Itazura na Kiss Remakes Across the Globe: A Comparative Analysis and Viewers' Perspectives
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| Itazura na Kiss Remakes Across the Globe: A Comparative Analysis and Viewers' Perspectives |
Introduction: The Origins of Itazura na Kiss
"Itazura na Kiss" is a well-loved Japanese shoujo manga created by Kaoru Tada that debuted in 1990. The story centers around the romantic relationship between Kotoko Aihara, a scatterbrained high school girl, and Naoki Irie, a handsome, genius student. The manga became a hit in Japan, and despite its abrupt end due to Tada’s untimely death, it left a lasting impact on the romance genre. Over the years, "Itazura na Kiss" has been adapted into several live-action TV series across multiple countries, each bringing a unique cultural flavor to the iconic love story.
This blog post will explore various remakes of "Itazura na Kiss" from Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand, and even India, comparing how each adaptation has interpreted the source material. We’ll also dive into viewer reactions, gathering opinions from social media platforms and online reviews to see how fans across the globe feel about these remakes.
1. Japan: The Original Adaptations
Japan, where "Itazura na Kiss" first originated, has had two notable live-action adaptations: the 1996 version and the more recent 2013 version.
Itazura na Kiss (1996): The first Japanese adaptation, starring Aiko Sato as Kotoko and Takashi Kashiwabara as Naoki, was quite popular in Japan. However, it faced certain limitations in terms of budget and special effects, which may feel outdated when compared to modern remakes. Despite this, the series had a strong nostalgic charm, and the actors' performances were praised for their authentic portrayal of the beloved characters.
Itazura na Kiss: Love in Tokyo (2013): Fast forward to 2013, and Japan returned with "Itazura na Kiss: Love in Tokyo," a more polished and modernized version of the original story. This version starred Honoka Miki as Kotoko and Yuki Furukawa as Naoki, and it was well-received not only in Japan but also internationally. The chemistry between the leads was highly appreciated, and the show successfully balanced the comedic and romantic elements of the story. This version remains a fan favorite due to its higher production quality and adherence to the manga’s spirit.
Viewer Reviews:
Fans on Reddit have often commented that Yuki Furukawa’s portrayal of Naoki made him one of the most iconic versions of the character. "His cold, calculated demeanor is spot-on," said one user, while another highlighted the modern pacing of the story as a major improvement.
On MyDramaList, "Itazura na Kiss: Love in Tokyo" holds a rating of 7.7/10, with reviewers praising its lighthearted tone and relatable performances.
2. Taiwan: It Started With a Kiss (2005) and They Kiss Again (2007)
The Taiwanese adaptation, "It Started With a Kiss," aired in 2005 and is often regarded as the most beloved and successful version of the story. Starring Ariel Lin as Xiang Qin (Kotoko) and Joe Cheng as Zhi Shu (Naoki), this adaptation won the hearts of fans with its emotional depth and the strong chemistry between the leads.
It Started With a Kiss (2005): This version expanded on the story by adding more depth to the characters and their relationships. Ariel Lin’s portrayal of Xiang Qin was praised for being both charming and hilarious, while Joe Cheng’s stoic Zhi Shu softened over time, creating a compelling romance that had fans invested from start to finish.
They Kiss Again (2007): Due to the success of the first season, a sequel titled "They Kiss Again" was released in 2007. This second season focused on the couple's married life and their personal growth. It was praised for taking the romantic story in new directions, focusing on themes of maturity and responsibility.
Viewer Reviews:
On Dramacool, "It Started With a Kiss" is hailed as one of the most iconic Asian dramas. "This is the ultimate slow-burn romance," one fan wrote. Another noted, "Ariel Lin's performance is so heartfelt that you can't help but root for her."
YouTube viewers also frequently comment on the series, with fans praising the long-form storytelling and emotional rollercoaster that the show provided. "It really took its time to develop the characters, and the payoff is worth it," said a commenter on one of the show’s fan compilations.
3. South Korea: Playful Kiss (2010)
South Korea’s version of "Itazura na Kiss" is called Playful Kiss, released in 2010, and starred Jung So-min as Oh Ha-ni (Kotoko) and Kim Hyun-joong as Baek Seung-jo (Naoki). While the K-drama followed the basic structure of the original manga, it introduced the typical K-drama elements of exaggerated romance and a focus on secondary characters.
Playful Kiss was a commercial failure in South Korea, but it found unexpected success internationally, particularly in countries like Japan and the Philippines. The show’s bright, quirky nature and playful interactions between the leads resonated with younger audiences.
One notable difference in "Playful Kiss" is the depiction of Oh Ha-ni. Many viewers felt that her character was more bumbling and exaggerated in comparison to the Taiwanese and Japanese counterparts, which led to mixed reviews.
Viewer Reviews:
On Viki, fans praised the chemistry between the two leads, especially Jung So-min's portrayal of the clumsy but determined Oh Ha-ni. One reviewer wrote, "Jung So-min stole the show with her adorable expressions, and her character's sincerity shines through."
However, there were also critiques, with some viewers on Twitter commenting, "Kim Hyun-joong was too stiff as Seung-jo. His portrayal was almost too cold, even for a character like Naoki." Despite this, Playful Kiss has a loyal fanbase that appreciated its sweet, lighthearted moments.
4. Thailand: Kiss Me (2015)
Thailand’s 2015 version of "Itazura na Kiss," titled Kiss Me, brought a refreshing twist to the classic story. Starring Mike D. Angelo as Tenten (Naoki) and Aom Sushar as Taliw (Kotoko), "Kiss Me" retained the basic structure of the original plot while adapting the cultural setting to suit Thai audiences.
"Kiss Me" is often considered one of the gentler adaptations. Tenten is portrayed as less harsh and more caring compared to other versions of Naoki, which endeared him to many fans. Similarly, Aom’s Taliw was clumsy but loveable, making their romance feel more tender and heartfelt than in other adaptations.
The Thai version also received praise for its scenic cinematography and more laid-back storytelling style. While the plot was less dramatic compared to the Taiwanese or Korean versions, it maintained a charm that appealed to fans who wanted a softer romance.
Viewer Reviews:
On Facebook, Thai drama fans praised the refreshing chemistry between Mike and Aom. "Their previous work together made them a dream pairing for this drama," one fan noted. Another user commented, "The Thai version is great if you're looking for something lighter and less intense."
Instagram fan pages dedicated to Thai dramas often highlight moments from "Kiss Me," with fans loving the visual aesthetics and the more compassionate take on the story.
5. India: Mithi Si Love Story (2016)
India’s take on the "Itazura na Kiss" storyline, titled Mithi Si Love Story, aired in 2016. This version made some notable changes to the characters and plot to cater to the sensibilities of the Indian audience.
The Indian adaptation featured traditional elements of Indian romance dramas, such as melodrama, strong familial involvement, and cultural conflicts. The characters were renamed to better suit Indian culture, but the basic premise remained the same.
Mithi Si Love Story did not receive as much international attention as its counterparts, but it still managed to attract a domestic audience. However, some fans of the original manga felt that the Indian version veered too far from the source material, with a stronger focus on familial drama than the central romance.
Viewer Reviews:
On Quora, one viewer mentioned, "While it’s nice to see an Indian take on this classic story, the drama felt too over-the-top in some scenes." Another viewer on Twitter shared, "The charm of the original story got lost in translation here. The romance was overshadowed by unnecessary drama."
On Instagram, some fans expressed appreciation for the cultural adaptation, commenting on the show’s vibrant setting and dramatic family dynamics.
Comparative Analysis: What Sets Each Version Apart?
Now that we've explored the major remakes, it's clear that each country brought its own unique elements to the "Itazura na Kiss" story. From Taiwan’s emotional depth to Korea’s light-hearted quirkiness, to Thailand’s gentler romance, and India’s dramatic flair, the essence of the original manga is preserved but reframed in different cultural contexts.
Cultural Adaptations: The Japanese and Taiwanese versions stayed closer to the source material, preserving much of the character dynamics and core storyline. In contrast, the Korean, Thai, and Indian versions took more creative liberties, adapting the plot to suit their respective audiences.
Character Portrayal: Naoki’s character, for example, varies significantly between versions. In Japan and Taiwan, Naoki (or his counterparts) is portrayed as a cold, intelligent, and distant individual, staying true to his manga persona. However, in the Korean version, some felt that Kim Hyun-joong’s portrayal of Baek Seung-jo was almost too stiff, leaving little room for emotional growth. In Thailand’s Kiss Me, Tenten was given a more approachable and caring side, making him one of the more likable versions of the character. This change in portrayal impacted the dynamic between the lead couple, with some fans preferring a colder Naoki, while others enjoyed a softer, more relatable male lead.
Female Lead Interpretations: Kotoko, or her equivalents, was portrayed with varying degrees of clumsiness, persistence, and heart. Taiwan’s Xiang Qin is often considered one of the most beloved versions of the character due to Ariel Lin’s heartfelt and earnest performance. Japan’s Honoka Miki brought a more modern touch to Kotoko, while Thailand’s Taliw was seen as more relatable and less exaggerated. In contrast, the Indian version of Kotoko’s character felt overdramatic to some viewers, which detracted from the original charm of the character.
Romance Development: The pacing of the romance differs across adaptations. The Taiwanese version is often praised for its slow-burn romance, allowing the characters to grow individually and together. In contrast, the Korean and Thai versions focused on faster-paced interactions and a lighter approach to the relationship, which appealed to audiences looking for a less intense emotional ride. The Japanese versions, particularly the 2013 adaptation, struck a balance between the two, maintaining enough tension and drama without overwhelming the viewer.
Tone and Storytelling: The tone of the different versions also significantly impacts the viewer's experience. Taiwan’s "It Started With a Kiss" is considered more emotionally intense, with a heavy focus on character development and dramatic moments, while the Korean "Playful Kiss" is much more lighthearted and comical, appealing to those looking for an easy-to-watch drama. Thailand’s "Kiss Me" sits somewhere in the middle, with a light tone but maintaining enough depth to keep viewers emotionally invested. The Indian version, "Mithi Si Love Story," leaned heavily into melodrama, which wasn’t as well-received by international audiences familiar with the more subdued nature of the story.
Viewers' Perspectives from Social Media and Online Platforms
When it comes to remakes, fan opinions can often vary dramatically based on personal preferences, cultural backgrounds, and emotional investment in the original material. Let’s take a closer look at what fans have been saying on various platforms about the different versions of "Itazura na Kiss."
1. Reddit Discussions
On Reddit, conversations about the best version of "Itazura na Kiss" are abundant, with strong support for the Taiwanese and Japanese versions. Many fans claim that "It Started With a Kiss" is the superior adaptation due to its deep emotional engagement. One user commented, “You can really feel Xiang Qin’s pain and growth throughout the series. Joe Cheng and Ariel Lin have such amazing chemistry.”
However, Playful Kiss also has its dedicated fanbase, particularly for those who enjoyed the lighter, comedic aspects of the show. “I know Playful Kiss gets a lot of hate, but it’s such a feel-good show,” wrote one fan. “It’s not as deep, but it’s fun to watch, especially when you just want to relax.”
2. X Opinions
On Twitter, viewers are quick to share their thoughts on the different remakes. The hashtag #ItazuraNaKiss often trends when fans are comparing the versions. "Yuki Furukawa was the perfect Naoki in ‘Love in Tokyo.’ No one could have played him better," tweeted one fan, echoing the sentiments of many who loved the 2013 Japanese version.
On the other hand, some Korean drama fans tweeted that Playful Kiss was the gateway for them to explore other adaptations: “#PlayfulKiss may not be everyone’s favorite, but it introduced me to the world of Itazura na Kiss, and for that, I’m grateful!”
3. MyDramaList Ratings
On MyDramaList, ratings and reviews reflect a wide array of opinions. The Taiwanese version holds a high rating of 8.1/10, with users praising it as the most emotionally gripping adaptation. One reviewer wrote, "You will laugh, cry, and cheer for these characters. This is the best portrayal of their love story."
Meanwhile, Playful Kiss holds a rating of 7.2/10, with a split between viewers who found the show charming and those who thought it lacked depth. "It’s cute, but I wish Seung-jo had more character development," said one user, summing up a common critique of the Korean version.
The Global Impact of "Itazura na Kiss" Remakes
Despite the differences in storytelling, character portrayal, and tone across the adaptations, one thing is clear: "Itazura na Kiss" has transcended cultural boundaries to become a beloved story worldwide. Each version, whether it’s the Taiwanese emotional rollercoaster, the Korean light-hearted romance, or the Thai adaptation’s sweet charm, has left its mark on fans.
The fact that the story has been adapted multiple times across different cultures speaks to its universal themes—unrequited love, personal growth, persistence, and the idea of a destined romance. These are themes that resonate with audiences regardless of where they are in the world.
For many fans, the adaptation they prefer often comes down to personal taste. Some enjoy the nostalgic and heartfelt tones of the Taiwanese version, while others prefer the polished, modern feel of the Japanese remakes. Still, others appreciate the lighter, more playful nature of the Korean and Thai versions. Cultural context also plays a significant role—what works in one region may not appeal to another, but that’s what makes comparing these remakes so fascinating.
Which Adaptation Reigns Supreme?
So, which remake of "Itazura na Kiss" is the best? The answer ultimately depends on what kind of romance you’re in the mood for. If you want deep emotional engagement and excellent character development, Taiwan’s "It Started With a Kiss" might be your best bet. For those who enjoy a modern, sleek, and faithful adaptation, Japan’s "Love in Tokyo" will likely win your heart. If you prefer light, quirky, and fun rom-coms, then Korea’s "Playful Kiss" or Thailand’s "Kiss Me" will leave you feeling charmed.
In the end, "Itazura na Kiss" is a story that resonates with many because of its universal themes, and each adaptation has brought something unique to the table. With the ongoing discussion among fans, it's clear that this story will continue to be beloved for many years to come, regardless of which version reigns supreme in the eyes of the viewers.
What about you? Which version of "Itazura na Kiss" did you enjoy the most, and why? Let us know in the comments!
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Asia