This was one of my favorite series of 2022. Slice of life, older partner being more afraid than the younger, the younger guy being more bold, all of these appeal to me. Akira Minato took over the laundromat in town from his grandfather. After a disastrous one-sided love affair, Akira decides to move to Tokyo to live the dream. After working for a black company (this is a Japanese term, look it up) he decides to return to his hometown, to run the coin laundry.

Shintaro is a high school senior, tall, handsome, smart and his goals are to win Akira's heart and go to medical school. In this series, it seems to be easier to get into medical school. Akira is doubtful of this relationship because there are two major problems. The first is, the age difference between himself and Shintaro, the second, he kissed his (male) teacher on his graduation day and has unresolved feelings about it. Akira's internal struggles are the main focus of this series. Shin already knows what he wants, it's Akira who has to figure things out.

Set in a beautiful rural town, Minato Shouji Coin Laundry may be too slow for some viewers, but is perfect for me. This series has a great supporting cast, and though rural, town members support the characters, or do not outwardly object. Kisses and intimacy in Japanese BL are not up to par, and that is the case with this series too. I was able to overcome that, knowing that in the future, Japanese shows will improve in this area.