When the most capable woman in the company has the romantic skills of a fifth grader, that's the start of the hilarious Japanese series 'Takamine Hana' (高嶺のハナさん) that takes us back to experience the purity and chaos of first love in adulthood. Our editorial team invites you to see why this series scored 10/10 on TMDB and became one of the most talked-about romantic comedies in Thailand in 2021.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
'Takamine Hana' tells the story of Hana Takamine (played by Rika Izumi), a genius female employee at a traditional Japanese confectionery company. She excels in both work and life but has the romantic skills of a fifth grader. One day, she falls in love with Tsuyoshi Yowaki (played by Yuuki Ogoe), a loser male employee who is often scolded. Hana must try every way to win his heart amidst obstacles from colleagues like Ichigo Amai (played by Kanon) and Genki Sarada (played by Kenta Izuka) who create chaos. The series unfolds joyfully with Hana's efforts that are both cute and hilarious. Without spoiling the ending, rest assured you'll smile through every episode.
Acting and Characters
The heart of this series lies in Rika Izumi, who perfectly portrays Hana. She conveys the capable woman who is tough on the outside but soft on the inside in an endearing way. Her childlike facial expressions and gestures make the character charming without being annoying. Meanwhile, Yuuki Ogoe as Tsuyoshi serves as a good foil. He naturally portrays weakness and loser qualities, making the audience sympathize and root for him. Kanon and Kenta Izuka as colleagues add color and conflict perfectly. Every character has a clear role that fits the series' tone well.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
The series is directed by a team that understands comedic timing well. The storytelling is concise, not drawn out, with each episode having a suitable length that prevents boredom. The visuals are beautiful, especially the scenes in the Japanese confectionery shop that feel warm and traditional. The soundtrack fits the romantic comedy atmosphere, enhancing emotions in key scenes. Overall, the production quality meets the standard for this type of Japanese series.
Editorial Analysis
What makes 'Takamine Hana' different from other romantic comedies is its portrayal of innocence in love among working adults. Hana is not just a 'dumb girl' but someone who excels in everything except matters of the heart, making the audience root for her and see themselves in some aspects. The series also reflects that love doesn't always have to be complicated; sometimes straightforwardness and sincerity are enough. Additionally, themes of self-acceptance and assertiveness are subtly woven in. Although the plot is somewhat predictable, it remains fun and engaging.
Verdict
For those looking for a light-hearted Japanese series that feels good to watch, '<strong>Takamine Hana</strong>' is a perfect choice. With the cuteness of the characters and jokes that aren't too over-the-top, despite the predictable plot, the strong acting and chemistry of the leads make this series worth watching, especially if you're a romantic who enjoys innocence.
👍 Pros
- +Lead actors perform well with good chemistry
- +Cute story, easy to watch, not stressful
- +Good comedic timing, genuinely funny
👎 Cons
- −Plot is somewhat predictable
- −Some jokes may be repetitive
- −Season 2 may feel unnecessarily stretched
Top Cast
FAQ
The series has 2 seasons, each with 12 episodes, totaling 24 episodes.
It is available on streaming platforms like Netflix or Prime Video (depending on region).
Currently, there is no official announcement about Season 3, but Season 2 ends in a way that could allow for continuation or conclusion.
The series scored 10/10 on TMDB and is praised for its cuteness and fun. It's suitable for those who like light romantic comedies.
