Just like elevators, love goes up and down

Finished watching this November 2024, as they aired it here in Japan on TVer (thank my lucky stars that they don't forget to show old dramas along with the new--except NHK and other non-commercial broadcasts) .

What I liked: The fact that this is an old-school drama, which means it has a long running time, and thus more time to flesh-out the characters and give them more time to interact with each other. The benefit for us viewers being that we can come to care more about them. And because this is an old drama (here in 2024), it's also a good chance to look at what life was like back in the early 90's. I also personally like the three mains- they are all not only great actors, but have long, successful careers. They are very appealing to me in different ways. And finally, I just love the ending theme song-sung by Miyazawa herself. I'm a softie for jazzy-pop songs. And the cream on the top is that along with the cool song are ending credits with cute puppies frolicking around a white backdrop! They're so adorable!

What I didn't like: Despite the great cast and their best efforts, the story unfolds like the petals of a flower in a game of he loves me he loves me not. Or to put in this drama's terms, an elevator of love continuously going up and down. Relationships just don't seem to get anywhere. It was frustrating at times watching this drama because of that. Also, the side stories aren't that interesting. As a result, there's not much desire to re-watch this drama, for me at least.

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Music brings high-schooler and paramedic together

This is the 14th installment in this series of short love stories. The location is Fukuoka, Japan, a prefecture on the southern island of Kyushu. I’m proud to say I live in this beautiful part of Japan.

What I like:
The story is well-thought out and presented. The two main leads are great. Shiraishi Sei is cute as a high-schooler and beautiful as an aspiring music performer. Her singing is good, too. And Nishiyama Jun is respectable in his role as a paramedic and handsome fan of Shino, Shiraishi’s performing name. Their by-chance first meeting at the animal park is cute. And the setting in different parts of Fukuoka, particularly Kayoicho Park, are wonderfully filmed.

What I don’t like:
A large part of the two ML’s relationship takes place through Line social messaging interactions. I’d rather possible love interests look into each other’s eye than at smartphones! I want more dating scenes between the two of them. And I think the ending is abrupt and not to my liking. But because of the short run time and the constraints of staying true to the real-life story, that’s not possible.

I recommend this to anyone who wants a well-made, short and sweet drama. You get a bonus guitar playing and singing high-schooler. And you can enjoy taking in the parts of Japan away from the usual Tokyo locations.

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