Fukou-kun wa Kiss Suru Shikanai! (2022)

Acquaintances to friends through panic

Kota has always had bad luck. At the university he notices Naoya who seems to have extraordinarily good luck. Moreover when Kota is next to him his bad luck disappears. So one day he approaches Naoya with an offer of friendship but it is badly phrased and Naoya accepts to be his boyfriend. From that moment on, Kota is in eternal panic mode, jumpy and incapable to deal with the consequences.

I usually drop manga adaptation when they look too much like an anime and not enough like a live drama. I dropped this one halfway through the second episode (when he got all wrapped in yarn!!) but chose to pick it up in order to complete a challenge.

And let me tell you what a challenge it's been to finish this drama.

Kota is a very unlikable character. Immature and silly. He was formed by his relentless bad luck from childhood so he avoids having friends. Pretending to be interested in Naoya is too much for his feeble character: he misunderstands Naoya's every word and action. We are privy to his innermost thoughts as he is narrating it but what we get is panic. His every reaction is panic. His every thought is panic. He is jumpy, hugging the walls and trying to keep low profile. (though his very attempts to be invisible are so conspicuous! go figure!). He is afraid of contact and he does not know or want to respond to Naoya's affections. He's a typical victorian virgin. In 21st century! I found Kota extremely annoying. Even his evolution towards the end, is not really convincing: I think he cares for Naoya but more like a friend than a lover.
Naoya, on the other hand, had been blessed with good luck he decided to use for good, be nice to people but, just like Kota, he never really got close to someone. Until one day he sees Kota smiling and falls for him. I could believe that. Someone's sunny smile can make a person happy. Is it love? Probably on Naoya's part since he already knew he was attracted to men. He was so deeply taken that he chose to ignore Kota strange 'manga anime) behaviour.

Their relationship is more of a bromance than a bl romance. Kota is never, not even in the end, at ease with physical closeness.

So the romance is really not good. What is good here are some side characters: group of gossiping girls Kota listens into, psychology classes in an open circular classroom (well done stage manager!), Naoya's friends who are underused. What is surprisingly missing here are a number of tropes (childhood relationship, crazy ex etc.) which makes this a rather refreshing watch.

I was right to drop this initially and only the actor laying Naoya made me go through this annoying show. Sato Yusuke is a very talented actor who managed to portray the happy exterieur and the sad interior feelings of Naoya with a smile and a look. Amazing acting skills! The other actors are not worth mentioning because they do very little acting just by standing there and I do not want to talk about Sota Ryosuke. Actually I should, because he brought to life the most annoying character in BL since Kieta Hatsukoi. If he was supposed to be so annoying, then well done Sota. If not, well, it is a problem!

The story centers on these two characters and nothing exists outside of them: family or the society in general it is a moment in time in a microcosme where there is no prejudice!

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Lovable Characters are the Strength of this Bromance

It's a simple plot but the characters are likable and engaging. Naoya (Sato Yusuke) plays a strong lead as a guy who has no baggage about liking guys --- Kota (Sota Ryosuke), in this case. Kota is "questioning" his same sex attraction, and this is fine but his character is just a little too slapstick -- and that's the main failing of this drama, it can't seem to find the right tone. Is it a serious drama or a farce? Thankfully the Naoya character keeps us grounded for most of the series. There are a few secondary characters that seem unnecessary and overly slapstick. The sub-plot of the "lucky" vs "unlucky" wears thin quickly and should have been dropped at mid-point, but I suppose that's going to be the payoff where the "unlucky" guy finally get's lucky? Like the story, the music score is pretty subtle but perfect for this kind of drama. Overall I'd love to see these characters in a more inwardly focused story -- like two guys on a camping trip, removed from the cliche themes of university life. And despite my reservations about the slapstick moments, Sota Ryosuke plays them well.

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when the luckiest guy on campus meets the unluckiest guy on campus

It was another very cute Japanese bl that targeted the very beginning phase of a relationship. The narrative of being with someone for their luck was actually very fascinating and unique. Acting was good considering that it's pretty obvious that they are going for an animated vibe for Kota. His expressions and actions are all very overexaggerated but it was fun to watch. The actors definitely did a good job.
Only real complaint I have is that this was way too short. I wish this was 12 episodes because 8 episodes were only enough for them to scratch the surface of this relationship they are having. However, I don't regret watching this at all. This drama would definitely deserve a season 2.

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CHARMING CAST AND STORY REMINDS US OF CHERRY MAGIC

CAST. Just like another Japanese series, CHERRY MAGIC, the two main leads of this series are its best asset. Both are adorable, especially Sato Yusuke who plays Naoya. Both the actor and the character are endearing. Acting is also natural. As for Soyta Ryosuke who plays Kota, his exaggerated acting makes you feel that you are watching an anime. Even the delivery of his lines are very cartoon-like. And it’s also charming.

10 / 10

STORY. Story is cute, although I feel that the writers should’ve written in about the two main character’s families. One can’t help but wonder: Why are both characters living alone? Where are their families? Who pays for their tuition/rent/bills? I love the maturity of Naoya and how he handles situation and how he respects Kota. Also love Kota’s character development towards the end.

I read some comments from viewers who are disappointed that there is no kissing scene at the end. Hey guys, we got one at the beginning, right? Also, series like CHERRY MAGIC worked and are well-loved despite the lack of kissing scenes.

9 / 10

CINEMATOGRAPHY. It’s still a puzzle to me why Japanese and Korean BLs use so much filter. I know some series/movies use filters to hide the cast’s age, but in this case, the cast are all young – so what gives? Some Thai series are guilty of this, too. It’s ok if white filters (diffusers) are used for dream sequences or fantasy scenes or flashbacks, but for present day scenes, I don’t think it’s necessary. MUSIC is also mediocre, nothing impressive.

7 / 10

REWATCH VALUE. 10, if only because of the two male leads. Haha!!

10 / 10

OVERALL RATING

9 / 10

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THIS DRAMA IS SO FLUFFY AND WARM

I absolutely loved this drama....the chemistry....the story....the acting.....the fluffiness everything about this drama was just perfect.

I loved how cute and natural the love between the two main leads were.

The story was also told really well and used the short time it had really well. The pacing was also well done and didn't drag at any time.

This drama also had a deeper meaning when it comes to the lucky and unlucky parts of the drama because the lucky characters life is so perfect that he constantly wonders if people are nice to him only for his luck and the unlucky character tries to stay away from people to avoid affecting them with his lack of luck. But because of the unlucky characters both leads meet and they both begin depending on eachother to live normal lives.

The fluffiness of the relationship was also well balanced and didn't make anything seem cringey or annoying.

All in all I loved this drama and once again Japan has did it again with delivering a beautiful drama.

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In defiance of the title, Mr. Unlucky strives not to kiss!!!

But he will win you over regardles. From start to finish, this drama never fails being entertaining, impossibly cute and at times, devastatingly heartbreaking. It's very much worth the time you invest in it, more than once.


What I particularly liked:

1. Shinomiya is THE perfect boyfriend. Literally a fairytale-like prince, inside and out. He's hot. He's sweet. He's a good friend. He respects your boundaries and makes fun of you in the nicest way possible. He voices his feelings!!! For real.

2. Fukuhara has been funny and relatable for the vast majority of the show. I wanted to strangle him only like thrice during the show, each time lasting mere seconds.

3. The soundtrack is catchy and fits the ambience very well. For people looking for it, it's called "Perfect" by "OCTPATH".


What I particularly disliked:

1. Their relationship can get a bit repetitive with not enough development at times. You might hear they lack intimacy, which I personally wouldn't have minded if there was additional progress to compensate for it. Alas, I wished for more towards the end.

2. The subtitles aren't that good. There are few minor issues I can look past, one annoying one that bugged me but didn't ruin it for me, and one major problem I will feel salty about to the end of my days. I'll leave a spoilery comment under the review pointing those out.

3. Pomeranian. You'll understand after watching it.


Overall feelings:

If you're looking for something light on plot, short and sweet, this is the show for you. Just be warned that like many japanese live actions based on shounen-ai manga, this one is also very ridiculous and innocent in its portrayal of love.

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the luckiest unlucky person

The story revolves around two characters, Fukuhara and Shinomiya. Initially, Fukuhara is portrayed as a manipulative and "unlucky" person who seems to benefit from being around Shinomiya. However, it becomes clear that some of Fukuhara's misfortunes are due to his own clumsiness and lack of communication skills. Shinomiya, on the other hand, is seen as a lucky and caring individual who is drawn to Fukuhara's lively personality.

Fukuhara's abrupt love confession to Shinomiya is initially seen as self-serving, but it becomes evident that Shinomiya has genuine feelings for Fukuhara. Despite this, Fukuhara continues to take advantage of Shinomiya's feelings and luck without showing appreciation. However, as the story progresses, Fukuhara begins to realize the sincerity of Shinomiya's feelings and gradually falls for him, showing remorse for his past actions.

In episode 5, Fukuhara starts acknowledging his feelings for Shinomiya and becomes more protective of him, standing up to those who try to take advantage of Shinomiya's luck. Ultimately, the two characters have an honest conversation, leading to a new beginning in their relationship based on honesty and courage.

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It's good, but not outstanding

Should you give this a watch? Sure!

It's fluffy, the side characters are fun, the actors are good, the story is trying something, and at times it's really funny. Will it change your life forever? Surely not, but is that what we were asking this drama to do?

This really comes in line with the recent influx of Japanese BL drama. I want to add cookie points for the production team of this drama, because things just...look nice! There are some pretty shots at the aquarium especially, and we get a few moments when the leads seemingly break character which is for the better.

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I got ants all over me because of the sweetness

For those who are wondering, this serie is a *happy ending*

Things I like about this serie:
- Handsome actors especially Naoya. Such an ikemen.
- A very sweet and attentive seme. No red flags whatsoever.
- Tsundere bottom x pursuing top
- Top notch comedy.
- Followed the original to almost a T.

Things that I somehow didn't like about this serie:
- the randomness of scenes, especially in episode 7 and 8.
- The lack of skinship? Which opens new plot points if there will be a season 2. It's just, for readers who plan to watch this, just keep in mind that that this is a budding love. So there's progress, but do not expect too much.

Cinematography.
- Angles are very nice.
- There is a cloudy and dreamy visage all throughout the series, which makes it a bit hard to view some of the details in the series such as the surroundings. But I guess they did that to limit the part where there is not much of a population, I guess?
- I really love the voice overs and the soliloquy of the characters. It also presented both sides of the main roles which gives a better understanding of the story.

All in all, this is a sweet and good watch. I kept laughing out loud and giggling. I need a Naoya in my life too hahaha. If you liked Takara and Amagi and Cherry Magic, you will definitely love this too. So give it a shot!

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Cutest drama ever !!!

OMG!!!
I don’t think I’ve ever Fan-girled this hard in my life. The drama was so cute, their relationship developed so well, and there were so many cute and heartwarming scenes between them.
Kota was such a cute and bashful character and I loved his attitude towards life. He had a lot of insecurities, but he never let them affect him.
Naoya on the other hand is one of those people everyone assumes is perfect because of popularity, but also has his own fair share of imperfections he’s too afraid to show.
I love how their contrasting personalities balanced each other, it really helped with their romance. I wish we could have gotten more romantic scenes from them.
The two of them got me all jittery and tingly and I honestly haven’t felt like this in a long time.

This drama was honestly just Eye candy galore. All the side characters were so attractive, this was a heavy bonus.

The only downside for me was that their back and forth got a little too draggy and some of Kota’s kawaii moments were more cringe than cute. But when has cringe ever bothered me.

If you love BL, fluff and cuteness overload with a little bit of cringe, then this drama is perfect for you.

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