Japanese Watch Challenge 2025

Prompt: Watch a special ( #1 - The Basic B's 1/5)

Note: If you blink, you'll overlook the deep layers woven within. Also Hirukawa <3

Completed:  February 13

Prompt:  Watch a short film ( #1 - The Basic B's 2/5)

Note: Well, that broke me into a million pieces, but showering my cat with affection and all the cuddles put me back together again.

Completed:   February 16

Prompt:  Watch a movie  ( #1 - The Basic B's 3/5)

Note: I'm confused as to why MDL has a rating for this movie; I haven't seen it yet. It's been lingering in my "Plan to Watch" list for some time. Please ignore the rating that is listed for now. Once I have seen it, I'll update the rating accordingly.

PTW: 

Completed:  ???

Prompt:  Watch a TV Show ( #1 - The Basic B's 4/5)

Note: This was my first encounter with the sentai franchise, and I have to say, I found it somewhat challenging to stay interested. I'm not sure if this is common in sentai series, but the team formed so quickly that I had difficulty connecting with the characters. The character development seemed lacking. Sakito felt somewhat detached from the others often fighting alone. Among the Rangers, I especially liked Bun Black and Bun Orange. When I think of the perfect guardian of innocence, Jyo immediately comes to mind; his first transformation was truly remarkable. Ryu Saito really invested himself in that moment, and it gave me chills. I also found Genba's storyline as a lone ranger enjoyable; he seemed to need a big hug or perhaps an even larger lollipop. Satoru Soma's smile is incredibly charming.

While I liked the racing theme, I was let down by the absence of actual racing scenes. Many episodes felt like filler and strayed from the main storyline, which was frustrating due to the inconsistent pacing. The tone changed abruptly in several episodes, causing some confusion. I also noticed that some plots were reused, with Toilet Grumer even getting a second episode that could have been better spent on advancing the story or deepening our understanding of the rangers.

Interestingly, my favorite characters were not the main team but the Sanseater trio—Itasha, Yaiyai, and Decotrade. Their delightful humor and antics brought a wonderful element to the series. Even Madrex had a memorable exit. One of the highlights for me was the return of a legendary character, which sparked my interest in watching Ressha Sentai ToQger. I loved how the Boonboom Changers were used during the transformation sequences. However, I can't help but wonder why the writers didn’t explore Bun Red 119 more; that design was absolutely stunning! Overall, this could've been a worse series, but definitely not great

Completed:   April 9th 

Prompt:  Watch a miniseries (under 10 episodes)  ( #1 - The Basic B's 5/5)

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Completed:  ???

Prompt: Watch a title with a rating of 8.5 or higher ( #2 - Popularity Challenge 1/5)

Note:  Adapted from the novel "Doku Koi: Doku mo Sugireba Koi to Naru" by Makino Keisuke

Shiba has quickly climbed to the top of my favorite male leads in  BL of all time!

 Completed: February 14

Prompt: Watch a title with over 5,000 viewers ( #2 - Popularity Challenge 3/5)

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Completed:  ???

Prompt: Watch a title with under 500 viewers ( #2 - Popularity Challenge 4/5)

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CW: 1/10

Aired On: Tuesday

Completed:  ???

Prompt: Watch a title recommended by another user ( #2 - Popularity Challenge 5/5) 

Note:  Recommended  by  Arclei

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Completed:  ???

Prompt: Watch a historical title  ( #3 - Serious and Insidious 1/5)

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Completed:  ???

Prompt: Watch an action title  ( #3 - Serious and Insidious 2/5)

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Completed:  ???

Prompt: Watch a mystery title  ( #3 - Serious and Insidious 3/5)

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CW: 1/10

Aired On: Friday

Completed:  ???

Prompt: Watch a supernatural title  ( #3 - Serious and Insidious 4/5)

Note: When you ship the ML with the SML over the FL T___T

Completed:   January 27

Prompt: Watch a thriller title  ( #3 - Serious and Insidious 5/5)

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Completed:   ???

Prompt: Watch a comedy title   ( #4 - Teeth Rotting Fluff 1/5)

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Completed:  ???

Prompt: Watch a romance title   ( #4 - Teeth Rotting Fluff 2/5)

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CW: 1/10

Aired On: Saturday 

Completed:  ???

Prompt: Watch a youth title  ( #4 - Teeth Rotting Fluff 3/5)

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Completed:  ???

Prompt: Watch a fantasy title ( #4 - Teeth Rotting Fluff 4/5)

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Completed:  ???

Prompt: Watch a recent title (2021-present)  (#5 - Decade to Decade  5/5)

Note: Currently, I am experiencing a severe case of second lead syndrome.  It baffles me how Manaha embodies the classic trope where the girl ultimately chooses the first person she falls for. In my view, Keigo does not seem to be a suitable match for her; their dynamic feels more like a friendship than a romantic connection. In contrast, Sora is genuinely compassionate, supportive, and was the first to appreciate her beauty. Once again, we have a narrative where the female lead selects the wrong partner. If she doesn't choose Sora, I would be more than happy to take him! While I value the drama's message about self-acceptance and the notion that one's worth is not determined by looks, my overall rating has significantly dropped due to my strong dislike for Yuri, who stands out as one of the most exasperating school bullies I've seen in recent dramas. Her character evokes memories of the second female lead in 'The Heirs,' which left me feeling frustrated. I had hoped for a dramatic downfall for her character by the series' conclusion, but instead, I was left feeling unfulfilled with the ending. The lengthy time it took me to complete this drama can be attributed to my aversion to Yuri; her presence was simply intolerable. Although I acknowledge that Manaha's killer with kindness reflects her character, the ending left me unfulfilled. In my opinion, Yuri faced no genuine consequences for her behavior, which is disheartening, especially considering how heartwarming and emotionally resonant the rest of the series was.

 Completed:  April 29

Prompt: Watch a food title  ( #4 - Teeth Rotting Fluff 5/5)

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Completed:  ???

Prompt: Watch a title adapted from a Shoujo Manga ( #6 - All About that Manga 2/5)

Note:  Adapted from the manga series "Otonari Complex"  by Nonomura Saku

PTW:  Airs: Feb 21, 2025

Airs On: Friday

Completed:  ???

Prompt: Watch a title adapted from a Josei Manga ( #6 - All About that Manga 3/5)

Note: Adapted from the manga series "Nodame Cantabile"  written by Tomoko Ninomiya

CW: 3/11

Completed:  ???

Prompt: Watch a title adapted from a Seinen Manga ( #6 - All About that Manga 5/5)

Note: Adapted from the manga series "Kurosagi"  written by Natsuhara Takeshi

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Completed:  ???

Prompt: Watch a BL/Yaoi title ( #7 - Queer and Kinda Clear 1/5)

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Completed:  February 21

Prompt: Watch a GL/Yuri ( #7 - Queer and Kinda Clear 2/5)

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Aired On: Friday

Completed:  ???

Prompt: Watch an LGBTQ+ title ( #7 - Queer and Kinda Clear 3/5)

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Completed:  ???

Prompt: Watch a title with a female-centered plot ( #7 - Queer and Kinda Clear 4/5)

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Completed:  ???

Prompt: Watch a title with a male-centered plot ( #7 - Queer and Kinda Clear 5/5)

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Completed:  ???

Prompt: Watch a Documentary  ( #8 - Dorama Exclusives  1/5)

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Completed:  ???

Prompt: Watch a Tokusatsu  ( #8 - Dorama Exclusives  2/5)

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CW: 29/50

Aired On: Sunday

Completed:  ???

Prompt: Watch a title set in the Edo period (1600-1868) (#10 - Japan Across the Ages 1/5)

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Completed:  ???

Prompt: Watch a title set in the Meiji period (1868–1912) (#10 - Japan Across the Ages 2/5)

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Completed:  ???

Prompt: Watch a title set in the Shōwa period (1926-1989) (#10 - Japan Across the Ages 4/5)

Note:  Set in the 1950s

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Completed:  ???

Prompt: Manga/mentions of a manga in a title (#12 - The Clichés? (spot a... 3/5)

Note:   Adapted from the manga "xxxHOLiC" by Clamp

The film certainly dazzled with its visuals and costume design, but the storyline felt rushed. Trying to fit several chapters of the manga into a single movie led to a confusing narrative. I was also disappointed by Shibasaki Ko's performance as Yuko; her role was pivotal, yet it didn’t resonate with me. It came across as flat and devoid of emotion, which was a letdown. While I appreciated the film's artistic style, it had a theatrical vibe that gave it a somewhat low-budget feel at times, even with its quirky elements. The overly sexualized movements, club music, and the exaggerated laughter in the final scene, had me laughing uncontrollably;  absolutely hilarious.

Completed:  March 17

Prompt: Scene in a karaoke bar (#12 - The Clichés? (spot a... 4/5)

Note: I was pleasantly surprised. I laughed several times. I definitely think it has replay value.

Completed:   January 3

Prompt: Yakuza or Yankee  ( #16 - Life (spot... 5/5)

This delightful ensemble of quirky characters has completely captured my heart. They have a unique charm that pulls at my emotions in the most delightful way. Just when I’m hit with a wave of melancholy, something utterly side-splitting occurs, causing me to burst into laughter! This drama can be wonderfully unpredictable at times! These little snippets are what truly help me connect with each character. While they might seem like a group of hopeless misfits, their genuine selves gradually come to light, revealing their unique personalities. Each character is special in their own way, and together, they create one big, joyful family that I can’t help but cherish! Honestly, I treasure this drama immensely!

Completed:  February 22