This review may contain spoilers
I’m so sad this is over
I’m just gonna say this before you watch the show don’t really base it on reviews because a lot of people have mixed feelings for the season two of Minato’s laundromat, but I feel if you watch it you should watch it based on if you really enjoy the couple and the first season. I feel like crying because I just finished it and I am not ready to let go of Minato and Shin because I genuinely enjoyed them as a couple and they were kinda my enjoyment. But I will say the last three episodes were not needed because it just set back the show, but I still enjoyed it overall. I will have spoilers so be aware.The plot for this season was immediately following how it ended last season which was Minato and Shin officially becoming a couple and it basically just showed their journey. Which was Shin getting into a science major in college and was embarrassed when Minato comes to pick him up because everyone would be starting at Minato and the police would get involved because they never seen him before, but what people would say when they saw Minato was that he’s so cute and wondered if he were dating someone and that was the reason why Shin didn’t want him to come because people would see how adorable and cute Minato is. It also still continued Minato’s restrictions with Shin and his boundaries and Shin accepted them. It also showed that they got to live together and we saw what they would look like if they lived together and I what it would be like which was them in separate rooms unless Shin wanted/forced his way into Minato’s room. We also saw Minato putting a lot of effort into their relationship because he got all dressed up for their date which he looked so adorable. Shin also won a vacation to go to the public baths with three other people so he took Minato, Asuka, and Shuu. And I have to say it was one of my favorite scenes because drunk Minato and Shuu was all I needed to see because the way that Minato kept screaming about him changing Asuka’s diaper when he was a baby and Shin got so mad at Asuka and then when they thought Shuu was fine he ended up passing out. Also Shin’s tiny birthday party was so adorable and the way they were acting was like it was too real for me and I was watching like one of their vlogs. I really hated how they had to make Shin lose his memory’s at the end of the show because it really made me upset because they made Shin remember everyone, but Minato and that made Minato feel upset and sad that he didn’t know what to do and he ended up just giving up until Sakurako and Asuka yelled at him to do something and when Minato tried so hard Shin still didn’t remember a whole lot, until the last 10 minutes of the show he remembered from their crossword puzzle that “love makes me blind” and the letter that Minato was gonna give to Shin on his birthday and I was literally bawling when I saw that because it was so beautiful that scene was. Also the ending was nice because they made the show feel complete. Overall, I really recommend this show because everything about it was amazing.
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This review may contain spoilers
Full Circles, New Progression, Cute co-habitation, and Unpopular Opinions
Unlike the consensus, I feel that similar to a washing machine on a spin cycle, the story went full circle. I personally enjoyed it but can also concur with those who don’t for certain specific items. HOWEVER there’s an important breakdown that I believe paints a different light onto season 2 and why I enjoyed the story progression and symbolism even more. Misses some of that first season charm but maintains that flavor that makes you smile and feel your feelings throughout. Here’s my analysis:At first the first couple of episodes gave that slice-of-life the first season was flavored with like with birthday gifts, and so on, however it also included older issues like “minato-San doesn’t say he loves me back”, which is like they erased the end of s2. Did the plot reset? I worried. But I let that go because Shin wants that consistent reminder that his feelings are received and reciprocated, especially given he is young, and his feelings are very strong and acute for him.
Then the plot falls into what I actually think is the best natural progression of the story where Minato is letting Shin into his personal and emotional space. Keep in mind Shin is coming on strong in season 1, but while he lets up a little with his forceful attitude, he is still just a persistent. That is 100% needed luckily to deal with Minato extreme shyness.
But let’s break it down before you judge too harshy:
Minato/Akira in season 1 was rejecting and beating himself up for his unrequited past love and the rejection his potential new feelings for the Shin-force-of-nature that overpowered his life. The sudden persistence and comfort and consideration, paired with Minato’s acceptance and facing his first love that didn’t love him back really made him forgive himself and find closure. Keep in mind that looking at Shin is like looking at his younger self in love with his teacher. And if Shin never told Minato his feelings and lacked the courage he did, he could have been Minato. Basically Minato and Shin are made to be inverses of each other—where one has courage and boldness, the other has shyness and fear. Luckily Shin finally made him begin to find peace and acceptance of himself. Minato then fully accepted his feelings for shin at the end of season 1.
While I feel they didn’t acknowledge that, it felt kinda real that he wouldn’t be 100% completely unguarded. That’s why the goals of cohabitation, getting a key, and an every day bond with Shin is such a step up for akira. He jumps into difficult mode, because let’s face it, he’s been emotionally crippling himself, even going so far as to leave his hometown behind, date his ex despite not being into the relationship and hung up on his first love, and passing out from overwork/horrible job to avoid the hometown that broke him. We are annoyed and want Minato to let it all go, because honestly the, being cute and lovey-dovey would be so cute just to watch Shin be elated, and it can become repetitive. So I kinda understand being that despite being in a relationship, he still is pushed into his old habits of self-doubt and tsundere quality.
Don’t forget, he has never really ever been in a real relationship he’s into, and kinda stunted himself and received a whole lot of trauma for it (love, his job, his environment, his health all detiorated becaus if his strong emotions. Can we blame him? He admits his feelings but he’s still on dating phase 1 while the plot and shin are up to phase 3. The plot or the character should have matched to that pace so it left some repetition, but you can tell he is changing and learning ti express himself more. His constant (and sometimes funny, sometimes charming, sometimes annoying) rejection of opening up to Shin fully is part of his fear to fully allow himself to feel like to will all work out, and maybe forever. Didn’t work out that well last time. However the plot didn’t mention this, which they should have.
Minato chronically tears himself down in the past before anything begins, so why should he be completely changed 100% now? Would that make sense? While they did use this tsundere shy trope over and over again, Minato:
- Tries to change his appearance for Shin
- Gave him access to his space
- Allows him into his home
- Admits he would be lonely without him and wants him to stay
- Gave Shin his keys
- Got jealous over him and wanted Shin to rely on him
- Holds his hand an lot
- Invites him on a date (festival)
- Tries to lower his defense with alcohol at the hot spring
- Expressed his feelings for baby steps for intimacy (wants Shin to call him Akira)
Compared to Minato, Shin didn’t go through much development by miles, but he’s still kinda great the way he is, I still can’t get over him stirring his rice and letting out his inner thoughts while looking at minato bed head. We do get to learn more about him with his past and how he is at his college, and his respect for his teacher, and he does learn that minato expresses his love in an unusual, but often subtle way.
All this being said, while I groaned at the amnesia trope, my least favorite trope of all time, the turnout was interesting. I think they could have achieved all of it a different way, perhaps with like a study abroad or his internship taking up a lot of Shin’s time, or a near death experience causing Minato to realize that he needs to challenge himself to open up. Could have done without the whole “don’t tell him”, “let’s just be friends” junk but I understand some elements of what they were Trying to achieve, though I believe they could have done it differently. Created some unnecessary drama. In some ways season 2 had development but also a sense of amnsesia, forgetting some proceed of season 1. The amnesia trope however did allow Minato to reflect and go over all his past memories with Shin, and this time try to make romantic make overtures, express his feelings, and realize that he didn’t know what he had until it was gone.
Would have loved to see Minato do more to romance Shun instead of try to get his memory back, but Shin is normally in the offensive and Minato has got no rizz at all except for his signature endearingly clumsy and awkward gestures of affection. This is where the plot goes full circle and begins to revisit season 1 to show with a ruler how far Minato feelings have come. I was hoping they would have gone somewhere but the ocean, but again it’s going full circle. Literally “Wash my Heart” (the alt. series title). Minato then realizes that he doesn’t need the past Shin that was the catalyst that changed him for the better, but the person he is with or without the amnesia. He realizes his feelings are strong enough and while he isn’t perfect, he is pushing his old self away more and more to let another person be with him forever. The letter was also a nice touch to mirror the first seasons last episode.
Now I would love to have seen some more lovey-doves scenes after this, maybe a special episode where minato is in the romantic offensive ie trying to make up for time lost when Shin lost its memory. That is my big qualm with the ending, but they fall back into slice of life, the amnesia trope kinda forgotten, but this time Minato kisses Shin, so it shows their everyday life may have progressed. I would just like to have an episode of Minato being romantic and Shin just continuously shocked and wondering what is up while ofc going along with it all with that pure joy he is best at.
As for the side characters, many people say Asuka carried the show, and he did a great job, but they are also at their starting stage aka cute adorable love phase 1 and I can’t forget how painful it was to watch Shu in season 1, like I would have liked to just seen this seasons development for them from the get go. It is a unique plot, because Shu is kinda asexual-type of awkwardly expressionless stereotype that I see in more and more dramas as a side character. I truly enjoyed seeing him squirm at his feelings and asuka was like the cutest accepting human. I would like to have seen more of the two couples relationship tied to each other in theme a little more since they seemed like they were two different plots at times if not for the characters interactions with each other. Still they all kind of went full circle like the washing cycle, like an ocean wave rising and falling and rising again, starting anew and finding happiness in a seaside town where old loves change and new love begins to take their place.
Overall I enjoyed the story and progression and would have enjoyed more if there was some fixes (outlined above), the music was great (not as much a fan of the bathhouse music for some reason), the filming was incredible as always. Asuka and Shin carried the show with their nuanced acting, Minato had some good range but still played up on the tsundere humor trope Japan loves, and saw more development with the actor than in season 1, Shu’s actor played his character expressionless but really had some good awkward nuances despite the only mid cheek kiss scene. I would rewatch again and I have a hard time imagining season 2 bc they tied up a lot of the story, however would recommend they make a special episode or so for the holidays or just showing them both being cute and romantic. While season 2 didn’t have the same charm as season 1, it still holds the same flavor! Hope to visit Minato Shouji Coin Laundry again soon for all my watching needs ?
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The age.
Absolutely the heck not. I finished the first season but then the second season came and I couldn't take it anymore, I dropped it. Okay listen, I don't care about age but when it came to Minato in his high school era giving a LOLIPOP or whatever the heck it was, I could not go further. That completely gave off luring someone in even if it were unintentional. Goodness I felt sick watching a CHILD look at him like that, I dropped it. I mean maybe it won't affect some people but definitely not MY cup of tea personally. If I could give it a zero, I would.Was this review helpful to you?
Don't be discouraged by reviews!
It's my first time writing a review, and I want to emphasize that whether you like this show or not is entirely subjective.I've noticed quite a few negative comments about Akira not responding to Shin's wishes. However, I find this season far from disappointing, contrary to what some people are saying.
Overall, what I like is watching the dynamic between Minato Akira and Katsuki Shintaro. Their interactions, while not always smooth, reflect the complexities of real life. This season picks up just three months from where the first one ended, and I believe it adds depth to the characters.
I can understand the concerns of the character Minato as an adult just can't express himself as clearly as Shin can being a teenager. Minato knows about Shin and being around 30 he doesn't want Shin, Who's barely 18, to distract him or want him to focus on himself. Moreover, Minato just gets flustered easily and doesn't express himself as freely as he should, maybe he's afraid because of the age gap but he's definitely trying to overcome it.
Similarly, Asuka and Shu-kun have their own challenges to overcome as their relationship evolves. It's heartwarming to see Shu-kun stepping out of his comfort zone.
Both couples are adorable and endearing.
Some viewers might perceive Minato as childish, overthinking, and overly shy, but I see his actions in the context of the story. By the end, he comes to realize what he truly wants.
Please note that I haven't read the manga; my perspective is solely based on the series. Overall, I found it nice and wholesome. If there's a third season in the future, I would welcome further relationship development, even without steamy scenes.
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Super cute, but the writing is a lil lazy. Still recommend
Minato's Laundromat Season 2 is a lot like the first season. The biggest difference is that the two couples are alreasy established, at least that's what we are told. Both couples seem to be in an awkward phase, where they like each other but don't seem to quite be on the same page, or don't yet understand how much they mean to each other. This season was nice for me as a fan of the first season, but I will admit the writing was a little lazy. Minato really shouldn't act the way he does towards Shin as they are officially dating, but I don't mind his behavior as much as some. In season 1, Minato already felt guilty about dating a guy much younger than him, and so this bashfulness is normal in the first 3 months after being official.I read a review here that said to start watching from episode 7. While I understand this suggestion, I do think the cute scenes in the earlier episodes are fun to watch. There isn't much in terms of kissing or intimate scenes, but there is a lot of fluffy cute flirting scenes. As a sidenote, I really enjoyed the vibe of the town they live in, I wonder where this is meant to take place in. Overall, I recommend this drama to any BL fan. The opening song had me singing along every time and the ending song is good too!
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Refreshing LoveStory of AkiraSan and Shin
~ Adapted from the manga "Minato Shouji Coin Laundry" (みなと商事コインランドリー) by Tsubaki Yuzu (椿ゆず)Minato Akira, a Laundry owner is in his 30s and he is a shy, passionate lover. Katsuki Shintaro, a student who is in 20s is a bold, straightforward, kawai boy.
WHAT A SERIES!!! MANNNNN I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW MUCH ? Rating is 10000000/10 .... IT IS SO SO SO GOOD. it's a calm yet strong story and I loveeee Nishigaki very much from his acting. He matured in this season and did an amazing job. Kusakawa is already a genius and their chemistry is SUPER SIZZLING!!! Just when Akira San holds Shin's wrist, just when Shin brings himself near to Akira San as to almost kiss, just when they both walk to each other, just when they wear couple bracelets and hold hands, just when Akira San gets shy , just when Shin hugs Akira San from behind, just when Shin smiles watching Akira San's face, just when they are on screen- I FALL IN LOVE WITH THEM. AGAIN AND AGAIN.
Second couple, our Asuka and Sakuma Shu are amazing too. Their chemistry is yet to be built. But they interact very cutely like it's only them in this world. It's SUGOIIIII ??❤️
IF YOU ARE STILL WAITING TO START THIS OR HAVEN'T WATCHED IT YET look at my caps and understand how excited I am for this series. It's definitely a MUST WATCH and watch again to heal yourself!
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This review may contain spoilers
I love it but I hate it at the same time
Watching this series gave me a headache, but made me laugh and cry too. This series seems so unserious and should not be taken seriously, but I can't help it lol. The actors did very well, and I will miss them all. The last episode made me cry so much. They acted really well. When Shin returned the key, I literally cried lol. Not one of the best jbls I've watched, but would definitely be one of the jbls I will never forget. Every time I see a laundromat, they are the ones I remember and it makes me a bit sad.Was this review helpful to you?
ITS GOOD UNTIL THAT PLOT
I was really excited when I found out that Minato Coin Laundry had a season 2, from the beginning of the first episode I found that this story was more enjoyable with Shuu's feelings for Asuka being more open. Even though Minato here still can't talk normally to Shin. But why does the memory loss plot have to be in a drama this good? I cried in the last 2 episodes because I was so frustrated. Especially during the scene of returning the key, even though I like it, Shin here not only blames himself, but he also starts to question "why I was the one who looked wrong instead of Minato who was the first to say we were friends again". Good ending although a bit surprising with the sex scene that appears right after the sad scene.I hope there is another special episode about shuu and asuka love story.
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Script
Season 2 is no different to season one. The samerunaround by Akira getting panic attacks everytime
Shin showed emotions for him. Shin had the patient of
a saint. I love the two actors because they did a great job. It's not the actors it's the storyline. Over season one I had hopes this Series would show more getting together as a couple with love and commitment but
my hopes have been dashed. I love japanese bls and I love the language. They are a joy to watch that's why I will view it to the end and see if Akira and Shin finally make it as a couple..
I completed the series so I will add an extra comment
Episode 10/11/12 were what I wanted to see for Shin and Akira. It was a really feel good factor ending that they both found there way around Shins loss of memory and realised how much they both loved each other. I am in awe of the two japenese actors Takuya and Sho. So talented so I'm raising my review points..
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an unexpected favorite, with an all-time dear character.
disclaimer: if you didn't like season 1, you won't like this season either.admittedly a show with a lot of flaws. kinda hated it at first. but i grew to like it after a rewatch. now it's become something i'll watch again many times probably. there's just so many favorite moments in it. & i loved the setting right from the start. the weather, the seaside town, the food, the laundromat.. . it's all very refreshing.
honestly, in my opinion, minato wasn't well acted out. i could go as far as to say i really understand the character. and i don't even dislike the actor in particular. but idk, takuya probably just wasn't meant for this character. his acting didn't fit my understanding of minato. (and if i wanted to understand the character based on the acting, minato would turn out to be too annoying of a person for me to like.)
nevertheless, the most frustrating point of this drama is indeed minato, i guess anyone watching can agree on that. and if you can accept him as he is, everything else makes sense, and it turns into a beautiful, albeit comical, cute little love story.
anyways, anyways,, right from the beginning, i loved shin and how the actor portrayed this character. the acting is beyond perfection. it's so on point, i just love every inch of his presence on screen. hell, i actually want to watch more of this pair, like, a season 3, despite the fact that i don't think takuya fits his character. sho literally carried the whole series for me. and made the pair work somehow, i don't mind getting frustrated by minato ten times more if that means i get to watch shin doing what he does. :'D
shin's sister is super cute.
and i also find asuka adorable. tomoya deserves his own show, :-D. in fact, it'd be super fun if he was paired up with sho sometime.. haha.
everyone & everything else is so so. / i don't really care.
p.s. i loved the selective amnesia trope. unlike the popular opinion, i really think it was important to the story, not just to stir up drama.. it showed a whole different side of shin, i fell in love with him all over again. in fact, without it, this season wouldn't progress much.. i just wish it was a longer phase! haha
(ugh, bro i don't care if that made minato suffer a bit. he deserved it for letting shin go through all the frustration all through the series. not to mention, it helped minato take braver steps & realize sht.)
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This review may contain spoilers
im scared cause what if shin realize he was tired to minato because minato is acting like a child and he always denied having Relationship with shin. age doesn’t matter if you really love shin,you don’t scared/shy to show it to others. i wish minato is accept shin i mean like his boyfriend not to hiding shin being minato’s boyfriend and i wish minato is acting like normal cause every episode minato is like a kid he’s acting like a kid but i wish there’s a happy ending cause i see 7.0/10 rating in episode 12 in season 2?? i love the drama❤️❤️
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Love knows no Boundaries!
Now that I finished the Season 1, I am here again for Season 2's masterpiece! I am glad for another 12 episodes they have given to us! Another roller coaster of feelings. I'm gonna binge watching again from the beginning to the end and enjoy every episodes to be release! I just hope that this time, we will see their love's growth and opening to each other with no fear and hesitation. Thank you for Season 2! You made us a fan so excited and happy! ??♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️Was this review helpful to you?