At 25:00 in Akasaka Season 2 (2025)

[reviews_and_ramblings]

 At 25:00, in Akasaka Season 2 is exactly what I expected after watching Season 1: the events of the manga series have been readapted and mixed differently to fit four books into two seasons. The series currently has five books, but the fifth book covers Asami's experience filming a movie in England while Shirasaki stays in Japan—which is exactly what the two protagonists agree upon in the final episode of Season 2. Therefore, I can confidently say that if there is a Season 3, it will start with Book 5. Now, let's get back to the drama itself: as I mentioned, my feelings from Season 1 are reconfirmed and even amplified in Season 2. I continue to surprise myself with how much I am drawn to the character of Asami. Let me explain: aesthetically, I don't like him at all. In fact, sometimes when I see his close-ups, I wonder how they expect us to buy the idea that he's a sex symbol loved by the masses. I find his features to be extremely angular, he's too thin, and that fake blonde hair clashes too much with his Asian features... in short, I'm not a fan. Yet, he acts his part so well that, paradoxically, when he interacts with Shirasaki, I feel the chemistry, and yes, I find him extremely sexy. I truly don't know how this is possible, so I have to give credit to the actor for successfully conveying these emotions. In contrast, Shirasaki is the classic tsundere uke of Japanese manga—small and cute in appearance, but with a clearly rebellious nature. Shirasaki cannot keep anything to himself, neither positive nor negative, and sometimes he doesn't realize how much his words can hurt. In particular, there is a moment in Season 2 where he gets angry at Asami, and the only thing I could think was, "Why are you meddling? The decision is not yours, and Asami doesn't have to take your negative feelings into account when making it." In short, Shirasaki may be cute, but I find him unbearable. That said, if two actors can engage the viewer in this way, it means they are truly talented. Shirasaki and Asami, as portrayed by Taisuke Niihara and Kiita Komagine, are perfect. I rewatched Season 1 multiple times, and I believe I will rewatch this season multiple times as well. Another positive note is that the production overall is perfect: the set designs are beautiful (though I preferred their apartment in Season 1 compared to Season 2), the outdoor scenes are well-set with a perfect light, and the music is spot on. HEA. You can watch on GagaOOLala. Heat Level: 5/6.

Manga: amzn.to/48x8K9g

Heat Level:

1/6: glances, caress, hugs, no kisses

2/6: kisses, closed mouth or camera angles

3/6: full kisses, clothes on

4/6: full kisses, some clothes off, hands above the waist, pants stay on

5/6: most clothes off, they have sex, but it’s masked, no sexy sounds

6/6: full nudity mostly hidden by camera angles, they have sex, sexy sounds