The Problematic of the Unproblematic

If the last episode had us seeing how the wedding he attended made Shiro look at his relationship with Kenji in a different way, this week we get more background about Kenji and why he feels so insecure in his relationship with Shiro. We are approaching the end of this series, but it is so popular in Japan that people are talking about another season. There is plenty of material since the manga is so popular and started being published in 2007. I was trying to think of what picture from show to use in this opening, and I thought this bag really symbolizes the struggles and different perspectives that out favorite couple has to address.

JoAnne: Long week.  Lasted about a year so far. Trotwood: I took an extra day to work from home to try to finish end of year report. I'm still not done. Thanks goodness I'm not watching much, but now I really still can't start anything new. Shaking my fist at everyone who says that things will slow down in summer. pfft. kakashi: It's gonna be 38°C this week. Mind you, this is Switzerland, not Spain. Panda: Hi and Bye! Didn't watch a single second of any drama this week. Busy trying to enjoy a bit of summer :) oh, and shopping! But hey, YOLO.

I apologize for being a week behind, but like Shiro in this episode, I had to go to a wedding. Actually, I had to be in a wedding, which if you have ever been a bridesmaid, you know is a LOT of work. It was a whole weekend of labor—even before the wedding because I had to take out the breast pads in the bridesmaid dress because it made me look like I had four breasts, and I made cookies ahead of time as part of me convincing the bride that it wouldn’t be a good idea for us all to bake cupcakes together as a wedding day activity. So here I am a week behind in the recap, and forcing myself to do so before watching the new episode. Weddings (and funerals) really make you take stock of your life. This one has Shiro's wedding experience causing us and him to think about his relationship with Kenji in a different way.

JoAnne:  I want Keanu Reeves for my boyfriend, but I want the version that doesn't look homeless. Trotwood: HAHA! I read the first part and thought "I hope she doesn't want the homeless version" and then read rest of sentence. Not watching or doing much but trying to survive this wedding I'm in for my friend's sake. I did finish HIStory3 though. Ha! That's why we're friends :) A wedding - is it your teacher's wedding? Congrats to her and I hope you make it through alive. Please tell me you don't have to wear stockings. kakashi: Stockings in the summer is torture and should be forbidden.  No, I didn't have to wear stockings, but I did have to do the chicken dance in French. So many stories about this wedding. Panda: Jo, it seems you will have to fight all the (wo)men on the net for Keanu! he is having a major resurgence and I'm. Here. For. It. This is not Keanu. STILL not Keanu

Trotwood: I was planning on watching WWW as well this weekend, but there were so many novel translations that came out, and I started watching Super Voice, a Chinese show where 36 male singers from operas and musicals compete for 6 principle positions. All are good, very tense. Eps 1-3 of season 1 are subbed. Each ep is 1.5 hours. I was riveted and anxious the entire time. It's like watching a sporting event. What has everyone been up to? JoAnne: I spent my whole weekend wondering where you were and what you were doing. Panda: Hope everyone has seen Always be my Maybe? Ali Wong you sly fox, snogging three prime men. I Approve heartily. Spent the week sleeping, shopping and reading. Bliss Yes! Loved it! Very funny, very sweet.

I was excited to watch this episode because everyone has been saying how this was their favorite episode so far. However, I did not expect to be as moved as I was.  Kinounaniresource posted a link in her blog to an article about the show and its popularity in Japan based on the cooking in it. https://asia.nikkei.com/Life-Arts/Life/Japan-s-latest-celebrity-chef-is-a-gay-lawyer-in-hit-TV-drama I’m not surprised. I’ve made all sorts of food in response to watching this show! Remember that I will add a link to recipe for dishes if I find them.

kakashi: Incredible! I watched something that's not Naruto. Trotwood: Did you watch all of these shows or only the neandrathal one? Panda: You know that feeling when you have 10 dramas to start, and yet find yourself rewatching The Wedding Date for whatever reason? Yup. P.S Dermot Mulroney - Hot. But speaking of dramas; I am interested in checking out kGOT, Aide with its 2 smexy leads and the Joseon drama with a bespectacled Thighs!! Hubba hubba. JoAnne: Yeah, that Thighs picture circulating on TList last week? Stopped me dead in my tracks. Then again, he really never disappoints, does he. We do seem to have a lot of very lovely men (and women! whatever floats your boat!) to watch these days. It's Spring, after all, and the sap is rising....

This episode gave us a bunch of fluff, which I think we all deserved after suffering through an episode of awkward Shiro. We don’t get a resolution of any repercussions at work (I’m sure that we will), but we do get to compare/contrast Shiro and Kenji’s relationship with Kohinata and Wataru and some role reversals which causes revelations for both the couple and viewers.