Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)
Depending on the state of your mind, the opening episode of Japanese series “25 Ji, Akasaka de” (English title: At 25:00, in Akasaka) might either seem unrealistically weird/cringe-y or funnily amusing, but regardless of the mood, you’ll be able to identify that it’s sure as hell based on a manga. The protagonist Yuki Shirasaki is an aspiring actor who after years of struggle, finally lands a role in a BL drama with rising star Asami Hayama. Nervous about his lack of experience, Yuki decides to go to a gay bar and get laid to have a better sense of his character, only to be stopped in time by Asami himself, who offers that they could be in a pretend relationship during the filming to help Yuki with his method acting style. Soon, serious sparks fly between the two, but will the two introverts be able to muster up the courage to confess their true feelings for each other? Sounds like a Manga plot right?!
Directed by Horie Takahiro, Kawasaki Ryo, the 10 episode series is adapted from the manga series “25 Ji, Akasaka de” (25時、赤坂で) by Natsuno Hiroko. The show marks Niihara Taisuke’s first leading role, he plays protagonist Yuki Shirasaki, who suffers from intense low-esteem issues and self-loathing. Although, it’s weird how Yuki’s character has the confidence to audition for a lead role, it sort of doesn’t go well with his imposter syndrome. But okay, let us set that character anomaly aside for now, especially because Niihara Taisuka is fantastic in bringing Yuki to life, with all his angst, anxiety, and infinite hang-ups. Komagine Kiita (Kikai Sentai Zenkaiger/ Shotengai no Pianist) plays the introverted star Asami Hayama, whose character is a typical male lead archetype – he is handsome, popular, quiet, never expressing his feelings, which can be very confusing for those who are interested in him.
Since “25 Ji, Akasaka de”/”At 25:00, in Akasaka” is about the leads being in a pretend romantic relationship while filming a gay romance, it’s got an interesting “series within a series” situation going on. While the pace of the series is fine until episode five, which features a beautiful first kiss between the two characters near a waterfall, which is being shot for their show, that’s accompanied by glorious jazz-y instrumental ballad. The piano, saxophone/trumpet flourishes are the highlight of the series’ soundtrack, lending the otherwise slow love story a moody nostalgic likable tone.
Even though Komagine Kiita has more experience playing lead roles, his portrayal of Asami Hayama lacked an individualistic touch, some of it obviously has to do with the character itself, who is one-dimensional in nature – Asami is asocial, has no interests, keeps to himself. It’s easy to imagine several other Japanese actors playing Asami while watching “25 Ji, Akasaka de”/”At 25:00, in Akasaka”. Somebody with a more domineering screen presence would’ve added more punch to the role, since Asami is supposed to be a famous actor who makes everybody weak in the knees. Komagine Kitta gives off a more “shy college student” vibe than that of a super-star. For instance, Meguro Ren of “My Love Mix-Up” fame or Kashiwagi Haru from “Kimi ni wa Todokanai” definitely have more screen presence and have already successfully played characters like the socially awkward Asami.
The onscreen chemistry between Niihara Taisuka and Komagine Kiita as Yuki-Asami is just about passable, nothing to be excited about. I wouldn’t be interested in seeing them star as a romantic pair again, maybe with different actors in different genres, but not together. In-fact, there’s more sexual tension between Niihara Taisuka and Nagumo Shoma, the latter plays Yamase Kazuma, Yuki’s co-star in the series who has a devil-may-care kind of personality. Nagumo Shoma shines in his brief cameo, since his outspoken, flirty personality marks a fun change from the repressed lead characters.
The last few episodes of “25 Ji, Akasaka de”/”At 25:00, in Akasaka” mostly consist of flashback scenes and a conflict arising from a very silly misunderstanding, leading to unnecessary heartache. If some of these flashbacks had been included in earlier episodes, it would have made more sense, as it is heavily implied from the start that there’s more to their connection than meets the eye. Additionally, the last episode was frustrating to watch because it is shot from the viewer’s perspective, not the character’s. Asami says something to Yuki that should have prompted a volley of questions, but Yuki doesn’t ask anything since the viewers already know the answers through the flashbacks which were from Asami’s POV. While this omission prevents repetition, a brief 5-second scene implying that the two clear up their misunderstandings for good would have made more sense.
If you don’t mind the “miscommunication” trope, and are looking for a serious romantic drama with two leads pining for each other, “25 Ji, Akasaka de”/”At 25:00, in Akasaka” might make for a great pick. But in case you want to see something more fun and comedic, which features a similar plot – two co-actors falling in love – watch ‘BL Drama no Shuen ni Narimashita’ starring Abe Alan and Akutsu Nichika, it’s hilarious and is also based on a manga series.
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