While on a solo trip, Shoko meets Jyo. He proposes an unusual request upon seeing her wedding ring. That they have an affair while on the trip. Just one minor detail is missing, Shoko is not married. Shoko and Jyo begin a romance, but can it last when each one is hiding a secret?
I thoroughly enjoyed watching this drama. It does deal with infidelity even if the main characters aren’t cheating, although it’s a bit open-ended and could use more closure. I do recommend this drama. I think it’s sweet and cruel at the same time. You have to make up your own opinion on this one whether or not it’s justified. Thankfully, you can binge-watch this one now, waiting for this to air each week was hell as there are many misunderstandings.
Shoko (Higashide Anne) is 32-years-old, she is on a hunt to get married. Unfortunately, her looks and personality don’t mesh well with Japanese standards of beauty. But, that all changes once she meets Banno Jyo (Miyazawa Hio), a man who came back from America. After being gone for so long, he has no clue what is acceptable in Japanese society anymore. He comes across news of a cheating scandal, which leads him to believe it’s a reasonable standard. Which, in return, leads Jyo and Shoko into a spiral of longing, jealousy, love, and lies.
I will not mention the sister’s relationship as it’s your standard cheating wife storyline
What I like about this drama:
First, it’s not a real affair so I can enjoy this storyline. The romance is casual and sweet. I love the traveling and photography aspect in this drama. I thought it’s so cute how Jyo and Shoko interpreted themselves as the boy and girl in the book. It’s honestly just romantic how they both wanted to ride the train and the ring!!! You have to watch it to know what I am talking about. I think that’s the main reason why I love their story. They ended up finding love is the most unusually way that they couldn’t let go in the end.
What made me sad:
Jyo and Shoko both lacked so much confidence in their love, and it’s understandable. Jyo thought he loved someone who’s married. Shoko thought she wasn’t lovable and is only a fling. She never thought it could be more since he asked to be in an affair, not a relationship. It was honestly so frustrating since none of their assumptions are real. Jyo caused Shoko a lot of pain throughout the drama. And what I think is the worst part is the ending. It’s clear they will be together, but Jyo’s condition is left unknown. It’s a happy ending, but a lot of questions remain unanswered.
Final thoughts on the drama:
Usually, I love open-endings, but in this case. It is not executed correctly. I wanted to know what happens to Shoko’s sister and her lover. I want to know if Jyo is okay. The ending is sloppy and rushed, in my opinion. But maybe they were trying to go for a “life is not perfect, this is real life ending”. Overall, I did enjoy the drama. It has its good and bad aspects of how love is portrayed, how we take accountability and repercussions for our actions.
Have you watched Fake Affair? What did you think about the ending?
CinemaDeJoei 