Kinshicho Paradise: Shibuya kara Ippon (2024)

“It feels like I’ve been stuck here in silence for so long.”

What for me this drama represents is a feeling of technically living a rather good life, and yet feeling trapped in the normalcy, habits, memories and past that blocks us from moving forward. So we just stay in that safe zone of known patterns. And that’s where more or less all the characters were stuck - hunted by their past.

What at first seemed like a mish-mash of different people living completely different lives, ended up presenting a rather small community with many entangled relations I did not notice at first. Slowly I was understanding more and more about their past, present and potential future. The pacing and storytelling made me feel like a new neighbor who gets to know people living next to me in a natural manner.

“Why don't you aim for something more than just a “certain extend”? Try enjoying your life to the fullest.”

It is amazing how with just 12 episodes each 20 minutes long I do feel like I know and understand all the characters rather well. Some were stuck because of guilt, some because of fear, others because of the sense of responsibility… or the past traumas. Some stayed behind for people they care about. All uncertain, all searching.

But it never felt heavy, even if the subject they were touching cannot be called light either. Subtle presentation is a fitting description. Sometimes too subtle if you ask me - a deeper exploration of at least some of the themes would make the show better for sure. I’m kind of hungry for me… a bit unsatisfied.

Performances wise - great. Be it the main cast, or the supporting cast, everyone delivered. At the same time, I don’t feel like any performance was excellent to the point it especially stood out.

Directing and editing was exactly what you expect, but also what you love about Japanese shows. Really distinctive and unique style that sets it apart from the “high production aesthetics” from other countries. This more raw, simple and realistic approach fits the tone of the writing and story really well.

Overall, a nice watch. Personally, this was my “right after work, let’s get into chill mode” pick for the past week. Had some touching moments, some questions left unanswered, but at the end of the day, it was a positive experience.

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