Our Dining Table (Japanese Series)

To some people , this series may seem fluff, but to me it was exactly the warm, tender virtual hug that I needed. This show has many beautiful moments and t never goes into the heavy terrirtory. Yes, the protagonists are hong through their internal trauma (some from childhood) and how they made into who they are; but its the tender heartfelt moments between the leads and the super amazing little kid, that makes this show an absolute pleasurable watch. Yes, the BL content was very low, but seeing two individuals, broken in their own way, finding their destiny with each other and coming together under circumstances that neither of them would hav imagines sure tugs your heart and warms it up. At 10 episodes of about 23 minutes each, the show just breezes by and never feels like a stretch.

The story is simple actually. 23 year old Yutaka works in an office and is basically an introvert who eats his meals by himself. One day a small kid appears eyes his rice ball and Yutaka offers him and h loves it. The kid is Tane and son his elder brother Minoru arrives apologizing for his brother. But the kid really loves the food and insists that Yutaka come over to their house. Before you know, Tane's infectious love and energy makes Yutaka visiting their house very often. What more, he is also eating his food with their family, something he is not used to. We only later find out why does Yutaka have issues being able to eat in anyone else's presence. We also know that Minoru has lost his mother and has been taking care of his little brother while his father is working. Somehow Minoru feels responsible and in the process has made no friends. During the hangout process, somewhere the two men start liking each other but neither has the courage to make a move but the things, as they are going are best. During his weekly visits he learns about Minoru and slowly opens himself up to new experiences including getting over his fear of eating with others. Minoru on the other hand learns to enjoy his life as he is looking forward to his weekly cooking sessions with Yutaka. Minoru still can't hold himself back and kisses Yutaka who is taken completely by surprise. In a couple of moving scenes, we get to know the backstory of both of these guys and thats when you really understand how our childhood memories can shape up our adult life. Yutaka is not sure what all this means, but eventually he gives in. He realizes, just because of fear of something ay not end well, he cannot not give into feeling what love is meant to be. The boys talk it out and realize they need to be together and they are meant to be together.

First things first, how cute is the child playing Tane. He is effortless, very charming, great acting and single handedly one of the reasons that I was totally addicted to the show. He hasn't infectious energy and an amazing chemistry with both Yutaka and Minoru, that its hard to take your eyes off him whenever he is there and he is there in most of the show. There are so many charming scenes with the little kid, for example when he sees Yutaka crying, he completely breaks down himself. OMG!! That was so touching. It is rightly said, as kids we are so innocent. I don't know how and when we end up losing that innocence. Coming to the main couple, I think the saying "less is more" fits perfect to their relationship. They way they both interact with minimal words, its their actions of taking care of one another and Tane and cooking together and just being with one another makes them both a better person. Neither of them tries too hard and there is an effortlessness in their bonding. Their love story is of the kind where characters heal each other, without it being obviously in a romantic way. Minoru helped Yutaka get over his trauma and find an understanding of what it means to be mutually important to someone, while Yutaka helped Minoru regain the smile he lost after losing his mother. As I mentioned, they are both going of their internalized trauma, too afraid to talk of and too afraid to let down their guard and love someone else. Both the actors, especially Minoru does an incredible job of this. I also need to give a shoutout to the very supportive Minoru's father. IN his own way, he is there for his son and makes hims realize that love doesn't come very often n your way and to not let it go.

This show brought me immense yet simple joy and warmth, something that Ted Lasso season1 did for me during pandemic. Sure that show was about trying to find positivity out of anything, but the exploration of loneliness, loss, responsibility, family and being together and enjoying food - are all great message and done really well here too. The finale, even though uitfeels a little rushed, is another emotional highlight of the series. When Yutaka realizes how much he loves Minoru he is scared that they may separate one day. It is Minoru's father who reassures him, and it is no surprise, but a most beautiful moment, when Tane – asked by his classmate who Yutaka is – declares ”He is my family”. Yutaka finally overcomes his fear and asks Minoru to stay together forever. I just wish I could see more of actual romance between the leads, not the 'in your face' types but something true to their characters. I feel this story ha sa huge potential for a possible sequel and I for once would love to see that. (8.5/10)