A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love (2019) - First Impressions

Drama: A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love (English title)

Romaji: Hajimete Koi o Shita Hi ni Yomu Hanashi

Japanese: 初めて恋をした日に読む話

Director: Ryosuke Fukuda

Actors: Kyoko Fukada, Kento Nagayama, Ryusei Yokohama, Tomoya Nakamura, Katsuhisa Namase

Writer: Aki Mochida (manga), Tomoko Yoshizawa

Before Ayase Haruka, Satomi Ishihara, Yui Aragaki, Erika toda etc. it is Kyoko fukuda that was considered by many as the queen of Japanese Drama, so it's no surprise whatever drama she has done there's a high chance it will be a hit because of huge following she has. I also think she popularize the cute and clumsy type of characters so if not for her we wouldn't see those type of characters in Jdrama today.

In this drama she played the role of Junko Harumi, who was once a model student, she has chosen not to have boyfriend in middle school and high school because that's what her parents want which lead for her having trouble finding a relationship once she became adult. She also failed to enter Tokyo University and her life has not gone smoothly since then. Now at age of 31, she works as a teacher at a private institute. This drama depicts the regrets and worries of female in their 30's really well. Does she look 30 though? very unfair right. lol

 

This basically is a reverse harem where a lead female character has 3 gorgeous men that has different personality in front of her. Masashi Yakumo is her cousin but smart, Kyohei Yuri is a rebellious high school student and Kazuma Yamashita is Kyohei’s teacher in high school. 

In the first episode it's obvious that they want you to ship her with Kyohei Yuri because they had more screen time together. It is also similar to Chugakusei Nikki because of teacher and student romance which the female lead is older. But unlike Chugakusei Niki it is less controversial probably because it is comedy and lighter. Other characters are like side characters but maybe that will change as the story goes.

The pacing is dorama-ish if you know what I mean, which is good since it is a rom-com. Literally no dull moments, it has mix of serious, cute, funny, sweet, touching moments and also has colorful characters. The chemistry between Junko and Kyohei lit too, which only makes you feel guilty since he is underage lol. First episode is already comparable to great Jdrama romcoms that most people enjoy so I highly recommend this drama if you are looking for a cute rom-com that will make you feel good.