Beth Winter

To start with, a disclaimer: It's one of those shows that you really need a summary or knowledge of Japanese to understand. And since I haven't been able to locate a summary, I'm limited to the following:

- Ichiro Maki and Todoroki Yuu/Tom are officers, possibly recent graduates, and totally best friends
- Kodai Mizuki is their boss
- Mari Hanafusa is the daughter of the... mayor? Something like that
- There's a war on, possibly the Spanish Civil War. And people die.

If anyone can explain the plot to me, I'd be grateful. But I still had a ball, because Ichiro and Tom work together far too well, because Ichiro knows karate, because Kodai Mizuki is crazy, because the musumeyaku are fantastic, because the chief non-commissioned soldiers (who I need to look up by kanji and do a proper show page) are wonderful and cuddly, and because my preferred employment for Wao Youka is Emo Dance Mania With Extra Growling.

Also, I swear that Maki-dearest is Mari's height. Honestly, the only difference between them was due to the fact Maki was on higher heels ~_~ They do work wonderful together, and they're clearly so comfortable with each other, including physically - Maki's not afraid to pull Mari around, and their hugs actually look like hugging, not touching gingerly.

Of course, I'm bound to love any show that lets Maki be in turn goofy, commanding, lay down the law, be taught flamenco dancing, and finally break down completely. But it's not just that. Ichiro-gumi work together so well, and the show balances the tragedy/drama (which would be the parts you need Japanese to understand) with comedy and sweetness, so that when it all breaks down and the war tears them to pieces, your breath stops.

( Spoiler for final scenes )

The staging is sparse, the costumes realistic, and the music is all Spanish, flamenco and folk songs. It's one of those shows where you can listen to the soundtrack forever, and one of those shows I'd love to learn Japanese for ♥

Note: there's not a single sequin on stage. I know, I couldn't believe it either.