Old Fashion Cupcake (2022)

Wow, this is unlike most Japanese BL

This BL was actually wholesome and didn't have as much bad/toxic/hyperimmature behavior like the others have had. I really enjoyed the MLs dynamic together, and how they actually explored them as human beings, not just following a plot. We got to see more of what they liked and what they didn't like, and the two contrasted well. I wish more Japanese BLs could be like this. I do wish there was at least one more kiss at the end, but their sweetness toward each other will suffice. My one question...did they ever pick up that umbrella? LOL they lost a perfectly good umbrella in that alley.

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So good in so many ways...

I loved this so much in almost every way. The storyline was realistic, but cute, full of life as well as surprisingly good sage life advice. But I really just want to talk about how realistic Togawa's reaction to his own confession was. I was punched in the gut in the best way possible because that would be how I would react if I had to confess to the one person I loved more than life even knowing that would almost certainly mean they'd leave your life forever. and possibly hate you for it. It was THE. BEST. CONFESSION. SCENE EVER. Fight me. we all have our own preferences, but this was just so real, it just hit home, and it resonated with my soul.

Ok now for the two negative points that were the only reason this show didn't get a 10/10
1. the acting. There I said it. Parts were great, they gut-punched me in the best way. but... other scenes were awkward to say the least. I think it was just being forced to laugh in a scene that wasn't funny or something, but if it's' getting in the way of my viewing experience enough that I have to include it in a review, it has to be pretty noticeable.
2. this thing with pretending to be girls. I'm mixed about this, because it could be an incredible social commentary on the strict gender roles in Japan, so strict that men can't even go out to eat desserts or take pictures together. And this may be true, but instead, it came off as if rather like they wanted to make it a titillating experience for the female viewers. So, in fact, it had the opposite effect. If you had just taken the "pretend to be girls" element out, and just say, "I want to be able to go out and eat pastries and take pictures which I can't do now that I'm old and a man" and then Togawa responds with something like "age doesn't matter (like that really good quote at the end where he compares it to being from two different districts in Japan - irrelevant) and gender is a social construct," it would have... left a different feeling. But please comment and tell me that I'm wrong. I really want it to be that first option.

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Not too much of a Hype

There was a lot of Hype for the drama, and I thought lets see what its about. Although my score is low, its not too say that it was bad or anything, its just for me it was not what I would normal get into, because it was good, except, not very memorable for me. Old Fashion Cupcake is a mini little office series about two workers falling in love and finding it at their, "old ages".

I only put "Old Ages" in quotation marks cause I don't consider either of them too old for love, especially Togawa. But one thing I appreciate about this series is that we do get to see an older love story, which is very rare to receive in a BL, I also liked the fact the you walked away feeling that love is out is there for everyone despite the stigma of you are too old to love and why should find it, and why a younger person etc .... so for me that was done really well.

I didn’t find it enough entertaining to give it more than a 4.5. The story was kind of boring and very predictable, but I think that was due to the short number of episodes. but this one wasn’t that bad, even though I felt little to no chemistry between the two main actors. Overall it’s a good show, I would recommend it just because you can easily finish it in one sitting.

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One word.... Bittersweet

I think this is becoming a Japanese series thing... the series are never bad but they aren't amazing too, they're always in the middle,
The main characters were sort of annoying, especially Nozue, he was too obsessed with work and with the fact he was almost 40, that really annoys me.
Togawa, is just like the series I loved it and hated it, he was so hot an so cute, he was totally in love with Nozue, but he was also too much in love, he kinda creep me out when he gave that neck kiss to Nozue while he was sleeping, that was really strange...
The kissing scene was good, I liked the way Nozue's actor didn't closed his eyes during the kiss, it showed the mixed feelings of the character at that moment.
Overall the series wasn't bad as I said before, but that are a lot of things that could have been so much better if they had change some little things in it.

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Beautiful.

This show is so beautiful. Beautiful visually and artistically, beautiful story and emotion, beautiful romance and connection.

Nozue yearns to feel the joy and emotions that he (at first) believes only young girls get to feel. Togawa shows him how he can feel the great and vast emotions of life. Togawa's yearning for Nozue was shown so well through the acting, story, and visual presentation that I could feel it in my heart. The way Nozue longs to be with Togawa is a bit more understated in contrast, but equally as beautiful. The way they convey the complicated feelings that arise with frustration with gender norms, and queer romance is so well done.

The story and writing are lovely. Although some common BL/romance tropes are used, it is done in a way that feels refreshing and avoids the staleness and predictability that the tropes can easily fall into. The dialogue and chemistry between the two leads had me completely hooked. Even with the short length of the series, it did not feel rushed or shallow. Watching their connection grow through each episode was such a treat ;).

The camerawork, coloring, lighting, and music are wonderful. Very well done and do a great job of portraying the feeling of each scene. Just beautiful filmmaking, man.

If you are a BL enjoyer or even just a romance enjoyer, I'd say this is a must-watch.

BTW there's also a short epilogue (Old Fashion Cupcake Epilogue: Apple Pie) that is a lovely treat to watch after, but I must warn you it is a bit bittersweet as you will be dying for more content afterward.

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Most of us who have already passed the age of fourty will probably concur that this age does feel like a threshold. Whether your kids are starting to leave home (or will do so soon) or your parents start to need your help (or pass away even) -- suddenly, you notice that you are no longer young and chances are that the years ahead will be fewer than the years already behind.
Add to that the comfortable days you are living -- you finally settled into your job and know your role, days have a predictable routine. You think you know yourself, what you want and what you fear.
Youth seems like a dim memory, something you are no longer allowed to have.

But Kozue is lucky. He gets a Togawa, and is able to rediscover his own self, and find new passion for life (and for love). This story is told concisely, never rushed. No scene, no line of dialogue, no gesture is unecessary. Both leads and the supporting actors act with precision.
Browns and greys, shades and dim lighting are contrasted with bright spring greens and the lovely crisp spring sun -- Colours, light and shadows play an important role in this drama, if you care to look for it.

Follow the colour, the sets, the acting, which gets increasingly tight, tense and even oppressive -- the tension rises, until Togawa reaches his breaking point -- and it seems as if things are broken. Everything is grey and brownish again, but changed. Spots of light and colour show how Nozue's life has already changed -- but wouldn't it be brighter and livelier with Togawa in it?

Even after watching this lovely series more than a few times, I haven't found anything that I don't like -- it's that excellent!

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brilliant acting

How to romance your long-time boss and crush? So many boss and employee/intern romances, BL or hetero, yet this stands out. The back and forth of dialogue without an intrusive soundtrack is such a pleasure when watching jdrama. I was afraid that the feelings of these men in suits would not be respectfully treated (cupcake?). A ten-year age gap, a respectful relationship in a small office, and somehow the younger Togawa manages to give his friend and boss the gentlest and most patient push needed, to wake him up to love. Brilliant acting. My favorite shot -- Nozue's face sideways in bed, lit up by the screen as he reads missed texts from his friend -- the years drop away, his eyes and lips glow.

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Should be called Old Fashion Pancakes

This should have been called Old Fashion Pancakes, Lol. The best thing about this drama is definitely the dialogue, it was different than what you normally get in other BLs, I really enjoyed their flirty convos, it felt fresh and refreshing.
This drama was way too short and had some scenes that could have been cut out to show us more of the main characters, this series started with so much angst and tension but it was just killed off midway instead of transitioning into proper romance after self discovery and self acceptance. I have had this on my list for awhile, I’m glad I finally watched it but it’s not something I would rewatch as I feel I didn’t get any pay off from all those angst.
Rewatch value 3/10
Overall 7.5/10

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Adorable Little BL

**Brief Synopsis**
B (Manager): Nozue
T (Employee): Togowa

B is T's manager and spends most of his time doing the same thing over and over again. His life changes however when B invites him out to diner. T somehow agrees and they start spending more and more time together. They grew closer as a result, with B even inviting T to his apartment. After a while, T finally confesses and B refuses initially. But realizing he doesn't want to go back to normal boss employee relationship with T, be runs after him and confesses. The series ends with them together.

**My Opinion**

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT IT
- Fluffy feel good BL with lovable characters. I loved the main couple, they look so cute together.
- The pacing is good. Not too slow and not too fast.
- Acting is good as well, very convincing acting and successfully conveyed the affection between the two characters.

WHAT I DIDNT LIKE ABOUT IT
- Way too short. Would have loved to see more of their daily life.
- Full of cliche but because the story is cute, this can be forgiven.

**Conclusion**
Short, feel good show.

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Unsatisfactory Aspects: Lack of Fluency, Character Connection, and Passion"

It's hard to say what didn't satisfy me. In general, there seemed to be a problem with fluency. I couldn't connect with the characters. The dialogues were really good, but it seemed as if the dialogues should have felt more passionate, but they couldn't.

Nozue's acting was not as good as Togawa. In fact, I could only feel Togawa's emotions, but even that was not enough.

In the last two episodes, the story accelerated and Nozue made a decision too quickly. Knowing that he was someone who had such a hard time getting out of his comfort zone, what he did didn't seem convincing to me. (Especially going from not even being able to pat someone on the head to suddenly chasing after them and dropping big words – that was seriously inconsistent.)

And it's like they don't really drink the drinks. Are they just pretending to drink or is it just me?

As a result, it could have been much more impressive, but it was not. I know that the reasons for the high score are that it is a Japanese series, it has an emotional atmosphere, the shots are good (I didn't like the exploding window lights) and it gives off that high-quality production vibe, but still, I gotta admit, it didn't do it for me.

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