きみはペット ▫️2003 ▫️Episodes

Another show that I’m happy to be re-watching that I have fond memories of. I started out as Jun fangirl, actually finding Arashi specifically because of his dramas. So his shows are probably the ones I’ve seen the most of before, maybe even more than Nino’s.

This show has a ridiculous premise that somehow just works. Initially you might think it would be strange or creepy, but it’s completely adorable and lovely. It’s definitely my favorite love story so far in the timeline (we haven’t had many, yet). In fact, I think this is the first drama where the love story is the primary focus!

I completely love Koyuki and she’s a great partner for Jun. This show also has Eita!! I know he pops up in a few Arashi shows (he’s in so much stuff), and he’s another fave non-Arashi J-drama actor of mine.

Jun’s hair is here again. It’s glorious. The more I watch his shows the more I realize how talented he really is, starting off from Bokura no Yuuki he has really been impressing me. This is a super playful and bratty role, which I feel hasn’t been seen yet. He also doesn’t show that side often in the variety shows/interviews, which makes the acting feel all the more impressive. I guess he knows how to embody the energy of a young, wild dog. There are also some neat modern dance scenes where we get to appreciate his ~moves~.

Although this show had a troupe ending (couple separates due to misunderstandings, but (probably) gets back together at the very end), I still enjoyed getting wrapped up in their love story. It wouldn’t be a J-drama romance without some screaming at the screen. It’s a pretty solid flow from start to finish and I feel they threw in enough side quests to keep it fresh.

One theme I really appreciated and related to in this show was the healing power of true love, and how that doesn’t usually look like what we call “love” in media. When you meet someone you can just melt into and completely be yourself it is such a powerful and rejuvenating experience. Because of trauma, media, etc we are often trained to associate love with fear and role-playing, but I’m definitely a believer that love should be comfort, safety and joy. Even if it can’t be perfect, we should never sacrifice ourselves to be with someone who doesn’t nurture and accept us.

If you like gushing over a cute couple and want to see a unique take on romance, I definitely recommend this one. There are a few nearly risque skinship scenes as well, which I feel is more rare with Arashi being so young at this time. The soundtrack is also great background music for a summer day, very bossa nova and breezy!