Konin Todoke ni Han wo Oshita dake desu ga- Drama Review

DramaZen's Opinion

An Unconventional Take on the Contract Marriage Trope – Thoughtful, Quirky, and Full of Heart

While this drama has all the classic ingredients of a contract marriage romcom, the personalities and values of the characters give it a refreshing twist. The male lead is neuroatypical, with an overly logical mindset that makes expressing his emotions a challenge. Meanwhile, the female lead is laser-focused on her career, viewing marriage as unnecessary—a perspective that stands out in the context of “traditional” Japanese expectations. This lighthearted story offers more than meets the eye, as it subtly invites viewers to explore what it means to truly understand someone who sees the world differently. And the theme song, 「Heart」 by Aimyon, adds an extra layer of emotional resonance.

Misunderstandings, a trope I usually dislike for creating unnecessary conflict, are used meaningfully here. They highlight how the male lead struggles to grasp emotions and behaviors that others take for granted. Think about it—how do we know when “I like you” is meant romantically or when “I love you” expresses only friendship? This drama dives into that ambiguity, showing just how difficult it can be to navigate relationships when your understanding of love doesn’t align with societal norms.

Beyond the leads, the supporting characters explore their own unconventional versions of love, which is something J-dramas excel at. What does happiness really mean in relationships? Is marriage the only way to achieve it? [SPOILER ALERT] One subplot follows a man grappling with why his wife wants to divorce him—only to continue their relationship as common-law partners, maintaining their bond without legal ties. Another woman chooses her partner not for love but to create her version of the “ideal family.” Then there’s a fangirl whose devotion is solely reserved for her favorite idol. These little insights may seem subtle, but they add depth to the narrative.

WHAT I WOULD HAVE CHANGED:

Like any show, this one isn’t without its flaws.

Some viewers might find the last few episodes a bit slow or frustrating, but I appreciated how they delved deeper into the relationship. After all, if these two characters don't fit into the “normal” mold, isn’t it only right that they build a relationship on their own terms? Still, I could’ve done with fewer love interests meddling in the plot and fewer clichéd misunderstandings. I also felt the chemistry between the leads could have developed more gradually, and the ending—while satisfying—left me wanting just a bit more closure.

TRY IT IF YOU LIKE:

• Contract marriage tropes
• 『Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu』 (Japan, 2016)
• Because This Is My First Life (Korea, 2017)

This isn’t a deep dive into neurodivergence, but watching it with an open mind might give you a fresh perspective on relationships. Even without focusing on the atypical angle, the drama has enough sweet, heart-fluttering moments to keep any romcom fan entertained. It’s a thoughtful, refreshing take on love—proving that the best relationships aren’t always conventional.