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...look at book publishing in Tokyo.

This is basically a soap-opera romance, formerly available on Crunchyroll as "Always The Two Of Us." It's completely predictable, but being predictable is not necessarily a deal-killer in terms of entertainment. Despite what some have said here, the two leads - Matsu Takako as Mizuho and Sakaguchi Kenji as Hachi/Kenta - have perfect chemistry for the roles of childhood friends who suddenly have to confront the emergence of romantic feelings.

There is a disappointing blandness to the drama in this series, but it's still good entertainment and a good, if thoroughly predictable, romance. It just could've been a whole lot better.

What's most worthwhile about this series is its focus on the publishing industry in Tokyo. The e-book revolution has rendered the whole spectacle of authors grovelling at the feet of big-name publishing houses as an anachronism, but that context makes this story interesting anyway. The character Yamazaki Shou (played excellently by Nakamaru Shinsho - who weirdly enough is not even credited on this page,) is a famous writer who's retreated to the status of a bookshop owner under an assumed name - and of whose identity Mizuho eventually learns and whom she convinces to return to writing. His character is the best part of this story, and a hint of how good it could have been if every character had had his depth and gravity.

Another excellent aspect of this series is Mizuho's acceptance of reality and the choices she makes. She comes to Tokyo as the dupe of a fraudulent scam, pursues her dream to become a great writer, only to be told that her talent for writing is lacking. After much soul-searching she acknowledges that as truth, but instead of giving up and retreating, she chooses to find a new dream and pursue it with equal dedication. She becomes an editor, and soon learns that the mysterious bookshop owner - who's revered as a judge of literature and who tells her she has no talent as a writer - is in fact her favorite author. She convinces him through sheer determination to return to writing, with her as his editor. Throughout this process we see her accept harsh reality and deal with it constructively - rather than attempting to fake it.

So lots of interesting material, but presented within a somewhat bland romance. It's entertaining enough to be worth the time spent watching it, but it could've been much better. As dramas about books and publishing go, Antiquarian Biblia Bookshop's Case Files and Ghost Writer were better. Bottom line: Not a bad show, but could have been better.

Simple and funny love story, kenji and takako played well.

Firstly, I don't think Sakaguchi and Matsu have the chemistry. I've enjoyed previous works of both artistes and the two of them just ain't compatible. Secondly, it is indeed a shame that Kashiwabara had to be replaced. Naoyuki was a fun character that contrasted with the seriousness of Mizuho and would have added colour to the drama. His replacement doesn't bring out the fun that well. Thirdly, I think Naoyuki could have been given a bigger role in the show since Mizuho and Morinaga's relationship just seems to progress somewhat slowly without a really big obstacle. That said, I think the drama is relatively well-written, the surprising factor being that the main story is about how the two main characters eventually fall in love, and not about the two character's romance itself. Concluding, the drama steps on all of the safe spot while still being entertaining, worth a watch.