Shizuka-chan to Papa (2022)

when 2 usually misunderstood souls find each other ♥

"Why are you trying so hard to fit in when you are born to stand out?"
Ian from What a Girl Wants movie (2003).

♣ Some of my favorite quotes from "Shizuka-chan to Papa":

"It's easy to walk away from someone who hates you,
but it's painful to distance yourself from someone who loves you."

- "Why is everyone so nice to me?"
- "Because we like you."

"Sorry for being a loveable person."

♠ My review this time is like short clips of a teaser. This drama is about accepting who you are as a person and becoming immune to negative and hurtful remarks. It's about acknowledging that you're different and that is what makes you loveable. It is also about breaking out from your comfort zone and living bravely and freely.

♦ I relate so much to the FL and this story brought me to tears.
Very inspirational & heart-warming!

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This drama was an emotional ride, joyous and heartfelt and at times, bittersweet. I hit the halfway mark, and it became unusual for me Not to cry during an episode. The characters are so real and so easy to connect with, and the topics the drama explores are handled beautifully with thoughtfulness and sincerity and honesty.

It was eye-opening getting a glimpse into Shizuka and Papa's lives, and I was pleased with how natural and consistent the drama was at adding little things here and there to illustrate just what it's like to be deaf or have a loved one who is. Shizuka using little bean bags as a way to get Papa's attention, the flashing light in the photography studio to alert Papa when a customer comes in, Shizuka leaving the sound off on the television even though she doesn't have to since she can hear, a young Shizuka signing her class' song during a performance so her father can experience it. Just so many things that really bring home to the viewer how deafness can affect your day-to-day life.

It was also heartbreaking to watch both Shizuka and Papa struggle because of the challenges that come with deafness. Papa's early life was sad to watch, although not surprising, given the historical context. Imagining how difficult and demoralizing it must have been for Papa to work so hard to learn how to speak and please his mother only to disappoint her because speaking is just not something Papa's able to do was very affecting. That would have created some deep wounds that wouldn't be easy to overcome. Shizuka faces her own set of troubles from others finding her demeanor and mannerisms offensive and being mean behind her back or excluding her to her intentions being misunderstood because of the straightforwardness she developed through communicating with Papa. Of course, Shizuka internalizes all of this, something most of us would probably do, and it becomes a reason for her to not truly live her life.

On this note, I'm very glad this drama didn't shy away from giving Shizuka legitimate problems relating to Papa's disability. I'm not a fan of the current narrative you sometimes see that the loved ones of people with disabilities shouldn't struggle or complain or ever say ever that caring for someone with a disability can be hard, because their problems aren't legitimate, and they're just shaming the disabled person or 'speaking over them' or any other number of critiques. This drama doesn't do that. Instead, it chooses to be honest and show that it can be a struggle for those who love someone with a disability. They may not face the same hardships, but they face ones of their own, and those hardships matter.

This is a drama that stirs up deep emotions as well as a lot of food for thought. It presents you with an opportunity to think a little bit deeper about things you may not often think about and possibly even examine some of your own thoughts and ideas and behaviors around certain topics. I certainly felt stretched as a person while watching.

I'll end this review with a drama suggestion. Shizuka was a very similar viewing experience to Neechan no Koibito, so if you've seen Neechan and are looking for something similar, Shizuka to Papa is a good choice. Conversely, if you've already watched Shizuka to Papa and you're looking for your next drama, Neechan is definitely worth checking out.

You should really just watch both, lol.

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Fun Father-Daughter Duo - heartwarming, touching and with an adorkable sweet romance

One should really never underestimate the power of Jdoramas and how they can move you and make you ugly cry. Who knew I would cry almost every episode watching this dynamic father-daughter duo? I am not even a super fan of slice-of-life dramas!

There are many other dramas out there that showcase the challenges of those living with a disability. “Shizuka-chan to Papa” is no different and we saw the challenges Papa faces and how he overcomes them. But what makes this drama special is the tight bond between Papa and Shinzuka (FL). They live a happy, fun and boisterous life. Their laughter and silliness are infectious and bring so much joy to everyone in the small town. They are loved and accepted. Despite some challenges, the town is a pretty safe bubble for them both. Upon reading the synopsis of this drama, I would never imagine loving their relationship so much.

This drama also brings to attention the unique challenges that a child of deaf adults (CODA) faces. The portrayal of the discrimination and gossip that Shinzuka faces is quite eye-opening. Shinzuka chooses to take care of her papa because that’s when she feels most useful. She’s not ‘sacrificing’ herself, but in a way, chooses a safer and more protected way to live. I really like this unique part of Shinzuka’s journey of self-discovery and self-love.

Of course, I can’t write a review without describing the sweet, adorable and awkward romance between Shinzuka and Keiichi. Two individuals who are criticized for not being able to “read the air” meet and fall in love. I love how honest and straightforward they are with each other. Not only are they each other’s biggest supporter, but also a great teacher as well. Through their meaningful conversations, they learn more about themselves and each is patient to teach the other to view life from a different perspective. Ok, the romance-lover in me might have wanted just a few more sweet and romantic moments.

There are many heartwarming and funny scenes, e.g. 1) a very enthusiastic and adorable young Shinzuka singing animatedly during the choir performance to show her love for Papa, 2) teaching Papa how to ride a bike, 3) A flirty Papa crushing on the nice and gentle teacher, 4) Keiichi unique way of going down the slide. 5) Keiichi dirtying his shirt intentionally, and 6) last example, the special bicycle Papa receives as a result of Shinzuka’s conversation with Keiichi (food for thought below)

Food for Thought:
Keiichi is right. We often say that we have to go over a wall (aka conquer obstacles). But realistically, who really climbs over a wall aside from thieves and ninjas. When our road is blocked by a wall, don’t we all step back and find another way AROUND the wall and not over it? A wall is for protection, protecting things and people you love. Therefore, it should not be easy for you to go over.

I strongly recommend this short slice-of-life drama. It’s sweet, cute, heartwarming and very touching. I am so glad I look past the cover poster and give this drama a shot.


Completed: 5/30/2023 - Review #313

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Molto bello e toccante, ma per un italiano alcune cose non sono comprensibili

Veramente toccante come drama, come solo i giapponesi sanno fare. Molto spazio e importanza viene data alla sordità del padre e a come influisce sulle vite sue e della figlia. Nessuno recita sopra le righe sono tutti perfettamente in parte. Il protagonista maschile e interesse amoroso di Shizuka è imbalsamto ma è il suo ruolo quindi ci sta. Non posso dare un voto più alto solo perchè è piuttosto triste a tratti e forse per i motivi sbagliati. La regia mette enfasi su scene che non mi hanno smosso per niente, tipo la catarsi di Shizuka sul fatto che lei sia normale e che si piace com'e è che a me sembra una lezione piuttosto banale che poteva imparare da qualsiasi manga o anime fin ad piccola. E invece non mette l'accento sul padre quando si rende conto che deve laciare andare la figlia....Non lo so. Forse il problema è che come occidentale e soprattutto come italiana non ho potuto empatizzare minimamente sulla problematica principale di Shizuka che non era il fatto che per prendersi cura del padre non ha mai fatto nulla nella vita come viaggi o uscire coi ragazzi, che secondo me invece era una cosa piuttosto importante come rimpianto, invece no, per lei è più grave che la gente la giudichi strana o maleducata perchè li fissa e gesticola. Cosa incomprensibile per me poichè in Italia tutti gesticoliamo sempre quando parlianmo e ci fissiamo negli occhi.

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