Natsuyuki Rendesvous 2

Hazuki, having confessed his love to Rokka, is in a bind. Her ghost husband is trying everything he can to keep Hazuki from getting any closer. And he proves more successful than you would imagine . But Shimao's victory is short lived, as it's increasing unclear just how he is able to protect Rokka's happiness.

While the first half of this episode dragged, the later half develops an interesting tension as Rokka tries to move on, Hazuki is thrown off by balancing being able to see Shimao and still trying to get closer to Rokka, and Shimao realizes the futility of his efforts. The last few scenes, in particular, are rather poignant.

That being said, I have to be in the mood for this kind of drama, so this is getting a stall from me. But the show is not bad at all.

Rating: B+

Assessment: Stall

Natsuyuki Rendezvous 1

Hazuki kun has fallen hard for for Rakko-chan, a pretty, young florist near his home. He so taken with her that he jumps at the chance to work at the flower shop when a part time position opens up. He anticipated more time with Rakko, but what he hadn't expected to find was the ghost of her recently dead husband still wandering around the shop. Natsuyuki tells the story of working out this unearthly love triangle.

NR has all the trappings of a heavy josei romance in the spirit of a good k-drama. Only this must represent the next evolution of the "love triangle and then someone gets cancer" trope because this time one of them is already dead before the triangulation even begins!

As such, this show is only going to appeal to a narrow crowd. If you don't like drawn-out romance stories, this won't be for you. Although, one positive about the whole set up is that, for once, we aren't watching teenagers act like they think they know what love is. The (possibility of a) more mature love story is a bonus.


Rating: B