Nagi no Oitoma (2019)

The Quintessential Japanese Drama of 2019

First, I want to let you know that in Japanese Drama, THEMES is always more significant than the plot. It's doesn't matter who Nagi would end up with or how the drama would end. What important is how the show will convey its message. This drama is not your typical two-boys-one-girl type of story or other overrated romance crap. You could choose your ship if that entertains you, but just to let you know, this drama was not meant to make your heart flutter, it was meant to speak to your soul.

This drama is about the so-called "Hard Reset", not the one you do with your phone but the one you apply with your own life. The important decision you do to make a significant change and start anew. Completely changing your environment is essential, which is what the main protagonist did in this drama, a long vacation. It made her discover more about herself and broaden her perspective of the world, or to make it more precise; it made her have her dream.

Another theme is reading the atmosphere/mood or reading between the lines and I'm sure most of us are familiar with that feeling. When you enter a room full of strangers, most people will remain silent for a while. Judge people's faces, their expressions, their manner of talking etc. "reading the atmosphere" is everywhere, from school, workplace, family and even your relationship. Whether consciously or unconsciously, people do this all the time, this ability is ingrained firmly into us as a species. We as human, always look for a place we can call our own, and we need strong social bonds for that. We always try to "fit in" or wear all the right mask whenever it feels right.

"Stop Trying to Fit In, Aim to Belong Instead"

This drama will teach you fitting in will never get you home because fitting in is trying to adapt to a world that is not your own. Just like Nagi, you have to have your dream and not just live for other people. You have to forget the cool people; you have to find your people. Nagi found these people who help her reboot her life, the film buff grandma, scammer turned best friend Sakamoto, The most level headed mother and daughter (total opposite of Nagi and her mom), the bar owner mama and the most insensitive playboy neighbour. These characters don't only serve up as an exposition for the main character, but their story also conveys the theme of this drama, and the writer did a brilliant job on weaving them in a beautiful pattern.

The Pacing, Setting and Music add so much to the slice of life feels of this drama. Nagi's long vacation is a very well-paced drama; no time is wasted but doesn't felt rushed as well. It is entertaining enough to keep you engaged as you watch it. It also has mundane elements that if you notice would give a smile to your face like shirts worn by Nagi, it seems trivial, but those are valuable shirts you would find in thrift stores. Little details like this make me appreciate the drama more. The location would look very familiar to you after you watched the drama like it seems you also live there along with the characters. The cinematography is terrific in showing the green landscape, clear blue sky and by capturing the calmness and serenity of the laidback way of living. The OST is chill and relax, which complements the slice of life nature of this plot, but it can also get emotional when requires. I also never get tired of hearing the theme song "Reboot" sung by Miwa. It captured the whole theme of this drama.

The acting is ten out of ten, Haru Kuroki never disappoints. She is one of the best actresses in Japan right now and is indeed a national treasure in dramaland. Nagi's portrayal of inner growth is well portrayed, you might get pissed by her actions and decisions, but you always find yourself rooting for her. Haru Kuroki is very skilled as an actress, but it's her sincerity that makes Nagi such a lovable character. The title, Nagi's Long Vacation suggest this is only about Nagi, but this drama can easily be about Shinji as well, the only difference is Nagi only suppress her feelings where Shinji also hurts people around him. Shinji is a character you will despise at the beginning, but you would understand a bit about the character in the end. The writers gave him one of the best character development I've seen in recent years, and the way Takahashi Issei handled it is brilliant, probably his best performance ever. The way he controlled his emotions is masterful like at one moment his character angered you then you will laugh at his comic relief antics then you will feel him as he cries like a baby, what a man child lol.

Nagi's Long Vacation is the quintessential Japanese drama. They are the best when it comes to thought-provoking slice of life genre. You may find the characters caricatures until they slap you with realization quotes that will speak to you on a personal level.

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In many ways, this adorable drama reminded me of the book "Eleanor is Completely Fine" (EICF). Not that Eleanor and Nagi are similar (Eleanor can't read the atmosphere as Nagi, for example), but because it is a story about a woman who just lives but does not enjoy the little pleasures of life.

The beginning is kinda of hard to watch since Nagi is a nice and quiet girl who does not stand up for herself. That all changes when one day, after collapsing, she says Enough, leaves all the luxury of living in Tokyo and moves to the suburbs. Her long vacation is a path of self-discovery and self-acceptance, and being true to herself, which is why all new people who meet her, love her in an instant.

Just like in the book EICF, Nagi goes from a sad and lonely life (and very influenced by her mean mother) to enjoy the little things in life, such as drinking and playing with new friends, and learning to have dreams and that life is not A option or B option.

The music was sweet, suitable for the story. I could have lived without the love triangle (except that I loved the character development in a jerk like Shinji) but I think it was ok in this case since it is an example of not because you have option A and B you have to chose one... it means you can do whatever you want, whatever it makes you happy.

And the redemption at the end for the bully of the office was MEH... but J-dramas are always teaching about that, that people are not black or white... there is grey too and everyone deserves a chance.

"I will live for myself, by myself" (Nagi)

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