I Don't Love You Yet (2019)

When on weekend I got stuck searching for a good drama romance, I found this drama quite enjoyable to watch.
Watching this drama reminds me of Jason Miraz's song, Lucky I’m in love with my best friend.
I love the acting of female lead Adachi Rika, she plays so well and natural, she brings a lot of chemistry in this drama.
You will gonna like the male lead Shirasu Jin, he acts look standard but I guess it’s based on Ishida's character, his cute face keeps me awake to watch episode to episode.
You will love to see the atmosphere of Tokyo in this drama and as always the politeness of Japanese culture.
Pretty good to watch, the story is light and uncomplicated, the show runs rather slowly, but it has a pleasant ending.

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Super-frustrating journey with super-likeable mains

It's the exact opposite of what the english title says: Main girl & main guy (they're both really hot... sorry, I just had to mention it:) obviously love each other already. But they are confused about it, because many years back, they decided to be only friends. I must say that as soon as episode 5/16, I already felt kind of sad. Something was up, there were things half hinted, but the two never really talked it out. This even reminded me of telenovelas or thai lakorns with the Arranged Marriage / Misunderstanding trope, where the main couple's "story" usually drags for 100 episodes or whatever long runtime they need the whole series to have: because the two people aren't able to talk basic things through, despite living together in 1 room the whole time! So, while this drama has all the qualities expected from j-dramas, it DOES work with an exceptionally poor quality story to begin with. This irony represents itself in this j-drama having 16 episodes instead of the usual 10. While I would jump with joy in case of practically any other j-drama to be a bit longer, because I tend to love them, unfortunatelly this is the case of super frustrating over-drag, inherited from the original, which caused the episode boost.

First, I thought: They CAN work it out, just the reason why in the past he had insisted so much that he would never, ever fall for her, had to be revealed. I felt that until the main girl learns about this, she would not be able to really proceed with him. Instead, we got the super clingy secondary female... She's like scary since episode 5. I was afraid that she will plague the whole drama, never leaving main guy's side (who was way too nice to tell her to get lost). While what happened was she actually tried to help a bit, in the end. And then instead...

Other secondary character "unexpectedly" returns to the scene. Main girl's most notable ex, in fact. He appears, has very open conversation with main guy, during which he openly speaks the truth. Including the truth about main guy's feelings for main girl. Not afraid to describe things by their name, he calls a spade a spade, and that sets FURTHER to display how much the people of concern have omitted to say. And yes, there they are right in the following scene, endlessly conversing about FOOD. The more I shipped them together, the more frustrating it was that even when the most romantic kind of situation offered itself, the two of them didn't grab on it and fully express their feelings. Instead, the secondary characters got involved even MORE.

Then, at 1/2 of the drama, we have our main guy finally ready to confess to main girl immediatelly. But any time he tries, circumstances prevent him from completing 1 single conversation (it's like in hispanic telenovelas). Plus, her ex is coming for her. Would HE be quicker to speak to her? Of course. Episode 8, the two do have their crucial conversation. The two mains DON'T. Epi 9, main guy's mother lectures him about success in love being Feeling,Timing,Happening. Well, this guy certainly has enough feeling for his girl. But his problems with timing went to the absolute extreme, in this story. Just why did he tell her years back that he will never, ever consider her as a girlfriend? Why the two were so extremely cursed with bad timing whenever one/both of them felt like expressing they actually felt more than friendship? They had countless chances during the long years. Even now, each time they meet, they don't mention the most important thing they need to say to one another, because at the current moment there is always something they can argue about. That's repeated over and over. It's like I mentioned above: the root cause is in the bad writing inherited from the taiwanese original.

Therefore, I decided I should probably just resign on what the hell was HAPPENING in the drama, and just enjoy all the other qualities it has to offer... Since I loved watching both the two mains (they both are really attractive, they have charm, ML has very captivating face, and I loved how FL dressed at work), I went from there. Just tried to enjoy their scenes without hoping they would actually make their love story satisfying. That was the best way to keep watching this drama... I remember there was nothing like that to keep me with the 2011 taiwanese original. I dropped that after 1 episode. I knew I won't drop this, but I admit my frustration. It looked like the writer REALLY wanted both the mains to date other people. There is so much of past flashbacks and follow-up development of main girl with Asaka Kodai's side character, that viewers might start doubting whose love story this is. Is it actually about THEM getting back together? Answer is simple, no, just another side-effect of the bad writing. But feel free to get frustrated, drop this drama or call this drama bad. I watched enough thai, philipino, vietnamese, some of taiwanese and chinese television to know what's BAD, lol. But! While I know this is not a bad show, it IS portraying a colossally bad story. I am repeating myself in this review... But, it does repeat in those 16 episodes.

It goes on for so long that even the viewers who did ship the main couple together might quit wishing them to succeed. I was like that, too. That is the biggest proof that romance has failed. And if romance fails, how good can romantic drama be? So, after all, I do understand the viewers calling it bad. Scenes like "him going to confess but catching the girl the exact second when she got hugged by her ex and then leaving before at least also seeing that she pulled away" exhausted my patience decades ago and long before watching them here. But, after all, who knows how old the source material for the script actually was. Soon after that failed confession they make the two mains have a Misunderstanding conversation which will put any future confession in a wrong light... It's because they both ALWAYS avoid the word love and start conversation on some side-point instead, hoping to gradually get to it. Instead of the converstation to develop the way they wanted, it of course gets stuck on something that prevents it. While the supporting character rivals never fail to say "love" right away. Thus planting the seed of romance into main's hearts. We can watch main girl getting hugged by other guy and to almost receive a kiss, despite her struggling her ex is seen to still not give up and kisses her cheek at least, giving her his "poison", again. The one who really loves her LEAVES even before attempting anything and throws flowers intended for her into garbage. It's then difficult to cheer for such "couple".

Yes, it's difficult to watch a "story" where the love rivals are so apt in taking every opportunity and make the most of it, while the mains fail every time at the basics. How do you fight against such script? So, soon the rival brings his own flowers. And THOSE get accepted. Other reviews commented on how the couple-moments between main girl and her ex were the kind of moments they would wish for the main couple to have. That says it all. Episode 10 is perfect example of what happens when the writer goes too far on this kind of sub-plot. It's in every under/average romance plot dating back decades. LONG before "Team Jacob" T-shirts. And the dated drama prop of "leaving a letter/note/sms/voice-message to convey the most precious information" cements it. We're back to stone-age way of writing dramas. Are we enjoying ourselves?

Next episodes, there's many real kiss scenes with FL & Asaka Kodai... WHO were the producers cheering for, here? Why these two look so adorable together? This really got out of hand. LOL. Episode 13, they're still at it. How long will this go on? Out of everything, FL learns about ML's feelings the worst possible way, and the worst possible timing (aw, this show's main theme:) Then, even as late as the last 2-3 episodes, we let the mains tell each other the most important things only through (unlistened) voicemails or (unsent) postards...

While this review sure does list all the complaints about the frustrating "storytelling" and writing, it should also be noted that the main couple had their qualities. They were both likeable and perfect for each other, I loved their relationship (their badly written fighting excluded) and honestly believed that they should marry. It was well portrayed that despite Asaka Kodai's side character seeming to be the more romantic kind of boyfriend, he wasn't the true love and the right one and I appreciated that. Any other drama would let his guy be the lead. On the other hand, when the mains do finally get together, it's a bit anticlimax. There's just 1 kiss scene, I loved it, but it was a very brief thing in long sea of screentime. They should have shown more of them having attraction, than being good friends, we watched them being good friends for 16 episodes already. Still, I watched this to the end. I loved the final episode, where we could watch the main girl having her life journey symbolized by her love for shoes. It really was more than just an occupation for her and the final scene with her family was precious. I loved the main leads of this. Now the Thai remake is ahead of me, "starring" Pae Arak whom I cannot stand, so I guess I'll be done with that one very quickly, LOL. In the end, I rated this drama higher than I first expected (I was SO set to give a low rating:-), for the message it left in me.

Note: The ending credits song is WAY better (Enon Kawatani!;-) than the (crappy) opening song. They should have used it on opening credits, too... Or other one by the same artist.

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Sweet as a lead couple can be

The lead couple in this drama is probably one of the sweetest lead couples I have ever seen, they have amazing chemistry and a slightly to strong friendship to build an amazing relationship on if they only dared to admit to their feelings/risk their friendship.

Besides the not owning up to their feelings this drama portrays a relationship where two people are there for each other true thick and thin and can be themselves without having to compromise to much. A s apposed to the second leeds who show the perfect contrast. one showing what a relationship built on kriteria and non mutual affection looks like. The other one built on toxicity, ownership and guilt. Making me want to slap some sense in to the characters from time to time... The second male lead definitely brought out my inner anger and though i loved the female lead i did not like how she was with the second male lead at all. The male lead was way to passive, a true scaredy cat but had great character growth and seemed to learn that people can get hurt when men are too nice too.

There were many misunderstandings and obstacles, so it takes time for the main couple to come to terms with their feelings, some say to long I say the ending was rushed but the twists and terns did serve their purpose showing complexity to both characters and the idea of friends to lovers.

The friends and families in this drama are adorable and I can not say any one truly annoyed me,aggravated yes, annoyed no.

I wish they would show that even if the main couple had romantic love for each other that there are heterosexual people who have different genders but can have long lasting non romantic relationships. But other then that definitely wort watching.

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This series is listed on the VIKI as “ in time with you JP. “ It was short and sweet. I have seen different versions of this series in different languages as well as different vibes. If you’re looking for short and sweet romance series, this one is nice. The acting was good, the storyline was good and the ending was also sweet. This series revolved around a male and female who had an amazing friendship growing up and maintain that friendship through adulthood. Of course like the other versions that friendship meant something more to them but it was held in. What I liked about the series was that the characters were actually really cute and it was very heartfelt and enjoyable to watch. What I did not like about the series was that relationships and somewhat one-sided until the very end. I really didn’t get an opportunity to see any significant chemistry between the leads however their friendships and very heartfelt.

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Wholesome story which I fell in love with

There is only a few dramas which I will always love and remember forever. And I knew this is one of them already while watching the second episode of this show. If I should describe a perfect drama for my taste, it's definitely "In Time With You/I Don't love you yet". As I just wrote, it caught me already at the beginning and didn't let me go until the very end.
Overally I think the story is nothing extra special, no totally original ideas or something and I was almost 100% sure from the beginning how the end will look like. BUT! The acting, setting of the story, all the little moments and mainly the overall WHOLESOMENESS was something I was really longing for. The show will warm your heart in so many moments that it's totally amazing.
The main duo of Mitarai Yo and Ishida Ren has the best chemistry I have ever seen in a TV series and I would believe they are best friends also in real life. And I have to mention that I enjoyed especially Ren, not mentioning he's really, really handsome, but the actor was able to express all his emotions in a great way! But I have to also mention that I enjoyed ALL the side characters, which is usually very rare in this kind of shows. Yo's and Ren's families, Mizusawa Ryusei, all the people from their workplace or school, they all were really well acted and added a lot to the story. There were also some philosophical moments which made me think about life values, love, friendship and so on.
I also appreciated that the ending wasn't rushed or cut off and we could enjoy some nice additional scenes after the peak of the story.
Now when I finished watching "In Time With You" I feel like I will miss it a lot and I am sure I will rewatch in the future.
Don't hesitate to watch, you won't be disappointed, especially if you like lot of love, wholesome moments and oh... nice shoes. :)

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It's so natural and warm

This is the kind of drama i like. It's warm and natural. 16 episodes was worth to watch.

I never watched the original one and i never searching for the spoilers before but the story was surprisingly really good and the actors acting was so natural especially Ren and Yo.
Their chemistry was so good. It's different from Jdorama that i used to watch. They really did a great job.

Even the supporting actors like Yo's family and Ren's family here did a great job. I didn't find any of them forced their acting and they made the story more alive with small details that they did.

I didn't know and i couldn't guess how this story would end . I didn't want to predict and expect anything from this. It would more fun for me when i just followed the storyline.
And i cried and felt heart broken for Ren.

I'm trying to find another good Jdorama like this without comical scene or acting. Everything was natural and well written.

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Slowed pace good jdrama

Friendship turning a new point to become lovers...this 16 episode we can see that. The way they overcome their fears,problems and come to realise their true feelings...this 16 episodes will make you feel this and lot more.

The casting was done perfectly as they ezcuted the scenes very well. The msuic was so soothing to hear....Even though couple got together at the end 16th episode but ending gave a satisfavtion that they ended up together agtsr all what they went throughout the series.... ML and FL had their own fair shares of problem in work or love life amd they solve it. This drama is very similar to real scenarios which makes it to connect with the drama immediately. There might be certain where you will think the same scenes in head but acyors makes it special to watch it...if you want to skip amd start the endong then start it from ep 12....it will give you clearer idea .

I hope you all enjoy the drama!!!

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Watch it and love it!!!

I watch the original version, Chinese version, and the Korean version, and my favorite the Japanese version. I don't want to be a comparison to the original version. First, why I like this drama first the lead actors had this kind of magical chemistry, catchy to the viewers. Second, it was a more mature type of story than other versions. I don't want to elaborate every scene on the drama, but the acting is delivered so well especially these lead actors. It was enjoyable to watch, nothing dull moment of the scene.

Adachi Rika so beautiful and she nailed it as Mitarai Yo. Sakuma Yu so handsome and he was good on his character as Ishida Ren looks so naive on this role. They're both good at acting on this drama. Mitarai Yo, I saw him already in Happy Marriage I didn't notice it was him he already cute.

The one thing I was bothered it has 16 episodes for Japanese drama mostly it has 10 episodes usually, here 16 but the phasing on the as friendship so long that I'm kinda feeling bored and my excitement kinda be gone. I just hope they considered more couple moments kinda a little bit sad even it's just a short moment as a couple still a happy ending.

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Should We Continue As Best Friends?

For most of the show I was really happy that I found myself a hidden gem and was so positive how the some-relationship-in-denial was written. I enjoyed the first few episodes greatly, where there were many traces of candy dotted around in the MCs relationship. Then I noticed out of the corner of my eye on the MDL page, a 'heartbreak' tag...hmmm, not sure why a tag like that is there...*few episodes later*...oh no...I can hear my heart shatterring. In all seriousness, for the first half of the drama I was applauding how good the writing and character interaction was and prepared to jump at the 10 rating. But then, they had to bring back the ex-boyfriend. Originally, I thought they were going to use him for a few episodes to test the relationship of the ML and FL, but he is actually a major plot for the rest of the show. I was so gutted and frustrated between the ML, FL and ex-boyfriend that I had to take a walk a couple of times to vent my frustration. Too bad that the later half of the drama turned out this way and with many filler scenes 'testing' the MCs. IMO the writers should have just done the testing and realisation of their feelings in the middle and the last few episodes are the MCs doing lovey dovey couple things because that is what the audience want in a Romance Drama. Overall, the drama was a great drama that really pushes the audience's emotions/feelings, but I believe it could have been better.

Quick Story/Plot
The ML and FL are highschool friends later becoming best friends where they swore not to fall in love with each other. Being best friends for over 10 years, they spent most of their time together from highschool to university to now 30 years old. Everyone around them from friends to family all encouraged them to date, but they keep denying their relationship. After placing the marriage bet, the ML and FL start looking for potential partners for marriage. Eventually the ex-boyfriend returns to Japan and the true test between the ML and FL begins.

Quick Acting/Cast/Characters
- The FL is a hardworking and strong chief at a shoe company. She has only dated bad guys and has become depressed thinking no one will marry her. Fortunately her best friend is always there and they would talk/call every day. The FL's acting was superb in how she expresses helplessness and confusion with her feelings towards the ML at times in the drama.
- The ML is a department chief at a housing development business. His past relationships don't last long because all his ex-girlfriends say that his best friend is always in the way. The ML has always been the guardian angel of the FL; being with her since highschool, going out on frequent dinner dates together, rushing to her side when she is sad, but he just won't confess.
- The ex-boyfriend is now the CEO of a start-up company where 5 years ago he disappeared from the FL's life after being depressed his trusted business parter ran away with all their money. Now returning as a successful businessman, he tries to rekindle with the FL.
- Special shoutout to the young side characters for the FL/ML, they became the beacon of light.

Music/OSTs
When 'Koikinabyebye - indigo la End' starts playing, we jamming.

Rewatch Value
Only watch a few sweet notable clips.

Why my rating (9)
Following my intro, the return and use of the ex-boyfriend was unexpected. For most of the later half of the drama, the FL's feelings, interactions and decisions with the ex-boyfriend did not really make sense to me. Alot of things just happened on the whim, which was questionable. Having read other reviews and videos saying 'I Don't Love You Yet' is the best J Romance Drama...I agree the setup had so much potential, but the writing team went down the heart-break/you don't realise until its gone route and dragged on the ex-boyfriend story for too long. This drama is more Romance than RomCom and the audience want to see the ML and FL falling for each other and not the ex-boyfriend getting in the way.

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slow paced childhood friend turned to lovers

A pretty wholesome and light series that shows the "best friend" compatibilities of the two main leads. Their relationship is honestly goals and they're always so wholesome towards eachother but they're love is quite literally unrequited all the time. The drama can be pretty frustrating for those who don't like waiting for the relationship developments. They're so obviously suited for one another but there are so many obstacles and the timing is always off. It's a good patience tester lol.

I personally enjoy the slower-paced dramas and don't mind the flow. As I found the other side characters and second leads pretty unnecessary and annoying, I really enjoyed the scenes where the main leads are just enjoying eachother's presence and catching up with eachother. The way they cheer for one another is super wholesome *^* I do like the male lead more than the female lead because she's not exactly the smartest character and she's always one step behind (and always chasing her ex smh)

The casting is really on point. Love both actors <3 the soundtrack was also pretty catchy by the end
I'd recommend this drama to anyone who likes the childhood friends turned lovers genre and calmness of middle aged romance

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Realistic slow-burning romance drama!

Smaken är som baken, Delad!

Show Intro 2:10min long.

If you enjoyed ...
Something in the rain (2018)
Silent (2022)
First Love: Hatsukoi (2022)
… I would say you enjoy this show as well 😊

The Show includes physical contact such as kisses, holding hands, and visible interaction, both laying atop of the bed kissing, touching, before presumed intercourse.

Japanese romantic drama with realistic slow-burning romance that felt genuine. The two main characters are not flawless, makes mistakes as in real-life, and are struggling with work, friends, family, love as we all do. You know the story-line and what's going to happened yet it gives a few surprises on the way and takes another direction. Support-characters contributes to the story-line, my favourite is her advisor. I would say first part of the show is about friendship, middle part rediscover your feelings and last part communication. Would say the show reflects well on Japan sociality about marriage, friendship, family and love.

The show is not without its flaws, I think female main character is too immature for her age and passive. Would like her to be more calculating and cold-headed. The storyline is predicable yet gives a few surprises but we all know how it's going to end.

Still, it’s a enjoyable show and would recommend it to anyone who wants a slow-burning show about friendship turning into romance with well-known storylines that gives surprises.

Share and Enjoy 😊

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