Joshi-teki Seikatsu (2018)

Well, I was weary about this one, knowing the history of LGBT+ representation in dramas (a lot of fanservice, not enough representation) but I was pleasantly surprised. This is a good drama, in more ways than one.

First, let's get the main issue out of the way, I would have liked to see a trans actress in the lead. I think IVAN would have been perfect for this role. But even though I find the choice conflicting, I can't undermine how good the writing is or tear down this step forward, so I'm just putting it out there now.

Miki's story is inter-woven with introspective moments, and it doesn't shy away from showcasing violence, abuse, transphobia and heartbreak. Still, Miki is one tough lady and moves forward with her impeccable fashion style and her identity intact. Her relationship with once High School classmate Goto, who comes to live with her in her apartment, is a delight to see develop, as Goto learns more about Miki and what life is like for her. Goto is an amazing character whose masculinity is strengthened by his vulnerability and his openness.

My props to Sakaguchi Riko because the story handles the subject a lot better than I expected, especially considering it uses the right terms for everything (Miki identifies herself as a lesbian trans woman from the very beginning), something that does not happen usually in Japanese media. It's very common for dramas and variety shows to use the "gay man" umbrella for everything they think fit and trans women sometimes get involved in that. I can't say much about that because it's not my identity to give an opinion on but, from my perspective of an outsider, this drama shows it all very well and the storyline serves to include a lot of related topics, as well as other general identity searches, when it comes to life as a young adult, career, dreams and relationships.

It's a pity that it's just 4 episodes long, I hope we can see more of this series in the future.

Leia Mais

The first thing that I like about this drama is Miki Ogawa's character. Her personality is prominent, strong and admirable. The way she observe and handle the situation swiftly is genuinely clever, and watching her grows along the story is also endearing.

This drama captures the current society, with all the personalities of the characters, the styles, the environment, even the smallest thing as the "hashtags" all contributes to portray the 'society' that we're in and how it affects the paradigm. It makes us wonder "What is 'normal' anyway?" Who gets to decide what's 'normal' and what's not?

Leia Mais

Sweet, simple trans pre op rep but too short

Life as a girl may come easy to some but definitely not all... This is a pretty simple story, Miki is a smart , funny, cool, at times bitchy, fairly ambitious girl who loves fashion and has a job doing what she loves... while trying to avoid being called a monster, used as a punchline, or as an exotic accessory she lets us in on her day to day life with friendship work and lots and lots of fashion She also shows us the huge difference between how she is forced to act in society and what actually goes on in her mind. Raw, real and relatable all at once.

Her friendship with her childhood friend/classmate is lovely as he may show ignorance at times but also shows how people can adapt and at least try to understand, if they just take the time to care. Their interactions are mostly friendship goels, fun bickering, honest and fluffy...

The work situation has ints ups and downs but the colleagues are lovely making this an over all fluffy drama, easy to watch, easy to fall in love with them all and foremost showing trans people as human beings with dreams, aspirations, a boring day to day life and also happen to have to meet one or two idiots ere and there. They also show some other issues with both a flirt with class, issues, power relations, they question the institution of marriage and even mention potential domestic violence , all in 4 short (waay to short ) episodes. Yep , there is plenty of everything but I am willing to say that the friendship tops it all and is the true essence of this drama that makes makes this worth a watch.

Also Shison Jun did a really good job as Micky , and Machida Keita was just as crushable as ever... I may have fallen for them both here.... His smiles, Her smirky remarks... are highly entertaining .

Bingabilaty: high
Fluff: high
Romance: low
Friendship: high.

Definitely a show I recommend

Leia Mais

A one-of-a-kind drama, and... we need more!

Truth be told, I'm writing this review because I honestly think 7.7 is too low of a vote for this drama and I really hope many more people would watch it! It's such a great hidden gem!

I've seen a lot of LGBT dramas and I think this is really unique: it's short (4eps) but not fast-paced, it's ironic but never too easy or predictable, it's a wonderful picture of nowadays Japan (AND nowadays equality issues) with amazing characters portrayed by talented actors.
I've loved Shison Jun and Machida Keita in many other roles but here they definitely shine, they are so real: I would definitely fall in love with Miki Ogawa (Jun's transgender role) if I'd meet her, she's so beautiful and elegant and witty and intelligent! As true as it is that it would have been better to avoid a cis man playing this role (representation matters), Jun's acting here is right on point, I would never get tired of seeing him in this role. And Machida Keita is as positive as always, I also loved the chemistry (friendship-wise) between the two . All their moments on screen were precious, and both their characters and their bond grows naturally episode by episode!

Miki's past is narrated bit by bit and her struggle is never too heavy storywise, the flow of the drama is natural and dynamic. I loved the #hashtags that help depicting everyday society and issues... and Miki's inner thoughts are so clever, she is really a lovely character, true to herself.

Even tho' it stars two ikemen idols, this drama is definitely not your usual "fangirl thing"... BUT still, it can be appreciated either way: on a more deep level, or just on a fun level.
I really hope we could see more "intelligent" LGBT projects like this one, original and unique!

Leia Mais

A genuine treasure

God but this one sucker-punched me right in the gut. Trans representation in film is still difficult to find, much less good trans representation. So imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon this absolute masterpiece of a show.
It's a riot from start to finish and is as wildly entertaining as it is sensitive and touching. It tackles the realities of living as a trans woman with great incisiveness and care and, most importantly, with deep respect.
Rather than having Miki be a flawless, picture-perfect lady that even the most conservative of viewers would have difficulties finding fault with, she is allowed to be imperfect, messy, and deeply human.
She is head-strong, bitchy, confident, insecure, caring, and cynical all at once. She's sometimes wrong about things, sometimes right, and sometimes lands somewhere in-between. The show's approach to her character reminds me of Imogen Binnie's landmark novel "Nevada" in a way. Both main characters have an incomparable fierce, joyous, and messy approach to life that I love.

Another aspect of the show that I love is Goto's storyline. Not only is his character development lovely to see, but he also serves as the perfect counterpart to Miki. She is often cynical and scared of the future, and with good reason. But Goto slowly brings her out of her shell just a little bit and allows her to become a bit softer, a bit more vulnerable, and a bit more trusting.
I won't lie, it did make me tear up a couple of times, especially during the last episode.

I do have some gripes with the show, specifically Mini-sans character whose inclusion I found unnecessary at best and extremely bothersome at worst. And the most obvious flaw, of course - Miki not being portrayed by a trans woman, but by a cis man. It is truly the eternal curse of queer stories being told by straight people.
Nevertheless the writing, acting, and story are brilliant and left me feeling very positive about my own transness, which (as someone quite wise once told me) is honestly always a good metric to judge queer media by - how does it make you feel about your own queerness?
Good - is the answer here. Understood. Appreciated.

In short, I highly recommend this show to anyone looking for great queer rep in general or great trans rep in particular. I would also recommend it to anyone looking for an entertaining yet down-to-earth slice of life drama with a big focus on friendship.
Oh, go watch it already, it is absolutely worth it, trust me.

Leia Mais

Not bad

Going into this drama I didn't know what to expect at first. I thought it would be more flawed and possibly very controversial (which it was at moments) but overall it was quite enjoyable.
The plot was fun, actors were good. I loved Shison Jun's performance not to mention how beautiful he looked. The drama didn't do a bad job of showing many hardships of being a trans woman in a more lighthearted way in only 4 episodes. During this short period, we were able to get to know and empathize with the main character quite well. The only part I disliked was that often Miki-san was referred to as a man. Overall I enjoyed this drama and might even rewatch it in the future. I definitely will recommend it to my friends.

Leia Mais

Empowering

Story:
Miki, the main character has already embraced her sexuality but she has uncertainties and worries about how she will be living her life as she gets older. The dynamics of the friendship with Goto is really fun to watch. Although I do not condone cheating, I find the relationship between Miki and Yui very interesting. I also like the supportive atmosphere with her colleagues in her workplace. The characters are mostly likeable. It is only 4 episodes and I wish it was longer, but I guess the writer choose it to make it condensed to make it not draggy. Still, a special would be appreciated.

Acting:
Shison Jun really embodied this role well. The mannerisms and affectations were not forced, in fact it was very graceful. I think this is my favorite character that he played, so far. Machida Keita is such a puppy here that I can't believe he was the one from Alice in the Borderland.

Music:
I do not really pay too much attention to the music and usually I skipped the opening intro. It was an 8.00 rating because it did not give me trouble in focusing on the drama but I do not remember any music that made me search for the song. This is my first detailed review so maybe next time I'll pay more attention to it.

Rewatch value:
This will be a 10 if this was on Netflix and not just 4 episodes.

Leia Mais

I enjoy this drama because it was differente and unuseule on Jdrama scene. Dealing with transexuality, see how this woman or man very open with his sexuality and even dealing with his familty. the only issue for me was the only 4 episodes,
I'm 99% certain that they cut it in the middle and it where suppose to developed ,
The family issue maybe can be in progress and also the relationship between the gay living in the appartment and her
..yet we will never ever know.!!!
if you watch it till the end you understand.
It's very sad that someone had the power to cut this drama because it could be a jam.

Leia Mais