THE SHORT VERDICT:

If you enjoy “marriage first, relationship-building after” type stories, this is for you. If you enjoy stories featuring shy, introverted leads, this one is also for you.

And if you like both of those things, this one’s doubly for you. 😁

Slice-of-life, a little quirky, and built like a collection of vignettes, almost, Show might take a hot second to get used to, but it shouldn’t take you long to get with Show’s groove, and be utterly charmed by our pair of very endearing leads.

Worth savoring slowly, in my opinion. 🥰

THE LONG VERDICT:

Don’t be misled by Show’s title, which sounds rather on the sleepy side of things.

Yes, this show is calming, in some ways, but the main vibe that I get from each and every episode, is wholesome cuteness, as our pair of bashful leads learn how to interact with each other, from the ground up.

It’s dorky and adorable, and I dare you not to have a goofy grin on your face, through most of your watch. 😁

OST PLAYLIST: FOR YOUR LISTENING PLEASURE

Here’s the OST playlist, in case you’d like to listen to it while you read the review.

Overall, I’d have to say that the music in this show is very pleasant and unobtrusive; I honestly barely noticed the background music, most of the time.

The track that stayed with me THE most, has to be Show’s opening song, which I’ve included here, on its own, in case you’d prefer to listen to it on repeat.

It’s got such a recognizable groove, and I do love how this modern sound somehow works SO perfectly with our not-at-all modern setting. 🤩

HOW I’M APPROACHING THIS REVIEW

First I’ll talk about how to manage your expectations going into this one, and what viewing lens would be most helpful.

After that, I talk about stuff I liked on a more macro level, before I give the spotlight to selected characters and relationships, in a separate section. Finally, I spend some time talking about my thoughts on the penultimate and finale episodes.

If you’re interested in my blow-by-blow reactions, &/or all the various Patreon members’ comments during the course of our watch, you might like to check out my episode notes on Patreon here.

MANAGING EXPECTATIONS / THE VIEWING LENS

Here are some things that I think would be helpful to keep in mind, to maximize your enjoyment of your watch:

1. Our story is set in the 1930s

One thing that I think is important to keep in mind, is that our story is set in the 1930s, and therefore, the prevailing attitudes and mindsets around men’s and women’s roles in marriage and society, are very different from now.

I do think that adjusting your expectations around this, is quite key to your ability to enjoy the show.

[MINOR EARLY SPOILER]

Because, we see, for example, our female lead Natsumi reminding herself, with regards to her marriage to Takimasa, that she’s here to work for this man.

That might be completely archaic thinking to many modern eyes, but I do think that this was perfectly normal, in 1930s Japan.

[END SPOILER]

2. The romance is a slow burn

The main loveline is teased out quite slowly, so adjusting your expectations around that, would be helpful.

3. There is an actual narrator character in this show

Another thing that I wanted to mention, is the presence of the old man narrator (Namase Katsuhisa), which is definitely something different than other dramas.

It took me by surprise, a little bit, but it wasn’t hard to get used to him, and I thought it was a nice touch, actually, to include him, since narrators like him were such staples in the silent movie era, which feels quite apt for the time period of our story.

Also, I found his explanations for certain turns of phrase very helpful, and I like that Show’s makers thought to provide explanations for modern audiences.

STUFF I LIKED

Show’s premise

Honestly, just the premise of this show completely grabbed my heart.

Basically, we have two shy, awkward souls, who suddenly find themselves in an arranged marriage, and are completely confused and perplexed about how it all works.

What makes it utterly endearing, is the fact that they are both very earnest about this arranged marriage, and do their best to be the best husband or wife they can be – except they really don’t know what they’re doing, and are mostly just bumbling along.

It’s adorable. 😁

Show’s pace

I hadn’t known this before I started my watch, but each episode is just under an hour long, and for much of Show’s run, is made up of 3 mini episodes stacked on one another, in order to make up that one-hour episode.

Which means that this could potentially be a great little drama snack thing, where you watch just 20 minutes here, and 20 minutes there, as you go about your day.

Another unexpected benefit of this, I found, is that with three mini-arcs per one-hour episode, it actually feels like our story moves along at a pretty zippy pace.

It feels like, despite Show’s slice-of-life approach to storytelling, a lot more happens in two hours of screen time here, than in two hours of screen time with other regular dramas.

The slow burn romance

I honestly love the slow burn of our central romance.

It makes a lot of sense for our characters, because of how shy and awkward our leads are.

And because of how shy and awkward they are, it feels like the tiniest steps forward – like their first hand hold – are such important and momentous milestones.

I loved that. 🥰

Through our entire story, our bashful lovebirds continue to inch their way closer to each other, and I couldn’t help but have involuntary goofy grins on my face, while watching them adorably fumble their way through married life. 😁

Glimpses into Japanese culture & history

I haven’t watched all that many j-doramas, all things considered, and I do think that this is the first one that I’ve watched that’s set in this time period.

I found it quite fascinating to learn little nuggets of Japanese culture, specific to this period in history.

[FOUNDATIONAL SPOILER]

I was especially fascinated by the fact that the wedding in episode 1, literally happens without Takimasa (Honda Kyoya) being present, and so I did a bit of research to find out more.

Apparently, this was A Thing in olden Japan, where proxy weddings could be held in the groom’s absence, when the groom was away for military services, like in this case.

During that time, it was often about the transfer of the bride to the groom’s family or home, but we see that in this case, because Takimasa’s parents have passed on, Natsumi (Yoshine Kyoko) goes to live with the matchmaker, during the two weeks that Takimasa is away for the drill that had prevented him from attending his own wedding.

[END SPOILER]

SPOTLIGHT ON SELECTED CHARACTERS & RELATIONSHIPS

Natsumi and Takimasa

I don’t have individual sections for Natsumi and Takimasa, because the development of their relationship is so intertwined with their relationship, that it just made more sense to me, to just cover it all, in one section.

What I will say, though, is that both of our leads are very likable.

Natsumi is more immediately likable, with her earnest good nature, and her desire to do things well, in spite of her slightly klutzy tendencies.

It takes a tiny bit longer for us to see that Takimasa is likable too, in his own way, in how earnest he is, for all his stoic impassiveness.

I absolutely loved watching our shy, dorky cuties cross sweet and meaningful milestones together, as they fumbled their way to love. 🥰🥲

[SPOILER ALERT]

E1-2. I find it very endearing, that both Natsumi and Takimasa are so earnest about their marriage, even though they are clearly both clueless and uncomfortable about everything – even about how to carry on a conversation with someone of the opposite gender. 🤭

And it totally doesn’t help that Takimasa’s usual vocabulary seems to be limited to the more curt, military side of things, where his default compliment, is that he finds nothing offensive about said thing, ha.

That said, I was heartened to see, very quickly into our story, that Takimasa is not some kind of male chauvinist who thinks that only women should do work around the house.

That beat, where he brings all those pots and pans to their new home, definitely helped to endear him to me.

First, there’s the thing where he takes the initiative to get those pots and pans, and other crockery, because he sees that they’ll need it.

And then, there’s the thing where Natsumi sees it as her job to carry all those things to the kitchen, since it’s her domain, and he stops her and tells her that she doesn’t need to do all that.

I find it utterly endearing that he would insist on helping her with this, particularly given the times in which they live.

In that sense, I feel like Takimasa is ahead of his time, because even up to very recently, I’ve heard stories about mothers-in-law who forbade their sons from lifting a finger in the kitchen, because it was work that was meant for their wives.

These were stories from only several decades ago, so what does that make Takimasa, being so matter-of-fact about helping Natsumi with kitchen stuff, in the 1930s? 🥲

Honestly, Takimasa shows a lot of consideration for Natsumi, and all that adds up to a very positive impression of him, in my mind.

Like the way he keeps giving Natsumi his coat, whether it’s to keep her warm while they’re staying up all night coz they don’t have any bedding yet, or whether it’s to keep her skirt from flapping up in the face of the sea breeze at the beach.

One of the key things that brings on a lot of opportunities for misunderstandings and humor, is the prospect of their “first night” as a married couple.

It’s hilarious to us that Natsumi doesn’t even know what a “first night” as a married couple might entail, but for the times, it’s entirely possible, I do believe, especially since her mother and sisters find it easier to tell her to just let her husband take the lead.

I just find it very cute that Takimasa is just as nervous and perplexed about the whole thing, and doesn’t even know how to respond, when Natsumi blurts out her question, about what a “first night” actually entails. 😁

And then I love his eventual chosen answer, that it starts with a kiss – and also, that he feels that it would be better for them to get to know each other better first.

Aw. Good man, yes? 🥲

And then, how cute is it, that they end up holding hands for the night, even though they both feel quite uncertain and mortified by everything? 🤭

Even though Takimasa has to spend significant chunks of time away from Natsumi because of his work in the navy, I really like that in the pockets of time that they do spend together, they are inching closer and closer to each other.

I thought it was so cute that they went for a little trip together, and then both inwardly spazz and swoon at the sight of each other; her, because he’s so handsome in uniform that she doesn’t know what to do with herself, and him, because she’s so cute in that modern short dress that reveals her legs, that he doesn’t know where to look.

Tee hee hee. It’s the cutest, cutest thing. 😍

And of course, Natsumi’s first instinct, is to think that Takimasa doesn’t like the short length of her dress; that it’s unbecoming of naval officer’s wife, and angsts about what to do.

The hilarious thing, though, is that Takimasa’s barely keeping it together, and almost blurts out, twice, something about how adorable she looks. 🤭

I thought it was very significant, that when Takimasa finally confesses that he’s bothered by her skirt, and then eventually clarifies that it’s because it bares her legs, and he doesn’t know where to look, Natsumi plucks up the courage to tell him that it’s ok for him to look.

Ooh! That’s a huge step for Natsumi for sure, given that she’s so shy, and I feel that this is partly her trying to embrace the fact that they are a married couple now, and partly an indication that she’s feeling more comfortable with Takimasa now, compared to at first.

I love how this discombobulates Takimasa, and then when he blurts out that she shouldn’t say things like that so easily, I love that Natsumi clarifies that it was absolutely not an easy thing for her to say.

Bit by bit, I love that our OTP is building understanding and openness in their relationship, despite the various hurdles that they have to overcome. 🥲

I love the scene where Takimasa switches off the lights in their room, not because he’s ready for their “first night,” but because he wants to appreciate the night view with Natsumi.

I just LOVE that he thinks to ask her what her day is usually like, and if she gets too tired from taking care of household chores.

I MEAN. Like I said, Takimasa is a man ahead of his time, and the more he shows me this, the more I luff him. 😁

And how very lovely, that when Natsumi starts happily talking about her family, he sits and listens with interest, instead of feeling sad about the fact that she has something that he doesn’t.

I found it so momentous, really, that Takimasa would lean in to kiss Natsumi; I think it says so much about how far he’s come, in his quest to get to know her better and feel more at ease with her, and also, about how strongly he’s drawn to her.

It’s hilarious to me that Natsumi would actually pass out from the kiss, because she’d forgotten to breathe; it’s exactly the kind of klutzy, clueless, guileless thing that I would believe Natsumi would do.

And how endearing is it, that Takimasa actually sits up and watches over her through the night, out of worry for her?

I mean, she thinks that she just fell asleep, and wakes up looking refreshed, but poor Takimasa’s literally fallen asleep in a sitting up position. Aw. 🥲

I was so bummed when Takimasa gets that sudden call back to duty, and has to leave, because I much prefer it when our OTP is together, but I do love that beat, where he comes back and tells Natsumi when he’ll be back, even though it’s a military secret – so that she won’t be left waiting and wondering.

AW. I mean, by this point, it’s clear to me that Takimasa is usually a guy who goes strictly by the books, so the fact that he would break a very key rule, in order to give Natsumi some peace of mind, is HUGE.

He cares, and I love it. 🥲

I love that Natsumi learns that little trick from Mom, about holding her husband’s sleeve and then looking up at him, before calling his name; it works like a charm even though she gets it wrong, and it’s just so fun to me, that Takimasa gets all flustered and discombobulated by Natsumi’s “coy behavior,” hee!

Even though nothing really happened between Natsumi and Seta when she went home, I did find it quite amusing, that Takimasa would get antsy and jealous, at the very idea of Seta, and start worrying that Natsumi would end up liking someone else, because he’s not with her, so much of the time.

I do suppose that Takimasa needed a catalyst of some sort, to nudge him towards initiating the “first night” with Natsumi, which is where we end episode 2.

E3-4. I do love that the thing that gives our couple cause for pause, is the earnest sincerity of the other person.

Like when Takimasa is so jealous at the very idea of Seta (Komiya Rio), at the top of episode 3, that he’s ready to initiate the “first night” with Natsumi, but is utterly overcome and derailed, when Natsumi stops to properly welcome him home, saying that she’d been so happy, that she’d missed the chance to do so earlier.

Aw. That just melts away all of Takimasa’s insecurity and jealousy, because now he knows that the person Natsumi had been thinking of, had bee him all along. 🥲

I do find it very sweet, that at this point, even though Takimasa’s already told Natsumi that they would see their first night through to the end, he changes his mind, and goes back to the principle which they’d been following, to get to know each other better first.

I think it says a lot about Takimasa’s character, that he would apologize to Natsumi for not abiding by the rule that he had brought up in the first place.

In a patriarchal time like it is, in our story, Takimasa’s willingness to admit his mistakes to his wife, feels like a very rare and precious thing.

And, I love that his next suggestion – that they take a stroll together – supports that very intent. 🥲

I can’t help but be charmed at how adorably earnest Natsumi is, that she would think so hard about what to wear for that stroll, though I can also relate, as someone who’s definitely overthought things, while in the thick of feelings for someone else. 😅

I just love how adorable she looks in those braids, which she wears with that dress, and how cuuute, that Takimasa earnestly tries to learn about summer dresses, particularly this type of “flaps” dress. 😁

I honestly squeed, when Takimasa decides to take Natsumi’s hand for their walk, after she almost trips.

They both look so nervous and discombobulated by the hand-holding skinship, and I am thoroughly charmed. 🥰🥰

I just find it so endearing, that they are so.. shyly electrified, by each other, y’know? 🤭

One of the things I really enjoy about their relationship, is that they grow closer, bit by bit, through small snippets of conversation.

Like when Takimasa tells Natsumi about his personal hideout, and how he loves seeing the fireflies there, which prompts Natsumi to ask if he loves fireflies, which prompts Takimasa to tell her that his father had used to take him to see fireflies in the summer, when he’d return from his duties.

This feels like a big glimpse into Takimasa’s past, which has been mysterious and vague up to this point, so it feels like a big thing, that Takimasa’s opening up to Natsumi, despite his stoic outer shell.

I think it’s so lovely, that Natsumi grasps Takimasa’s hand, and tells him that she’d like to see the fireflies the following summer, and hopes that they’ll be able to make it a tradition in their household tradition.

That is sooo sweetly endearing, and I feel like Takimasa’s heart must be melting all over the floor, just like mine. 🥲

The entire mini episode at the tailor was a little contrived, sure, but I liked how both Natsumi and Takimasa were individually blushing at the idea of having children of their own, in the future.

My favorite thing about this part, is how Natsumi picks out those firefly buttons for Takimasa, to go with his new suit.

Yes, it’s partly to wish him blessings, safety and good fortune as he goes out to sea, but there’s also that connection to the firefly promise between them, and I like that very much indeed.

Even though Natsumi angsts over how to give him the buttons, I’m glad that he asks her about whether there’s something stuck in her kimono, coz that’s how Natsumi ends up taking out the buttons and blurting out why she’d bought them, and how she hadn’t known how to give them to him.

It made me happy to see Takimasa wearing those buttons, the very next time he leaves for sea; it feels like the buttons are now a kind of secret symbol between the two of them, and I love that.

Before that, though, I thought it was very endearing, the way Natsumi is so earnest about ironing Takimasa’s uniform, and the way he’s so earnest about watching her.

It feels like he’s drinking to drink in her presence, as a way for him to take her with him, as he goes to sea. 🥲

I do love how, when Takimasa observes Natsumi show interest in something, he’ll commit it to memory, for an appropriate future time.

Like how he suggests that they take a photo together, after she’s ironed his uniform, because he’d noted her fascination and wistfulness, the last time they’d walked past the studio.

The thing that gets to me the most, actually, is that moment in episode 3, when he starts to tell her that he needs to leave for sea, and she reflexively starts to cry.

I found Natsumi’s involuntary tears utterly charming and affecting, because, even though she tries so hard to swallow her tears and be strong, she clearly doesn’t want him to go. Aww! 🥹

I love seeing the way Takimasa hurries to put his arm around her shoulder, to console her; this feels like a big deal, for this bashful couple.

And, in the context of them wanting to start household traditions that feel meaningful to them, it feels significant, that Takimasa would suggest that she cut his hair, which is what his mother had always done for his father, before his father would leave for his duties.

Again, it feels meaningful and comforting, to see them having a bit of open conversation, while she cuts his hair.

It absolutely says a lot, that this is Takimasa’s first time talking about his parents, since losing them; this means that he feels close enough and comfortable enough with Natsumi, to share even these personal memories with her. 🥲

And, I do love how Natsumi comes across as so careful and appreciative, as she listens, and thus shares in his memories; that feels very respectful, like she understands how precious these memories are. 🥹

In episode 4, traces of insecurity are introduced into their relationship, first with Natsumi hearing other naval wives talk about the common occurrence of straying naval husbands, and then with Takimasa meeting Seta, and getting jealous and insecure at the fact that Natsumi is so familiar with Seta.

I do like that Natsumi makes a friend in Fumiko, because it’s true that Natsumi’s been leading a pretty isolated life, away from her family, and with Takimasa away so much of the time.

And I appreciate that through all the uncertainty, Natsumi’s main desire, is to know more about Takimasa.

That conversation that she overhears, when Mrs. Shibahara and Fumiko think that she’s asleep, does nudge her to think about what her life might be like if she hadn’t married Takimasa, and I do think that this is important.

Because, if Natsumi never thinks about what her life might have been like, how could she conclude that she’s truly happy with the direction that her life has taken, now that she’s married Takimasa, right?

It’s just that this season of reckoning does bring with it some discomfort, particularly with Natsumi and Takimasa being apart.

I was suitably amused at Takimasa coming home and, upon seeing Seta there, promptly assumes him to be an intruder, heh.

I was thoroughly tickled at the way both Takimasa and Natsumi are jealous and acting out – because of Seta.

Takimasa being jealous that Natsumi knows Seta from before, and not only knows his preferences, but is more comfortable showing Seta sides of herself that she’s not shown to Takimasa himself, and Natsumi being jealous that Takimasa would looks so comfortable and smiley with Seta, when it had taken her so long to get closer to him, is just silly, endearing and hilarious. 😁

I mean, when Natsumi offers Seta that extra bitter tea, saying that that’s his preference, poor Takimasa is sooo jealous, not knowing that she’s made the tea way too bitter, out of spite, because she’s sooo jealous that Seta’s commanding Takimasa’s friendly amiability so quickly, 🤭

I like how it riles up Takimasa, though, so much so that he’s basically breathing down Natsumi’s neck later on, because he can’t stand not knowing that Seta and Natsumi had been whispering about, while he’d stepped away.

It’s.. honestly kinda crackly-sexy for a second – until Natsumi blurts out the truth oh-so-apologetically, which instantly deflates Takimasa, both with relief and shame. 🤭

It’s so cute how he then requests that Natsumi not get too close to other men, and Natsumi squeaks out a “yes,” even though she’s still a little puzzled at what had just happened. 😁

Afterwards, though, isn’t it so cute, the way she tucks him into bed, and then squiggles over in her burrito of a blanket, so that she can get a better look at him?

And then, isn’t it so endearing, the way she pulls his cheeks up into a smile, then can’t help but remark that he’s cute?

She’s so smitten with him, and I love it. 🤩

The way Takimasa reciprocates, by pinching her cheeks up and down, feels so impish, and I love this new playfulness in their relationship. 😍

What I love even more, though, is Takimasa’s thought, that this is what it must feel like, to have a home to come back to.

Awww. 🥲 For someone who’s been all alone for the past 9 years since his parents’ passing, this feels so significant and precious. 😭

But this is also when he starts to question whether Natsumi could have married someone else and had a better, happier life, and I’m just so relieved that when Natsumi wakes up and asks him what’s wrong, he does tell her this.

Because, it would have been terrible if he’d just bottled it up and never told her, yes?

This way, Natsumi gets to respond, and her reply, that she can’t imagine a future where she hadn’t married him, is exactly what he needs to hear. 🥹

This feels like the perfect time for her to ask the question about his past that she’s been burning to ask, and it feels like such an important moment, when he tells her about his parents’ passing, and how he’d lived with relatives who’d taken his father’s pension for themselves, while starving him.

Ack. It’s a heartbreaking, painful story, which Show then undercuts by having Natsumi squeak out her anger on Takimasa’s behalf, wishing bad things on those relatives, like that they’d stub their toes every day for the rest of their lives.

Ahahaha. She’s adorable. 🤭

And also, it’s so great to hear Takimasa remark, with wonder, that it’s such a pleasure to have someone get mad for his sake.

I love that. I love that he now knows that he’s not alone anymore, but has Natsumi by his side, and firmly on his side. 🥲

Isn’t it so perfect, that with this milestone, they are now holding hands? It feels like such an important step forward.

I also love how she so naturally wants to savor every last glimpse of him, even as he walks off to go to sea; they really are starting to relax into their warm feelings for each other, and this just gives me warm, cozy feels. 🥰

E5-6. As for the big news last week, that Takimasa’s vessel had sunk, I’m relieved that it all turns out to be a big misunderstanding, though I’m pretty sure that Show would have kept him safe, either way.

I appreciate that the misunderstanding is not for nothing; this is the wake-up call for Natsumi, to remember with a jolt, that Takimasa faces real dangers whenever he leaves to fulfill his duty, and that she, as his wife, must be fully aware and cognizant of this fact.

It does feel very natural, that the thought that Takimasa might be in very real danger, would cause Natsumi to look forward to his return even more keenly than usual.

Plus, there’s that layer too, that Natsumi makes it her conscious choice, to be married to Takimasa, rather than think of it as something that she’d been pushed into, because it had been arranged for her.

On top of that, there’s the fact that Natsumi’s fallen sick, and yet, is pushing through all the physical discomfort, in order to prepare a nice dinner, and have the house extra clean, in anticipation of Takimasa’s return.

And so, when he comes back late and drunk, I very much sympathize with Natsumi, who must feel like he’s been utterly inconsiderate and badly behaved.

Aw. Poor girl. She’d been looking forward to his return, with so much anticipation, and the moment of seeing him walk through the door must have been so important in her mind, as proof that he was safe and sound, that it must have been a really rude shock to her, when he was not only suuuper late, but also, suuuper drunk.

They say that it’s important for a couple to fight, to understand each other better, and I do think that this first little disagreement, does quite a bit for our bashful couple, in terms of ultimately fostering a better understanding of the other person’s circumstances and situation.

It’s quite adorable, that Natsumi very soon regrets pushing Takimasa out into the cold, even though, in the moment, she’s all upset and beating her fists on his chest. Aw. Our girl just can’t help but worry for her husband, yes? 🤭

I’m sure the only reason she doesn’t run out there to look for him, is because Fumiko assures her that Takimasa’s likely sought shelter from Ms. Ikuko.

Honestly, it’s really quite cute that neither Takimasa nor Natsumi actually wants to fight; it’s more of Fumiko and Fukami who’re stirring the pot, by speaking on their behalves.

Which, on hindsight, is a really smart move; they did that on purpose, in order to nudge Takimasa and Natsumi towards reconciling. 😁

It’s so dorky, how Takimasa tries to make conversation with Natsumi, to smooth things over, and then panics, because she’s not answering, not realizing that she’s lost her voice.

It’s endearing how he gets all contrite and worried, when he realizes that Natsumi’s lost her voice because she’s been unwell.

And then, that joyful, surprised relief, when Natsumi writes on his hand, not to say anything else, but to welcome him home.

The twin bashful smiles; the happy eye contact; the way Natsumi puts her head on his shoulder; it all adds up to a mutual assurance that they’ve fully and properly made up.

These two are ADORABLE. 🥰

I do love the little detail, that Natsumi is looking happier and happier, these days, and we even see her humming and singing, because she’s just that joyful.

It makes me so happy and pleased, to know that she’s enjoying her life so much, with Takimasa. 🥰

As they grow more comfortable with each other, I also really like they’re becoming more comfortable with skinship, as well as expressing themselves, like the way Takimasa holds her hands, while giving her his shirt to wash, and then tells her, so earnestly, “Thank you, for everything you always do.”

Ahhh! That is such a big thing for Takimasa to express, given that he started off this marriage basically only telling her that nothing was objectionable. I love!

And then it’s just extra cute, that he hurriedly excuses himself, because he feels so awkward about expressing his thanks. He’s such a dork. 🤭

I’m so amused by the fact that Natsumi gets all excited about the idea of Fumiko possibly marrying Fukami, and basically gets ahead of herself, to the point of tailing Fumiko, with Takimasa in tow – and “in disguise,” no less. 😂

It’s hilarious to me that they both sincerely believe that they are deep in disguise and being really discreet about everything, when Fukami’s spotted them from the get-go. 🤭

I do like the idea that Takimasa is going along with this crazy nonsense, just to make Natsumi happy, though.

That is sweet. 🥲

The bulk of episode 6 is dedicated towards nudging our OTP towards the consummation of their marriage, and overall, I do feel like Show handles this in a way that feels true to its nature.

I have to admit, I chortled, but with some secondhand embarrassment in the mix, when Natsumi walks in on Takimasa changing his shirt, and starts babbling her profuse apologies, because it’s funny, but it’s also a bit mortifying that they’re so jumpy with each other, after being married for this long. 😅

Speaking of secondhand embarrassment, I felt quite a bit of that too, when they visit Natsumi’s family, and Natsumi gets questioned by her older sisters, about the state of her bedroom affairs with Takimasa, eep. 🙈

The running gag where everyone keeps wanting to ask Natsumi about Takimasa’s abs were quite secondhand mortifying to me too. 😅😅

The thing that took me most by surprise, though, has to be Natsumi’s mom casually mentioning that it’s a good thing that she’d pushed for Natsumi and Takimasa to meet before the wedding.

I was totally with Natsumi and Takimasa at this point; like, Ehh?!?? 🤯🤭

It was kind of amusing, that neither Natsumi nor Takimasa had any idea what this was about, but both feel compelled to play along, because it would be too unseemly to not remember something this important. 😁

I’m glad that they manage to eventually figure out, between themselves, that they’d both fallen asleep at the same play, many moons ago.

Ha. This had been the first meeting that the elders had arranged?

Clearly, they’d tried to make it seem all very natural; the only problem was, it had been too natural, to the point that neither of them knew that this had been a marriage meeting. 😂

It’s cute that they both fell asleep, and basically only noticed the other person for also sleeping, but it’s cuter, how they both look so relieved and delighted, to have figured out their first meeting, and to realize that they’d been sitting next to each other at that play.

And then, what a Dramaland sort of touch, to also have Takimasa turn out to be the random passerby who’d taken Natsumi to the hospital that day, when she’d fallen so ill, while at the train station. 🤭

I couldn’t help but feel ruefully amused at and sorry for Natsumi, while she practically prances out of her skin, trying to shush her friend, and babbling-explaining that she’d only gone back to the train station so many times, because she’d wanted to thank her savior, and not because she’d had any other intentions. 😁

Afterwards, I find it very sweet, that despite the fact that Mom explains that Dad had sought out Takimasa from the personal details that he’d left at the hospital, Natsumi assures Takimasa that their match had, indeed, been fate. 🥲

I think it’s so cutely sweet of Takimasa, to ask Natsumi for permission to get closer to her, and then it’s such a big step, for Natsumi to then move over, right to his side, and put her head on his shoulder – which ultimately discombobulates Takimasa, to the point where he has to confess that that kind of proximity is too much for him (to control himself).

What an important, sweet and vulnerable moment we then get, where Natsumi ekes out, that there’s no one she would like to touch and embrace her, but for him, and he responds that he feels the same way.

Ahhhh! How very brave of Natsumi, and how very momentous, for our bashful couple, as they finally consummate their marriage. 🥲

E7-8. Our bashful lovebirds continue to be adorably awkward, and I continue to wear a silly grin on my face, as I watch these two dorks learn how to be married to each other. 😁

Honestly, I’d half imagined that after their consummation, that the tone of their relationship would evolve to something a lot more open and relaxed with each other, but no, they are still second-guessing each other while carrying on these intense internal monologues, and it’s really quite hilarious.

I’m especially tickled by how mortified Natsumi is, the morning after their first night together; her internal monologue about the things she’d done, and how she’d touched him, and how he would surely come to despise her, sounds so crazy and off the mark – though I can understand why Natsumi would entertain such thoughts, in her desire to be the best, most proper wife possible. 🤭

It is just hilarious how they both basically don’t know what to do with themselves in front of each other, now that they’ve consummated their marriage.

And, the fact that Natsumi’s cooking is completely thrown off, is cute too; that just goes to show how her mind is completely.. elsewhere, yes? 🤭

I have to admit that I was a little bummed that we get a time skip right after this, because I’m so sure that examining this season of their relationship would have been extra cute and fun, don’t you think?

But, I do think that the year-end cleaning beat was pretty sweet, with Takimasa being completely willing to help out with the cleaning, even though, in these times, cleaning has typically been viewed as the woman’s domain.

Although he doesn’t offer to help at first, I appreciate that once he realizes that Natsumi could use the help, he doesn’t hesitate to tell Natsumi that he’d like her to rely on him. Aw.

After that, the way he basically coaches Natsumi on how to be the commander-in-chief when it comes to cleaning, is so earnest, that I find the whole thing more endearing than funny, even though it’s so OTT.

I mean, he’s basically teaching his wife how to boss him around, even though theirs are very patriarchal times; isn’t that the most endearing thing ever??

Later on, I thought it was sweet of Natsumi to want to do something special for Takimasa on New Year’s Eve, and then I thought it was just as sweet, that Takimasa would tell her that just being with her, makes him happy. 🥰

And then, the way they end up creating their own board game, in order to help Natsumi stay awake, is the most adorable thing.

It’s sooo cute, that they would think to fill the spaces on the board, with all of the key milestones in their relationship – starting with their wedding.

ADORABLE.

But also, really meaningful, and I love the sentiment, that they’ll continue to add to the board, as they live their lives together. 🥲🥲🥲

Afterwards, I thought it was lovely, how Takimasa expresses to the Shibaharas, when asked how he’d like to spend his time off, that he’d simply like to accompany Natsumi in everything that she’d like to do.

Awww! He’s the sweetest husband, isn’t he???

And then, I love how he gets inspired to get a ring for her to commemorate their marriage, and then basically forces himself to get the words out, even though he’s awkward and mortified about it. 🤭

I love that he’s drawn to the gimmal ring; it really is so meaningful, that two bands join to become one.

And I love that he gives in to Natsumi’s puppy eyes, to also get one for himself, even though his first instinct is that he wouldn’t be able to wear it.

Most thoughtful of all, though, is the way Takimasa remembers that Natsumi had had to pick up their photo on her own, while he’d been away at sea, and decides that this time, he and Natsumi should pick up their rings together.

Ahhhh. That’s so lovely, isn’t it? 🥰🥰

It’s milestones like these that really help to demonstrate that our lovebirds are growing closer, and it’s quite poignant to see how Natsumi works to keep her loneliness at bay, while Takimasa’s away.

That little detail, that she’s been wearing his yukata to sleep, for a month, is so bittersweetly poignant, in that, they’re finally close enough that she would wear his yukata when she misses him, and yet, how sad, that they are spending so much time apart. 🥲

It’s endearing how Natsumi puts so much thought into what she ought to write about, in her letters to Takimasa; that earnestness feels like something that we don’t quite see enough of, in this day and age where we are able to send messages electronically, whenever we want. 🥲

Even though it’s mostly meant for comedy, I like that Takimasa wins over Natsumi’s father with his sincerity, and I also like that we wrap up Seta’s arc so neatly, with him confessing to Takimasa that he’d had feelings for Natsumi, but will henceforth move on.

I thought Natsumi looked especially fetching in that high ponytail that she wears to visit Takimasa on his ship, though I feel bad for her that she not only felt seasick, but got the wrong impression that Takimasa had been talking in a familiar manner, with another woman, when it had actually been his friend all dressed up as a woman. 😅

I’m glad that it all gets resolved quite quickly, and I’m also glad that Natsumi gets to hear Takimasa talk about his various regular hangouts in the ship, and how her presence, makes them feel like new to him. Aw. 🥲

The sweetest, most relatable thing, though, has to be that beat right at the end of episode 8, where Natsumi asks Takimasa not to use his casual way of saying “Uhng” with any other woman.

When you’re in love, the most random thing about the other person could strike you as the sexiest thing ever, and it’s heartwarming and endearing, that Natsumi would love this little thing about Takimasa so much, that she would feel jealous if another woman got to experience it. 🥲

It’s adorable, and I do think that Takimasa is, himself, quite adorable too, as he implodes at how cute his wife is. 😁

[END SPOILER]

Fumiko and Fukami

At around our story’s halfway point, Show starts to hint at a potential loveline between Fumiko and Fukami, and I do think that Show teases out this relationship quite nicely, despite this loveline enjoying less screen time overall.

This “enemies to lovers” bickering sort of connection provides a nice bit of contrast to our main pair of bashful lovebirds, and I did enjoy the way Show offers us glimpses of the real feelings simmering beneath the surface, in both Fumiko and Fukami.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E7-8. I like the fact that the growing connection between Fumiko and Fukami isn’t based on nothing; we do get that mini arc, where they help that boy who’d tried to steal those apples.

This offers Fumiko her first glimpse of Fukami at his most natural and unaffected, and I do think that this gives her pause.

The way he explains it makes sense too; that usually, people are usually interested in either his family background, or his looks. In this case, neither of those things is in focus, and that’s why he’s able to be his natural self.

Methinks that Fumiko is quite pleasantly surprised by Fukami’s natural self. 🥲

Which is why, when he asks if it would alright for him to send her another letter, she replies that he should do as he wishes – which is basically a “yes,” right?? 😁

And then, how about that beat, when she mutters that he’s an absolute womanizer – and then breaks into the sweetest, most unguarded smile??

Our Fumiko is fond of Fukami alright, and it looks like we’ll have another wedding to witness, before our story ends.

[END SPOILER]

THOUGHTS ON THE ENDING [SPOILERS]

E9-10. I was definitely wistful as I approached these finale episodes, because I just didn’t feel ready to say goodbye to our sweet, dorky lovebirds. 🥲

I do feel that Show covers a nice amount of meaningful ground in these finale episodes, and I very much appreciate the thought that went into setting the stage for viewers to be able to envision their future days ahead.

For example, the whole issue of children and childbirth is explored in episode 9, which is so important to any marriage.

It’s very confronting for Natsumi to witness the pain of childbirth up close, and realize that when it comes to her turn in the future, Takimasa would likely be out at sea, and unable to be by her side.

In fact, it’s very confronting for Takimasa as well, and I do think that it’s considerate and protective of him, to want to spare Natsumi that kind of pain and loneliness, which is why he hastily tells Natsumi that they will not be having children.

I’m glad that Natsumi talks it out with Mdm Ikuko, because that way, we get to hear how sweet her husband had been, when she’d told him that she wouldn’t be able to have children.

Considering the times in which they lived, it’s a Huge Deal, that he eventually sought her out and told her that he didn’t want children, and simply wanted to spend his life with her.

Sniffle. That’s beautiful. 🥲

I’m also very proud of Natsumi for broaching the subject with Takimasa, and basically asks him, straight-up, if he is against the idea of them having children.

Comparing that to where we’d started, when Natsumi had used to be too nervous to say anything to Takimasa at all, she’s come a longgg way, and that’s so heartening to see. 🥲

I love how open, tender and earnest their conversation is, as Takimasa tells Natsumi how she’s changed his life for the better, and how he would like to have children with her, but doesn’t want her to suffer, and as Natsumi then earnestly declares that she’s mentally prepared for it, and will be able to manage just fine.

What a beautiful and meaningful milestone for our sweet couple, yes? 🥲

Afterwards, I love that beat, where they share some sake, and Natsumi, all tipsy and hungry for more of Takimasa’s closeness, asks to sit in his lap.

It’s played for a bit of comedy, but immediately afterwards, I love the gentle crackle of electricity between them, as he gently holds her and murmurs that he’s drunk as well. 🔥

What a big moment for Natsumi, that she now initiates a kiss, when before, she’d passed out, when he’d first kissed her. 😁

When Takimasa gets urgently called away to duty, I really felt for Natsumi, because even though I had a firm belief that Takimasa would be fine in the end, it is clearly very worrying for Natsumi, as she waits on tenterhooks, after hearing that his vessel had sunk.

My heart really went out to her, for trying so hard to be strong, while struggling so much, with her mounting worry for her husband.

What sweet, tearful relief, all around, when Takimasa finally comes home, just a little worse for wear. 🥲

It’s so lovely to see them settle back into daily life, starting with a big welcome-home celebration, together with Natsumi’s family.

For the first time in a long time, Takimasa has a family to call his own, and that is very heartwarming indeed.

As for Fumiko and Fukami, I thought it was cute how her younger siblings tried so hard to screen Fukami, in order to protect their older sister, and end up loving him anyway. 😁

And, I definitely appreciate that when Fumiko later assumes that he’d simply been entertaining and charming the kids to get their approval of him, he clarifies that he’d actually answered their questions honestly.

Aw. Considering that he’d told them that Fumiko had caused him to see other women as mere mannequins, that’s a pretty big statement, and I’m glad that Fumiko realizes this. 🥲

Later, when Fukami comes back safe, I feel like their relationship deepens in a meaningful way, when Fumiko apologizes for saying that if he died, she would simply consider a new direction for her life.

Gone is Fumiko’s prickly outer shell, and in its place, there’s a genuine smile for Fukami. That’s a lovely development indeed. 🥲

We don’t get to see their wedding, but it feels like enough, to be able to see how genuine their relationship has become.

As for our adorable OTP, I was very glad to be able to see them collect their wedding rings together, and put the rings on, for each other.

This almost feels like a second wedding of sorts, and that feels quite perfect, considering that their wedding was where we’d first begun our story.

What a meaningful full circle moment this is, that Takimasa is now fully present, and very intentionally so, and their relationship has now grown and matured into one that’s steeped in happiness and contentment. 🥹

Last but not least, I’m glad that Takimasa and Natsumi finally get to see the fireflies together, like they’d promised, all those months ago.

And, as Natsumi muses about how their time together is so precious because they are apart so much of the time, Show reminds us to also treasure and look for joy in the little moments.

A very meaningful reminder indeed, no matter the time nor place in which we live. 🥰🥲

THE FINAL VERDICT:

Wholesome, warm and adorkably sweet.

FINAL GRADE: A-

TRAILER:

MV:

PATREON UPDATE!

The next drama I’m covering on Patreon, in place of  A Calm Sea and Beautiful Days with You is Bon Appetit, Your Majesty [Korea].

You can check out my episode 1-2 notes on Bon Appetit, Your Majesty on Patreon here.

Here’s an overview of what I’m covering on Patreon right now (Tier benefits are cumulative)!

Foundation Tier (US$1): Entertainment Drop (Sundays) + the first set notes of all shows covered on Patreon (that’s 2 episodes for kdramas and 4 episodes for cdramas)

Early Access (US$5): +My Youth [Korea]

Early Access Plus (US$10): +Legend of the Female General [China]

VIP (US$15): +Bon Appetit, Your Majesty [Korea]