Ano Toki Kiss Shite; Funny, Romantic And Heartbreaking…
The plot of " Ano Toki Kiss Shite" will not appeal to every viewer out there. Its bizarre premise of kind-hearted Nozomu Momochi ( Matsuzaka Tori) beginning to fall in love with the outgoing mangaka-artist Yuizuki Tomoe ( Aso Kumiko)-even in the body of cantankerous caretaker Tanaka Masao ( Iura Arata)-can be seen as oddly " risky” or " weird " in the eyes of some viewers.
However, anyone who has watched this drama beforehand will agree that these stereotypes are wrongly-placed. At the heart of Toki Kiss Shite is an oddly comical, yet heartwarming romance tale where selfless Nozomu Momochi learns the importance of self-love during his unconventional relationship with Yuizuki Tomoe.
As far as the cast is concerned, ”Ano Toki Kiss Shite" was fairly dynamic. Matsuzaka Tori was fairly brilliant as our softly-spoken and down-to-earth male lead Nozomu Momochi. The actor himself admitted that he was drawn to the role by the funny and unpredictable nature of the storyline especially for our male lead.
Momochi as a written character initially seemed to ring warning bells as the archetypical " easily-manipulated" male lead who would be drawn in as the scapegoat by Tomoe, however, Momochi undeniably has his own fair share of problems. Despite having a heart of gold, he does not believe that he should have greater ambitions due to his dead-end job at the supermarket. His one form of escapism is the work of Tomoe. Momochi’s meeting with the mangaka-artist leads him to developing an unusual relationship with the artist- not " romantic” in the beginning ( as Momochi tries to explain to his gossiping coworkers who believed he was having an affair with her), but soul-connecting.
Admittedly, it would have been more intriguing to have seen Momochi fleshed-out more with individuality. Whilst we find out a lot as viewers about Tomoe, her emotional struggle and her close relationship with her mother, our male lead felt too much of a blank slate. We rarely saw or hear him talk about family , his past or even simply react emotionally outside of the enforced " I love sensei” or a " new problem which makes me moody" routine. Arguably whilst this story is a romance tale about Tomoe and Momochi, it would have helped to deepen this soulmate relationship if we knew more about the second component and of course our main lead Nozomu Momochi.
That issue aside , this " soul-connecting" relationship provides to become more of a reality than truth during the surreal supernatural events of the series. Despite being mentioned briefly beforehand ( though without definitive spoilers towards the entirety of the circumstances) , Momochi finds himself in an awkward position when his idol claims to be possessing the body of Tanaka Masao. Naturally perturbed , Momochi finds himself slightly on edge due to the awkwardness of the situation.
However there is oddly something endearing about Momochi not straying from his original words of wanting to develop a soulful bond with Tomoe. In a more lighthearted scene of the series when visiting a bathhouse, he desperately attempts to protect Tomoe’s “dignity” as a woman surrounded by men ( despite Tomoe’s later fairly forthright comments).
Now, Tomoe is admittedly harder to assess due to respectfully played by a female and a male actor.Whilst Matsuzaka commented that Aso Kumiko was brilliant for the role, the actress herself admitted that she did find the role a little unrealistic, though enjoyably intriguing. On the other hand, Iuta Aruta confessed he was questioning whether to regret taking up the role when he was given the script, however, Aruta joked that there is a first time for everything-not least playing a female heroine for the first time.
Honestly, both actors were equally as brilliant as the other by imitating one another’s mannerisms . As a character, Tomoe is more straightforward. A talented and successful manga-artist of the popular series “SEIKA no Sora”, it would be easy to establish Kumiko as the " spoilt princess" archetype, however, Kumiko’s life has certainly not been entirely comprised of sunshine and rainbows.
Yet whilst talking about our female lead, it is impossible not to mention her complicated relationship with her editor Takamizawa Haruto ( Miura Shohei). Now, here is where mixed feelings will be generated for viewers. Takamizawa is what you’d expect of your " jealous-fuelled” second male lead; infatuated with Tomoe, and desperate to make Momochi’s life a living misery. On the other hand, it didn’t refreshingly make Takamizawa a " bad person” either. A backstory provided a deeper insight into his relationship with Tomoe as well as his later revelations with Momochi provide that out of all of his faults, he truly does love and care for Tomoe.
Perhaps the slightly annoying aspect of Takamizawa and Tomoe’s relationship is to do with the “ unrequited love” ideology. It’s understandable that Tomoe didn’t believe that Takamizawa didn’t have any feelings for him ( especially considering their current relationship), however, it’s hard to understand how Tomoe could remain so blasé at times about having or at least struggling with her feelings even once with Takamizawa. ( Bearing in mind their relationship prior to the events of the series.)
As far as the comedy is concerned, “ Ano Toki Kiss Shite" is a required taste. Some may enjoy the comical sketches between Matsuzaka Tori and Iura Arata , whilst others may feel offended or uncomfortable by the exaggerated actions of Tori and Arata’s "awkward situations " and the stereotype of the " foreigner” with Momochi’s coworker Li Shan Shan ( Uraji Nuno)’s “ misunderstandings” by still trying to grasp the Japanese language . However, against some of the more questionable comical moments of the series, ” Ano Toki Kiss Shite” hits hard with some intriguingly issues about Japanese society- Kumiko is revealed to have been a victim of Japan’s vicious problem of ageism and prejudice when she first applied her work to the publishing agency. In a male- dominated environment, she had to take up the male pseudonym “Kanikama Joe” for her work to succeed. Additionally Tanaka Yutaro ( Kubozuka Airu), Masao and Masao’s wife Tanaka Honami ( MEGUMI)’s familial relationship represent the problematic dysfunctional family in all its glory.
However, the one issue which did feel a little less addressed considering the nature of Momochi and Tomoe’s presented relationship was the missed issue of homosexuality and the LGBT community in Japan. Now, this is arguably where we do go down a bit of a slippery slope as it is undoubtable that Tomoe is still a woman. ( The affections of the pair are taken upon the devoted bond of a fan and mentor also.) However, to the outside world, Tomoe’s affections and closeness in the body of Masao to Momochi certainly presented a different story. Whilst arguably the series did address a certain awkwardness in Japanese society around the issue of same-sex relationships with Takamizawa seeing Tomoe ( evidently in Masao’s body) in the beginning, this felt like a bit of a missed opportunity to present more seriously also. ( Especially considering some of the other poignant themes of the drama.)
So, is “ Ano Toki Kiss Shite” worth watching? Whilst the comedy and plot premise may not be appealing to everyone, ” Ano Toki Kiss Shite" is fundamentally an awkward and heartfelt romance tale of a devoted fan learning to be selfish and pursue his own feelings for Tomoe with an eccentric yet heartwarming supernatural twist.
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This review may contain spoilers
Selfless soul-switching characters
Ano Toki Kiss shite Okeba literally means "Should've Kissed at that Time" evokes Momochi's regret because of how he rejected Tomoe's kiss. Why though would he reject Tomoe, whom he admires the most? Well, it's only because Momochi is such a pure guy who loves manga, he honestly needs to be protected. Meanwhile, Tomoe is a strong-willed woman and the type of person that would speak up her mind without a second thought. Although they have different personalities, Tomoe started to rely to Momochi not only as an errand boy but also as a reliable companion while experiencing the hardships of her fame as a mangaka. Just when they both agreed to go to a trip together, and Momochi could finally redeem his chance to kiss Tomoe again, their plane crashes. Although Tomoe is reported dead, Masao, claiming he is Tomoe in an old guy's body, asks for Momochi's help. Could this mean there is still a chance for their love? Would Momochi love Tomoe as a guy? But what about Masao's identity? Why Tomoe is in Masao's body?I think Tomoe couldn't really die just yet because of her strong will to finish all her responsibilities. She helped not only Momochi and people dear to her but also Masao and the readers of her manga. Although death is the saddest feeling, hers is fulfilling and inspiring. Her character shows that anything could happen in a blink of the eye, so we should seize the day.
Soul-switching is one of the overly used plots that we still love no matter what because it could be a difficult conflict to overcome but still would surely involve comedic elements. All of the actors did a good job, especially Iura Arata, playing both Tomoe and Masao. It's my first time seeing his drama so I have a strong image of him acting girly and it surprised me seeing his normal self lol.
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ONE OF THE JAPANESE BL FINEST
The best japanese BL of all time. The plot, the character, the flow, the life lesson, all inclusion under one package! This is a must seen for everyone. I love how i found my self enjoying this too much and can't help to see more season of this in the future! Congratulations to all the staffs and the production team behind this high caliber JAPANESE BL OF ALL TIME! Arigato for Ano Toki Kiss Shite Okeba🙏🏻😍The best japanese BL of all time. The plot, the character, the flow, the life lesson, all inclusion under one package! This is a must seen for everyone. I love how i found my self enjoying this too much and can't help to see more season of this in the future! Congratulations to all the staffs and the production team behind this high caliber JAPANESE BL OF ALL TIME! Arigato for Ano Toki Kiss Shite Okeba🙏🏻😍
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Interesting
This drama is about two people who have swapped bodies and have to live with the consequences. I have to say that the actors did a good job. The comedy effects made me laugh and the way they dealt with the fact that the bodies were swapped was funny, but also sad in some parts.Matsuzaka Tori is one of my favorite actors from Japan. He was also one of the reasons why I started watching this drama. In this drama, he played a different role that I haven't seen from him before. And I have to say that I liked it, even though his character seemed awkward at times. Playing a huge fan was really funny. The other main actors were also very good and funny.
The idea of the story is not new. However, I think that they executed this story quite well. I really liked it. Would I recommend this drama? Yes, if you like dramas like this.
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manga bender
enjoyable comedic drama but as it went on for me it became more than just this and was thought provoking too on nature of gender and also where reality and fantasy begin and end with manga passion transmuted into ”real life” 〜very touching and well thought out ending though slightly disappointing from one viewpoint acting good all round：I think Matsuzaka is in characteristic style here as accident prone "little guy" finding himself in compromising situation but ？maybe？ seems slightly ill at ease in same sex scenes here but Iura quite at ease and excellent🇯🇵Was this review helpful to you?
Loved the entire series!!.... made me laugh and cry
The series was different at first, a simple story of the daily life of a quiet, introvert manga fan. When he meets his the writer of his favorite manga. Everything changes!!... they have beautifully showed how a relationship builds and how a relationship and a little bit of love can change a persons life. The story line was fun and kind of exciting to know what was gonna happen next. It showed beautifully depicted how life in unexpected and how each person has a side of suffering and pain only they know and undergo. In love a lot of the characters in this series, each character brought their own charm to the story.... and for the first time I there wasn't any annoying character... that's the beauty of this series!! It did not disappoint me in any way, the pointed out a lot of things that we miss in our lives everyday. I simply loved it!!.... And I have to point out the fact the actors were outstanding!.. you'll get what I mean when you watch the series. In the end if you like a simple story with fun and emotion this should definitely be on your list.Was this review helpful to you?
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Interpretações fantásticas
Como sempre, o Japão nos traz histórias singulares. Até mesmo histórias que já foram contadas eles conseguem dar um toque que deixa-as especiais, peculiares, a criatividade dos roteiristas japoneses parece não ter limites. A história tem um estilo mais adulto, não no sentido de N/C, que nem existe na série, mas por ser necessário ter um grau de psicologia elevado para entender as nuances e lições.Sou um pouco avessa à coisas que terminam sem explicação, mas nesse caso todo o enredo me encantou que as pontas soltas não me fizeram mudar a avaliação. Trata-se de uma comédia romântica fantástica, ou seja rodeada por fatores que fogem à lógica. Um jovem com a vida mais chata possível, consegue conhecer seu ídolo. Aqui eu não consigo dizer com clareza se ele era apaixonado por ela, pois o amor de fã é diferente do amor romântico, mas enfim, se conhecem, se aproximam e se apaixonam. Só o fato de se aproximar pra um fã já seria o auge, e nesse caso ele foi contratado como assistente pessoal. Em uma viagem onde ambos aparentemente pretendiam revelar sentimentos, acontece uma tragédia, que ironicamente é o ponto alto da cômica da série, pois o corpo de Momochi morre, mas seu espírito nesse momento, por motivos que não entendi, estavam no corpo de outro homem, e ela se apresenta nesse corpo, prova ser ela, e a partir de então é só ladeira abaixo, pois é necessário esconder esse fato do público para que ela continue trabalhando e dando lucro à sua empresa já que ela tem muitos fãs. Momochi ama Tomoe, e Tomoe ama Momuchi, mas agora Tomoe está no corpo de um homem, o que Momuchi deve fazer? Gostei bastante do fato de levarem em conta a vida e a família do homem, aliás, pois ela podia apenas se apoderar do corpo e pronto, mas existiu uma certa ética espiritual (kkkk). No final apesar de não termos um happy end convencional, posso dizer que fiquei feliz.
Uma comédia de primeira categoria, que nos faz rir e refletir sobre a brevidade da vida e a importância dos nossos sentimentos. Atuações impecáveis, naquele estilo exagerado do Japão. O ator que interpreta Momochi merecia um prêmio de comediante pq ele atua nesse gênero com maestria. Tanto a atriz que interpreta Tomoe quanto o ator de quem Tomoe pega o corpo emprestado são fantásticos
Eu apenas não gostei tanto da ost, mas todo o resto foi impecável.
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Comedia romántica en medio de una posesión espiritual
Una historia muy inusual en todos los aspectos, inicialmente parece ser un intercambio de cuerpo como hemos visto en otros doramas anteriormente, sin embargo aca es presentado como una especie de posesión espiritual o algo así, para mi es muy difícil definir como se presentaron los hechos, pero definitivamente fue de una forma muy única y original que nunca antes había visto. En general es una comedia romántica que empieza con un fan que se enamora de la autora de su manga favorito mientras comienza a trabajar para ella de asistente personal, sin embargo esto se desencadena en algo totalmente sin precedentes, en donde el espíritu de la chica toma posesión del cuerpo de otro hombre. Esta primicia se presta para situaciones muy graciosas y extrañas. pero adicionalmente a los momentos de comedia que fueron realmente espectaculares, también tenemos enseñanzas sobre valorar el tiempo que compartimos con las personas importantes para nosotros porque pues no sabemos cuando no tendremos más la oportunidad de estar con ellos, y cuando eso pasa por lo general es algo repentino; esto es algo que la serie trata de transmitir al televidente, y también nos muestra como una admiración puede convertirse en amor y también nos muestra como las personas pueden cambiar en base a su entorno; realmente me sorprendió lo fácil que era ver esta serie semana tras semana y mientras la vea a veces me moría de risa, y luego me daban ganas de llorar, realmente fue como una montaña rusa de emociones confusas jeje; con respecto al final, me dejó un poco afectada pero comprendo que no podía ser de otra forma, de todas formas creo que la serie te prepara para ello y al final no resulta tan díficil de aceptar. Las escenas relacionadas al manga hacen que sea muy interesante la historia también, vemos un poco del mundo de los autores de manga, y tenemos muchas escenas que nos muestran un poco de la historia de ese manga que van desarrollando durante el dorama, a veces sentía que había otra historia dentro del mismo dorama.Con respecto a la actuación, aquí es donde el dorama brilla demasiado, el que más me impresionó fue Iura Arata con su actuación como la autora de manga Tomoe y la diferencia cuando representa al personaje de Masao; adicionalmente su parecido en los manerismos de Aso Kumiko es verdaderamente sorprendente, a veces es casi como si la hubiese estado viendo a ella, me queda claro que Arata estudió muy bien todo el lenguaje de Aso Kumiko para poder reproducirlo de una manera perfecta, al punto que no se sentía extraño ni raro verlo junto con Momochi, ya que en mi mente seguía siendo Tomoe; creo que este era el propósito de la producción, y lo lograron totalmente. Con respecto a Matsuzaka Tori como el protagonista Momochi, realmente fue una buenísima actuación, podemos ver su sinceridad, y el desarrollo de ser una persona retraída que no podía transmitir sus sentimientos hacia una persona abierta capaz de decir lo que siente, realmente pude ver esa transformación poco a poco y fue muy agradable, el personaje de Momochi es muy tierno, y uno no puede evitar sonreir al ver todas las cosas que era capaz de hacer por su amor hacia Tomoe. El otro que me encantó fue Miura Shohei como Takamizawa, creo que este es el papel más chistoso que ha hecho en su carrera, y lo hizo demasiado bien, no sabía que podía ser tan bueno para la comedia.
La música es muy buena, especialmente la el tema principal que realmente es un temazo, la canción "Itoshii hito" interpretada por SUPER BEAVER.
En general, por un lado pienso que este dorama no es para todas las personas, es necesario tener una mente abierta para poder ver el romance entre los protagonistas a pesar de que a veces la chica este en el cuerpo de un hombre, lo cual para mi no tiene ningún problema, pero probablemente para algunas personas no se sientan cómodas al verlo. Fuera de eso, es una historia muy hermosa con momentos chistosos, momentos de enseñanza y momentos tristes, con personajes muy agradables con mucha química y que nos muestra también sobre el trabajo de los autores de manga y el trabajo en supermercados también!
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