rhonart

Beauty in Black

This is honestly one of the most unhinged TV series i’ve ever watched in my life so far. The acting and the writing…

I can’t even tell you what the plot even is, as with each episode there’s a new development that’s even more unhinged than the last. Mallory Bellaire (Crystle Stewart) is the only saving grace in the drama in my opinion. It’s so bad but I can’t help watching it. And it’s even better experienced when you’re watching it with your people, as the live reactions are 10/10. Still, Tyler Perry needs answer for his crimes.

Boyfriend on Demand

This was simply a fun rom-com that is easily bingeable. It follows a burnt-out webtoon producer Seo Mi-rae (Blackpink’s Jisoo) who subscribes to a virtual dating service. The humour in the show was the best part of it for me honestly. However, it does blend in the emotional moments well. It’s a fitting concept given how we’re living in an era of advanced AI and it’s a great reminder that, nothing beats real-life human connections.

Kitchen

I understand why this translated fiction novel is a cult classic as this is a beautiful story that touches on grief, healing, and love. Following her grandmother’s death, Mikage Sakurai finds solace in the kitchen of her friend, Yuichi Tanabe and his mother, Eriko, processing the loss that in turn becomes a journey of self-discovery. One of the reasons why I love reading translated Asian fiction, is the way it truly highlights the beauty of the mundane. It did read a little bit awkward at times, which might be due to the way it was translated and I felt the ending was abrupt too. Still it’s a story that made me enjoy reading (physical) books again and will stay with me for a long time.

Takahashi from the Bike Shop [up to date]

This one surprised me in a really good way. A slice-of-life adult romance where the characters has a lot of depth to them. Maybe it’s because I can relate to Tomoko Hanno (Panko for short) and her passiveness, lol. The artstyle is questionable at times but it’s also what makes the story charming and that much grounded.

Moriagaranai Date [up to date]

I need this to be licensed in English ASAP! It’s such a delightful read with the deadpan humour. A slow-burn romance between Haida, a woman cursed with bad luck, who matched with Kuroi, an equally awkward man on a dating app. I’m rooting for the couple’s development with every new chapter released.

Chloe x Halle – The Kids Are Alright

I love Chloe x Halle as a duo, and this was the perfect album to revisit for spring. There’s something about youth, which is highlighted in this body of work, that screams spring and blossoming beginnings. The vocals and production still feels timeless and for a debut project, it’s truly a testament to how talented they are. It touches on themes such as the growing pains of becoming an adult, relationships, and self-love. It also gives you that feeling of hope and reassurance that the new Gen will indeed be alright. I honestly can’t wait for CXH3, as we’ve seen how much they both evolved as individuals since Ungodly Hour (which still remains one of my favourite albums). My top tracks are: The Kids Are Alright, Down, Happy Without Me, and Babybird .

Rina Sawayama – Sawayama

This album was the best sonic experience i’ve had so far. The range of different genres that’s included in her debut album — from Pop to Rock, R&B and Dance/Electronic — with a production that’s nostalgic to the early 2000s era is immaculate. I’ve only listened to Tokyo Love Hotel and her single Cherry a few years ago but this was the first time i’ve listened to her body of work all the way through. The first track Dynasty resonated with me so much, it felt like an anthem for the eldest daughters. It’s been years since her last project Hold the Girl (2022) was released, and she’s got a few acting projects coming up but I would be happy if she was to return to music again. My top tracks are: Dynasty, Comme des Garçons (Like the Boys), Love Me 4 Me, Chosen Family, and Snakeskin.