You should research the origin of BL in Japan. Does it really support gay rights? You will see different opinion from that. Those opinion didn't come from me.
They don't use the popularity of BL to gain fame it is simply those are the only main roles available to them. It is like saying actors are using Sentai Kamen rider roles to gain fame. There are tons of BL series for every season and most of them do not have budget of bigger dramas series. Do not expect them to hire actors like Suda Masaki or Kento Yamazaki.
Like I said there are gay themed dramas way before you were born or before the term BL was invented. People also could argue gay themed and BL are not the same. BL are catered towards straight females with their fetishization of gay men. I know gay people who don't like BL tho that is another discussion.
The real problem here is you are accusing actors of using the so called queer media which is wtf? it is a job even popular actors if the material is good they play gay characters again like Hidetoshi Nishijima, Iura Arata etc.
Degrading queer people how do you come up with that conclusion reading my previous comment? Also how is time of year be relevant what I will think? 2026 2006 2036 heck even 3036 if I was still alive then I will still be ME.
WTF is queer media who invented that term. There are many stories with gay people years before you were born. This industry is about telling stories of people in different walks of life whoever you are wherever you came from. Do not create walls or separate the art because they are all the same.
Watching this around 20 years ago I really hate the mother but as I rewatched it I understand it is not as simple matter. It is not me defending the mother but there is a cycle of abuse here.
Satomi Ishihara at her cutest = H2, Rich Man Poor Woman Satomi Ishihara at her hottest = Dear Sister Satomi Ishihara at her prettiest = Pretty Proofreader
The first 4 episodes felt too slow and episodic but after that the story kicks in and the mystery sucks me in. Too many references to 80s Japan there are probably cultural things I missed since I didn't know Japan that much during that time before the bubble pops. But this is a really cleverly written mystery and human drama which theme would resonate in whatever generation you belong. As much as I held dramas written by Kosawa Ryota some of the greats like Suzuki Sensei, Legal High and Date those dramas are too preachy at times but I rarely felt that here. Matilda is such a great character maybe one of the strongest female characters in a jdrama especially if you consider the era where this story happen. What a great performance by Kiryu Mai and damn she looks so pretty in this drama. There are 2 different version of Matilda the fantasy they remember and she as a human being who inspires them in a way reminds me of Wakui Emi performance in Date. If you enjoy dramas like Brush Up Life I would also highly recommend this one.
Not gonna lie the final part felt a bit boring to me. I understand the concept and the theme they are going for but the execution imo felt flat so later episodes are the weakest imo. The strength of this drama is at the first 1/3 of the show when it was the most fun but also more authentic. The characters felt more real early episodes. Ranko the middle sister is my favorite character her development for the most part just happened in the background but I just can't help but root for characters like her. Kawai Yuumi is also magnificent actress when she is sad you also feel sad that is just how good she is. Even if it ended up the weakest asadora I've watched it is still a good drama that I didn't feel I waste my time.
Only 25 years old but already have tons of good roles and acting awards. She is taking the same path as Sakura Ando or Hikari Mitsushima than more mainstream roles. She got more indie type of projects on her resume which is good for her craft. She also doesn't look awkward playing older roles unlike actress like Mori Nana. Both still are the best actress of their generation mori nana just look damn young.
First I haven't read the original novel so I have no way to compare but to me this is a really brilliant film I ranked it a bit higher than Kokuho which makes it my best Japanese movie of 2025. Embarrassing to say but I am not familiar with any of Kazuo Ishiguro works but I have watched some films directed by Ishikawa Kei (traces of sin, innocent days, a man). I am really fan of his style how he builds tension and how he peaks my curiosity so even if some parts are slow it manage to makes me really engaged. Especially the climax part the editing ,the music, the cinematography, the reveal such unforgettable experience. The storytelling is not unique but the setting with that kind of storytelling is what makes it unique and I would say I didn't see it coming at all. There is a point in the film which I said maybe they should just stick to one core message but when the reveal happen ah now it makes sense brilliant one of the best I've ever seen.
That last part is pure catharsis, the performance, the production design, the colors, the direction, the music after witnessing 3 hours of this fictional outcast kabuki character it is one of the most powerful ending I've seen in a movie.
K-Drama 
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They don't use the popularity of BL to gain fame it is simply those are the only main roles available to them. It is like saying actors are using Sentai Kamen rider roles to gain fame. There are tons of BL series for every season and most of them do not have budget of bigger dramas series. Do not expect them to hire actors like Suda Masaki or Kento Yamazaki.
The real problem here is you are accusing actors of using the so called queer media which is wtf? it is a job even popular actors if the material is good they play gay characters again like Hidetoshi Nishijima, Iura Arata etc.
Satomi Ishihara at her hottest = Dear Sister
Satomi Ishihara at her prettiest = Pretty Proofreader
9/10
8.5/10
9.5/10
9/10