9 Border (2024)

This is a story about three sisters who are at the border age which ends with nine. Hachi is 19, Nana is 29 and Muuchan is 39. The drama focuses on how they tackle their career , romance and their family. It's a very simple story but they way they execute is what it made it so special, atleast to me. You can also consider this a coming of age story but for adults and that's so refreshing because we rarely get those and as someone who's just turned an "adult" now, this hits a home. Basically if you want a feel good drama about adulting this is it.

But the drama has so much more. It primarily follows Nana, who has focused on her work so much that she cannot give time to romance or her own personal time and how she meets Kotaro who makes her love herself for who she is.

The reason why the romance in this drama is so dear to my heart is because it follows three couples and I love and root for them all because the drama gives the same perspective to love in all these 3 three couples. The feeling of being enough around each other. The feeling of being able to accept oneself around the person you love. Being able to laugh around one another. It portrays love as soon gente and tender. The love they shared made all 6 of them realise what they are, what they truly need. It's a beautiful story.

Another wonderful part this drama did well was the sisterhood and the family bond. It was so beautiful to watch. These amazing women trying to make a career and to find themselves through the support of their loved ones was too beautiful that it made me cry a lot of times.

Also, each episode consists of an OST segment which was a fun thing to add. My favourite ost is definitely Romantic by Sekai no Owari. It suits the drama well.

Overall, a new favourite! A must watch if you enjoy Japanese slice of life and it's got a stellar cast and mesmerizing writing.

Ps - ofc I'd give it a 9 lol

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A lighthearted watch perfect for casual viewing!

9 Border does not present any new storyline or concept to its viewers. Its essentially a female centric drama with elements of both romance and slice-of-life. However, with a blend of well known casts, the drama succeeds in presenting a work which is fun and engaging (though not at all times).
It mostly revolves around the three Oba sisters, whose problems we are introduced to at the beginning of the drama. With every episode we see them trying to confront their problems, coming to terms with it and changing themselves for the better while solving it. They grow as individuals for sure, but their bond as sisters also strengthens/deepens. Of course there is romance, but it's not the main part of the story. I personally loved the story of the youngest sister, Hatsumi. I felt that her storyline was something new (everything from the way her character was designed to be and her approach or attitude towards her problems).
I don't think any of the cast members were actors I haven't seen. They are all considerably known to regular J drama viewers and their acting did not fall short, it was well matched to what I think their characters asked of them. Finally, the music was by Sekai no Owari, so I do not have any complains. The rewatch value is as low as it is, because I deem it to be a very good one-time watch, not something to watch multiple times.

Overall, the story is nothing new, but has just enough elements to still keep it fresh among other dramas of the same genre.

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