Where Does the Sea Begin (2024)
Umi no Hajimari / 海のはじまり
Directed by Kazama Hiroki and Takano Mai, starring Meguro Ren as Tsukioka Natsu, Izutani Rana as Nagumo Umi, Arimura Kasumi as Momose Yayoi, Furukawa Kotone as Nagumo Mizuki.
Watched 21 December 2024 - 6 March 2025 — 12 episodes (VIKI PASS)
Tsukioka Natsu is 28 years old. He works for a printing company in Tokyo. One day, Tsukioka Natsu hears that Nagumo Mizuki died. They were in a romantic relationship when they attended the same university. They broke up after Nagumo Mizuki suddenly told him that she wanted to end their relationship, and she disappeared afterwards. He didn't hear anything about her for the past 7 years after their breakup. Tsukioka Natsu attends Nagumo Mizuki’s funeral, where he meets a young child named Umi. He is surprised to learn that Umi is Mizuki Nagumo’s daughter. Nagumo Mizuki’s mother talks to him and tells him that Umi is his daughter. (Source: My Drama List)
*It took me a while to finish this slice-of-life drama. I couldn't get into it at first, not feeling engaged with the male lead, Meguro Ren as Tsukioka Natsu. In fact, I was actually thinking of putting this series on hold or dropping it altogether. But I decided to continue because I was curious what would happen and the show only consists of 12 eps. of approx. 45 minutes each (only episode 1 lasts over an hour). I'm glad I finished it because ultimately it's a beautiful and touching story about parenthood, loss and grief. It feels very real and never gets too sentimental. It's a depiction of genuine human emotions and tender moments.
*I don't really know what to think of the male lead, both character and actor. The character is too meek and the actor lacks appeal for me. Also, the emotional scenes are not Meguro Ren's forte. It looks as if he's trying to squeeze tears out of his eyes. I do like both of the female characters, Arimura Kasumi as Momose Yayoi (Natsu's current girlfriend) and Furukawa Kotone as Nagumo Mizuki (the little girl's mother). I think it's beautiful how the lives of the two women are entertwined. How reading the visit journal at the doctor's office (reading what Yayoi had written about her abortion and guilt) prevents Mizuki from going through with her abortion. I love both actresses and how different their characters are. I think Yayoi is my fave character. Her character is well depicted and the actress gives a layered performance.
*Child actress Izutani Rana does a great job portraying Umi, the girl who suddenly gains a father and has to adjust to the changes in her life.
*Having lost my parents recently, I was thinking how devastating it must be to lose a child. I really felt for Mizuki's parents.
*I like the OST, but there's some cheesy music too.
*Meguro Ren also plays the lead in Trillion Game, which is on Netflix. It's a very different role for him, and since I read positive reviews of Trillion Game and it has only 10 episodes, I might check that one out as my next Japanese drama.
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