Drama Digest
The drama is adapted from the manga ‘Old Fashioned-Cupcake’ by Sagan Sagan.
It revolves around the story of a 39-year-old officegoer, Nozue. Apart from his monotonous daily routine of sleeping, waking up, and working, he has almost nothing to do. At work, his subordinates consider him to be the perfect kind boss. But inside, Nozue grapples with a sudden existential crisis. One of his employees, Togawa, a 29-year-old, keeps a keen eye on Nozue. Nozue’s change in behavior caught his attention. He tries to cheer him up by staying by his side and occasionally getting too overwhelmed to control his feelings for him.
Gradually his feelings influence Nozue as he jumps through a surprising set of emotional layers unknown to him. Will Togawa come out and give an earnest confession or will Nozue respond to his emotions and take action? Watch the drama to find out.
The Feel-Good Part
Togawa’s hidden feelings blended with Nozue’s growing interest in him balance the unnecessary sugar rush in the drama. Through their mature, honest, and realistic growth of something beautiful, it tailors the right amount of toe-curling moments.
The Disappointing Factor
Despite a light-hearted and warm storyline capturing the spiraling moments of Nozue and Togawa, the drama needed polishing for a better portrayal.
In-Depth Analysis
The drama encapsulates the authenticity of the manga to a great length. It doesn’t get lost in the translation and thus manages to hold its position. It impregnates significant facts that are often considered taboo or are based on unfamiliarity in most cases. The apt writing nurtures the narrative on this basis. In episode 4, when Nozue is processing the situation and his feelings, he states these facts first. Thus slowly untangling the change in perspective. For a man afraid of losing the satisfaction of a simple life, this instills an inspiring notion that it’s never too late to change. But the relevance of somebody else looking out for him to assist him in that journey becomes crucial. Through small things, this change gradually builds up in Nozue. Togawa’s initiative of the ‘anti-aging’ process helms Nozua the courage toward difference. This change was necessary for him to remember himself as the monotonous life was starting to push him towards an inevitable emptiness. He was shifting away from his understanding. But Togawa’s presence reminded him of those early days when they first met. It may not be Togawa’s first love, but the beginning of his feelings is simple and meaningful. For Togawa, Nozue was someone who found him a purpose while he was utterly lost and considered a job to be another flow of life. Later Togawa attains that position and helps Nozue see life as he used to. What becomes relevant is the process. Whether it’s Togawa’s love for Nozue or Nozue’s fear of change in his public and private domain, life asks for motion that comes from within. Here the presence of someone else elevates and encourages, often helping them to see things. Nozue might be the perfect boss for everyone at work. But while he stops himself at it, Togawa blatantly speaks of Nozue’s confusion, thus hinting at his emotional depth. If observed intricately, tiny easter eggs add up to form a philosophical meaning embedded in the drama.
Moreover, the cinematography amazingly portrays their emotions. The subtle sexual tension included through food as an entry point to their intimacy nurtures Nozue’s physical longing that he keeps shoving while fully aware of it. This drama builds such exquisite meanings through simple but strategic strokes.
Star Power
Kimura Tatsunari’s eyes show stellar! The way he conveys his emotions proves his skills as an actor. His and Takeda Kouhei’s superb acting skills are bound to glue the viewers. The supporting cast acted fluently. Notable off-screen gems are undoubtedly the marvelous personalities- of director Kato Ayaka, screenwriter Miyamoto Takeshi, and cinematographer Fukumoto Jun.
Overall Opinion
It is a must-watch for every rom-com lover. It doesn’t stop at a captivating love story. Venture into this mini-series to curve your interpretation.
