Netflix’s latest Japanese production, First Love (Hatsukoi) is an epic love story that takes place over decades. At the same time, it is gentle and wistful. The nine-part series, based on two songs by legendary Japanese singer Hikaru Utada (Hatsukoi and First Love), tells the story of a fated love that faces too many obstacles. The slow and soothing cinematography paired with gentle nostalgia makes it a perfect watch to unwind during the holiday season.

Plot pot

In the late 1990s, teenagers Namiki Harumichi and Yae Noguchi fall in love in a small-town high school. They are smitten by each other. In the present day, Noguchi is a taxi driver and at the opening of the drama, she and Harumichi almost cross paths multiple times when the latter is in a hurry to take a ride to meet his fiance’s parents. When he finally does see Noguchi, it is when she is passing by him while he is riding a taxi from the same company. He is unable to follow her, but it is obvious that the two have not met in a while.

To provide answers, the drama traverses between the past and the present to trace their story and those around them.

Noguchi is a star student who excels in studies and finally moves to Tokyo to attend university. Namiki, on the other hand, joins the SDF, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. The two maintain a long-distance relationship but eventually, opinions seem to clash and create a divide. Spoiler alert, that is not the reason the two separate. It is much graver (and tropey) than that.

The romance between Tsuzuru, Noguchi’s son, a budding music producer and Uta, a talented dancer, is endearing as well. Tsuzuru gets inspired to make his music after watching Uta dance and finds courage to break away from his father’s expectations of him of becoming a doctor.

While on the whole the series might seem a few episodes too long with a little too many plotlines, it all ties up in the end, leaving the audience with a tearful but satisfying conclusion. Noguchi and Harumichi wander through life’s many paths and its difficulties in their own way, which makes it relatable as well. Fate, too, plays an important role.

Although there is not much that is unique about the series’ storyline, the great storytelling and even more beautiful cinematography are its highlights. Wistful winds, gentle snowfalls, almost meetings and passing each other on the street, you can almost feel the nostalgia. Moreover, the running theme of it being based on Hikaru Utada’s two songs make it more memorable and heart-warming.

More about the

Genre: Romance

Where to watch: Netflix

You will love it if you love:

• First love
• Coming-of-age tales
• Mature lovers
• Slow-burn
• Cliches

TT rating: 4.5/5

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