Tsuma, Shogakusei ni Naru

"If My Wife Becomes an Elementary School Student" is a Japanese drama series that adapts Yayu Murata's manga, renowned for its unique premise. The narrative centres on Keisuke Niijima, portrayed by Shinichi Tsutsumi, who has been grieving the loss of his wife, Takae (Yuriko Ishida), for a decade. Their daughter, Mai Niijima (Aju Makita), also struggles with her mother's absence. The family's stagnant existence is revived when a young girl, Marika Shiraishi (Nono Maida), appears, claiming to be the reincarnation of Takae.

While the direction has been commended for capturing the essence of the original manga, the series' editing choices regrettably undermine the production's potential. The performances, particularly those of Nono Maida and Shinichi Tsutsumi, are noteworthy. However, the decision to replace Maida's portrayal of an "adult in a child's body" with an adult actor in certain scenes detracts from the depth of the narrative. Had the director guided Maida to fully embody the adult character throughout, the adaptation might have achieved a more profound impact, aligning closely with the thematic depth of the source material.

The premise a mother reincarnated as an elementary school student, offers a rich tapestry for exploring family dynamics and existential themes. However, the drama misses the opportunity to deliver a fully immersive experience. Despite strong individual performances, the editing appears too much focus on casting instead of core value of the story and disorganised, overshadowing the cast's efforts and diminishing the overall impact.

Each episode title features typographic graphic design that is both unique and aesthetically pleasing. The storytelling effectively presents individual character arcs but lacks the depth and cinematographic expression necessary to fully engage the audience, primarily due to subpar scene editing.

For viewers seeking light, casual entertainment without high expectations, the series may serve as a suitable option. However, those in search of a deeply engaging and nuanced adaptation may find it lacking. "If My Wife Becomes an Elementary School Student" is available for streaming on Netflix.

These catchy, lengthy, and descriptive titles are not new to the anime fandom. I'm just upset the use of it here may have discouraged many viewers from watching a genuinely wholesome drama, and that bothers me. Just look at the title; if this isn't a "normie filter," I don't know what is. It never crosses the line, and I find it even more disheartening that people might form a negative impression based solely on the title.

Title aside, I quite enjoyed this show. It was well-paced, with no annoying characters. The drama was solid and explained itself well enough to my liking as to the how and why the premise even started.

The little girl lead did a wonderful job.

The clunky title of this brilliantly written, acutely observed, masterfully directed and sensitively acted 10-part Japanese drama series does not really do it justice.

Keisuke Niijima, a 52-year-old marketing executive, and his 20-year daughter Mai are left despairing and distraught when Takae (Keisuke's wife and Mai's mother) dies in a car accident. Takae, an expert chef and force of nature, had been the driving spirit of the family. So her sudden death leaves a vacuum.

For 10 years, Keisuke and Mai stumble on like zombies, unable to move on with life and losing all confidence in their abilities. Keisuke is demoted at work from his former managerial position, while Mai lives in her bedroom.

Then a miracle occurs when Takae appears reborn as a 10-year-old schoolgirl. Of course, both father and daughter take some convincing that she is indeed who she claims to be. But her knowledge of their past and family rituals eventually convinces them.

The complication, which is brilliantly depicted, is that Marika, the schoolgirl whose body the reincarnated Takae has entered, has a life of her own. Her struggling mother, a bitter divorced woman in low-paying menial work, notices her changed character and behaviour and becomes increasingly suspicious about her disappearances.

Also sceptical about Takae's claims to be back as a 10-year-old girl is her brother, a frustrated manga artist and the black sheep of the family.

Originally a manga itself, 'If My Wife Becomes an Elementary School Student' is much more than the superficially silly premise suggests. This is really a story about prolonged grief, the sensitive balance of family relationships and the need to make the most of our lives, even in the face of unimaginable suffering and loss.

The nuanced performances and delicately constructed screenplay soon put to rest any initial suspicion that this is about the sexualisation of a young girl. Nono Maida who plays Marika/Takae is superb, making us believe that she is a 40-year-old woman in a child's body, then shifting back seamlessly to her original persona and being just as convincing there.

Be warned this is a multiple handkerchief drama, with some incredibly moving scenes as Takae gradually convinces Keisuke and Mai they need to move on with their lives.

The emotion is also driven by the gorgeous ballad that appears on the soundtrack towards the end of each episode.

This J-drama is first class and ranks close for me with the K-drama masterpiece 'My Mister' as a profound and sensitive illumination of the human condition.

The show concept seemed to be goofy and funny but it had lot of impactful movements, heartbreaking an expectational performances by lead actors keisuke (Shinichi Tsutsumi) & Marika (Nono Maida) for the 1st role the kid gave a pretty solid performance.

This story talks about Grieving & acceptance to move forward after losing a loved ones, it really nails so many aspects of family who has lost someone.

Misato Morita character was so sweet and wholesome, hopefully her character was fulfilled with what she loved.

The Daughter, Mai (Aju Makita) was beautiful and charming.

This show focuses on importance of family and support towards each other.

From the most inept show title ever, comes a simple and uplifting reverie of redemption! It is the king of 'if I could only have' - just one last chance - to say and show all that has ever needed to be said or show to those we lost.

Though the premise is unique and perceived as many with a suspicious eye to the age of the reincarnated 10 year old in the series, it's the instant wholesomeness that only a Japanese-like fairytale could impart, that pulls you in right from the first episode in delightful ways and with joyful humor amidst the complete disbelief that this could be real.

Immediately you know its only the actors that can make us believe. Particularly the awe inspiring work of the the young Maida Nono as Takae/Marika brings this show to life! Her range and nuance and depth of such onscreen emotion is marvelous to see. The rest of the cast are also wonderful in such a strong ensemble that breath further life into the story.

The ups and downs of this journey are always so very heartfelt and uplifting while being equal parts sad and sorrowful. Of the hundreds of amazing Asian and US TV I have seen in more than 5 decades this ranks so very high in its ability to bring me humbly along on this same journey totally suspending belief while reminding me ever so gently and surely to honor those lost and to live in celebration for those that may no longer be able to be here at all.

It was beautifully told fairy tale that everyone can draw inspiration from and should not be forgotten so that it reminds us to always be grateful.