Usokon (2023)
No of Episodes: 12
Actors: Kikuchi Fuma, Nagahama Neru, Watanabe Shota, Triendl Reina, Kuroba Mario, Oda Lisa.
Rating: 4 Spice: Level 1
In the world of storytelling, characters are the heart and soul of any narrative, and it's their complexities that often make a story captivating. Usokon follows a fake marriage that evolves into something genuine. While this story offers a heartwarming journey of love and selflessness, there are some aspects that leave room for deeper exploration and development.
Yae, one of the central characters in this series, is portrayed as an incredibly selfless individual. Her willingness to put other's needs ahead of her own sets the stage for the entire narrative. However, as much as I admire her altruistic nature, it begs the question: What drives Yae to be selfless? The story briefly touches upon her character, but a deeper dive into her backstory could help us better understand the origins of her selflessness and the emotional complexities that drive her actions.
On the other hand, Takumi's character undergoes significant development throughout the story. Initially depicted as someone willing to lie for personal gain, he gradually reveals a more multifaceted persona. His growing feelings for Yae add depth to his character, transforming him from a schemer into a person willing to confront his mistakes and make a mends. This character arc is a strong point in the storytelling.
An intriguing aspect of this series is the contrast between the characters' public and private personas. Takumi, for instance, initially presents himself as a cool and mysterious individual, but internally, he can't contain his excitement when Yae shows any sort of interest in him.
While following the cliche path of the fake marriage tropes, there was an event that cause Takumi to call of the agreement they had made surrounding their fake marriage. However, I did not like the way that Takumi just assumed Yae had no feelings for him and ran away from her when she initially tried to confess her feelings. Yae was able to hear Takumi's full confession of his feelings for her, but Takumi never got to hear Yae's full confession of her feelings for him. This could have been made during the wedding scene at the end, in front of everyone.
Despite being presented with a trope that is constantly used in Japanese dramas, Usokon was a cute and fun watch. It provided a heartwarming journey of selflessness and love. Yae and Takumi's charming story lies in its ability to capture the essence of genuine emotions and personal growth, stringing you along to find out how it will all play out.
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