Here on MDL I have come to find certain terms thrown around with WILD abandon. One phrase "Light and Fluffy" is maybe used more than almost all others collectively. Unfortunately most of the programs given this badge, do not deserve it. So many shows have their comment boards decorated with these adjectives but then upon viewing, you come to find storylines of suicide, misogyny, violence, crime, death, loss, betrayal, on and on it goes. Sometimes it is even all of the above, cough "Dali and the Cocky Prince," cough. But because there are a handful of cute scenes, or funny moments, the entire show is labeled "Light and Fluffy," when it clearly is not.

Kieta Hatsukoi however, is the exact definition of what is meant when a show has the right to be deemed "Light and Fluffy." There is hardly a moment that isn't written to bring warmth to the viewer. There are not convoluted over-the-top overly dramatic plotlines. There are not vile evil characters working to destroy the leads. There aren't toxic people acting against the story. Everything here is made sweet, endearing, funny, joyful, and above all easily digestible.

For the most part, this works wonders, and created a Saturday viewing pleasure that was an easy break from the more soapy and overwrought tales found almost everywhere else. KH is in itself, an antidote to the humdrum world, the covid plagued reality, depressing news cycles, and heartbreak that makes current day reality. It is the purest of ventures in the art of escapism.

Our leads Aoki (Played adorably by Michieda Shunsuke) and Ida (delivered silent and sexy by Meguro Ren) are both winning in their juxtaposed personalities. Aoki is geeky, insecure, dramatic, and in-touch with every emotion that runs through him. Ida is contemplative, popular, sporty, and lost inside his stoic world not understanding a single feeling that is awakening in him. As the two comicly fumble their way through finding possible romance with each other, the viewer get to delight themselves with cute gags, silly interactions, and heartfelt moments of self realization.

Helping our leads along is a straight side couple Hashimoto and Aida. This possible couple seems to be a heterosexual version of our male leads. To a certain extent they face the exact same obstacles as our male male story. Fukumoto Riko as Hashimoto is cute as a button and a perfect ally and friend to our Aoki. Suzuki Jin as Aida is playful and cocky, while remaining kind and sincere.

The choice to have the "homosexual" storyline followed almost exactly by the supporting "heterosexual" couple seems to be an attempt for the story to normalize what is happening as much as possible. To show viewers, hey, see, these boys really aren't that different than anyone else. Look at how they face the same issues as the guy and girl. This was welcomed, and also effective, as you will enjoy this side couple just as much as our main male leads.

Now, you might ask, MJ but you are giving it an 8 but only saying great things about it. Trust me, an 8 on my scale is a very solid score. While, I do have mostly only positive things to say here, the show isn't perfect. There are some acting choices along the way that I didn't enjoy. There is a feeling of some filler episodes and spinning in place plot repetitiveness, though still HIGHLY enjoyable to watch, shows that the story could have had some stronger plotting and pacing as it is only 10 30-minute episodes. The story itself is also very simplistic. It works, so this isn't really a drawback per say, but it does keep me from awarding it a higher score since it keeps itself always in easy-town, not matter how fun it is being there.

In the end this tale is winning and wonderful. It closes with a great message for everyone involved on how love can blossom if you allow it, how being open can breed happiness, and how living truthfully can bring companionship. "We don't have to be like everyone else." our leads tell each other. No truer words have been spoken no matter if they come from a "Light and Fluffy" tale. I just hope the audience watching is also listening.

8.0 = B+, 4-Stars. A solid all around entry that will likely not disappoint.

May we all have a day of such beautiful illumination!