Slow Train – Drama Review & Summary

Youko, Miyako, and Ushio are the Shibuya siblings. Youko is the eldest, Miyako the middle child, and Ushio the youngest. 23 years ago, they lost their parents and grandmother in a car accident. Now, as adults, they visit the temple every year on the anniversary of their deaths. They always take the slow train, avoiding cars after the tragedy. This year, Youko scolds Miyako for dressing too casually, while Ushio keeps the peace between his sisters. Before leaving the train, Miyako reveals her big news. She's moving to South Korea.

Youko used to work as an editor at Hibichia Publishing. About a year ago, she quit to become a freelancer but still keeps in touch with her old company. She's friends with a former colleague who often sends her demanding clients. The work can be tough, but Youko is talented. She's sharp, sociable, and skilled at handling authors with big egos. One client, Nikaido, claims he's done writing after completing his "masterpiece." Youko is trying to convince him to continue, especially since his last book didn't sell well.

Momeki is a mystery writer known for The Railway Trilogy. He used to be one of Youko's clients before she became a freelancer. Although he now works with a new editor (the underappreciated Kanna), he still keeps in touch with Youko and values her opinion. During dinner, Momeki suddenly asks about her love life and whether there's someone special. "Is that person closer than you think?" he teases. When Youko admits she's single, he suggests trying a dating app. She follows his advice but doesn't take her matches seriously.

Youko lives with Ushio in their childhood home. Ushio works as a railway maintenance worker for the Enoden and takes pride in his job. The siblings get along well and enjoy living together. He cooks for his sister and even helps her find things when she misplaces them. However, Ushio hasn't told Youko about his boyfriend. They met at work and have been dating for a year. His partner has recently asked him to move in. Ushio hesitates, unsure whether to leave his sister alone.

The free-spirited Miyako lives in the moment. Her past jobs and relationships rarely last long. Miyako is now happily in love with her Korean boyfriend, Yunsu. Thanks to him, she's motivated to move to South Korea. Miyako has already sent Yunsu money for their apartment deposit. Before leaving, she needs her passport from her childhood home. Youko hides it, worried her sister is acting impulsively again. As the sisters argue, Ushio must step in to mediate.

Slow Train differs from the norm in BL Watcher. I've reviewed hundreds of gay romances, writing endlessly about men falling in love. This story, however, follows a single woman who feels content without a relationship. She focuses on her career instead of finding a partner. Those around her worry she'll stay alone forever, but she seems at peace with her priorities. Slow Train is a thoughtful drama because it examines loneliness, the stigma around it, and the strong-willed protagonist who chooses independence.

Growing up, I assumed I was destined for a lifetime of solitude. During my adolescence, I spent nights awake wondering if I could cope without a partner, even as everyone around me found love. The themes in this drama resonate with me, mirroring the thoughts that once swirled in my head. It's interesting to see the story tackle this topic and show Youko facing pressure to enter a relationship. Slow Train treats the subject with delicate care. The writing is always mature, gentle, respectful, and slightly philosophical. As Youko navigates complex dynamics and thoughtful discussions, I really liked the storyteller's messages.

Slow Train is also a warm family drama. The story follows the three Shibuya siblings, whose interactions are funny and touching. They speak openly in the way you only can with loved ones, even joking about photos from their parents' funeral. The dialogue is sharp and witty, making these scenes a joy to watch. Every character has a distinct personality and memorable quirks. Youko is the responsible eldest sister, Miyako is the carefree middle child, and Ushio is the gentle younger brother. You'll connect with each of them and get invested in their lives.

Slow Train has a minor gay subplot. Ushio is in a same-sex relationship, but he hasn't told his sisters yet. His boyfriend's identity surprised me a little, mirroring Youko's reaction when she eventually finds out. The couple is portrayed in a positive light. Their exchanges show them doting on each other, such as Ushio's cute nickname for his partner. They're close enough to consider living together. However, their screentime is limited. We never see how they met, fell in love, or what their daily life is like. This romance is missing too much context to satisfy a BL fan like me.

If you're into J-dramas, you might recognize a few familiar faces from the Slow Train cast. Yoko's actress (Takako Matsu) is excellent in her role and performs with natural ease. She captures the protagonist's confidence and adds a playful spark in her expressions whenever Youko is being a little mischievous. I also enjoyed the performance from Moreno's actor (Gen Hoshino), who plays a quirky character. He shines in several scenes and often steals the spotlight. His interactions with Youko are among some of the most engaging moments in this drama.

Slow Train keeps a cozy vibe without heavy conflicts. The tension comes from the siblings, as Miyako and Ushio face uncertainty in their love lives. They wrestle with their choices until a heartfelt chat with Youko brings clarity. The finale delivers touching family moments, a poignant childhood flashback, tender scenes with their partners, and Youko's embrace of her independence. Everything ties together beautifully, showcasing the storyteller's finesse. Overall, Slow Train is a gentle and uplifting journey. Even with minimal BL content, I enjoyed the positive experience.