When My Love Mix-Up first premiered in October 2021 on the Viki app I was drawn toward its color and cuteness. The story of the adorkable Aoki and clueless (but handsome) Ida quickly became one of my all-time favorites. It also introduced me to the wonderful world of Johnny & Associates via its lead actors Michieda Shunsuke (affectionately known as Michi) who plays Aoki and Ren Meguro affectionately known as MeMe) who plays Ida are both signed to the agency, which is one of (if not the) most powerful idol makers in Japan. 

Ren and Michi promoting My Love Mix-Up

A slightly silly love story about hardworking, about good-natured high schools, My Love Mix Up (Kieta Hatsukoi / 消えた初恋) begins with Aoki’s best friend Akkun (Jin Suzuki), whose first name is Aida, refusing to lend him an eraser. Lucky for him, his class crush, Hashimoto (Riko Fukumoto), has an extra she lets him use. However, he finds a charm written on it, “♡Ida” who is the handsome boy who sits in front of Aoki in class. Ida is stoic and handsome. While Aoki understands Hashimoto’s feelings, he’s jealous. 

Top left: Aoki(Michieda Shunsuke), Ida (Ren Meguro), Hashimoto (Riko Fukumoto) and Aida (Jin Suzuki)

Things get worse when Aoki after he not only drops the eraser but it’s picked up by Ida, who sees it. He is understandably shocked. Aoki starts to explain, but out of consideration for Hashimoto’s feelings, keeps her secret and allows him to think the “love charm” is his. 

Aoki tries to explain the charm to Ida

From there, it’s one misunderstanding after another. Instead of confessing his feelings to Hashimoto, Aoki agrees to help her win over her crush. Later, Ida thinks Aoki is trying to jump off the roof of the school because he’s brokenhearted. But then, promises to seriously consider his confession to him (even though Aoki knows it wasn’t real). Aoki is confused, but for some reason doesn’t have the heart to tell Ida the truth…

Ida promises Aoki to seriously think about his confession

And so the charade will continue into episode 2.

As a pilot, everything about this episode is perfect. It sets up the characters, the plotline, though simple, is incredibly cute and it’s just good old-fashioned wholesome fun! The characters are goofy but relatable, and you can’t help but fall behind Aoki’s lovable comedic charms or Ida’s strong and stoic handsomeness. 

I am also in love with the OST theme songs for this series. Both Naniwa Danshi and Snow Man provide two very different themes. “初心LOVE” ( Beginner’s LOVE in English) is a sugary-sweet pop song that embodies the cute and colorful nature of this series (and the group in general).

While Snow Man’s track “Secret Touch” is more soft and sensual – which perfectly fits not only who Ida is as a character, but also who Snow Man is as a group.

As a fan of the manga, written by Wataru Hinekure with art by Aruko, I was super impressed with just how close all of the actors resembled their characters – especially the leads and the episode was a pretty straightforward adaptation of the first few chapters. So, all in all, it was really enjoyable. 

10/10. No notes.

Does Ida really like Aoki? Could Aoki actually like Ida? Find out in episode 2!

More My Love Mix-Up soon so… 

Stay tuned!