Minato's Laundromat: Season 1 (Japanese Series)

This was a great romantic BL story to keep my spirits high after a few back to back bad series and films from Asia. A beautiful love story at heart, the central conflict here is due to the stark age difference between the two characters. Interestingly, the way it is handled is more nuanced than simply the fact that Shin is not legal and is presented in a way that's deeply intertwined with the depth of the two leads' characterization. With a very intimate vibe, I have to say it out at the onset that I really enjoyed this show a lot.

When his stressful job gets too much, Minato leaves his job to move back to his cozy hometown and inherits his grandfather's Laundromat, frequented by many locals. Now running a small business, befriending loal people, Minato's life is much more peaceful. One day a high school student Shin shows up at the laundromat. Minato realizes that the guy is very handsome and is exactly his type but soon he realizes that the kid is just a high school boy and he is at least ten years older than him. The duo share pleasantries but soon we realize that Shin has more than just a keen interest in Minato. Shin keeps finding reasons to come to the laundromat, cook food for Minato and before you know is shamelessly and very aggressively flirting with Mintao. Because of the age difference, Minato has to keep reminding himself not to cross any boundaries. As Shin’s crush deepens, his friend Akira and sister Sakurako become aware of this unrequited love. They get involved and try pushing the couple together. But here is a history. When Minato was in high school, he had a huge crush on his swimming coach, who helped bring his school life to a proper direction at a time when he was aimless in school. Somehow Minato hasn't been able to forget that teacher, and when the teacher joins Shin's school, old feelings come back and Minato doesn't know what to do. He tells Shin the truth and Shin is so madly and deeply in love with Minato t hat he even tries to bring Minato together with his teacher, while continuing to flirt with Minato. Eventually Minato is able to have an honest conversation with his teacher which helps him get a closure  and move on from his crush. Shin has now turned 18 and is preparing for university. Minato has realized that he also has strong feelings for Shin but the age difference and the fact that he doesn't want held responsible if Shin's dream of becoming a doctor comes crashing because of this love. Eventually, Shin is able to convince him how there will never ever be anyone else besides Minato whom he will love and finally Minato gives in. Love wins.

The show has a very cozy and intimate vibe. The small coastal town as a setting, makes you feel that you are there physically with the protagonists watching them get to know each other. The story and screenplay is light and filled with tender and humor moments. Every time Shin flirts with Minato is exciting. H knows this makes Minato uncomfortable and he does it even more to trouble him with that perfect mischievous smile of his. The actor playing Shin was just perfect for how he played the character that was written. I mean, I would look forward to see how confidently he will flirt with Minato, very sure, that sooner or later he will win his heart. He truly loves Minato and are difference is no issue for him, but as expected , Minato is the adult here and has to do the right thing. And so he takes his own sweet time. He sets blurry boundaries, gives mixed signals, and does just enough to stoke the teenager’s affections, because part of him is enjoying all this attention. It would have been easy to give into his feelings but he thinks of everyone and everything around him, including his own lost love. Sure the story dragged in those moments and felt like it hit a snag. But, at the same time those were the moments where the actors really shone and their chemistry did too. I feel like their chemistry really saved the series when it got redundant. The romance does keep going in circles and at some point, you wonder where this is headed but thanks to the charming leads, my interest was very much in the show. There are other characters like Shin's sister, his best friend from school and how they both have crush on this architect guy, and they just add an interesting dimension to the whole thing.

Shin never once gave up no matter how many times life threw him down when it came to Minato. He fought til the end and got what he wanted. Minato was also realistic in how he dealt with his insecurities, those are not a quick fix so I like how he took his time to learn how to heal himself from past pain & indecisiveness/cowardliness. Minato was also 17 when he kissed his teacher, so he wants to make sure that Shin doesn't do anything that may make him regret things later. There is nothing too deep or meaningful happening here, just a good old tale of romance with age difference being the central conflict, despite. At 12 episodes, the show is definitely stretched out a little but each one being only 22-225 minutes long, makes it for. Breezy watch and I very much enjoyed the show for its simplicity and mostly because of the very cute and naughty Shin, whose dimples are to die for. I had a broad smile on my face throughout and I think it did give me warm cozy feelings. (8.5/10)