Rewatching My Love Mix-Up! helped solidify its position in my personal ranking of Japanese BLs
This may serve as a belated entry into the conversation, but a recent rewatch of My Love Mix-Up! (Kieta Hatsukoi) was essential for me to finalize my "Top Japanese BLs" list. If there is one takeaway from this series, it is that a rocky first episode should never be a reason to write a series off
Story
I’ll be honest… I’m generally not a fan of miscommunication-driven romances, but this might be the only BL where I actually accept it because it’s handled with so much charm. Aside from that, it’s more than a fluffy show that everyone perceives, because the show also subtly tackles some serious themes
First, the sexuality. While Aoki is canonically (or probably) bisexual, I have a strong headcanon that Ida is demisexual. This framing perfectly explains his slower pace and the time he required to internalize his feelings for Aoki
Episode 8 deserves special mention for how it addresses homophobia, particularly that familiar and ugly assumption held by homophobic men that they are automatically a “catch” or inherently attractive. Aoki’s line about liking Ida specifically, and not “all men in general” was such a bold move
Acting/Cast
I’ll admit, the anime-style acting in the first episode was a bit much for me at first. However, Micchi (Michieda Shunsuke) grew on me so fast but he and Meme (Meguro Ren) are still growing as actors and could’ve used a bit more range in the heavy scenes. Well... their chemistry is off the charts, and that’s what keeps you hooked. As someone who has read the manga, I can confidently say the casting was spot-on. Even on a purely visual level, the actors perfectly capture the appearance and overall presence of their manga counterparts
Music
Hands down, one of the best OSTs in Japanese BL history, imo. Both Ubu LOVE and Secret Touch are absolute bops that fit the vibe of the show perfectly
Rewatch Value
10/10. This is one of the most rewatchable Japanese BLs of all time. Whenever you need something easy to watch, this is the one to go to. This is my go-to show whenever I’m having a bad day and need a “shot of serotonin” It’s easy to watch, sweet as sugar, and despite a few tiny plot holes, the execution is just wonderful
Story
I’ll be honest… I’m generally not a fan of miscommunication-driven romances, but this might be the only BL where I actually accept it because it’s handled with so much charm. Aside from that, it’s more than a fluffy show that everyone perceives, because the show also subtly tackles some serious themes
First, the sexuality. While Aoki is canonically (or probably) bisexual, I have a strong headcanon that Ida is demisexual. This framing perfectly explains his slower pace and the time he required to internalize his feelings for Aoki
Episode 8 deserves special mention for how it addresses homophobia, particularly that familiar and ugly assumption held by homophobic men that they are automatically a “catch” or inherently attractive. Aoki’s line about liking Ida specifically, and not “all men in general” was such a bold move
Acting/Cast
I’ll admit, the anime-style acting in the first episode was a bit much for me at first. However, Micchi (Michieda Shunsuke) grew on me so fast but he and Meme (Meguro Ren) are still growing as actors and could’ve used a bit more range in the heavy scenes. Well... their chemistry is off the charts, and that’s what keeps you hooked. As someone who has read the manga, I can confidently say the casting was spot-on. Even on a purely visual level, the actors perfectly capture the appearance and overall presence of their manga counterparts
Music
Hands down, one of the best OSTs in Japanese BL history, imo. Both Ubu LOVE and Secret Touch are absolute bops that fit the vibe of the show perfectly
Rewatch Value
10/10. This is one of the most rewatchable Japanese BLs of all time. Whenever you need something easy to watch, this is the one to go to. This is my go-to show whenever I’m having a bad day and need a “shot of serotonin” It’s easy to watch, sweet as sugar, and despite a few tiny plot holes, the execution is just wonderful
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