Our Dearest Sakura (2019)
A heartfelt drama celebrating resilience, friendship, and authenticity. Follow Sakura’s journey as she defies corporate norms to build a bridge on her remote island.
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Info
| Original Title | 同期のサクラ |
|---|---|
| Formats | Streaming |
| Seasons | 1 |
| Episodes | 10 |
| Duration | 60 mins |
| Status | Ended |
| Year | 2019 |
| First Air Date | October 9, 2019 |
| Last Air Date | December 25, 2019 |
| Broadcast Day | wednesday |
| Network | NTV |
Trailer
Synopsis
Sakura grew up on a remote island. She has a dream, which is to build a bridge on her island. In the spring of 2009, Sakura joins a big construction company. She does not hesitate to tell her colleagues about her dream to build a bridge. Sakura's determination to accomplish her dream affects the colleagues at her company.
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Editor's Review
A Heartfelt Journey of Resilience and Friendship
Introduction: “Our Dearest Sakura” (also known as “Doki no Sakura”) is a Japanese drama series that delicately weaves together themes of determination, friendship, and corporate culture. Set against the backdrop of a big construction company, the show introduces us to Sakura, a non-neurotypical protagonist with an unwavering dream: to build a bridge on her remote island. As we follow her journey, we witness the impact she has on her colleagues and the challenges she faces in a normative corporate world.
Plot Summary: Sakura, portrayed by the talented Takahata Mitsuki, joins the construction company in 2009. Her honesty and unique perspective, likely stemming from her neurodivergence, set her apart. She rarely smiles and remains unyieldingly honest, even when it leads to demotions and transfers. The episodes unfold as her co-workers share stories from ten successive years, revealing how Sakura’s friendship and determination have touched their lives.
Characterization: Takahata Mitsuki’s performance as Sakura is both disciplined and idiosyncratic. Unlike other dramas, which often sensationalize neurodivergent characters, “Our Dearest Sakura” treats her with respect. Her authenticity and vulnerability resonate with viewers. We witness her struggles, but the story never demonizes her differences. Instead, it celebrates her unique way of seeing the world.
Themes Explored:
- Resilience and Determination: Sakura’s unwavering commitment to her dream of building a bridge inspires those around her. Despite setbacks, she persists, challenging the corporate norms that suppress individuality.
- Friendship: Through repeated encounters, we learn how Sakura became friends with her colleagues. Each episode reveals the positive impact she has had on their lives, emphasizing the power of genuine connections.
- Critique of Corporate Culture: The drama subtly critiques the rigidity of corporate environments. Sakura’s honesty clashes with the company’s norms, highlighting the need for empathy and understanding.
Review: “Our Dearest Sakura” is a heartwarming and thought-provoking drama. It successfully portrays a non-neurotypical character without romanticizing or stigmatizing her. Takahata Mitsuki’s performance is a standout, capturing Sakura’s essence with depth and nuance. The episodic structure keeps viewers engaged, and the tension in the final episodes adds an unexpected layer of intrigue. The drama’s message—that authenticity and resilience matter—is both timely and universal.
Conclusion: “Our Dearest Sakura” is a gem in the world of Japanese dramas. It invites us to celebrate uniqueness, appreciate genuine connections, and question the status quo. As Sakura’s dream of building a bridge unfolds, we realize that sometimes the most extraordinary journeys begin with a single step.