Story is just average, but actress makes the difference

This is a story of 5 men and women engaged in a love relationship. 3 are school buddies, 2 are newcomers.

Kanji (Oda Yuji), a newcomer to Tokyo, is being encouraged by the bubbly Rika (Suzuki Honami). They become an item. But Kanji still cannot forget his female schoolmate whom he always admired. However, the latter is infatuated with Kanji's best friend, an ultimate playboy. Then again, this playboy is attracted by his mysterious female college-mate. Sigh, a love-pentagon.

The usual jealousy and love games persist, until Kanji decides to give Rika up, saying that he cannot bear the "burden" of her affection.

This romantic drama hit the tops in Japan and Singapore, despite the familiar plot. The essence of the drama is Rika, played by the charming Suzuki Honami. The theme songs also lent much character to the drama. An interesting note: Oda Yuji's performance has improved since this hit drama, as shown in Bayside Shakedown of 1998.

Japanese cinema is celebrated for its refined minimalist dramas and avant-garde experimentation; it also introduced popular genres like jidaigeki (samurai epics), kaiju, and anime. Across both high art and mass entertainment, it often explores morality, impermanence, and the pressures of modern life.

Hidetoshi Nishijima and Tôko Miura in Drive My Car (2021)

The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)

The romance genre features the theme of romantic relationships and emotional connections between characters. These stories focus on the development of love, desire, and intimacy between protagonists, often exploring the challenges, conflicts, and triumphs that arise in their relationships.

Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca (1942)

Nagao Kanji who comes from Ehime Prefecture joins Heartsports company located in Tokyo, where he met lovely and sunny Akana Rika. The love story begins.

The Biggest Movies and TV Coming in September

"The Gentlemen" and "Slow Horses" return this fall, while the "Reacher" spin-off series "Neagley" makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

2026 Fall TV and Streaming Watch Guide

&quot;The Gentlemen&quot; and &quot;Slow Horses&quot; return this fall, while the &quot;Reacher&quot; spin-off series &quot;Neagley&quot; makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

Get a closer look at these actors from their many TV and streaming series roles.

Streaming Stars, Then and Now

Teruyuki Kagawa, Kin'ya Kitaôji, Mitsuhiro Oikawa, Masato Sakai, and Aya Ueto in Hanzawa Naoki (2013)

Yôsuke Eguchi and Honami Suzuki in Tokyo Love Story (1991)

Yôsuke Eguchi in Tokyo Love Story (1991)

Yûji Oda and Honami Suzuki in Tokyo Love Story (1991)

Tokyo Love Story

Episodes11

Photos665

Top Cast7

User reviews7

More like this

Related interests

Storyline

Did you know

Top picks

Details

Tech specs

Contribute to this page

More to explore

Recently viewed