I've watched the Taiwanese version thrice (I think?), so deciding to watch the Japanese version was purely because of my interest in the actors and it was actually quite popular so I wanted to know what the hype was all about and I was happy that I wasn't disappointed. I don't want to compare it much to the other versions but each versions definitely have their own distinct elements and to me, this version has its strength with the characters. For me, Miki Honoka as Aihara Kotoko is perfect. I haven't read the manga but I think that she has a fair amount of innocence, of "stupidity" of naiveness and a perfect image of a girl in love. Her acting isn't that exaggerated and annoying just because she isn't smart. And I actually think that Honoka being young is perfect since it started in high school and all the way to college. Of course there are times that Honoka looks like a 12-year-old girl but she clearly has this aura of a bubbly, care-free and determined Kotoko that I imagined. Yuki Furukawa is the real life Naoki Irie. Yes, he does lack expression at times but I think that perfectly captures Naoki's I-don't-give-fuck / "boring life" attitude. I think that compared to the others, he embodies that cold demeanor well. He doesn't just look good, he looks smart and it actually helps that Furukawa speaks English fluently as it makes it REALLY smart. I know that some would say that Furukawa and Honoka look like brothers and sisters because of the obvious height difference and I beg to disagree. The fact that Furukawa is actually 26 and Honoka is 16, that's 10 year age difference yet it wasn't THAT evident in the drama. Furukawa looks young. And in fact, it looks like a bittersweet high school love story to a blossoming hate-love college love story. I find the height difference cute because it makes Honoka seem vulnerable yet it contrasts with her personality and Furukuwa can make her feel safe especially when he hugs her. (Though Honoka being 16 and already having romantic scenes...) Still, the characters are far from perfect. Naoki is like a jerk who keeps Kotoko at arm's length because he knows she's madly in love with him. And Kin-chan is the typical second male lead that's a good guy and madly in love with the girl but gets friendzoned even if he deserves better. But it's an interesting love story of how a cold and smart guy (who hates dumb girls) falls in love with one showing that lack of IQ does not equal to stupidity, personality matters too. What I love the most about the plot (it's very typical shoujo) it really the time span. I love that it started in high school, graduation and extending all the way to college. It makes a cohesive and unity plot that ties everything together. Every character here compliments each other and the actors have great chemistry, be it Jinko and Satomi (Kotoko's best friend) or Kotoko or Mrs. Irie. Of course, it's also a very hilarious drama and not much drama OR that cliche complicated family background. THANK GOODNESS. If there's anything cliche it's the romance. But still, I love how it takes its time. It actually a slow progress, making it more believable especially with the change of Naoki's view on Kotoko.