Rinka Kumada

TV Asahi

Third-year advertising company employee Aoi Morita (Rinka Kumada) has long struggled with her self-confidence, as her tall height makes her an anomaly among Japanese women. While taking the elevator at work one day, Aoi's director teases her about her height, but an unexpected savior swoops in to defend her: aloof sales manager Tomonari Kurosawa (Fuma Kikuchi), whose direct manner of communication gave him a chilly reputation despite his genuine care for others. As Aoi starts to learn more about Kurosawa, she begins feeling more drawn to him, but can't quite get a read on how he feels. Meanwhile, Kurosawa has largely steered clear of relationships, wishing to avoid anything that makes his life more complicated, but even he isn't immune to feeling jealous when others get close to Aoi. Will these coworkers eventually find their way to romance together? This drama was adapted from the manga of the same name by ma2.

THE REASON WE FALL IN LOVE

📝 Reasons to Love 💕✨

Aoi Morita

Sumire (Igeta Hiroe) is a struggling pattern designer who experiences heartbreak and job loss. Seeking a fresh start, she decides to become an underwear designer, despite facing initial challenges in the industry. During a disheartening job interview, she meets Soichi (Ichinose Hayate), a young man with aspirations of becoming a pianist who protects her from the rain. As Sumire develops feelings for Soichi, she discovers he harbors mysterious secrets that complicate their budding relationship. This is a 2023 Japanese drama series directed by Komaki Sakura, Sasaki Shimon, and Megumi Aiba.

Hide from the Rain

Auspicious Rain 🌦️

Akari Tachibana

University student Akari Tachibana (Rinka Kumada) has sworn off real-life romance, finding solace in comics after a painful breakup. But her carefully guarded heart is thrown into turmoil when she meets the kind and honest Izumi Naruse (Jyutaro Yamanaka), whose personality immediately attracts her. However, she’s stunned to learn he’s the younger brother of her high school ex. Will this unexpected connection push them apart or bring them closer? This 2023 Japanese drama, based on the manga of the same name by Kyo Hinata, was directed by Takuya Sakagami, Katsuhiro Omoto, and Ryosuke Fukawa.

Brother Trap

Love is a Trap

Shion Hagino (Rinka Kumada), once an awkward high school student, was cruelly rejected by her crush Souma Hasegawa (Kyoya Honda) due to her appearance. Now a 29-year-old beauty consultant with exceptional styling skills, she remains single. During a blind date party, she mysteriously time-travels back to 2010, returning to her high school self but armed with her adult makeup expertise. Determined to change her past and potentially find love, Shion seeks to rewrite her romantic destiny. Based on a manga by Yuu Nozomu, "Cinderella Again" is a 2022 Japanese drama series directed by Goto Yosuke.

Cinderella Again

👓 A Makeover Past 💋

In an innovative attempt to combat social isolation, the Japanese government passes a NEET Protection Law, creating an agency to match NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) individuals with government employees. Shin Akiyasu (Toshiki Seto), a 28-year-old civil servant, is paired with Himari Sawamoto (Rinka Kumada), who was signed up for the program without her consent. Forced to live together as "husband and wife," the unlikely couple must navigate their unexpected arrangement. As they struggle with their unconventional living situation, they begin to discover unexpected connections and potential feelings for each other. Based on a manga series by Miku Yuuki, this unique social experiment challenges the boundaries of relationships and personal freedom. This is a 2020 Japanese drama series directed by Honda Ryuichi.

Marry Me!

The Experimental Couple Team

Himari Sawamoto

Rio (Aoi Wakana) is a Tokyo high school student whose summer vacation plans are disrupted when her mother sends her to the countryside to stay with her grandmother. Initially disappointed, Rio's mood shifts when she meets Ginzo (Sano Hayato), a charming young man working part-time at her grandmother's teahouse. Despite their initial rocky start, they gradually develop a close bond that attracts both curiosity and disapproval from their friends. As the summer vacation approaches its end, their budding relationship faces uncertainty about its future. This is a 2018 Japanese movie directed by Takeshi Furusawa.

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