First Love: A Japan Drama Review and Cultural Insights

Before I start, I delayed this post for a few days due to the high peak of work. I am sorry for it.

I have come to bring you the most recent love story from Japan to compensate for this delay. It features the wonderful soundtrack, First Love, sung by Hikaru Utada. The music is not recent but it was brought back to life with this Drama. As well the Love inside the Drama was connected to this music. A man and a woman retrace their memory of an unforgettable first love. They first met in the 1990’s and grew up together in the 2000’s.

[1st Love] is a Drama about finding the very first love. It is about re-meeting your loved one. What are the chances of meeting your soulmate so early? The one that you can’t forget and you make the ultimate sacrifice to move to another country. 

You may recognize the leading actress from the “Death Note” movies. She is Hikari Mitsushima and, in my eyes, a very good actress.

Satoh Takeru, the Rurouni Kenshin movie actor, has brought us international involvement to our little drama world. He portrays a character who witnesses his first love and soulmate move on with her life. This occurs after an accident erases all her memories and her friends.

The word sacrifice will always be a little too strong. If you really love the person, would you even call it a sacrifice? I would rather call sacrifice than those domestic abuse situations. You love the person, but you are incapable of letting them go. This happens in spite of the pain they cause you. 

But that’s not the case for this Drama. There are some challenges, like “if you really love them, you have to let them go.” If they come back, they are yours. I call this the ultimate belief. In this situation, the pain is caused by the act of letting go.

⭐ Emoji Ranking – First Love: Hatsukoi (2022)

• 💕 Romance: 💕💕💕💕💕 (5/5) – A sweeping love story spanning decades, filled with longing and passion.
• 👻 Creepy factor: 👻 (1/5) – No creepiness; it’s a tender and emotional narrative.
• 🔥 Action: 🔥 (1/5) – Very little physical action, though life events and dramatic turns keep tension high.
• 😭 Drama (Emotional impact): 😭😭😭😭😭 (5/5) – Heart-wrenching, nostalgic, and deeply emotional, one of Netflix Japan’s most moving dramas.
• 🌸 Popularity: 🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸 (5/5) – Hugely popular internationally, fueled by Hikaru Utada’s music and global Netflix reach.

This Drama main action is situated in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Yae Noguchi (Hikari Mitsushima) lost her memory of her 1st Love, the one that was always connected, even faraway. Namiki Harumichi, the Yae’s 1st Love. What caused the most pain in Namiki wasn’t the decision to walk out. It was the fact that they had their first fight. They were on the phone making up when the crash happened in Tokyo. The fight was about her friend’s and university colleagues’ behaviour being too harsh or direct, which Namiki calls rude. And find each other again years later, while Yae re-learns who Namiki is without her memories. Despite the years and after his own path, Namiki can let the memory of his 1st love go.

For the ones that don’t know, this behavior, or complaints about it, are common. Based on my research and readings, this is due to racism and discrimination against the Ainu culture descendants. Of course, this is a very old story. It stems from pure race beliefs from the past. These beliefs have changed since the Second World War.

For me, racism is a double tip blade. Just because a person A suffers it doesn’t mean she is allowed to do the same to others. The press and media feed these unique situations because they sell more. No one tells them they are wrong.

Back to the topic, Hokkaido, Osaka, and Okinawa are places with more racism. Discrimination against Ainu and Burakumin is prevalent there. Yet, in the Drama,   there is not much evidence that the characters are descendants of any unique origins. They are portrayed as normal people of Japanese society, as they should.

Despite all that, a battle of mentalities exists. It occurs between business area students and military cadets. There is also a difference between Tokyo mentality and Hokkaido mentality.

Japan is a nation renowned for its rich cultural heritage, technological advancements, and distinctive social fabric. This intricate tapestry is woven from threads of historical traditions, regional diversity, and a deeply ingrained sense of social hierarchy. Understanding the Japanese mentality is crucial. Social status and regional perspectives are especially important. This knowledge helps in grasping the potential for cultural confrontation within Japan itself.

In modern Japan, social status often relates to one’s educational background, professional occupation, and family lineage. These factors can significantly influence one’s opportunities and social interactions. For example, people graduate from prestigious universities like the University of Tokyo. They are often seen as having a higher social status. This perception extends to those from Kyoto University as well. As a result, they experience preferential treatment in job placements and social settings.

The corporate culture in Japan emphasizes social stratification through the “nenkō joretsu” ( 年功序列 ) system. In this system, age and tenure dictate authority and respect. This creates loyalty but can frustrate younger employees seeking quicker advancement. Economic challenges in the late 1980s and 1990s led to changes. Businesses struggled with high salaries for older employees. This affected mid-level executives during corporate restructuring.

The emphasis on social hierarchy can lead to cultural confrontation, especially when individuals from different social standings interact. People in higher positions may unconsciously show condescension. They may also unintentionally exclude others. Conversely, those in lower positions may feel resentment. They might also experience disillusionment. This dynamic can create tension in workplaces, educational institutions, and even within families.

Japan’s Diverse Regions

Japan’s geographical diversity contributes to its rich cultural tapestry. The country is divided into several regions, each with its own distinct dialects, customs, and traditions. For example, the Kansai region includes cities like Osaka and Kyoto. It is known for its vibrant culture and more relaxed social norms. These norms are in contrast to the Kanto region, where Tokyo is located. The differences in regional culture can be profound, influencing everything from communication styles to culinary preferences.

Regional Pride and Rivalry

Regional pride is a significant aspect of Japanese identity. People often recognize strongly with their region, leading to friendly rivalries. For example, there is a well-known rivalry between Tokyo and Osaka. Each city boasts about its superiority in terms of cuisine, economy, and cultural offerings. Such rivalries are often light-hearted. Nonetheless, they can escalate into cultural confrontations when individuals from different regions find themselves in close quarters.

Regional Perspectives and Cultural Confrontation

The distinct regional characteristics can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. People from Tokyo might perceive individuals from Osaka as too informal. They may also view them as brash due to their direct communication style. Conversely, those from Osaka might view Tokyoites as overly reserved or aloof. These perceptions can create barriers to effective communication and collaboration, particularly in professional settings where teamwork is essential.

Hokkaido and Tokyo are two prominent areas in Japan. They showcase a captivating contrast in mentality and cultural viewpoints. Each area possesses its distinct allure and lifestyle.

Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, is famous for its breathtaking natural scenery. It is also known for its vast agricultural lands. Life on the island offers a more laid-back, leisurely way of life. The mentality here is deeply intertwined with a strong bond to nature and community. Traditions highlight self-sufficiency and resilience in the face of harsh winters. This has cultivated a culture that prioritises hospitality, collaboration, and an appreciation for life’s simple joys.

On the other hand, Tokyo, the vibrant capital of Japan, represents modernity and innovation. It is a fast-paced metropolis focused on progress, efficiency, and global connectivity. The cultural outlook in Tokyo is influenced by a mix of tradition and modern technology. Ancient shrines coexist with towering skyscrapers. High-speed trains also share space in this blend. This contrast fosters a lively cultural environment. It embraces diversity and creativity. It draws in individuals with ambitious aspirations. They have a love for cosmopolitan living.

While Hokkaido offers peace and reflection, Tokyo pulsates with energy and enthusiasm, embodying the essence of urban life.

Here are some references for you to read or watch:

Nenkō Joretsu in Japanese Culture