This review may contain spoilers
I hope you enjoy Kaze no Haruka as much as I do! ♡
First of all, you should know that I am someone who is quite easily influenced by other people's opinions. So, after reading several negative comments about this Asadora, I decided to watch Kaze no Haruka without any expectations, especially since I had already been spoiled about the messy love affairs in the series, including who the heroine ends up with. BUT surprisingly, after finishing it, I realized that I actually liked Kaze no Haruka! ♡
Honestly, I feel a bit strange because my review differs from most people who have watched Kaze no Haruka. However, even if my opinion is different, I hope my review provides an alternative perspective for those who are unsure about whether to watch it or not.
☆ THINGS I DON'T LIKE:
1. Masami – He is one of the worst love interests for a heroine in an Asadora. Even though his character is written as straightforward and kind, he is ultimately a total failure, spoiled, cowardly, and irresponsible! The way he left Haruka was so cruel that I still cried at that scene, even though I had already been spoiled about it.
2. Who Asuka (the heroine’s younger sister) ends up with – I don’t usually mind age gaps in relationships as long as both individuals are adults. However, the fact that he became a teacher and knew Asuka when she was in elementary school is quite unsettling, even if their romantic feelings only developed once they were adults.
♡ THINGS I LIKE:
1. Haruka.
I can confidently say that Haruka is one of my favorite modern-era Asadora heroines! Even though she was mature from a young age, her character development is well done. She is kind, cheerful, hardworking, and warm. What I love most is her passion and charisma when working. Her only weakness is in the romance part, she is too naive when it comes to Masami, continuously falling for him despite everything. But aside from that, I absolutely love Haruka.
2. The heroine’s family.
At the beginning of the series, her parents' selfishness is shown. However, as the story progresses, we begin to accept, understand, and even grow to like her family as a whole.
3. The male lead.
He may not be the best, but I like how he is always there for Haruka when she is struggling and in need of support. He consistently offers insightful advice and solutions for her. The small things he does for Haruka may seem insignificant at first, but they unknowingly mean a lot to her.
4. All the supporting characters.
In this Asadora, there isn’t a single character I dislike (aside from Masami’s actions toward Haruka, of course). I really liked Haruka’s family, her co-workers at Soyokaze Tourist, her acquaintances in Osaka, and all the residents of Yufuin. One of my favorite characters is Momoe! I even feel like she could have been the heroine haha.
5. The opening theme song.
I absolutely love it! The Kaze no Haruka opening is one of the few Asadora theme songs I never skip. It’s a beautiful song, accompanied by Haruka’s sweet smile and stunning scenery of Yufuin.
6. The cultural aspect!
I love how the series showcases Japanese tourism, the Awa Odori dance, onsen, and tourism in the Yufuin area. It also highlights various festivals, from music festivals to food festivals and more!
7. The relationship dynamic between the heroine and the male lead.
I like how they compromise to maintain their respective jobs. In many other stories, the characters only focus on their careers and ultimately decide not to be together, but in this case, they find a balance.
8. The story’s perspective on the future of Yufuin’s tourism industry.
I like how it explores the idea of integrating farming, inns, and tourism, emphasizing that these sectors must work together to build a prosperous future. It’s portrayed as an era for young people to take charge.
9. The winter scenery! The snow!
Since the story is set in Yufuin, Oita, near Mount Yufu-dake, the snowy landscapes are absolutely beautiful! I really enjoy it when an Asadora highlights the local climate and environment.
Why I can say that I like Kaze no Haruka? There's two main reasons: it isn’t as bad as the romance in Mare, and Haruka’s younger sister isn’t as annoying as in Okaeri Mone!
☆ For me, the romance in Kaze no Haruka is not forced because it is like a big part of this asadora, of course the romance is messy, however I still think it’s much better than Mare, which was filled with toxicity. What I like the most is that the characters in Kaze no Haruka are honest about their feelings and don’t bring each other down like they do in Mare.
☆ Asuka (the heroine’s younger sister) isn’t manipulative. At first, I was worried she would be like the younger sister in Okaeri Mone, but thankfully, she isn’t. While there are moments when Asuka is selfish, blames others, and indirectly makes Haruka’s life revolve around her, she later acknowledges this and thanks Haruka for always supporting her. That moment made all the difference.
Overall I really like Kaze no Haruka! It’s one of the lighter Asadora series, and despite its 151 episodes, I never felt tired of watching it, I genuinely enjoyed every episode. I highly recommend giving it a watch!
Note: If you want to enjoy Kaze no Haruka as much as I did, maybe getting the same spoilers would help. Since I already knew Haruka wouldn’t end up with Masami, I didn’t dwell too much on their relationship scenes, which made the experience more enjoyable.
Honestly, I feel a bit strange because my review differs from most people who have watched Kaze no Haruka. However, even if my opinion is different, I hope my review provides an alternative perspective for those who are unsure about whether to watch it or not.
☆ THINGS I DON'T LIKE:
1. Masami – He is one of the worst love interests for a heroine in an Asadora. Even though his character is written as straightforward and kind, he is ultimately a total failure, spoiled, cowardly, and irresponsible! The way he left Haruka was so cruel that I still cried at that scene, even though I had already been spoiled about it.
2. Who Asuka (the heroine’s younger sister) ends up with – I don’t usually mind age gaps in relationships as long as both individuals are adults. However, the fact that he became a teacher and knew Asuka when she was in elementary school is quite unsettling, even if their romantic feelings only developed once they were adults.
♡ THINGS I LIKE:
1. Haruka.
I can confidently say that Haruka is one of my favorite modern-era Asadora heroines! Even though she was mature from a young age, her character development is well done. She is kind, cheerful, hardworking, and warm. What I love most is her passion and charisma when working. Her only weakness is in the romance part, she is too naive when it comes to Masami, continuously falling for him despite everything. But aside from that, I absolutely love Haruka.
2. The heroine’s family.
At the beginning of the series, her parents' selfishness is shown. However, as the story progresses, we begin to accept, understand, and even grow to like her family as a whole.
3. The male lead.
He may not be the best, but I like how he is always there for Haruka when she is struggling and in need of support. He consistently offers insightful advice and solutions for her. The small things he does for Haruka may seem insignificant at first, but they unknowingly mean a lot to her.
4. All the supporting characters.
In this Asadora, there isn’t a single character I dislike (aside from Masami’s actions toward Haruka, of course). I really liked Haruka’s family, her co-workers at Soyokaze Tourist, her acquaintances in Osaka, and all the residents of Yufuin. One of my favorite characters is Momoe! I even feel like she could have been the heroine haha.
5. The opening theme song.
I absolutely love it! The Kaze no Haruka opening is one of the few Asadora theme songs I never skip. It’s a beautiful song, accompanied by Haruka’s sweet smile and stunning scenery of Yufuin.
6. The cultural aspect!
I love how the series showcases Japanese tourism, the Awa Odori dance, onsen, and tourism in the Yufuin area. It also highlights various festivals, from music festivals to food festivals and more!
7. The relationship dynamic between the heroine and the male lead.
I like how they compromise to maintain their respective jobs. In many other stories, the characters only focus on their careers and ultimately decide not to be together, but in this case, they find a balance.
8. The story’s perspective on the future of Yufuin’s tourism industry.
I like how it explores the idea of integrating farming, inns, and tourism, emphasizing that these sectors must work together to build a prosperous future. It’s portrayed as an era for young people to take charge.
9. The winter scenery! The snow!
Since the story is set in Yufuin, Oita, near Mount Yufu-dake, the snowy landscapes are absolutely beautiful! I really enjoy it when an Asadora highlights the local climate and environment.
Why I can say that I like Kaze no Haruka? There's two main reasons: it isn’t as bad as the romance in Mare, and Haruka’s younger sister isn’t as annoying as in Okaeri Mone!
☆ For me, the romance in Kaze no Haruka is not forced because it is like a big part of this asadora, of course the romance is messy, however I still think it’s much better than Mare, which was filled with toxicity. What I like the most is that the characters in Kaze no Haruka are honest about their feelings and don’t bring each other down like they do in Mare.
☆ Asuka (the heroine’s younger sister) isn’t manipulative. At first, I was worried she would be like the younger sister in Okaeri Mone, but thankfully, she isn’t. While there are moments when Asuka is selfish, blames others, and indirectly makes Haruka’s life revolve around her, she later acknowledges this and thanks Haruka for always supporting her. That moment made all the difference.
Overall I really like Kaze no Haruka! It’s one of the lighter Asadora series, and despite its 151 episodes, I never felt tired of watching it, I genuinely enjoyed every episode. I highly recommend giving it a watch!
Note: If you want to enjoy Kaze no Haruka as much as I did, maybe getting the same spoilers would help. Since I already knew Haruka wouldn’t end up with Masami, I didn’t dwell too much on their relationship scenes, which made the experience more enjoyable.
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