Shimbashi Koi Story 2 – Series Review & Episode Guide

Two years have passed since Tatsuya and Jun-nosuke started dating. Previously, the couple met as customers at a gay bar. Tatsuya was too shy to reach out to him. However, Jun-nosuke made the first move and asked for contact information. Tatsuya's best friend Kotetsu also played matchmaker and helped bring them closer together.

Since then, Tatsuya and Jun-nosuke have been an item. They are also living together. Their relationship proceeds blissfully without much drama. Tatsuya still goes to the bar to hang out with Kotetsu, who remains single. Yet, Jun-nosuke is sometimes busy with work and doesn't accompany them.

One evening, Tatsuya and Jun-nosuke meet another pair of friends at their bar. Shota and Ryotaro are in their mid-thirties, a few years younger than Tatsuya and Jun-nosuke. The four men hit it off as they chat. Shota is lively and extroverted, keeping the conversations going. He develops a romantic interest in Tatsuya, disregarding that his crush already has a boyfriend.

Meanwhile, Jun-nosuke reconnects with his ex-boyfriend Yuki. They broke up a while ago. Nonetheless, Yuki seems eager to win back his old partner. Jun-nosuke tries to fend off these advances as politely as possible. Tatsuya also tries to maintain his composure, although he seems bothered by Jun-nosuke and Yuki's closeness. As tensions rise, Tatsuya finds himself seeking comfort in Shota more frequently.

Shimbashi Koi Story Season 2 shares many of the same issues as its predecessor. Like the original, the generic plots are uninspired. Each predictable storyline fails to develop interestingly. The series has no other tricks besides borrowing overused romantic tropes, from petty ex-boyfriends to shameless love rivals. The protagonists are gay men in their forties, a unique demographic with countless mature topics worth examining. However, the series doesn't have the imagination to explore meaningful themes.

The sequel begins with a time skip of two years. The leads have moved in since the first season, showing domesticity and stability in their long-term relationship. Yet, this series lacks lovey-dovey moments. Despite living together, the couple doesn't share many romantic exchanges. They avoid flirting, banter, compliments, intimacy, or affectionate gestures that keep the sparks alive. The protagonists also spend more time with the other supporting characters than their boyfriends. They get too caught up in their exes, love triangles, and unnecessary drama.

Shimbashi Koi Story Season 2 introduces Shota and Yuki, two new additions to the cast. They bring complications to the protagonists' blissful relationship. Their characters annoy me enormously. These shameless love rivals have wicked hearts and try to come in between an established couple. Furthermore, their sole defining trait is stealing other people's boyfriends. We learn little else about Shota or Yuki, making them impossible to warm towards. Unfortunately, they occupy a significant portion of Season 2. I groan and roll my eyes at all their obnoxious antics.

Some of Tatsuya's behaviour toward his boyfriend is aggravating. He keeps a big secret from Jun-nosuke in Episode 2. But then, he gets upset about his partner not communicating with him. Ugh, the problems in your relationship start and end with you. Likewise, Jun-nosuke doesn't define boundaries with Yuki, even though his old lover has an agenda. While Jun-nosuke never does anything inappropriate, he seems obtuse and inconsiderate of his boyfriend's feelings. Both leads get on my nerves at various points in the story. I liked them more during the first season.

Unfortunately, I don't see much improvement in Tatsuya or Jun-nosuke's acting in Shimbashi Koi Story 2. They continue to look stiff on camera and give amateurish performances. Both leads are too bland. They can't add any personality to their characterizations. In addition, the pair shares no chemistry. Despite being boyfriends, their body language doesn't seem comfortable around each other. They can't convey the feeling of being in love. On a positive note, Shota and Yuki's actors are relatively better. Their roles suck, but the actors have a charismatic spark to them.

Shimbashi Koi Story Season 2 has a happy ending as the leads reconcile after their feud. I appreciate the couple's first on-screen kiss in the finale, a cute way to wrap up their love story. The sweet conclusion makes me wonder if I have been too harsh on such a harmless series. After all, this self-produced project comes from a proud LGBTQ+ establishment. My heart wants to give warm encouragement instead of knocking it down. Nonetheless, I must be honest with my critique. Shimbashi Koi Story 2 is a subpar BL drama that doesn't provide me with enjoyment.