J-Drama Talk: TBS Spring Drama Gives Us A Pleasant Suprise
TBS spring drama might be not as hyped as the NTV ones. But surprisingly, they managed to give the J-drama fan a good romance drama with let’s face it remarkable soundtracks from Japan’s two award-winning singer-songwriters.
- Rikokatsu
Cast : Kitagawa Keiko, Nagayama Eita, Sano Shiro, Mitsuishi Kotono, Hiraiwa Kami, Takahashi Mitsuomi
Screenwriter and Director: Izumisawa Yoko (screenwriter), Tsuboi Toshio, Suzuki Sanae
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Life, Drama
Synopsis (jdramas)
Mizuguchi Saki is an outstanding fashion magazine editor who grew up in a modern and liberal family. She meets Obara Koichi who is the ace of the Air Rescue Wing of the Air Self Defense Force. He grew up in a strict military family and is the classic straight-laced guy. Although Saki and Koichi are polar opposites, the two of them quickly get married without dating, believing that they would start a happy life as newlyweds after a lavish wedding ceremony. However, as they begin living together in the same house, their differences in lifestyles and values result in differences in opinions and huge fights. Saki and Koichi soon decide to get a divorce. But the couple has difficulty breaking the news of their decision to their families, colleagues, and friends who celebrated their marriage and looked forward to the future. They thus start activities behind the scenes to prepare for their divorce.
Pros
Personally, I quite fancy this kind of couple, one with 360 difference in principals. Saki san who is free and liberal with Koichi who is your classic text-book soldier who really strict to the bone. This is not your average divorce situation drama who usually serious, high in tension, etc, this is more like subtle version of it. The story itself it’s good, but not amazing.. and the soundtrack surprisingly managed to lift the drama, giving the mellow sad sounds that would captivate your heart in instant.
Cons
Well, as much I like this kind of couple, I don’t quite grasping the story-wise. It’s good don’t get me wrong, but somehow it missing something that connect the dots. I like saki san character but not much on Koichi, I know he supposed to be a strict military man. But the way he talks it’s just not right for me. Both of the actor/actress manage to portray their character well but emotion wise. I kinda lost in translation.
Verdict
It’s a good young adult drama per se, taking a different perspective of love. That when you’re married, life is not gonna be before marriage and the reality of modern marriage who usually ending up in divorce (most of it), it kinda hit the spot, but sadly it’s a bit confusing for me as the drama goes on. But, Pale Blue by Kenshi Yonezu, surprisingly managed to mask the awkwardness of the drama, with mellow deep sad song that could captivate your hearts.
Bingeworthy: Hard for me to say, just like conpaji this is an acquired taste drama. So you will like it, or not like it at all.
2. Kikazaru Koi ni ha Riyuu ga Atte
Cast: Haruna Kawaguchi, Ryusei Yokohama, Osamu Mukai, Natsukawa Yui, Ryuhei Maruyama, Anne Nakamura, Kazuki Lio.
Screenwriter and Director: Kaneko Arisa (screenwriter), Tsukahara Ayuko
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
Synopsis (TBS, translated by MDL)
Mashiba Kurumi works as a publicist for “el Arco Iris”, an interior design company that is becoming popular with young people on social media. She’s a fashionista who cares a lot about her appearance and about what others think. She works hard to gain the admiration of her coworkers and boss, Hayama Shogo. Kurumi is so busy with work that she forgets to renew her lease on her apartment. Her friend Koko helps her find a new place… but it’s a share house with 3 strangers! There’s Fujino Shun, a minimalist chef who just wants to live a simple life. Then there’s Terai Haruto, Shun’s cousin who works as an online counselor to help people with their problems. Finally, there’s Hase Ayaka, an aspiring artist who makes contemporary art while working part-time as a delivery driver at a high-end supermarket. And so these people of different ages, occupations, and values come together under one roof. Though their personalities clash, Kurumi falls in love, deepens her friendships, and learns to take off her “armor” and live as herself.
Pros:
This the same of type romcom like Koipuni, but the love story is more realistic than koipuni which is more like fantasy disney kinda love story. The drama itself is light, enjoyable and character has their own personality which is make it easier for audience to recognize them. Ryusei as main male lead surprisingly improved from watadou (which i don’t fancy that), his cheekiness, goofiness are quite good. Koko character is also very mother-like which is very warming and the chemistry between characters simply amazing, the dog is also very cute and adds another cutness to the drama. Soundtrack-wise… i could only say, The best! it’s simple, it’s warm, it’s absolutely completes the whole thing in one. The visualization is also great and the story really relatable top to bottom. Haruna fashion is also really simple and cute. So basically this is by far amongst other romcom in this season
Cons
Not much to say, but at certain part of the drama do need some explanation like why all the sudden Hayama quit the job and went missing. Hayama character is a bit mystery to me too so it kinda lost its track. I just hope that there’s no love triangle whatsoever that could ruin the whole thing…
Verdict:
We’ve seen the comments in many fandoms, that this in unexpectedly remarkable. Many people underestimate this and so am I, but boy i was wrong. This is by far the best first episode of romcom in this season, Gen is absolutely a freaking genius! He didn’t say anything regarding the soundtrack, kept the fans wondering what’s gonna be like. When the time comes. I can only said, apart of my biases.. GORGEOUS! It really deliver the message of straight forward love song but with elegance. The sound reminds me of rnb/soul songs back in 90’s, complementing the whole drama. They do really set the standard really high i mean literally high! The production team is absolutely amazing. two award-winning drama’s in 2020 working together (MIU404 and Koi Tsuzu)! Dang! Yep, Kikazaru koi do have a high standard to fill and hopefully the rest of the episodes could do the justice.
Bingeworthy: YES! Simple as that.
I forgot to mention, this only a PRELIMINARY review based on the first episode only. So anything could happen in the upcoming episodes till it’s end. Don’t forget to comment below if you have a disaggrement or anything to add. so, we will see till it’s end. Until then, Cheerio!
