1
Delightfully Quirky
Quirky characters, an unexpected love story, and a plot that explores the connections between food, family, and memories make this charming drama a warm and heartfelt watch, just like the bento box lunches that bring the leads together.
The story revolves around Haru (Inoo Kei) and Naho (Matsumoto Honoka), both young professionals working in the gaming industry. When the two have a “meet-cute” in a park near their workplaces and start eating lunch together, sparks fly.
Haru is the definition of eccentric — he’s professionally successful, but a loner who talks more to an AI companion than his coworkers; he treats his collection of bonsai trees better than the people around him; and his diet consists entirely of protein bars until a certain female acquaintance begins making him bento boxes for lunch… and that’s how the “lunch break lovers” come to be.
Despite his idiosyncrasies, Haru is surprisingly sincere and thoughtful. He’s also lonely, and Naho’s earnest and nurturing personality, along with her happy family environment, draws him in. He’s able to open up to her about his unhappy childhood and come to terms with some emotional baggage thanks to her support and encouragement.
The leads’ relationship develops naturally through sharing food and flirty banter. Every time Haru gave feedback on Naho’s cooking with an enthusiastic “Buono!” I couldn’t help but smile. From his random Italian phrases to launching into trivia about food and nutrition, his character feels like a real person with real interests and hobbies and personality quirks. It’s an unexpected level of character detail for an 8-episode drama, although not all of the characters have as much nuance — some of the supporting roles are a little cartoonish (particularly the two gaming company CEOs and their constant temper tantrums).
But overall, it’s a fun and heartwarming watch with likable main characters, cooking sequences and artfully arranged bentos that will make you hungry, and a sweet and satisfying conclusion.
The story revolves around Haru (Inoo Kei) and Naho (Matsumoto Honoka), both young professionals working in the gaming industry. When the two have a “meet-cute” in a park near their workplaces and start eating lunch together, sparks fly.
Haru is the definition of eccentric — he’s professionally successful, but a loner who talks more to an AI companion than his coworkers; he treats his collection of bonsai trees better than the people around him; and his diet consists entirely of protein bars until a certain female acquaintance begins making him bento boxes for lunch… and that’s how the “lunch break lovers” come to be.
Despite his idiosyncrasies, Haru is surprisingly sincere and thoughtful. He’s also lonely, and Naho’s earnest and nurturing personality, along with her happy family environment, draws him in. He’s able to open up to her about his unhappy childhood and come to terms with some emotional baggage thanks to her support and encouragement.
The leads’ relationship develops naturally through sharing food and flirty banter. Every time Haru gave feedback on Naho’s cooking with an enthusiastic “Buono!” I couldn’t help but smile. From his random Italian phrases to launching into trivia about food and nutrition, his character feels like a real person with real interests and hobbies and personality quirks. It’s an unexpected level of character detail for an 8-episode drama, although not all of the characters have as much nuance — some of the supporting roles are a little cartoonish (particularly the two gaming company CEOs and their constant temper tantrums).
But overall, it’s a fun and heartwarming watch with likable main characters, cooking sequences and artfully arranged bentos that will make you hungry, and a sweet and satisfying conclusion.
Was this review helpful to you?
