Introducing a New Series: What I’m Currently Watching

In 2022, I made a YouTube video called “Film Diaries”, which, as the name suggests, was meant to be a personal log of everything I’d watched over the past few weeks or months. Over time, that concept evolved into the Netflix Japan: Hidden Gems series, where I reviewed and recommended lesser-known Japanese films, TV shows, and more.

Now, I feel the urge to bring back something similar—this time in written form and with a more laid-back, frequent approach. Think of it as a casual "What I’m Currently Watching" series where I’ll share my thoughts on shows and films as I experience them. So let’s dive right in!

Blue Box

As I mentioned in my earlier preview, Blue Box is one of the few manga I began reading even before the anime adaptation was announced. Naturally, it became one of my most anticipated releases of the year.

After watching the first two episodes, I can confidently say that my expectations were not only met but possibly exceeded. The animation is visually stunning, striking a perfect balance between classic anime aesthetics and a photo-realistic style. This blend works beautifully in the context of a high-school romance. While the sports scenes are decent, they aren’t the main draw. The real magic lies in the blossoming relationship between Chinatsu and Taiki—a dynamic that fans like me are here to see unfold.

Special mention goes to the opening song, “Same Blue” by the popular Japanese group OFFICIAL HIGE DANDISM. The opening sequence fits the mood and tone of the series perfectly, enhancing the storytelling and emotional atmosphere right from the start. It’s easily one of the best anime openings I’ve seen in a while.

I’m excited to see how Blue Box continues to develop, and I’ll be following the series until the final episode of the season.

Ranma ½

Like many others, I grew up watching Ranma ½. While I wouldn’t call myself a die-hard fan, the original series has a nostalgic charm for me. That said, I wasn’t exactly clamoring for a remake—but here we are.

To be honest, I’m not a fan of the overly polished, almost plastic-looking animation style. It reminds me of Dragon Ball Super, which had a similarly divisive look.

I’m mainly watching this for the nostalgia and as a way to get a few extra minutes of Japanese language immersion. Still, I’m curious to see how the broader anime community reacts as the series progresses, especially when we get to the more iconic moments that made the original show so beloved.

Dragon Ball Daima

Dragon Ball Daima has quickly become one of the most anticipated releases of the year. With the tragic passing of Akira Toriyama, this project holds even more significance—it marks the last piece of Dragon Ball content he worked on. The hype was further fueled by the upcoming release of Dragon Ball Sparking Zero.

Going into it, I was skeptical about whether Daima could live up to the legacy of Dragon Ball Z. After watching the first episode, some of that skepticism seems justified. Toho has struggled in the past to replicate the magic of the original series, and this first episode hints that Daima might face similar challenges.

I’ll keep watching to see how the series evolves, but I’m approaching it with cautious optimism.

Pachinko Season 2

Season 1 of Pachinko was a masterpiece. The casting was impeccable, and the actors brought these iconic characters to life in a way that felt both delicate and powerful. Apple’s adaptation did justice to this multi-generational story about a Korean family’s struggles and triumphs in Japan.

Given the buzz surrounding Shogun and the awards it has already picked up, I wouldn’t be surprised if Pachinko Season 2 dominates next year’s awards season. Either way, I can’t wait to immerse myself in this world again and see how the new season unfolds.

Good Luck!

The TBS-Netflix partnership has blessed us with another gem. This time, it’s Good Luck!, starring Takuya Kimura and Kou Shibasaki.

Kimura plays Hajime Shinkai, a talented and idealistic co-pilot who dreams of becoming a captain. However, his stubbornness and strong beliefs often put him at odds with his colleagues, especially Captain Koda Kazuki (played by Shinichi Tsutsumi), a veteran pilot known for his strict professionalism. As Shinkai navigates the challenges of his career, he also crosses paths with Ayumi Ogawa (Kou Shibasaki), a brilliant airplane mechanic. Though initially cold and distant, Ayumi is gradually drawn to Shinkai’s passion and sincerity. Their relationship blossoms into a romance, though not without complications, as both characters grapple with personal insecurities while pursuing their professional ambitions.

The series strikes a perfect balance between romance, workplace drama, and emotional depth within the high-stakes aviation industry—something I didn’t realize I’d enjoy so much. The supporting cast, including Koda, Jane, and even Shinkai’s brother and father, are just as engaging and add layers to the narrative.

That said, my main criticism is that the workplace drama didn’t hold my attention as much as the characters' personal lives. The family moments between Shinkai, his brother, and his father were some of the most memorable scenes, but I wish there had been more of them.

I keep thinking about Good Luck! long after finishing the final episode, so it’s safe to say it left a lasting impression. I may need to write a dedicated post or review about it—Takuya Kimura’s performance was that good.

This wraps up my first What I’m Currently Watching post! I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into what I’ve been bingeing lately. There’s a lot more to explore in the coming weeks, and I’m excited to keep sharing my thoughts on new shows and old favorites alike. Stay tuned!