Cherry Magic – Anime Review & Episode Guide

Adachi is a thirty-year-old corporate employee who sees himself as painfully ordinary. His job performance is average. Due to his meek and passive personality, he doesn't stand out among the staff. He envies Kurosawa, a popular coworker who attracts attention due to his handsome looks and natural charisma. Adachi feels inferior as he compares himself to his more successful colleague, especially since they are around the same age.

Adachi also feels self-conscious about his nonexistent love life. Despite being thirty years old, he never dated anyone before. Adachi is shy and lacks confidence, which his romantic prospects find unattractive. He remains perpetually single since he's too afraid to put himself in the dating scene. As a result, he has never lost his virginity at thirty years old. In contrast, Kurosawa is irresistible to the opposite sex. Many female employees fawn over him. Adachi envies Kurosawa, viewing him as a playboy.

Recently, Adachi turned 30. According to urban legend, those who are still virgins at this age will receive telepathic powers. To his surprise, Adachi can suddenly read other people's minds whenever he touches their bodies. Upon physical contact, he can hear their thoughts. Adachi feels inconvenienced by the ability, especially during the busy morning commute. He hasn't told anyone about his secret superpower.

One morning, Adachi's curiosity got the better of him. He touches Kurosawa to hear what he is thinking. Surprisingly, Adachi discovers his coworker has a secret crush on him. Kurosawa seems confident and poised on the exterior, maintaining a friendly facade. Deep down, he's lovestruck and constantly fantasizes about Adachi. From innocent thoughts to lustful desires, Kurosawa's mind is preoccupied with his coworker. Yet, he hasn't confessed his feelings to Adachi.

Adachi is shocked by Kurosawa's infatuation with him. Until now, he never considered any romantic possibility with his handsome colleague. He panics and doesn't know how to act around Kurosawa. Adachi turns to his friend, Tsuge, for advice on love. Tsuge is a romance novelist who likes to impart his wisdom. He suggests that Adachi keep an open mind. However, Tsuge is also secretly a virgin. Like Adachi, Tsuge gains the ability to read thoughts after his 30th birthday. He uses this ability to get closer to Minato, a young courier with a cheeky attitude.

The Cherry Magic anime is a delightful series with a charming office romance. Since I have watched the Japanese live-action drama and the Thai remake, this is my third time experiencing the same story. Despite my familiarity, the anime adaptation still brings me joy and surprises. It interprets the narrative differently than the other versions, like subtle changes to the characters' thoughts or personalities. While the Cherry Magic anime has a unique vibe, its essence remains sweet, gentle, and heartwarming.

Cherry Magic begins quirkily, introducing a protagonist who gains telepathic powers due to his virginity. While the premise seems eccentric, this series isn't a wacky romcom with comedic shenanigans. Instead, the love story is surprisingly sophisticated and down-to-earth. Both leads have genuine personalities, delicate feelings, and mature introspection. They respond to situations sincerely, often revealing their vulnerabilities. As the couple navigates their relationship, we learn about their anxieties or insecurities about themselves. The Cherry Magic anime is rich in emotional depth.

Early on, Cherry Magic delivers a streak of enjoyable episodes. The story moves at a smooth pace, not dragging out the plot. It develops the characters meaningfully, establishes their romantic connection, and avoids wasting time on filler scenes. As Adachi and Kurosawa fall in love, their attraction to each other feels natural. The couple's relationship blossoms in a captivating journey, from heartfelt confessions to passionate kisses. However, the momentum declines slightly in the second half. I don't find the later episodes as engaging as before.

I appreciate the thoughtful messages in Cherry Magic. During conflicts, the characters consider other people's perspectives, reflect on their past behaviour, and learn valuable lessons. The story encourages compassion and healthy communication. In addition, the series stays true to its rom-com roots by adding lighthearted humour to the narrative. A few harmless jokes will lighten the mood. With that said, the anime emphasizes serious drama more than lovey-dovey romance. It doesn't have as much playful flirting or cutesy BL fluff as the live-action adaptations.

The anime offers my favourite version of Tsuge and turns him into a nuanced character. The live-action dramas exaggerate his awkwardness, depicting him as a caricature. In this adaptation, Tsuge seems mature and sensible. He speaks insightfully with the eloquence of a romance author. Also, he has an adorable relationship with Minato. However, the anime includes a less endearing version of Adachi. His language is a bit crude. His thoughts can seem insensitive. I still like Adachi, but he isn't as empathetic or emotionally intelligent as his other counterparts.

Visually, the Cherry Magic anime shows some inconsistencies. While the characters generally appear attractive, their designs may look less polished during some scenes. For the most part, I still like how everything looks. The series also embraces physical intimacy, not shying away from the couple's affectionate exchanges. Many anime titles are very coy about displaying a gay romance, whereas this series celebrates its BL content. Overall, Cherry Magic is a superb remake of a beloved franchise. It brings emotion, passion, and introspection to an iconic love story.