Drama Digest
Kotaro Lives by Himself is based on the manga Kotaro Wa Hitori Gurashi by Mami Tsumura and focuses on the life of a strange yet polite five-year-old boy who lives alone in an apartment complex. His interactions with other people, mainly with his neighbour who is a struggling manga creator named Shin Karino, form the main plot. Karino is the person who decides to take significant care of Kotaro. Kotaro’s presence has a huge positive impact on other characters living in the same apartment complex; Karino’s world is transformed substantially. Stories of individual characters unravel gradually, leaving the audience mesmerized in the end.
The Feel-Good Part
Kotaro Lives by Himself is slow-paced, but this gradual unveiling of the plot results in many special surprise moments that offer a large spectrum of emotions- one moment, you’ll find yourself laughing on the floor, the other moment you’ll find yourself bawling your eyes out. The formation of the parent-child relationship between Karino and Kotaro is exceptionally heartwarming. Kindness and human connections lie at the center of the plot, and hence, the overall experience of watching the drama is highly relatable and cathartic.
The Disappointing Factor
Most scenes comprise the characters indulging in their everyday tasks; this, along with the gradual pace of the plot, might be disappointing and boring to some audiences. One needs patience while watching this series. Although the story is fascinating, it is entirely fictional. A five-year-old would never be left to live without any supervision in reality. If you are a non-fiction enthusiast, this series might not be the one for you.
In-Depth Analysis
The drama is a perfect blend of light-heartedness, comedy, and thought-provoking sentiments; the unique plot offers many insights into different types of human connections. The primary relationship between Karino and Kotaro is immensely heart-touching and emotional. Both Kotaro and Karino learn a lot from each other. Karino owes his developed sense of responsibility and maturity to the five-year-old. The bonds and the familial relationships that the characters form with each other are noteworthy.
Star Power
Kotaro’s character is played exceptionally by Eito Kawahara; his delivery is on point and deserves much praise. Side characters are quirky yet lovely, and all interactions are organic, which adds to the overall charisma of the drama. All members of the cast feel like a big family, which is a result of the collaboration of their incredible skills.
Overall Opinion
Kotaro Lives by Himself has a unique standing in the category of J-dramas. The storyline is comforting, heartwarming, and does not take an expected turn at any point. People might consider such a plot boring, but the innocence of the simple story does not fail at catching the hearts and eyes of the majority. Kotaro Lives by Himself is an unconventional drama that is brought into existence by talented actors and an equally skillful team.
