This time, it’s about a Japanese melodrama, Perfect World. Based on a manga of the same title, this drama is, in my opinion, very well executed. I haven’t read the manga before, and I also found out that there’s a movie version as well.
The story follows Ayukawa Itsuki (Matsuzaka Tori), a bright basketball player in high school. During university, he gets into a terrible accident that injures his spinal cord, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. He is now in a wheelchair and works as an architect. Through work, he meets Kanawa Tsugumi (Yamamoto Mizuki), a girl who graduated from the same high school as him.
Actually, Itsuki was Kanawa’s crush when she was in high school—her first love. When she finds out that Itsuki is in a wheelchair, she feels very sad and hurt.
Itsuki has decided not to fall in love again because of his disability and past experiences. He broke up with his longtime girlfriend for an obvious reason—he didn’t want to be a burden. However, as he and Kanawa grow closer and find comfort in each other, they do fall in love.
They face many obstacles, especially from Kanawa’s father, who doesn’t want his daughter to suffer while taking care of her future husband.
Not only that, but their constant feelings of guilt for each other also become obstacles to building a strong and serious relationship. They break up, date other people, and try to move on, but their true feelings are undeniable. Their love only grows deeper in their hearts.
I love seeing Itsuki smile when he’s with Kanawa—that warm smile.
Seeing Itsuki struggle in life—facing hardships, experiencing mental breakdowns, and being in a wheelchair and paralyzed—yet still surviving as an architect and pursuing his dream, motivates Kanawa. She even decides to return to her passion for art. At first, she lacks confidence in her dreams, but Itsuki helps her muster the courage to pursue them. On the other hand, Kanawa’s mental and physical support is also very precious to Itsuki.
The hardest part is convincing Kanawa’s father that they can survive together and live happily ever after, even in their current circumstances. Not only do they need to convince Kanawa’s father, but also those around them—that as long as they are together, they can make it. There’s no room for thoughts like, ‘I might be a burden to you.’
To sum up, I really like the message behind this drama. I’ll quote Kanawa’s father’s words to Itsuki:
To support someone doesn’t just mean physically supporting them. Protecting someone doesn’t just mean using physical strength.
I love the plot and how we slowly become engaged in their relationship. This show does a great job of touching my emotions—not just by focusing on how deeply they love each other, but also on how they support one another mentally and emotionally.
Kanawa’s fashion in this drama is beautiful—perfect spring fashion! The tones, the colors—everything is just right. Thanks to a friend who introduced me to this drama. Oh, and make sure to have tissues ready because I cried in every episode!
Watch on netflix || Recap by Fuji TV
Source: official website | Pictures: mydramalist