Nichiyo no Yoru Gurai wa…

As the adage goes, even God rested. So why shouldn’t everyone else?

You could mistake Nichiyou no Yoru Gurai wa… for being too easy. Yes, it doesn’t want to hurt these characters—a ragtag bunch of down-on-their-luck everyfolk who fate decided to one day shine itself upon—but that’s because they’ve already been through the worst. Subtle as it is, the drama acknowledges Japan’s shortcomings in gender inequality, disability support and elderly support. All our characters have come out the other end of a society that largely doesn’t care about them. They’re survivors—scratch that, warriors weighed down by the journey. The drama isn’t going to put them to anymore than it needs to. Instead, it wants to put a mirror to the world and say “I see you. Give yourself a break. You deserve it.” It’s nothing short of healing to be confronted by your own quiet pain and realize how much you’ve been holding it in.

Yet, truth be told, it wouldn’t feel so earned in that position, if it weren’t for the cast. Seino Nana’s Sachi plays up the “tough girl” image she’s developed in some of her most memorable roles, but it’s the added vulnerability that really commands attention, especially in some of the touching moments with her on-screen mom, played by the equally brilliant Wakui Emi. Kishii Yukino, Nukumi Meru and Okayama Amane are all casted to their strengths, and even Kawamura Kazuma gets to be more than just eye candy. The chemistry is golden and every conversation (and there’s a lot of them!) is practically transportive with how much I feel like I’m right there in the room with them each time.

Like a hug from a loved one, or a cozy bed at the end of a day, or an expensive scoop of ice cream that makes you go “ah”, Nichiyou no Yoru Gurai wa… meets everyone as they are—in whatever state—and offers itself as support. With its soft color palette and serene orchestral backings, it invites you into a world where none of that matters. And, for a moment, at least on this Sunday night, you’re comforted.