Drama Digest:
The drama is a 2020 remake of a 1991 drama with the same title, adapted from the manga written by Saimon Fumi. Nagao Kanji, Akana Rika, Mikami Kenichi, and Sekiguchi Satomi are the centre of the plot. Kanji, Mikami, and Satomi are childhood friends from the town in Ehime Prefecture. The three reunite when Kanji gets transferred to the Heart Sports’ sales department in the Tokyo branch. Rika is his colleague, who also helps him in his work. Kanji has had a crush on Satomi for a long time. He now wants to pursue her. Things get complicated when Rika tells him, “Kanchi, shall we kiss?” and he is rattled.
The Feel-Good Part:
The drama and the OSTs perfectly match each other’s vibe. The cinematography of the show is extraordinary when compared to other Japanese shows. It manages not only to capture the beauty of the city of Tokyo excellently but also the tangled emotions expressed by the characters. Though the storyline is a classic, this remake brings out a much more mature and realistic modern-day love story. The fashion showcased in the show deserves praise as it perfectly showcases the current timeline.
The Disappointing Factor:
Both the manga and the 1991 drama are exceptionally well-known in Japan. Hence the main storyline of this drama doesn’t add any new surprises. The attention on the second lead couple and the other supporting characters seems to fade as the story progresses. The character development for Satomi appears to go downhill as the show progresses.
In-Depth Analysis:
The screenplay lays out the practical side of love. It tries and somewhat proves that relationships can fail even when not threatened by external forces like money, power, and societal norms. The show displays that the people tied up in a relationship can sometimes be the issue for its failure. Akana Rika conveyed as the personification of Tokyo. She is shown as a strong modern woman but with her flaws. Kanji is someone normal. He seeks stability in both life and relationships. He is that typical guy from your neighborhood who can change between women if they don’t offer him what he looks for in them. Rika and Kanji end up in a romantic relationship, though Rika is already having an affair with their boss, Waga Natsuki. Rejected by Satomi, Mikami pursues Nagasaki Naoko from his medical school. The plot progresses to show how each couple has to go through their share of misunderstandings, fights, reunions, and heartaches to realize what’s best for each of them.
Star Power:
The casting is appreciable. Ishibashi Shizuka was the perfect choice for the role of Rika. She steals the entire screenplay with her extraordinary acting skills. Ito Kentaro and Ishii Anna justify their characters with all their might. Kiyohara Sho could have been better. It might also be that he could not shine better among the other extraordinary performances.
Overall Opinion:
Everyone who seeks to watch a mature and more realistic love story should give this drama a watch.
