Minato Shouji Coin Laundry (2022)

Simple Sweet Age Gap BL

**Brief Synopsis**
B (Owner): Minato
T (Student): Shintaro

Beginning: T is a high school student and B is the owner of a laundrymat. One day, T enters B's laundrymat and starts showing signs of wanting to date B. B is of course very unwilling despite finding T hot because T was only 17 at that time and he was in his late twenties. However, T is very insistent.

Middle: T keeps showing up around B and despite his reservations, B starts to enjoy T's presence and starts feeling something more for him.

End: The story ends with B finally accepting T's advances and they settle in a relationship. The first season ends here. In the second season, they continue getting used to being in a relationship. B is still very hesitant to touch T even when they are together but when T loses his memories and B realizes just how precsious T is to him, he confesses to him once again and fully accepts T as his lover. The second season ends with them finally sleeping together.

**My Opinion**

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT IT
- The main characters look really cute together. They really fit the manga really well. T is super super cute and how much he cares for B is really touching. It's just a little annoying B keeps refusing his advances.
- Except for season 2, this series is relatively angst free. This also means that nothing really happens. The focus is on how their relationship develops through spending time together.

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE ABOUT IT
- Nothing really happens which means the show can feel a little boring.
- I didn't like how season 2 wasn't very fluffy. It was only after nearly losing T that B realizes he loves him and accepts his intimacy. This make the slow burn aspect of this show feels way too long.

**Conclusion**
Simple, sweet BL.

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Cute but a little long

This was a very sweet little story. Probably a little long for what it was. There wasn’t a whole lot of plot, so they probably could’ve made it 8 eps and it would’ve functioned the same.
I do agree with the other comments that this ran in circles a bit, but I honestly thought it would be more frustrating based on what people led me to believe.

The age gap is problematic but nothing really happens between them when Shin is underage.

Acting is good, though there aren’t too many emotionally impactful moments. Even those that are didn’t pack much of a punch for me, and I am a notorious crier.

Chemistry between the leads was surprisingly good. They even have a decent kiss, which is unusual for Japan (unless it’s a really twisted drama lol).

Other than that, I don’t really have any strong opinions. It was a good one time watch. I would recommend if you’re looking for something light and not plot heavy.

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Everybody has somebody they can't forget

What starts out as an unlikely friendship at the neighbourhood laundromat transforms into an unsteady tension when Minato discovers Katsuki’s feelings for him. Is his affection that of an older brother who wants to watch over Katsuki as he grows older, or something romantic? In his confusion, he resists his initial attraction toward Katsuki, a task that only gets tougher in the face of Katuski’s relentlessly earnest pursuits. 

The relationship dances in circles for most of the series but their chemistry is unmistakable. Apart from looking wonderfully compatible despite the age gap, both characters were also well-balanced, each alternating between childlike playfulness and maturity.

Minato Shouji is about feelings that don’t go away, despite the passage of time – for both Katuski and also Asuka, another highschooler who has fallen for an eccentric man far older than he is.

As their story unfolds in a lazy seaside town where everybody knows everybody, it turns out that everyone has somebody they can’t forget.

My full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/09/15/minato-shouji-coin-laundry-review/

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Solid show that dragged on a little too long

I enjoyed this show a lot overall, and found it to be a fun watch. I liked the characterization of the leads - Shin being the more confident and self-assured while Akira was lacking in same flipped the power dynamic to make the age difference feel more palatable. All the characters were likable, production values were high, and the romance was sweet.

That said, I found Akira to be a frustrating character in the end. He was far too passive, too cowardly, and too uninterested in (or incapable of?) figuring out his own feelings, and none of that really changed over the course of the narrative. The plot with his former teacher dragged on way too long and Akira’s characterization suffered for it. While I enjoyed the love story, I didn’t find the leads equally matched on emotional maturity and was left feeling like Shin could (and eventually probably would) do better.

I dinged it a bit on rewatchability because if I ever did I would definitely fast forward through a lot. Plot was very repetitive and the story probably would have been better served if they’d cut a couple episodes. Still, I think this is a solid show worth watching.

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This was a sweet, quiet and calm drama, it felt almost serene. There were no big upheavals, no hidden agency, no scheming from jilted lovers or anything like that. It was your typical slice of life Jdrama.

Which made it, well, kinda boring. After several episodes, it felt to me personally that it was dragging a little, the back and forth arguments were of the lather-rinse-repeat variety and I really didn't like the secondary couple - if you could even call them that.

The whole thing was heavily carried by the two leads, Kusakawa Takuya and Nishigaki Sho, and even though Kusakawa Takuya was great, especially in moments when Akira was all flustered or almost halfway seduced already, it was Nishigaki Sho who had the biggest on me, his Shin was simply marvelous and I could really feel the depth of his love for Akira.

Still, I'm not sure I will ever re-watch this one. Except for a few truly exceptional moments, this drama was really slow. Turns out I really like some, well, drama in my drama.

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The age gap can't beat the younger lead's true feelings

All characters didn't have an evil side within them. Their sincerity from the very start is as clear as the sky. No wonder that I haven't felt an anger towards them despite their desperate actions in every sense. This is my first time to support a happy ending of main leads in a series. The unrequited love breaks down the wall that surrounds his loved one. This may not be the best of all series but I really appreciate it for showing the results of a genuine feeling. Good karma really comes to those who deserve it.

Nishigaki Sho (Shin) is the prettiest actor I've seen in my whole life. His acting delivers an angelic and pure portrayal of his role. Contrary to him, Kusakawa Takuya (Akira) portrays well his role as a near 30-yr old man who struggles to express his real emotions inside bravely. The mixture of their characters really did harmonize perfectly and turn into a fluffy and lovely relationship (not intimately tho).

Cute. Lovely. Watchable.

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When the Older is More Afraid than the Younger

This was one of my favorite series of 2022. Slice of life, older partner being more afraid than the younger, the younger guy being more bold, all of these appeal to me. Akira Minato took over the laundromat in town from his grandfather. After a disastrous one-sided love affair, Akira decides to move to Tokyo to live the dream. After working for a black company (this is a Japanese term, look it up) he decides to return to his hometown, to run the coin laundry.

Shintaro is a high school senior, tall, handsome, smart and his goals are to win Akira's heart and go to medical school. In this series, it seems to be easier to get into medical school. Akira is doubtful of this relationship because there are two major problems. The first is, the age difference between himself and Shintaro, the second, he kissed his (male) teacher on his graduation day and has unresolved feelings about it. Akira's internal struggles are the main focus of this series. Shin already knows what he wants, it's Akira who has to figure things out.

Set in a beautiful rural town, Minato Shouji Coin Laundry may be too slow for some viewers, but is perfect for me. This series has a great supporting cast, and though rural, town members support the characters, or do not outwardly object. Kisses and intimacy in Japanese BL are not up to par, and that is the case with this series too. I was able to overcome that, knowing that in the future, Japanese shows will improve in this area.

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Slow but Wholesome BL! Wash your heart!

I was initially quite hesitant to watch Minato Shouji Coin Laundry. Much like a lot of people, I think the thought of a 10-year age gap with the younger being still in high school worried me. But I have to say that after watching the series, although there were times I was questioning Minato’s inability to outright refuse advances from a 17 year old, Shin’s persistence and the fact that it’s generally a wholesome show in general made me feel much more at ease. I think it also helps that the actors themselves are not necessarily far in age with Kusakawa-san being in his late twenties but Nishigaki-san being in his early 20s in real-life.

If you enjoy really slow romance BLs then this show is for you! With 12 episodes, it’s a lot longer in episode count than the majority of other Japanese BLs I’ve watched in the past, and the episodes are of decent length too! (I’m looking at you Korean BLs)

There were some things that did slightly confuse me however. For example, the episode where Minato’s Ex, Saki, comes to visit the laundromat. It was a slightly odd episode since we don’t really get to know what Minato was like before he took over the laundromat, and so the sudden introduction of an Ex-Girlfriend who promptly leaves by the end of the episode felt a little strange to me. Especially since there was still an overarching narrative with Sakuma-Sensei that was unresolved. To me it felt more like a filler episode more than anything.

Also, although I do enjoy slow BLs, I would have loved to have the last few episodes brought forward and have a final episode (or scene at least) seeing what they are like after Minato confesses his love to Shin.

It’s almost certainly one of my favourite BLs so far, and I would recommend watching it before Season 2 comes out in July this year!!!

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Stress free , country side rom- com Japanese BL

Among all the J BL's I've seen, this one has the cutest romantic moments and the most amusing characters. The series began well, with a promising story and characters. However, after episode 3, there is a little story development, but some good romantic moments.
Character :
Akira had minimal character development from the start of the series to the end. He remained as the hesitant guy till the very end of the series, and he would not have confessed if it hadn't been for the final act of the supporting characters. However, the actor who portrayed this character did a good job playing the character.

Without changing the ultimate goal of dating Minato San, Shin is the character I adored most in this series. He had good character development. The manner in which he is acquitted with Minato's past with Sakura Sensei is noteworthy. At last he got both his first love and his dream career.

Asuka is the most entertaining character in this series, and his presence is indisputable. Perfect tittle as a supporting role, he is one of the key push in Minatos' final confession. Even though they were brief, the interactions between Asuka and Suu Sensei were enjoyable.

Sakuma Sensei was an amazing teacher character. He This character inspired both of his students (Minato and Shin). He does a good job of handling Minato's previous kiss with him.

Sakurako is the caring sister and friend. She supports Shin's crush on Minato. She remains supportive when Asuka likes Suu Sensei, even when she is rejected by him.

Finally, I would recommend watching this series (a must-see). The ending is amazingly beautiful, and the chemistry between the actors is undeniable. Even the costumes are cool. The music is extremely catchy and enjoyable to watch. All the actors did a wonderful job.

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I love this drama so much, but it is clearly not for everyone

Just because I love this so much, it doesn't mean this series is for everyone especially about the age-gap. For me, that is not the problem since Shin doesn't force himself as a child to reach out to Minato. He is waiting for 10 years to start.

At the age of 17, he shows up in front of Minato, asking to be a friend.
At the age of 18 when he is already legal, he asks Minato to be his boyfriend.

IMO, after the rejection until Minato finally comes clear with Sakuma Sensei, the story is dull. I didn't even rewatch those eps until I finally watch the final eps and decided to rewatch everything from eps 1.

The indecisive Minato was frustrating, but that is also what keeps me going. I always complained about his behavior but I couldn't leave him alone. Me everyweek: "COME ON DUDE PLEASE SHOW ME A DEVELOPMENT ON YOUR CHARACTER THIS EPS" :')

About their acting, this is Nishigaki Sho's first role as a main lead. For the manga reader like me, he represents Shin so well but a little bit brighter personality. In the manga, Shin has darker personality. He creeped me out sometimes (still read it, tho), but Shin in this drama is not. As a newbie, I think this is a good breakthrough for him.

As about Takuya, I am not into Bullet Train, so I barely knew him before haha but I actually already saw him acting in My Brother Loves Me Too Much and Our Dearest Sakura. Not that impressive. And even though I am not into Cherry Maho, I saw him there. I thought that he can pull the comedic thing. So, at first, it did not surprise me when he acted on funny scene. BUT WHEN HE CRIED, AND FRUSTRATED AND MAKING ME WANTED TO SLAP HIM BECAUSE OF MINATO'S INDECISIVENESS, I know he pulled this character well. He makes Minato more annoying in the drama than in the manga.

Okay, this is my first review. What else should I talk about?

Anyway, I'll rewatch this when I have more free time. I mean, it is considered long with 12 eps for japanese BL. I'm gonna miss the emotional dynamics I experienced when following this drama. Also, gonna miss them so bad bad bad. <3

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will be in your list of comfort bls/ series. 10/10 rewatch value

japanese bls never miss to hit the spot does it. the music of the series is so cheerful you are gona hum it out of nowhere (kyuoto kyuoto kyuoto kyuoto). the story is very sweet and simple . not much drama involved , no vilanisation of any character. the side couples were also really interesting. one thing that is commendable is that all the characters in the show had a personality , non of them are flat 2D characters. the age gap might be an issue for some but come on we have seen couples with age difference irl a lot straight or gay but the point is its not our place to say what should have been done or not because their THEIR story and we are just viewers. and the whole concept was very appropriately portrayed. homophobia was not non existent either which we saw in Akira's case in the first few episodes. but its not impossible to find a bunch of good people around you like characters in this series , i myself have such good friends so i will buy that. one more thing which i liked about the series is that Shin choosing his proirities at the end regarding weather to study in local uni or in a tokyo uni, i really respect that. you dont always need to go to a big city to get your dreams and vice versa . Also throughout the series studies have been the priority of Shin and he have been motivated by everyone around him to study because thats reality, studies are important. all in all really comforting bl. you should watch it without zero percent hesitation. also i personally have been watching it weekly and i am really going to miss them . Akira san at the end of the episodes always asks to look forward to their story and in the final episode he said to keep minato shouji coin laundary in our hearts forever and i will do that bevause how good the show was . also , one more thing, the intro and outro are so good and especially the ones of the final episode , in the outro where everybody dances , really WHOLESOME.

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A cute and charming show and premise, though needing a bit more push.

This was a really charming show. The show centers about around the age cap of our 2 protagonists, and the conflict that leads to. Our main lead Minato is around 10 years older than our other less Shin, and I love how this is a source of contention for him. Age gaps are fairly common in LGBTQ relationships, especially male-male ones.

You see the difference in how Minato handled it while Shin’s age and how Shin handles it. The juxtaposition is interesting to see and the hesitancy from our “old” lead makes sense throughout the show. The moments they have together are plentiful and cute.

Asuka and Sakurako are amazing side characters and there’s a lot of fun. I do admit at time Asuka and Minato felt like they had the most chemistry.

I do agree with other that he plot with the teacher, while he was a great guy, took a bit too much time, I would have preferred for internal conflict from our leads.

Still, one of my top BLs.

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