I’m always going to be disappointed by how short Japanese dramas can be. But that also has very good reasons, this drama doesn’t waste time and each minute is spent well.

Developing characters I care about than even 16 hours of any other drama is pretty impressive. Rather than staying safe and doing what’s commonly done by overplaying the BL aspect of this show, Old Fashioned Cupcake doesn’t. This show really takes its time developing the main relationship of the show, and while others might find it dragging- I think it’s realistic and a respectful story.

The relationship of Togawa and Nozue starts from respect. The main base holding it together is that they respect eachother a lot. What I’m saying here is that this relationship is healthy and I’m so happy to see it. It could’ve taken the route of obsession and possessive attitudes, trying to seduce your boss out of lust alone. That’s not the case here. Instead Togawa has a genuine respect for Nozue and had never became that way out of intimidation. It’s never blatantly said until episode 4 that Togawa likes Nozue, but the acting really is spot on here in showing that he clearly does. For both actors, I’m so glad that they have chemistry and I’m so immersed by their acting that I feel like I really am watching something real.

The stand out part of this drama is the tender moments between the two. It’s a slice of life, where Nozue is getting to his 40’s and lives day by day, he has his relationships and friends and is adored by his staff but he isn’t living as happily as he could. The potential happiness that could be fully reached when finding your person is amazing and so beautiful to think about. This drama tells that sort of story so well. Nozue and Togawa are happy together and they acknowledge and tell eachother that they bring out the best for eachother. Nozue does compare with Togawa in terms of his age but it’s not in a toxic way, they share their vulnerabilities with eachother and gradually that’s how they become closer and that’s how as a viewer you really care about their relationship.

This drama is subtle, but puts in the intense moments in the right parts that isn’t over stressed. Specifically episode four, after four episodes of watching their relationship become more tension, Togawa can’t sugarcoat his feelings by brushing them off, he admits he likes Nozue. He doesn’t want to burden Nozue with his feelings and is careful and respectful with his words, I really like how he never had forced anything on him. And in moments he felt he had he apologizes. It’s heartbreaking how they see the flaws in their relationships from their age, gender, and status as co-workers. But it’s realistic. Neither of them are homophobic, and instead Togawa believes that his kind of love is out of the normal for most, but normal for him. He’s not ashamed of his feelings, he’s only careful about them. Togawa cares about Nozue so much that he thinks about his feelings even when irrationally sharing his true feelings.

The music in this drama amplifies any feelings of worry, love, sadness, etc. Nothing in the drama overstays it’s welcome and I’m bitter about it only being 5 episodes, but as for what it is- this drama is amazing.