Koi Senu Futari (2022)

Peaceful with a satisfying ending

I don't leave reviews for the dramas I watch but I definitely wanted to speak my peace on this specific drama.
For context, the only other LGBTQ+ Japanese dramas I've watched are Cherry Magic and Joshi-teki Seikatsu. The former has more of a romanticized and sanitized version of gay love while the latter had a deeper story but not enough time to execute it to complete satisfaction (imo).

Now for Koisenu Futari. It's simple storyline - woman doesn't understand or want love -> finds someone who feels the same -> they start living together. Since it's a slice-of-life drama, this "sameness" might not appeal to some but I found it fitting. Afterall, to me the most important and riveting aspects of this drama is its acting and the bonds that slowly grow. The FL, Sakuko, is pretty much a regular working, able FL except that she doesn't get marriage/love and sometimes doesn't understand social cues when it comes to discussing some touchy subjects. The ML, Takahashi, feels like the usual "quiet, introverted, weird guy" that lives in a house by himself but in the last two episodes he seems to open up which was nice as he's so guarded throughout.
There are some other characters, like the FL's sister and the FL's work colleague who give good storylines to work with--but they're mostly there in order to supplement the main leads own stories (which makes sense because of the 8 episode count).

Now, this is a story about an aroace woman and man--the FL is on her road to discovery of her sexuality while the ML (who is 12 years older than her) is mostly at ease with himself (he's just on edge with everything else lol). I can't speak to the actual truth in the FL's journey, but the execution feels genuine enough. I like that even though she's learning from ML, in the end she comes to her own conclusions.

The whole core of this drama and the message they seem to be trying to send out is understanding one other and adapting to live amongst (or apart) from each other. I feel like they tied this up nicely with the finale. The main leads don't "suddenly" realize their love for each other (thank God) which was an actual fear of mine. The finale ties up the main storylines nicely (while leaving a thing or two ambiguous) and it's in line with what the drama has been talking throughout.

There's nothing genuinely horrible about this drama but maybe not outstanding either. The whole juice is within the genuine representation and the characters' journey through this part of their lives. The score was *there* while there was some moments in terms of videography, it was pretty usual I guess. TLDR, watch this drama if you'd like an unique LGBTQ+ japanese drama and an easy watch.

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Best representation of aromantics and asexuals so far

Representation of asexuals and aromantics is rare, but Koisenu Futari is easily the best there is so far! Hopefully there will be others like it in the future that will further tackle the nuances of life as an aspec (or asexual/aromantic). This series captured in beautiful detail many of the problems, ups and downs, and revelations that come with being asexual and aromantic, and most importantly, presents a bright, hopeful, and happy future for those who do not experience attraction. I was surprised by how much respect and thought was given into the portrayal, and thank the creators for their work.

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I debated whether or not to write this review, because I think that it's been a while and, at this point, it may not matter, but I would be betraying myself if I didn't sing the praises this drama deserves.

When I heard that Erika Yoshida, who had written one of my favorite aroace characters of all time (Nozomi Fujisaki in Cherry Magic) was writing a whole drama with two aroace leads, I was looking forward to it immensely. After actually watching it, this drama did not disappoint in the least.

It's difficult to find aromantic, asexual or aroace representation in media. It's even more difficult to find good representation. Furthermore, fanon never helps with it, given that it's more often to see characters that could be interpreted as aroace in canon shipped in fanon, as if it was always, unequivocally, a "problem to fix".

This drama doesn't give you one, it gives you two aroace characters who, upon talking about their experiences, decide to live together and figure out if a family born from a love that isn't romantic can withstand just as strongly, whether society around them likes it or not, understands it or not, sees it for what it is or not.

Having two characters that are so diametrically opposed in personality (Sakuko is easygoing, charismatic, doubtful and insecure; Satoru is introverted, quiet, confident and passionate about what he loves to do) and who experience their aroace-ness in different ways, coming from different histories with relationships, makes it incredibly rewarding and allows to portray their identities not as a set, unmovable label, but as complex experiences on a spectrum.

A very pleasant surprise for me was Kazu, a character I thought was going to become too pushy with his amatonormativity, but he became a great asset to not only showcase how people can adapt to understanding others but also, probably, allow those who don't know about the aroace experience to have someone to learn with.

The story isn't a thrilling, action-packed one. This is one of the domestic, day-to-day, cozy ones. Both Satoru and Sakuko deal with work, their life aspirations, societal expectations, family and friends; but the seriousness with which the drama takes the subject and the way in which it centers itself in the portrayal of aroace experiences, makes it more emotionally vulnerable than other domestic dramas, especially if you identify. Honestly, I wish this drama was more easily available with different language subtitles so I could watch it with people who may not understand. I think it'd be a fantastic way to help those around learn about things that I wish they understood.

If you're anywhere in the asexual, aromantic or aroace spectrum, do yourself a favor and look for this drama. There is little else out there that does such a good job and has such respect towards the subject. I can only hope Erika Yoshida continues to give us this rep, because she is great at it.

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I love it

I really like as Japanese movies/tv series always introduce slice of life in such interesting way with its own slow pace. I love it.
I also really like main actor Takahashi Issei and his playing of main character in this drama.

I had a chance to see some movies with asexual characters, but I always ended up disappointed in them. Why? Because characters started as asexual and then suddenly changed to normal couples,marriage, family. WHY, WHY couldnt they be consistent in their asexuality? It came to me like big lie in these films through beginning and then end.

Thats why I SO SO SO much appreciate this tv series, for keeping main characters true to themselves because its not easy thing considering all pressure from society and family to have marriage, children, etc and live in their own way.

Thank you, I definitelly consider this as one of highlights of my long history of watching movies/ tv shows.🙂

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Aromantic or not, I fell in love with this show

I cannot begin to describe the feeling of seeing myself represented on screen this way. I have never seen a show featuring aro-ace characters that are central to the plot, much less a show where they get to be main characters. I am so insanely grateful for this drama's existence and even more grateful to see all the aro-ace people in the comments finding joy and solace in this story just like me.

The way the writers portray the leads is simply excellent as well. They both have distinct personalities and interests and their character arcs don't simply evolve around their sexualities. It's made clear that their identities are an important part of their lives, but certainly not the only part. Seeing the two of them grow and evolve as people over the course of the show is a genuine pleasure to watch.

I will say that quite a few of the side characters annoy me immensely and I don't enjoy how some of their storylines were handled. Some plot points felt a bit unnecessary or out of place to me as well. However, all in all I still feel that the good of this show far outweighs the bad.

There is no singular aro-ace experience and the series doesn't try to pretend that there is. It offers a glimpse into the lives of two specific people in a way that will feel familar to most aro-ace people at least to a certain degree and which will give others the opportunity to learn just a little bit about one of the least well known sexualities.
For that alone I highly recommend you give this show a shot.

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This felt like a breath of fresh air

First thing first I want to say that I while I consider this to be good representation, aro and ace are both spectrums so the definition may differ from person to person. That's why sublabels exist. But it's worth watching.
Anyway this review will be long as it will be less about the drama and more about how much I relate it cus you know, I love watching romance dramas, I've actually finished recently Love between fairy and devil and Mr. Unlucky has no choice but to kiss, but while these two were making me giggle and kick my feet everytime the main couple would touch even a little, this gave me a sense of calmness. Like it feels so refreshing to be able to relate to the main characters as it's so hard to find dramas or books with aroace characters and especially good representation but anyway I'm gonna start talking the drama now :
I loved this. There were so many things I could relate to right from the start and this is actually one thing that I'll talk more about and that is the drama's take on amatonormativity. It's basically the assumption that everyone has to or will fall in love and be in a romantic relationship, actually a monogamous heterosexual relationship as amatonormativity is connected to heteronormativity. Basically everything that strands away from what is considered normal in our modern society. No one understanding what aroace means ( also because aroace is still unknown to many, while you can say you're gay and people would at least now what you're talking about, they won't know what aroace is ), but also not accepting it and still thinking that they could still be in a relationship * cough Sakuko's mom and Kazu-kun* because no matter how much you want to understand us, trying to connect absolutely everything to romance won't help you understand anything as being aroace in most cases means the complete opposite of romance. Also everyone being like oh you're gonna find the right one, you'll find your soulmate, you'll get married and have kids. This shows how affected society is and how it refuses to strand away from the norm and accept that sometimes not being "normal" isn't something bad and if everyone wants to, then that weird and unimaginable thing can be considered normal. Just that not everyone wants to. The drama shows also how gender roles and in a way, their family also goes against what's considered normal in a family and I'm not talking only about them having a family without romantic feelings involved but also about how the woman is supposed to cook and clean and things like that. Also that part when Takahashi said that " You can understand having sex without romantic feelings, but you cannot understand that you can be in love without having sex ?" I don't think this is exactly how he said it tho but I loved it. I loved every moment when he would get a little in his head about being aroace.
I could relate the most with Sakuko, just that she is way happier and positive than me and I haven't been in a relationship ever in my life. But not being able to understand what love is, not liking touching, being pissed off when someone tells us that this guy friend that we have is our boyfriend. Oh society how much I despise you sometimes for the amount of times I had to explain that this guy was my friend not my boyfriend. I would say this has something to do with heteronormativy more as in my country you could say you have a friend( feminine form) and everyone won't think otherwise, but if you say you have a friend ( masculine form), everyone starts to create little fantasies in their heads about how you to are together. Another thing that I could relate to was that I can't understand what flirting means either.
Yeah I think I talked way more about me rather than the drama. But I can talk a lot about the drama too.
First of all, I think I would've given it 10 stars even before watching it just based on the premise like two aroace people being the main characters ? It sounded good already. It had this vibe, like it was colourful and fresh in a way, I don't know how to explain it but it was visually pleasing. All of the actors were good and I think I talked enough about the aroace part of the drama. The rest of the things that I could talk about are things that aro and ace people had to deal with like them being considered weird or that they have some kind of problem. Anyway the drama was cute and funny at parts and it was a little angsty too, something I didn't predict. I cried a little at the end when it showed everyone being happy.
All in all I love this. I kinda want to learn how to make edits just so I can make some with this drama and share them with the world just so everyone will know about this and watch it. I'm hoping that more dramas like this will exist in the future.

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Analysis and Things I Loved About the Show

- depicts how nuanced AroAce relationships/ partnerships are.
- explores the complexities of family dynamics.
- challenges and subverts notions of what constitutes a “normal family.”
- shows the challenges that AroAce people face in a world that favors amatonormativity.
- there’s a sapphic subplot (very small tho) and it offers a glimpse into the challenges that queer people battle internally in their pursuit of love/relationships.
- conveys the reality of those in the closet and the impact of their decisions to not come out (and what happens when they do come out).
- shows how damaging loving someone can potentially be & how love can make people blind to the reality of the harm they might actually be inflicting.
- ep 8 conveyed how language can be limiting. labeling and defining relationships and emotions can sometimes be detrimental but at the same time finding that one word to define something can be liberating. to finally have a word for something can offer clarity.
- “family” becomes a possibility instead of an impossibility.
- kazu is an interesting character and my opinion of him changed. he symbolizes a lot of things imo.
- the show could’ve explored the grief and loneliness aspect more. it’s glossed over (mentioned minimally) but it’s one of the main catalysts for them moving in together. the topic could’ve been explored more.
- i love the use of color theory. the main characters and background characters wear vibrant colors and in ep 8 satoru and sakiko wear white which i thought was fitting for the scene. there’s a lot of symbolism in their choosing to wear white.

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Amazing Representation

As someone on the aroace spectrum this was an important drama for me. It was easily the best representation I’ve seen in media, and I hope more comes to be as years pass. The writers and actors did an incredible job making Sakuko and Satoru feel like they could be real people. All of their struggles and worries were /real./

I am very fond of the ending. The pacing and build to Satoru’s character hit just like it was meant to. Although the relationship between Sakuko and Satoru is unconventional, it works for them personally. Aroace people all have a situation special to them, and this captured that which I adore.

I also love that Kazu became a proper supporter in Sakuko’s life versus when they were dating. It was nice to see someone who was initially confused and in denial eventually come to understand and accept this part of Sakuko, especially when Sakuko lost Chizuru as a friend.

This drama made me more hopeful about my lack of attraction and I’m thankful for that. This story will definitely stay with me for a long time.

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