When I started this rewatch of My Love Mix-Up, I made the conscious decision to not pay as close attention to the subtitles as I have in the past. In addition to my Japanese, though remedial for sure, is getting better, I have seen this series so many times (and read the Manga) so that I know enough of what’s being said that I can focus on the characters and their interactions in a way I haven’t before.
One of my favorite things about this series is just how differently Aoki and Ida react to things. Aoki is incredibly animated – and Michi’s facial expressions are hilarious, while Ida is more stoic. It takes a lot for him to break with emotion, and usually in this series, he only does so with Aoki. It’s a subtle but substantial character trait.
The first half of the series focuses on Aoki and his internal struggle with accepting his feelings for Ida. He’s conflicted like a lot of young people are. First love is never easy, especially when that love is different from everyone else around you – and different than what you initially thought it would be.
Ida, and himself. It’s while he still believes Hashimoto has feelings for Ida and he asks himself simply. “Who am I jealous of?”
Meaning, he’s no longer jealous that Ida is the object of Hashimot’s affection, he’s jealous of Hashimoto because she gets to have those feelings for Ida and be open about them. Again, it’s such a simple moment, but so poignant in the development of his character.
Having read the manga the series is based on, I am impressed at how well MeMe and Michi embody their characters. Also, Suzuki and Fukumoto as Aida and Hashimoto are perfectly cast. So many times women in the BL series are either hypersexualized, afterthoughts, or just plain annoying – but not Hashimoto. She is one of the most endearing and most comedic characters I have ever seen in a BL. The Same with Shun. I love how he’s known, through most of the series, that Ida and Aoki are in a relationship, but doesn’t tell anyone – not even Ida, until he absolutely needs to know. He’s a great friend. Friendship is one of the overarching themes of this series. It’s important, especially as a young person, to have a group of people you know have your back – wherever, whenever and Ida and Aoki seem to have a pretty good group around them.
Directed by Shōgo Kusano and Tadaaki Hōrai, with scripts by Tsutomu Kuroiwa, I do feel, while the series does have some flaws (very few and very far between) for the most part, it’s perfect. It is a wonderful starter BL and is extremely rewatchable.
The score, composed by Harumi Fuuki, is just as lovely as the series itself!
The series also has two themes. “Secret Touch” by Snow Man
As well as “Beginner’s Love” by Naniwa Danshi.
Yes, I am biased because it’s the series that introduced me to Ren and Michi, but I’m still going to give
My Love Mix-Up a 10/10.
If you would like to order the Blu-Ray or DVD set of My Love Mix-Up you can do so wherever Japanese movies and music are sold including CD JAPAN.
More BL dramas soon so…
Stay Tuned!
Life In Cartoon Motion 