This review may contain spoilers
A feast for Japan lovers ! Don't miss this masterpiece!
Curse in Love is one of those dramas you go into with low expectations… and then it completely takes you by surprise. I genuinely did not expect it to be this good, or this addictive. Even more shocking? The truth of the story is nowhere near what you think it will be at the beginning. What truly elevates this drama, though, is how deeply it’s steeped in traditional Japanese culture. The atmosphere alone already sets it apart.
Plot*
The story follows Nao and her mother, who once lived in the staff quarters of Kogetsu-An, a prestigious wagashi shop. As a child, Nao grows close to Tsubaki, the heir to the shop. Their lives feel almost idyllic, until everything shatters. Nao’s mother is framed for the murder of Tsubaki’s father, and their world collapses overnight.
Fifteen years later, Nao returns with one goal: uncover the truth. She conceals her identity, re-enters Kogetsu-An, and even marries Tsubaki, the very heir of the wagashi empire tied to her past. From there, the story slowly tightens its grip, mixing revenge, love, secrets, and tradition into something completely addictive.
After finishing this drama, I desperately searched for something similar and couldn’t find anything that quite matched it. The plot itself is gripping, but what makes Curse in Love truly unique is how heavily it leans into Japanese tradition. We’re not just watching a drama; we’re being immersed in a cultural world. From tea ceremonies to the history and symbolism of wagashi, to the absolutely stunning kimonos, this drama feels like a visual and cultural feast.
It honestly reminded me of 90s Japanese dramas, where stories proudly showcased Japan itself. Compared to many modern dramas that feel increasingly westernized in fashion and lifestyle, this one felt refreshing, rooted, and intentional. Every frame felt carefully thought out, and every costume told a story.
One detail I absolutely loved is that the show even has an official website that goes deep into these elements. There are dedicated pages explaining the wagashi—what each one represents, the ingredients used—and separate kimono fashion pages for nearly every main character: Nao, Tsubaki, Kyoko, the Grand Master, Shiori, Takigawa, even Yuko. Each kimono is explained in terms of color, pattern, symbolism, and style. I don’t know if this is common for dramas (I honestly doubt it), but the fact that they went this far made me appreciate the production even more. If you loved this drama, I highly recommend checking out the official website, it adds another layer to the experience.
And of course, the acting was exceptional across the board. There’s really nothing negative I can say there. Everyone delivered, and the emotional weight felt earned. Ryusei Yokohama, in particular, was an absolute dream in traditional attire—effortlessly elegant and perfectly suited to the role.
Overall, Curse in Love was a beautiful surprise. It’s dramatic, addictive, visually stunning, and rich in culture. One of those dramas that sneaks up on you—and stays with you long after it ends.
If you’re looking for something that feels different, immersive, and unapologetically Japanese, this one is absolutely worth your time!
Plot*
The story follows Nao and her mother, who once lived in the staff quarters of Kogetsu-An, a prestigious wagashi shop. As a child, Nao grows close to Tsubaki, the heir to the shop. Their lives feel almost idyllic, until everything shatters. Nao’s mother is framed for the murder of Tsubaki’s father, and their world collapses overnight.
Fifteen years later, Nao returns with one goal: uncover the truth. She conceals her identity, re-enters Kogetsu-An, and even marries Tsubaki, the very heir of the wagashi empire tied to her past. From there, the story slowly tightens its grip, mixing revenge, love, secrets, and tradition into something completely addictive.
After finishing this drama, I desperately searched for something similar and couldn’t find anything that quite matched it. The plot itself is gripping, but what makes Curse in Love truly unique is how heavily it leans into Japanese tradition. We’re not just watching a drama; we’re being immersed in a cultural world. From tea ceremonies to the history and symbolism of wagashi, to the absolutely stunning kimonos, this drama feels like a visual and cultural feast.
It honestly reminded me of 90s Japanese dramas, where stories proudly showcased Japan itself. Compared to many modern dramas that feel increasingly westernized in fashion and lifestyle, this one felt refreshing, rooted, and intentional. Every frame felt carefully thought out, and every costume told a story.
One detail I absolutely loved is that the show even has an official website that goes deep into these elements. There are dedicated pages explaining the wagashi—what each one represents, the ingredients used—and separate kimono fashion pages for nearly every main character: Nao, Tsubaki, Kyoko, the Grand Master, Shiori, Takigawa, even Yuko. Each kimono is explained in terms of color, pattern, symbolism, and style. I don’t know if this is common for dramas (I honestly doubt it), but the fact that they went this far made me appreciate the production even more. If you loved this drama, I highly recommend checking out the official website, it adds another layer to the experience.
And of course, the acting was exceptional across the board. There’s really nothing negative I can say there. Everyone delivered, and the emotional weight felt earned. Ryusei Yokohama, in particular, was an absolute dream in traditional attire—effortlessly elegant and perfectly suited to the role.
Overall, Curse in Love was a beautiful surprise. It’s dramatic, addictive, visually stunning, and rich in culture. One of those dramas that sneaks up on you—and stays with you long after it ends.
If you’re looking for something that feels different, immersive, and unapologetically Japanese, this one is absolutely worth your time!
Was this review helpful to you?
