Drama Digest
OL otherwise known as Wakako has something known as “drinker’s tongue”. With this peculiarity, she visits various bars after a long working day and enjoys drinking alone. With a simple premise, Wakako invites us to be her drinking buddy, showing us the specialties and the greatness behind each drink she drinks. This season showcases familiar faces such as Airaku, clerk, Aoyagi, and many more. With five seasons under its belt, this live-action of popular spin-off bar, “Wakao Wakako Sake Store,” was created so that others can experience the greatness and joy of drinking alone. What does this season hold for the audience and our Wakako? Watch the show and find out.
The Feel-Good Part
The fact that this show has gained five seasons tells us that there is an audience for this kind of show. The main reason for this popularity is Wakako, who is charming and irreverent and has a great spirit on screen. She can make her difficult days do a 180 just by taking a moment for herself and relaxing. There is something wonderful about that sentiment. Usually, when we think of drinking alone, we think of something sad and undesirable. This show, through its several seasons, has turned that idea around. Wakako drinking alone isn’t a sign of sadness but a celebration and a step towards self-care. Another significant aspect of the show is its simplicity. There is no high stakes or drama or conflict, but rather just enjoyment of food which is very much fun to see. Another significant aspect of the show is that you are in the company of Wakako. The show does not feel intrusive, but rather it feels like you got an invite into her private alone time, and you have an intimate dinner with a close friend. What’s more? The food and drinks served within the show are beautiful and look delicious.
The Disappointing Factor
While this show does not have a long episode format, it does feel a bit drawn out. There is only so much you can present when your premise is just a woman drinking alone. With several seasons, the show needs to constantly find new ways to keep the audience engaged, which can get repetitive. Since the show does not have a lot to work for storywise, it depends on its main character to be its source of entertainment. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, it can get a bit bland. But the show manages to avoid this hurdle by creating Wakako’s character as a charismatic friend that you wish you had.
In-Depth Analysis
The show follows a mukbang style of content. The difference is that this style of mukbang does not seem off-putting and does not require the person on screen to eat a large amount of food. This show is a lesson in intimacy and self-care. It tells you that it’s okay to take time for yourself. It is okay to take a moment to breathe and just enjoy your own company before tackling the world outside.
Star Power
The show is screenwriting by Aso Kumiko. The innovative style of the drama works due to her ability to tell a compelling story with very little. She made her debut in 2006 under screenwriter Ban Kazuhiko. She screen wrote several projects such as Inochi Aru Kagiri Tatake e, So Shite Iki Nukunda, Zannen na Otto, Yami no Bansosha, Izakaya Bottakuri, Ramen Daisuki Koizumi-san nidaime, and many more. Our star of the show is Takeda Rina. Her role as Wakako is the heart of the show and the audience keeps coming back. Everything from her line delivery to the way she delivers reactions and emotions is just perfect. She is a seventh-generation member of the J-pop group Morning Musume and is represented by Sony Music. She has starred in several movies and dramas such as Jigoku no Girlfriend, Juhan Shuttai!, IS – Otoko Demo Onna Demo Nai Sei, Yaru Onna: She’s a Killer, The Longest Picture In The World. Lye no Inori, and more. While the show mainly focuses on Wakako’s boozy adventures, we do get some significant supporting roles this season, such as Chef, played by Nozoe Yoshihiro, Aoyanagi, played by Kamakari Kenta, Miisan, played by Yamada Kinuo, Kuramoto, played by Niwa Kigen, Mr. Tama, played by Hotta Masaru, and a guest appearance from Kitazawa Hibiki.
Overall Opinion
With a simplistic concept and an ability to be light-hearted and fun, this is a great drama to watch when you are feeling down.
