I am not much a veteran in terms of Japanese drama but god did I love this. This drama is all about the feels. If you're hesitating because it's an old one, cast your doubts away. In fact I can affirm that this felt more contemporary to me in its presentation than a lot of modern drama. It's honestly all about the feels and also the acting is superb! Like where do you find dramas like that. Every other drama I watched after this felt plain wrong, and not quite coming up to the gloriousness of this.

The storyline itself, not spectacular as such although in the 1990s it might have been considered as such, being it's first of its kind. But the acting and cast of characters largely make for it, their relationship and the ease of their banter, felt so natural. Im astounded how I didn't watch this sooner.

The romance develops itself in a quite realistic manner, and I think it amply depicts why so many couples in more recent dramas just don't sell it. It definitely had to it an undeniable charm, and I can't wait to have a rewatch.

Also I've since watched a tad of Kimura Takuya's works, but you've got to admit that the boyish charm he depicts in long vacation, really is something to appreciate.

And let's not forget Minami's absolute perfection as female lead, sensible at times but nevertheless so fierce and strong. Even the side characters were so perfect, especially Minami's brother- what an absolute scene-stealer!

Anyways, long story short- watch this!!!