Love Is Better the Second Time Around (2024)
Rediscover love in Love Is Better the Second Time Around! A tale of second chances, nostalgia, and heartfelt connections.
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Synopsis
Miyata, a business magazine editor who just entered the 10th year of his career and receives a proposal for a new column from a popular college professor named Iwanaga, who happens to be his first love. Miyata promised to elope with Iwanaga in their high school years, but got teased for it, leading to their eventual breakup. With their new professional reunion, a relationship both old and new begins.
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Editor's Review
In the heartwarming Japanese drama series Love Is Better the Second Time Around (恋をするなら二度目が上等), magazine editor Miyata Akihiro finds himself at a crossroads when his past collides with his present. Adapted from the manga series “Koi wo Surunara Nidome ga Joto” by Keiko Kinoshita, this tale of love, regret, and second chances unfolds against the backdrop of busy lives and lingering memories.
Synopsis
Miyata Akihiro (played by Makoto Hasegawa) is a successful magazine editor who has long buried his high school crush, Iwanaga Takashi (Robin Furuya). Focused on his career and maintaining a seemingly normal life, Miyata’s world is disrupted when an unexpected professional encounter brings him face-to-face with his former flame. The twist? Iwanaga is now a university professor, and their shared history resurfaces.
The Past Revisited
The drama delves into the complexities of love and commitment. Miyata and Iwanaga’s relationship was once passionate, but circumstances led to their separation during their high school years. Miyata’s promise to run away with Iwanaga was met with teasing, ultimately resulting in their breakup. Now, years later, their paths intersect once more, and Miyata grapples with the chance to rewrite their story.
Themes Explored
- Second Chances: The title itself suggests that love can be better the second time around. As Miyata and Iwanaga reconnect, viewers witness their struggle to overcome past hurts and embrace the possibility of a renewed connection.
- Fear of Commitment: Miyata’s fear of commitment becomes a central theme. His busy schedule and existing relationship add layers of complexity to his feelings for Iwanaga. Can he let go of old wounds and open his heart again?
- Words Left Unsaid: The drama beautifully portrays the weight of unspoken words. When Miyata hesitates to say “I love you,” it reflects the vulnerability and depth of emotions. Love isn’t just about saying the words; it’s about showing them.
Performances and Direction
Makoto Hasegawa and Robin Furuya deliver heartfelt performances, capturing the nuances of their characters’ emotional journeys. Director Keiko Kinoshita skillfully balances nostalgia and hope, creating a poignant atmosphere that resonates with viewers.
LGBTQ Representation
Love Is Better the Second Time Around subtly explores LGBTQ themes through Miyata and Iwanaga’s relationship. Their past as star-crossed lovers takes on new meaning as they navigate adulthood and societal expectations.
Final Thoughts
In a world where second chances are rare, Love Is Better the Second Time Around reminds us that love can endure, evolve, and surprise us. Whether it’s a whispered confession or a stolen glance, the drama invites us to believe in the magic of love—no matter how many times it circles back.
If you’re seeking a heartfelt story with relatable characters and a touch of nostalgia, this drama is worth adding to your watchlist. As Miyata and Iwanaga’s paths intertwine once more, we’re reminded that sometimes, love truly is better the second time around.