A Drama That Breathes: The Gentle World of Sounds of Winter

Hana Sugisaki as Ayana Tsuchida - Nippon TV

This J-drama season has been relatively underwhelming for me personally, but I think I just stumbled upon a potential hit in the form of Sounds of Winter.

Sounds of Winter is a quiet, introspective love story that follows Tsuchida Ayana, a 27-year-old novelist who has published two books and is working on her third. Though she has a boyfriend, her past romantic experiences — marked by breakups and emotional hurt — have left her hesitant to genuinely fall in love or confront her feelings head-on. Because of this, Ayana often avoids deep emotional commitment, afraid of vulnerability and loss.

The drama opens with Ayana in everyday settings — such as sitting alone late at night, listening to music — where the ordinary becomes emotionally meaningful. Through these quiet moments and her introspective nature, viewers slowly learn about her inner world and her reluctance to fully engage in relationships.

An unexpected conversation with a calm, thoughtful man (played by Ryo Narita) — sparked by music — begins to stir feelings in her that aren’t easily defined or labeled. Their interactions are subtle and realistic, grounded more in emotional nuance than dramatic romantic gestures.

There have only been 2 episodes released thus far, so I am trying not to get too carried away like I typically do, but I adore the aesthetic and general atmosphere that the show has presented in these opening episodes.

Honestly, I'm not entirely certain how to characterize this show. It has a profoundly atmospheric quality—calm, gentle, and relaxing. The camera remains mostly still, featuring airy, cozy settings and extended, leisurely dialogues. It definitely echoes Ryosuke Hamaguchi's style; "Happy Hour" frequently came to mind as I watched the conversations between Ayana and the supporting characters.

Hana Sugisaka gives an unforgettable performance as Ayana, skillfully depicting this eccentric, occasionally frightening, yet profoundly introspective character who navigates her daily life with a sense of drifting and floating.

Sounds of Winter is currently airing on Netflix globally.