before rating it.

Have to rewatch this before rating it.

Coming sometime in 2025

For Japanese LGBT+ List

Will be found on Netflix

For Japanese LGBT+ List

On-Hold (waiting for subs/for it to come to a platform available to me)

Platform/Subber not known yet

For Japanese LGBT+ List

On-Hold (will have to wait for it to be subbed)

Platform/Subber not known yet

For Japanese LGBT+ List

On-Hold (will have to wait for it to be subbed)

Platform/Subber not known yet

For Japanese LGBT+ List

On-Hold (will have to wait for it to be subbed)

Platform/Subber not known yet

On-Hold

Ep 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INP86oVaICs

Ep 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19OIRDJCKWo

Ep 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K79DTP89hIo

Can't find Ep 4 anywhere with Eng Subs!

Priority for Rep Reasons

Priority for Rep Reasons

Priority for Rep Reasons

In-between romance and bromance apparently. 

Notes: Set to come out January 24th. Likely will need to be picked up by a fansubber.

Interested

Interested

Interested

Interested

Interested

Interested

Interested

Interested