This review may contain spoilers
What I love the most about NigeHaji SP is that it addressed multiple issues: from married life, work leave/employment conditions, parenting/raising a child, living or having the freedom with single life, and even included issues regarding the pandemic (which is very timely), and living amidst this (new normal) situation.It taught me to cherish life and even the tiniest moments together with your loved ones, and facing the challenges of tomorrow head-on. I love that both Mikuri and Hiramasa look forward to their future and working on it together.
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A Delightful Pregnancy/New Parent Story
This is a follow-up special to the excellent 2016 J-Drama Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu and if you enjoyed that series, then this special is absolutely a must-see. The film is a tad didactic about pregnancy and new parenthood, but I think that even people who have not seen the original series can enjoy it as a standalone movie.The special continues roughly three years after the end of the series. Mikuri and HIramasu are now happily and genuinely (if not legally) married, and working hard at their jobs. Mukuri's Aunt Yuri has broken up with Ryota, and facing her prospects as a successful business woman with no life partner.
The story largely focusses on Mikuri and Hiramasu as they discover that a child is on its way, and have to deal with the usual issues of first-time parents in Japan which are complicated by the birth occurring immediately before the first Covid lockdown in Japan. The show deftly addresses the systemic resistance to the legally mandated parental leave by Japanese businesses, and places the two on the front lines of trying to change the work culture to reasonably accommodate pregnancy.
Most of the side characters return for the special, and the series continues to be unusually LGBTQ+ positive in comparison to most J-dramas. Hiramasu's gay previous boss Numata is now living with the guy he met in the final episode and there are a couple of other good solid moments of inclusion as well.
All in all, this special is a happy story about a young couple facing the challenges of pregnancy and new parenthood. It is a test for their relationship, but it is one that they work together to face, and in the end they have a loving, growing family in the new normals of life in Covid times and the acceptance of LGBTQ+ relationships.
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Real substance
I absolutely LOVED Nigeru Wa Haji, and rewatched it after hearing the news of the IRL marriage plans. Then I watched the SP expecting a frothy dessert. Instead, it turned out to be serious, reflective, sober and sobering, and with real emotional heft. A satifying watch for sure, but also a surprising one, delivering much more than I'd expected. Apart from long-standing issues in Japanese society, I was impressed with the way it handled the emergence of COVID-19. Often when shows incorporate literally current events, the handling can be a bit rushed or inept, and may look dated at a leter time. Not with this Drama SP, the pandemic added punch and pathos to the mix, very skillfully doneWas this review helpful to you?
By far one of the most progressive drama/drama special to date.
By far one of the most progressive Japanese dramas I have watched to date in terms of its portrayal towards women's role in society, gender equality, womanhood in general and parenthood. Whilst both Mikuri's and Hiramasa's personalities are not perfect (as to err is human), what matters most is that they tried their best to understand each other, to be considerate, to ensure that they have an equal standing in their relationship; and were quick to admit, reflect and apologise for their mistakes. I think this drama succeeded in depicting what an ideal relationship should look like which reflects the changing gender roles, particularly the evolution of the roles of a married woman with a career (or more specifically how their husbands should adjust their role in the household with a working wife) during the modern times.This drama special for me was definitely better than the drama as it addressed more pertinent current issues (aside from being pleasantly enjoyable to watch), but the drama itself is still quite worthwhile to watch too to fully appreciate the character developments of the casts.
Last but not least, wishing Aragaki Yui and Hoshino Gen a happy married life irl!!
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Just wonderful
From the second half on, I just cried - not because it was overly sad, per se, but because it felt SO REAL. For those of us who have survived the pandemic (so far!) while still trying to work and keep our children (and ourselves) safe, this was a kick in the feels. It was done so well, and so authentically, and it took a long time for me to finish it. But I'm so glad I finally mustered up the courage to just sit with the feelings and the memories of those first few awful months (and what it feels like to STILL be in it now.)This was the perfect addition to an already-amazing drama - one that skillfully navigated so many societal issues and challenges, with humor and love. Just wonderful.
It got straight 10's across the board from me, with the exception of "rewatch value" - because it was so poignant and real, it will be a while before I can watch it again. But all of you need to watch it for the first time!
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There is no escape from the mundane
I'm a bit late to this party as I binged the whole series a few months ago and I was a little OD on the characters when this special came out.I finally got around to watch it and it is nice but it lacked the original's freshness. The quirky relationship of the leads have mellowed into domesticity. They still have this partnership arrangement but is now more relaxed and accommodating. The growth is nice to see but this is dramaland so it can't be all smooth sailing.
To stir things up we are going to have a baby! Hooray! Cue all the tropey stressors and complications that goes with a pregnancy. It ticked all the boxes and they covered a lot of work and societal issues but it wasn't anything new nor particularly egregious. Most are bullet points that are instantly recognisable. There are few hard and fast answers as their options are limited.
The addition of the covid lockdown was topical. It is done with a light touch as none of their family nor friends got sick so the Show mostly dealt with the initial shock, prolonged isolation and longing as the whole country went through a painful period of apprehension and uncertainty.
The acting is par for the course with few surprises.
The Show is largely fan service and a satisfying watch for their fanbase. We got more antics from the leads and their friends with minor updates. For some, this is perfection. However, with only two hours to play with, there are a lot of assumed knowledge about the backstories of the ensemble cast. If you haven't seen the first series then you should start there or it will be quite baffling.
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This review may contain spoilers
Ahhhhh, what a delightful special that was! The original series was a charming, more realistic take on the marriage contract trope, and this special was a heartwarming 'where are they now' that touched on a number of issues such as the 2020 pandemic, becoming new parents, and juggling your responsibilities in life. All of our favorite, likable characters are back, and they're all as likable as ever. And what's even nicer about this special is that (pandemic aside), it isn't a story built around melodrama or high stakes but rather the every-day, real-life challenges you face. A character discovers they have cancer and subsequently goes through a major surgery to remove it, a couple we came to love in the series ends up not being together anymore in the special and that's okay, our leads demonstrate to the audience how they found the best way to divide and conquer the household chores and tasks while still appreciating and valuing and supporting one another in a way that is fair and giving. It's a low-key yet very impactful special that reminds you not only of how lovely the original series was but makes you wish the whole thing would just never end. I only have one other drama special in my Favorite Drama's list, but this one is the definitely the second. Was this review helpful to you?
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