Don't Care for an Old Man's Underwear – Series Review & Ending Explained

Episode 1

Episode 1 Review

I love Moe's loyalty to her younger brother. Her father isn't mean to her, and she isn't targeted by his homophobic comments. Even so, Moe takes Kakeru's side and distances herself from their father's ignorance. When Moe notices Kakeru searching for makeup online, she doesn't patronize him. Instead, she offers him a job to earn his own money. Her words "You can spend the money on whatever you like" show her subtle encouragement without making a big show of it. Moe is the definition of a supportive older sister!

Initially, Daichi is meant to mentor Kakeru and help the troubled teen. I love how they bond over Kakeru painting Daichi's nails lol~ However, Daichi becomes more of a role model to Makoto instead. The heart of the story lies in Daichi's gentle interactions with the homophobic father, encouraging him to change his views. Despite their age difference, Daichi offers wisdom to the older man. Even though Makoto starts off with prejudices, Daichi remains gracious and focuses on the goodness in him. I really like how their bond develops over time.

Episode 2

Episode 2 Review

I love Moe's character, but her storyline in this episode isn't my favourite. The circumstances seem contrived, as if the series is making up reasons for the dad to attend the convention in his daughter's place. Also, we don't actually see him selling the manga. The story implies he ~learned his lesson~ at the end of the day, but I would've liked to see more proof. Still, I understand the positive message. Makoto learns to be open-minded instead of judging his daughter's niche interests.

I like how Daichi encourages Makoto to change his thinking. Daichi says, "I don't think values have anything to do with your age." This quote reminds us that holding onto outdated views isn't an inevitable part of aging. You can be a progressive thinker, regardless of your generation. Makoto doesn't become open-minded overnight, still falling back to his old habits. Yet, I like seeing him reflect on his mistakes and motivate himself to improve next time. The story jokes that ~Makoto obtained empathy~, but it's true. His self-awareness is the catalyst for his positive transformation.

The subplot with Makoto's coworker is interesting! Haranishi, a male employee, is confident about wearing a bra beneath his business suit. He thoughtfully explains how it gives him a sense of protection, comparing it to his ex-girlfriend's embrace. I admire how the drama normalizes this topic with both candour and compassion. It challenges Makoto's ideas of traditional masculine norms, pushing him to embrace a more diverse view. It also allows viewers to learn from Haranishi's perspective. Yeah, men can wear bras too!

Episode 3

Episode 3 Review

The bra enthusiast cracks me up. Makoto feels self-conscious and wants to speak about this topic quietly around the office. However, Haranishi uses his hands to mime putting on a bra, completely undermining Makoto's need for discretion lol. I like how Harinishi's actor (Takuya Inoue) portrays his character with an endearing earnestness. He always seems so cheerful and unbothered, as if talking about his love for bras is the most natural thing in the world.

Wow, I'm in awe of Daichi's empathy and intelligence. He talks about LGBTQ+ issues so thoughtfully, almost like a professional counsellor. I love how he explains Kakeru's identity crisis. "People who differ from the majority constantly ask themselves, who am I? Maybe Kakeru is still figuring it out. He's unsure who he wants to be or how he wants to be treated." Damn, this insight is so deep. At such a young age, Daichi can connect to someone else's pain and articulate complex emotions with incredible clarity. That's impressive!

My heart breaks for Kakeru. 💔 Kakeru isolates himself because he's so self-conscious about feeling different from everyone. Being in the presence of others makes Kakeru compare himself to them and notice his perceived inadequacies. Kakeru dislikes surrounding himself with people his age. "They remind me why I can't be happy like them." Oh, poor baby~ The moment that gets me is when Kakeru finally leaves his house, buys a drink from the vending machine, and runs back home to celebrate his courage. He's taking baby steps to reintegrate with the world.

Makoto tells Daichi's mom, "It's a shame he's gay." EXCUSE ME??? Just when I thought his character has made progress, he drops this homophobic remark of nuclear proportions. Instead of reacting emotionally, Mihoko uses a thoughtful analogy to challenge his prejudices. She approaches this moment as a learning opportunity rather than a confrontation. Daichi's kindness comes from being raised by such a progressive mother. I'm relieved that Makoto admits his mistake and takes the lesson to heart afterward.

The story's funny title, Don't Care for an Old Man's Underwear, comes from Makoto's self-realization at the end of this episode. He compares Daichi's sexual orientation to a pair of undergarments. Whether boxers or briefs, it's something so personal that should be nobody else's business. However, I'm not sure if I completely agree with this analogy. Underwear can be changed and discarded, whereas sexuality is inherent. Even so, I appreciate that Makoto is trying to be open-minded. Plus, it's hilarious when he delivers this big speech and then smacks his ass afterward. lmao~ That's allyship!

Episode 4

Episode 4 Review

In this episode, Kakeru must return to school, which distresses him. During his chat with Daichi, there's a shot of Kakeru nervously playing with his fingers. His thumb is painted with nail polish, yet he tries to hide it. This simple moment reflects his inner conflict. Kakeru knows he can't keep hiding forever, but his instinct is to retreat socially. He's conflicted between his desire to express himself (with makeup, nail polish, and pretty accessories) and the fear of being judged.

Unlike his dad, Kakeru's mom has shown compassion from the start. Mika is supportive and avoids pressuring her son, knowing he's already mentally strained without her adding to his burden. Still, she worries about him in silence. Mika pays attention whenever Kakeru leaves the house. She also gently places meals by his door, waiting a few seconds for his response. Her quiet actions reflect the sadness of a sympathetic parent who can't connect with her child. The story reminds us Kakeru's struggles don't just affect him. They weigh heavily on his entire family.

Kakeru knows he's upsetting his mom, even if she doesn't show it. Disappointing her adds to his anxiety. As usual, Daichi offers perfect advice. "What if you thought about it like this? I'm not bad for causing Mom trouble. Instead, I'm grateful to her for respecting my opinion even if it causes her trouble." He also suggests, "I admire myself for trying, even if it doesn't work out." Oh wow, Daichi never misses. He always knows what to say as encouragement. He's like a powerful gay guru, family counsellor, and life coach all rolled into one. Everyone needs a Daichi in their lives!

Makoto worries his son might get bullied at school. Most stories would follow this predictable route, but this series creates tension from a more clever angle. Kakeru doesn't face any homophobic torment and even gets along with his female classmates. However, he clashes with Karina, who accuses him of stealing her role as the makeup expert. This argument triggers Kakeru's self-consciousness as a man occupying spaces traditionally reserved for women. It heightens his feelings of not belonging and amplifies his identity crisis.

Kakeru's first day back at school feels like a failure. His panic attack outside the classroom is particularly heartbreaking to watch. Despite some highs and lows, his insecurities make him dwell on the negatives. While Makoto buys a cake to celebrate his son's effort, Kakeru retreats to his bedroom. He's overwhelmed with shame and feels lost all over again. However, Makoto refuses to lose hope. He gives Kakeru a cute gift, reminding him of his family's unconditional love.

Episode 5

Episode 5 Review

I love the scenes of Makoto buying LGBTQ+ books and parenting tutorials. The series portrays it comedically, especially with how overboard he goes with the reading materials, almost making it seem performative. Yet, it's sweet how hard he wants to understand his son better. Makoto has come such a long way since the start. Before, Makoto said he had no hobbies. Now, his new passion is becoming more informed. His kids inspire him to grow into a better person, and it's heartwarming to watch.

I like the baseball player introduced in this episode. Instead of dismissing Kakeru's interest in makeup, Hasegawa seeks his classmate's expertise to help with his skincare problems. The story highlights not every teenage boy is judgmental. Some, like Hasegawa, are respectful and genuinely curious. He asks why Kakeru has been skipping school and wonders if the other guys bothered him. From Hasegawa's perspective, the question seems reasonable, but it triggers Kakeru's insecurities. It's less about how others treated him and more about how being around them made him feel out of place.

Episode 6

Episode 6 Review

I like this episode's focus on Mika, which expands her character beyond the worried mom who cooks and frets over her child. The story portrays her as someone overlooked by her family, with her unconditional love often taken for granted. When Mika snaps, albeit mildly and meekly, it's a wake-up call for everyone. Her husband and children apologize, realizing how much she has compromised for them. Even Kakeru joins them at the dinner table again, hoping to bring joy back into his mom's life.

Unfortunately, I'm not invested in Madoka's storyline. I hate to admit this, but the actor's performance takes me out of immersion. I also think the character is one-note, defined primarily by his struggles with his sexuality. That said, I like how Daichi doesn't pressure his boyfriend to come out or make a decision about their future. Daichi's mom is supportive of her gay son, but he can still empathize with Madoka, whose family may be less tolerant. Once again, Daichi displays compassion and understanding. He constantly impresses me with his sensitivity to other people's feelings.

A recurring theme in this episode is time. The story doesn't insist that you must make decisions immediately, but there's an opportunity cost for waiting too long. When Mika opens up, she talks about using her time to look after her family instead of pursuing her dreams. She says, "What you do when you're young and healthy matters more than you think. A year then and a year now is different." Her quote ties to Madoka, Moe, and Kakeru's subplots as they ponder their futures. Sure, take your time to think things through, but beware that indecision may cause a lifetime of regrets.

Episode 7

Episode 7 Review

Kakeru wants to pursue a career in makeup, reassuring his parents that he has a goal and no longer feels lost. However, his family remains concerned about another aspect of his future: his love life. Makoto oversteps boundaries by prying on his son's sexuality. Kakeru lashes out at his dad, feeling pressured to define himself before he's ready. This moment reminds us that while Makoto has grown a lot, he still has more to learn about respecting his son's self-discovery.

Although Kakeru responds harshly to his dad, he seems more honest around Hasegawa. Kakeru admits he's undecided. Some people discover their attraction early on, while others take longer to be sure. Like Shawn Mendes tells us, while strumming a guitar in a Brazillian concert, "The real truth about my sexuality is that I'm just figuring it out. I don't really know." Exactly, Shawn. Kakeru is the same way. Hasegawa reassures Kakeru that not knowing is perfectly okay. "I think it takes a lot of courage not to answer." Aww, what a mature response.

As a BL watcher, I can't help myself. I found myself shipping Kakeru and Hasegawa just a little. Why not? The baseball player seems sweet! However, Kakeru's priority should be sorting out his life and stabilizing his emotions. There's no rush to enter a relationship when Kakeru still needs time to heal. RuPaul always tells us, "If you can't love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?" This self-love is the most significant journey for Kakeru. Before finding a romantic partner, he must rebuild his confidence first.

Episode 8

Episode 8 Review

I don't give a damn about Daichi and Madoka as a couple. Their relationship scenes lack spark, and the focus on Madoka's anxiety about coming out to his family overshadows any romance between them. *whispers quietly* To be honest, I wouldn't care if they broke up. 🙊 That said, I also don't ship Daichi with Kakeru either. The idea of Kakeru falling in love with his mentor feels wrong. Daichi is so integral to Kakeru's recovery that making them a couple would undermine their relationship.

Kakeru struggles with not living up to his father's expectations as the ideal son, a familiar fear for many gay children. His statements, "I'm not the son my dad wished for" and "If I'm honest with my feelings, my dad would be disappointed in me", reveal his perceived inferiority. Before, Kakeru hated his dad and didn't care what he thought. But now, Kakeru finds himself seeking parental approval, which causes anxiety. As usual, Daichi offers comforting advice, "You get to decide when to tell him your truth." Well said, Daichi. Controlling your own narrative reduces the pressure of meeting someone else's expectations.

Makoto comforts Madoka about coming out to his family. "It's not your fault you can't talk to your parents. Japanese society made it hard. Otherwise, it should've been so easy." Spot on. Makoto gets it! I love how the series connects Kakeru and Madoka's plots, showing how their worries mirror each other. As Makoto advises Madoka, he indirectly addresses his son's concerns. Also, can we take a moment to appreciate Makoto's growth? He transforms from a staunch homophobe in Episode 1 to offering empathetic advice to closeted gays in Episode 8. What a journey!

Episode 9

Episode 9 Review

A marriage proposal??? That's so random lol. I didn't realize Daichi and Madoka's relationship was that deep. I guess this is Madoka's way of justifying coming out to his family. If I'm marrying this guy, I need to be brave for him. Plus, a lifelong commitment can reassure his parents that he's serious about his partner. Still, I'm not getting a sense of ~romance~ from the couple. I wish the series had developed Daichi and Madoka's love story more instead of only focusing on coming out or parental approval.

Initially, Mika's idol obsession seemed like a quirky trait, but it takes on a deeper meaning. She reveals it's the first time she focused on something outside her family, like a form of escapism to "take me away from my spinning thoughts". A hobby can be a lifeline, especially for parents. The story emphasizes the importance of not letting your entire life revolve around your kids. Give them space while also giving yourself room to breathe. I also love that Mika and Makoto are both boy band fans now. This shared interest is so cute and wholesome. Married couple goals!

Episode 10

Episode 10 Review

OMG I'M SOBBING. Why won't Daichi's dad accept him!?!? 😭 Daichi has been the loveliest guy throughout the whole series. He's kind, thoughtful, and always optimistic. This is the type of exemplary child any parent would be proud to have. Yet, Daichi's father starts whittling away at his son's confidence with homophobic remarks. He combines ignorance with twisted logic and emotional manipulation. Despite knowing his father is in the wrong, poor Daichi still takes these hurtful words to heart.

I feel so bad for Daichi. He repaired Makoto's relationship with his son, helping another family heal. Yet, his own father treats him terribly. Despite giving Kakeru the perfect advice on facing prejudices, Daichi struggles to follow it himself. "I could argue back if it were someone else. But when it's my dad speaking, it cuts deep." As he says this, Daichi places his hand over his chest and clutches his fist, as if his heart is literally tightening. Oh, that intimate gesture really gets to me. I just want to comfort him! I'm devastated because Daichi can't find the same happiness he helps others achieve.

Makoto has a quirky superstition of pointing at the tanuki statue in front of his house. He began this ritual after Moe recovered from her illness. While he knows it's meaningless, he continues out of habit. At the end of the episode, Makoto storms off to yell at Daichi's homophobic father and passes the statue without pointing at it. This moment symbolizes his defiance. Challenging someone else's parenting is unconventional, but Makoto finds the strength to confront injustice instead of clinging to traditions.

Episode 11

Ending Review

Daichi delivers a poignant quote at the start of the episode. "It's starting to feel unfair. Why are there so many obstacles to overcome if you're gay? When I think about it, I lose the confidence to fight." OMG DAICHI IS BROKEN. SOMEONE FIX HIM. 😭 Until now, I thought this story was ~too idealistic~ and Daichi's character almost seemed ~too perfect~. But now that Daichi is in pain, I don't want to see him suffer for one second longer. Give me back the pure and perfect version of Daichi now!!!

Makoto hesitates to help Daichi because he doesn't want to overstep boundaries. As close as they have gotten, he isn't Daichi's real father. What gives him the right to parent someone else's child? However, Makoto changes his thinking in the finale. Instead of seeing himself as a father figure, Makoto realizes he is Daichi's friend. And like a true friend, he must step in and meddle when something is wrong. Makoto is enlightened after his wife says, "My love pushes back and burns even brighter." While Daichi's father spews hatred, Makoto and his family will fight back by showering Daichi with the love he deserves.

Despite Makoto's best efforts, Daichi's homophobic father won't budge from his prejudices. After an entire series of idealism, the finale delivers a cynical message: not everyone will change. For some LGBTQ+ youths, the harsh reality is that their parents may never accept them for who they are. As Daichi cries into his mother's arms, the story doesn't linger on his rejection. He lost a crappy parent, but his father lost the perfect son. Life goes on. The final scene shows Daichi happily getting married. He's surrounded by those who love him, and we should celebrate that.