FumiyaWagi

The Must Watch Young Love Story

I normally steer away from school romances, but this one took me by surprise with its chemistry and I have since rewatched it 3X. Outstanding production, pacing, direction and acting. The two male leads, while fairly new in their acting careers, display maturity and natural talent well beyond many peers. Haru in particular is extraordinary for his first acting role at age 18, and promises to be both a well regarded comic and serious actor in the decade to come. Maeda showcases a full range of intensity from anguish to complete joy, constantly a sheer delight to watch, and this reviewer believes he is destined to become one of Japan's Thinking Actors, akin to Satoh Takeru or Watanabe Ken.
Special mention for Leo Matsumoto, who elevates key scenes and adds depth to his support role and Itakura Toshiyuki who brightens the show with humour, as the teacher who relishes handing out detention to bright but lazy students.
Music: Fast paced, lively soundtrack and a gentle acoustic score that lifts the beautiful moments, based on J-pop and performed at times in carefully curated half and quarter tempo. Keep the Shazam nearby and you'll have some wonderful additions for your Spotty!
Translating manga faithfully to live drama is always tricky and there are a couple of overused tropes but the entire series, just 2.5 hours, makes for magical viewing. Enjoy.
Well done Netflix Asia, for promoting this series and please keep syndicating the fantastic Japanese content.
Thank you for reading! Follow to be notified of future reviews! ~ Fumiyawagi

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Possibly the funniest recent J-comedy ever

Do Not Miss! 👍🏻 I didn't just laugh at the funny bits, I *HOWLED*. 😂 Then I howled through Season 2, then the spin off series ... a full week of the funniest comedy. If you need to switch brain off, smile again and have a fun time, Ossan's series will do that for you! Fantastic physical acting from key cast, excellent dramatic acting from support cast, realistic sets and numerous outdoor scenes, all add to the light happy feel of the show. Would be wonderful to have another season later, but not sure what that would look like. The 3 MLs are some of the most talented dramedy actors in Japan, with perfect timing and emotion. Brilliant show. Enjoy!!

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Heart warming, short and sweet

This short and sweet 5-part series, reminiscent of many outstanding Japanese dramas of late, delivers a story that leaves us craving more episodes and deeper character exploration.
The always reliable and charming Keita Machida, sporting his Cherry Magic haircut and brown attire, portrays a charming barman in an unpretentious suburban bar that he runs with 2 former school mates.
We were pleasantly surprised to discover the 3 Star Bar served canned food, expertly prepared by a chef — a twist that adds an unexpected layer of humor to the plot, compared to step-by-step cooking shows such as Fermat's Cuisine and What Did You Eat Yesterday. Yet, somehow, this plot device works! Adapted from a manga series, of course, which often have a quirky point of interest.
Although it takes a few episodes to build momentum, viewers will find themselves drawn to the characters, guest and the stories. The show skillfully used flashbacks of the late bartender, akin to a cherished grandfather, imparting wise advice to patrons and loved ones. Further exploration of this character would have enriched future episodes.
Some dramas, much like the sakura season, dazzle with their brilliance only to fade away all too soon. The final episode highlights the overall production quality of the series, which does not insult us with rushed stories and silly resolutions; just a quietly enchanting tale that leaves us yearning for more.
A second season or more episodes would have been a marvellous opportunity to explore the back stories of the 3 leads with greater depth: the published Hemingway-esque writer grappling with writers block and divorce, a humble bartender with a nightly chauffeur, a chef who loses and recovers his sense of taste. However, all three of the leads have been very busy since 2021, so clearly this will remain a limited and very short series.
Embrace this series for what it really is —a fleeting cherry blossom that warms the soul for a brief moment in time.

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Charming, funny and possibly one of Japan's best tv gems

It's easy to see why millions of viewers fell in love with this little gem. You won't regret! TLDR: The person who's 'not your type', may just turn out to be exactly who you need. I really enjoyed this show so much, towards the end I started to feel a bit sad. It's a fantastic production and soooo easy to binge. Both Seasons 1, and Season 2 are 30 minute episodes with a telemovie in between. Shiro and Kenji are an endearing odd couple in their late 40s; Nishijima Hidetoshi nails the emotionally restrained, hilariously frugal and very private Shiro, a small firm lawyer with a heart of gold who favours neutral colours, salaryman suits and loves a bargain; his partner is a warm, enthusiastic hairdresser in white jeans and bright T-shirts who sees ice cream as not a rare luxury, but an essential occasional happiness. Uchino Seiyou, as Kenji (Ken) is a natural physical comic who provides many moments of amusement.
Also wonderful to see an ensemble of various characters and ages, that reflect the diversity of real life, work and home. Each actor brings something special to the role. Adachi Naoko's script highlights changing social attitudes in a subtle and impactful way. The directors are also to be commended for creating a tight, easy rolling, easy to binge show that will bring a little smile to your face often.
***THANK YOU FOR READING! "Follow" to be notified of more reviews! Say Hello! ~Fumiyawagi

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Passes time, but wastes talent.

🌟 Welcome to (Less) Sex In The City, Tokyo 2023 style. Is it ok to have ex sex? Why can't we just live de facto and stay in love, instead of being married and miserable? Should i just do the same thing my parents did, or live like a millenial would in most parts of the world?
These modern relationship dilemmas are explores through Mukai-kun, a hesitant young salaryman. The show, reminiscent of the John Cusack film, "High Fidelity", navigates love's complexities and missed opportunities. Despite a capable cast aged up to 60 including Akaso Eiji in a role that massively ignores his amazing comedic and emotional talents, the series falls short. Haru shines as a progressive female lead, but the lack of mature plot and physical intimacy diminishes its impact. Okayama Amane is the hidden gem of the show, with his comedic timing and comic physical presence.
The show's pace and limited exploration of modern adult themes, hinder its potential. Like so many modern Japanese dramas, this one largely pretends physical intimacy does not exist.
Still, this show offers a moderate viewing experience, best enjoyed without high expectations and while waiting other releases.
🌟 Thank you for reading! Follow to be notified of future reviews! ~ Fumiyawagi

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Takahashi Is Set For Big Things

One of the few Japanese romances that doesn't rely on the tired old "trip grab and hug" trope. Takahashi absolutely smoulders as a moody ML who has his own private burdens. He is a versatile actor with a big future and it will be very interesting to see which roles he is offered as an older adult. The world is ready for Asian leads in Hollywood and European film, and it would be wonderful to see Japan's incredible talent receive greater recognition and roles.
Overall this is a very pleasant teen romance, with fantastic Japanese rock and a fabulous twist when how the two leads finally come to understand each other. All of the actors are highly capable and although it is a school setting with some compulsory scenes, the dialogue is modern and fresh. Stay watching to the very end!

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A TOUR DE FORCE ... NOT TO BE MISSED !!

Mysterious, Intriguing ... Gong Yoo's Finest Acting To Date 🌟Psychological thrillers are not for everyone, especially when paced to tease out the clues like a fine silk web. Gong Yoo displays heartbreaking vulnerability as a shell of a broken man in permanent state of anxiety, in crisis and seemingly incapable of living a normal life. His natural ageing adds realism to his mental wounds. Apparently in interviews Gong Yoo has noted that his face is changing in middle age, but this is attribute will lend substantial depth to future roles.
The set designer and music director have gone all out with interiors and score that absolutely invigorate the senses and alert viewers to subtle clues amid all the love voodoo.
Almost every actor, especially the FL, is perfectly selected and the series is a delight to savour. The only criticism one might make is that the ending could have been 10 minutes shorter or open ended.
Give this powerful series a chance - watch at least 2 or 3 episodes, before you decide. And btw, this show is not written for "second screen viewing" ... leave your phone out of reach, or you'll miss a vital clue ... ! Enjoy!

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A Perfectly Crafted 2 Hour Masterpiece of Joy. Do Not Miss

"Old Fashion Cupcake" stands as one of Japan's finest live-action dramas in recent years, deserving global recognition as a future classic. There are a thousand moments that will make you smile.
Every aspect of the show - direction, cinematography, musical score and screenwriting - has been carefully considered by a cohesive team to create a series with zero waste and maximum impact.
The premise revolves around finding happiness and joy in life, when a 29 year old office worker Togawa, convinces his jaded nearly 40-year-old boss Nozue to heed his own advice, to embrace the present moment and let go of regret.
Tatsunari Kimura, a veteran stage actor at just 28 when this was filmed in 2022, highlights why he is one of THE actors of his generation, who uses minimal blocking (physical movement) and dialogue to conveys incredible depth, intense emotion and outstanding vulnerability. He also acts with his eyes, a rare skill in young actors. Unfortunately for millions of viewers, he works primarily in stage theatre and rarely does tv work. We hope he will reconsider for an excellent role. Satoh Takeru, please team up and find the perfect opportunity to foster this incredible talent!
Kouhei Takeda, as Nozue, is sublime as he struggles to disguise his Honnae aka true feelings, with minimal facial movement. That's expert skill. His beautiful portrayal of the lonely 39 year old hits home sharply, a man who thinks he can stay in a position of safety, but in reality he is in danger of letting life pass by. We are uplifted by his efforts not to drown in apathy and to seek adventure and embrace joy once again.
Here, a special mention is made of "Morning Dub For N", a beautiful heartbeat instrumental piece by Daisuke Nisihimura (Dunk) that resembles the traditional Japanese koto instrument, to evoke emotions in key scenes - particularly the opening sequence where Nozue contemplates his boring safe life. We also absolutely LOVED the joyous opening tune, Blue Blur, an uplifting bilingual R&B theme song with retro elements by Ryu Matsuyma featuring Mabuana. The entire score and soundtrack are perfectly positioned throughout the series and substantially enhance moving moments, and the entire viewing experience.
Viewers may feel lost when it is over. Should there be a Season 2? After careful deliberation: No. There is nothing left to add or remove. The art is perfect, as is.
Don't Miss It. You Won't Regret.

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A Great Introduction To Japanese TV and Insight into Tokyo Of Old

Watched this in early 2022 and it kickstarted my renewed obsession with Japanese culture and language, which had been dormant for decades since high school. The pace is energetic, the settings are suitably 90s realistic (we remember those gritty times), the characters and actors deliver realistic cruelty, disillusionment or discontentment and the story is dynamic. It is after all, based on several angles of reality. You'll binge the series in a day and arrive at the end breathless, declaring: "Hang on! I need MORE!" Season 2 review in the coming weeks. "Follow" to get notifications of latest reviews ... Thanks for reading! Fumiyawagi

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Stunning On All Levels, A Must Watch Romance

I have rewatched the series and telemovie at least twice. This is a wonderful love story, that so many people will relate to. Akaso Eiji is one of those actors who can speak with eyes, and express emotions without saying a word, and has fantastic physical comedy ability; Keita Machida says so much with just a smile or simple movement. Several of the support actors really shine in the smallest moments. It should be made available on Netflix as it is such a fantastic, modern dramedy that begs for a huge audience. A do not miss ! Although it is highly restrained (the kisses are few and are disguised by elevator doors etc), the chemistry and love of the two MLs is obvious and you will watch with a smile on your face.

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Polished TV Production Honours Manga Origins

I loved the series and watched it twice over the 2024 new year. I particularly enjoyed the culinary conversations and even learned a few new tips. Jun Shison oozes sex appeal ... and appealing arrogance. Some viewers may be unaware Takahashi is a trained cook and Shison has recently directed a couple of short films. They are both absolutely outstanding actors on an ensemble of amazing talent in front of and behind camera. Would be wonderful to see a Season 2. But please, Director ... lose the awful Gaku bowl cut wig! Hiding the most handsome man in Japan! 😆
I would have liked more scenes of Ego Gaku, that period of the show serms too brief but
is very intense and Takahashi Fumiya again cements his potential as an amazing, emotionally powerful and broadly skillled actor at just 22 years of age. He typically plays brooding, moody types; check him out in the new movie release Our Secret Diary. I personally believe he could be a significant talent beyond Japan if he so wishes. Enjoy 👋

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Substantially Different To The Original, But Great Fun

Fans of Cherry Magic (Japan) will enjoy this very heartwarming series adapted to Thai social and office culture. The MLs are considerably more open and the workplace scenes are more direct and personal. The T-pop is fabulous, so have your Shazam and Spotty ready!
Talent abounds in this series: special mention goes to "Junior" Panachai Sriariyarungruang who portrays Tsuge/Jinta. Junior is a riot and brings amazing physical comedy and true heart to this role and elevates the entire series. He will go very far in his career, with careful script choices. And "Sing" Harit Cheewagaroon aka Rokakku / Rock is full of pep and stays true to the OG character, but also displays depth and credibility and has excellent potential as future serious romantic lead.
There is some drama overload with some side characters, reducing the MLs to background extras at times.
Thank you for reading! Please feel free to "Follow" for more reviews, or say hello! ~ Fuyimawagi

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Worth It Just For The Shower Scene

... and that's the only spoiler Fumiyawagi will give you, that Episode 2 contains one spectacular, blindingly sexy, clothing free minute for Keita Machida devotees. We are still watching the series and will update this review in due course. Keita is in almost scene and appears to be carrying the weight of the show.
We have watched several series and movies starring Keita Machida and believe he is destined for Hollywood, as a genuinely talented actor. No doubt when they find out he's shredded to the max, speaks 3 languages and has an Academy Award worthy smile ... the phone will be ringing off the hook! Creative Artists Agency, where are you?
Thank you for reading! Follow to be notified of future reviews! ~ Fumiyawagi

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