Lion no Kakurega - First Impressions

Drama: Lion no Kakurega

Romaji: Raion no Kakurega

Japanese: ライオンの隠れ家
Screenwriter: Tokuo Koji
Network: Netflix

Actors: Yuya Yagira, Bando Ryota, Sato Tasuku

So I was browsing for shows on Netflix when If found this drama I was surprised because it is not often for Japan to put their on going dramas on Netflix and Yuya Yagira is the lead which I am a fan so I decided to watch it. Lion no Kakurega is part mystery and part slice of life drama. The mystery is somewhat okay very predictable but it is the life aspect the made me glued on screen. It is fascinating full of life lessons just like any slice of life drama. The story revolves around two brothers, the older one is just your typical government employee and the younger whom is on autistic spectrum works as a painter. One day they found a child in their home and from then their life was changed, their daily routine was changed which is the theme this drama trying to convey.

I only watched 3 episodes and so far I liked it. The male lead is one of the kindest character in fiction but not totally on an unrealistic level, definitely not a one dimensional character. It tackles characters on autistic spectrum and children who get abused by their parents. This drama got heart that even its gloomy premise got overpowered by it kindness.

After subpar dramas I watched from Yuya Yagira in past years finally he will have something good on his resume. He really needs it because he is very good actor and It is very different from his usual roles which is very welcome. Ryota Bando is a chameleon actor and he effortlessly nailed the role. The kid Sato Tasuku provides the light this drama really needs and he is very adorable.

I will probably like it more if they cut the mystery to just 20% and made it 80% slice of life because in my experience if the mystery fails to deliver it will make a potential masterpiece to a disaster but still I am very optimistic for this one. If you are a Japanese drama fan watch it support it so Japan will think there is demand. It is about time we see Japanese dramas regular on Netflix just like Korean dramas.