Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)
Aoyama Kanata is a popular student and a promising athlete, constantly pursued by girls, yet unable to emotionally connect with anyone. In contrast, Senkawa Akira is a studious loner who spends his breaks by himself on a desolate staircase, far removed from the noise of school life. In the same grade but different sections, the two constantly lock eyes on campus, so when they finally get the opportunity to talk, a slow attraction builds between them.
Directed by Tomita Miki (‘When It Rains, It Pours’, ‘Takara’s Treasure’), this Japanese teen drama is based on manga ‘Contrast’ (コントラスト) by itz. Iuchi Haruhi plays the extroverted Aoyama Kanata, always surrounded by friends, while Akune Haruse plays Senkawa Akira, the handsome loner who catches Kanata’s attention. The two first connect when Kanata spots Akira listening to music on a CD player by the staircase to their school’s off-limits rooftop. Ironically, despite his calm demeanor, Akira is into loud metal music, which becomes the unexpected icebreaker between them.
Kanata and Akira’s first interaction in ‘Contrast’ will immediately remind genre fans of ‘Given’, another high school-themed romance where the central couple meet under similar circumstances and first connect through music. In-fact, once you start comparing the two, quite a few similarities will emerge, but that’s a write-up for another day.
Of course, the clashing personalities of the leads is a primary theme of ‘Contrast’, but the show is surprisingly straightforward in setting the tone of Kanata and Akira’s friendship, without any over-the-top frills. Akira is in the closet, and even though Kanata doesn’t know of this, he is self aware of his own crush on his new friend. But despite this self-awareness, Kanata does not make things awkward or complicated, and instead makes Akira a part of his close friend group.
Tomisato Nao plays Nakano Mizuki, Kanata’s childhood friend, who initially comes across as being in love with him because of how protective she is. But Mizuki turns out to simply care deeply about Kanata’s happiness. Empathetic and perceptive, she quickly notices the growing attraction between Kanata and Akira, and subtly begins nudging the two closer together.
However, just when you think ‘Contrast’ is going to be simple, slow-burn, gentle teen romance, things get complicated when Akira is revealed to be in a relationship of convenience with an older man, his older brother’s best friend, no less. Inoue Sora (Eien No Kinou) plays Kanda Koichi, Akira’s former home tutor and the first person he confided in about his sexuality.
Kanda ultimately takes advantage of that trust, something he later admits to, though the series never fully explores the problematic nature of their dynamic. Having grown used to that relationship, Akira struggles to understand how to genuinely begin something real with Kanata. And a past rejection by a classmate only makes it harder for Akira to hope for a reciprocal romance with someone he loves.
Unlike Akira, Kanata doesn’t struggle with his feelings as much, he is more sure, confident; the only real uncertainty in his life is his future: he isn’t sure what to do after high school. So Kanata becomes the anchor of this tale, and Iuchi Haruhi is radiantly charming as the optimistic, popular student, while Akune Haruse is equally captivating as the morally grey Akira. Their onscreen chemistry is adorable and one wishes they had more laid-back, relaxed scenes as just two people getting to know each other.
Although, to be fair, ‘Contrast’ does spend plenty of time simply letting Kanata and Akira exist around each other, sharing lunches on the school terrace or quietly studying with friends nearby. During their rooftop meetings, they tune out the rest of the world, sometimes just lying under the sun in comfortable silence, never awkward. That’s where the show sells their chemistry best.
Being teenagers, Kanata and Akira often respond to problems by dodging them rather than facing them properly, which makes pretty relatable. But by the end, an honest heartfelt conversation finally forces the two of them to resolve their problems, leading ‘Contrast’ towards a satisfying conclusion.
If you enjoyed Japanese shows like ‘Our Youth’ (Miseinen) and Depth of Field (Hishakai Shindo), which are also teen romances, then check this one out too.
‘Contrast’ is available on GagaOolala.
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