If you were to judge this drama based on the manga, its original material, or even manga artist`s other work, then what you would find is a slew of typical shoujo tropes and cliché after cliché. However, this is not the case here. Though I like the manga itself, and mangaka`s other work, even I have to admit that her strong point is definitely not her storytelling ability. Thus, I would say that this drama is that rare, special case of what happens when you get talented writers and cast to do their thing. And oh boy, did they do a great job. In fact, I`m quite positive that this drama, along with a handful of others, proved that Japanese romantic dramas still have a lot to offer. Apart from the writing, which I won`t get tired of pointing out just how good it actually is(if the writers were to stick to and/or base their screenplay solely on the manga, this would`ve barely grazed the 6s), the acting is top notch.

Can we just refer to COUPLE CHEMISTRY as Mone and Takeru?Because that`s the perfect way to describe them in this show. Takeru Satoh has proved himself to be a real acting force and he doesn`t disappoint here either. And Mone Kamishiraishi is a real positive discovery for me as well. Now, I do have to advise people not to refer to the character of Kairi Tendo as tsundere. The reason for that being is that, first off I hate male tsunderes(even though I like female ones) and I feel like that would be doing him a huge disservice. From my point of view, male tsunderes are quite selfish, closed off, hard to deal with and petty. However, though Kairi is hard to deal with, he`s also caring, pushes Sakura to work hard and not because of her infatuation with him, but because he wants to see her grow and suceed from the GET-GO(not just when they get together, which I feel like is exactly what makes him different than a typical tsundere, as there is no benefit for him there), which people mistake for tyrannical mistreatment. In reality, Kairi is mature, driven, takes no crap from anyone and is decisive and supportive. He`s a real life husband material. On the other hand, his character plays off of Sakura Nanase really well, who is so likeable that you won`t care that she`s a bit airheaded and that her intentions aren`t really pure at the start. Sakura Nanase is what happens when you do a clumsy, clueless but willing to grow character right. Along the way she starts to genuinely want to help people and become a formidable nurse and that aspiration becomes completely separate from her wanting to date her Kairi. Oh, and does she ever grow.

Now, I`ve already seen comparisons between this drama and Mischievous Kiss, which is fair, as both couple dynamics seem similar.BUT, and there`s a big but. This relationship is infinitely better. As in, spades. Naoki and Kotoko might`ve been the blueprints, but Kairi and Sakura are that ultimate form. Because of one simple point. SUPPORT and CHANGE. I never really got and I still don`t get people`s obsession with Naoki and Kotoko, as their relationship is very volatile, with barely any affection and encouragement. We don`t see major change in any of the characters, and if we do see some, they are usually forced into it. And I just always hated how, up until the very end Kotoko always prostrated herself for a little bit of Naoki`s love, which we`re supposed to find inspiring?NO. Let me tell you what is though. Kairi being a stern but caring human being from the start, always having Sakura in his line of vision to make sure that she`s doing things right and we see him actually changing(not for one day or a few hours) because of her enthusiasm and optimism. And it`s GRADUAL. It doesn`t just happen because she insisted enough. In the same time Sakura took to realize what her actual dream is, and that it doesn`t only involve Kairi(which she proves by moving away and doing a fine job being a nurse in her hometown without him), Kairi learns how to communicate his feelings and he does so readily, we can SEE it. I just love their progression as a couple, it`s so lovely and healthy. There`s no unnecessary jealousy and even Sakura is a bit more mature than most of her shoujo airheaded counterparts. And there is actual communication and no hysterics, which is refreshing to see, always.

Other actors do a fine job as well, but don`t be mistaken, this is definitely a SAKURA and KAIRI show. Now, as for the drawbacks, I would say that the character of the twin sister isn`t really important nor necessary, which they seem to realize quickly as well. And I feel like I would`ve liked a real sleepover scene between the main couple(yes call me a pervert). Overall, this is one top tier Japanese drama and though it does rely on some well established clichés, you won`t care because it`s just that delightful. And rewatchable as well.