Season 1 • Episode 10
LatestLove Shuffle is a Japanese television drama series that aired on TBS from 16 January to 20 March 2009. The theme song of the series is Fantasy by Earth, Wind & Fire. Usami Kei is a salaryman who has risen in status due to his engagement with Mei, the wealthy daughter of his company's president. Shortly after she breaks off the engagement, a power failure leaves him stuck in the elevator of his apartment building. Trapped with him are three others living on the same floor - Airu, a trilingual interpreter, Ojiro, a model photographer, and Masato, a psychiatrist. While waiting, their conversation hits upon their love lives and the question of whether there is truly only one fated partner for everyone. As a result, they decide to try "shuffling" their relationships with each other. --Tokyograph
Writing
Sharp dialogue that makes elevator small talk actually compelling
Acting
Karina's chaotic charisma steals every scene she's in
Production
That Earth, Wind & Fire needle drop is *chef's kiss*
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The 'shuffling' premise satirized Japan's konkatsu (marriage hunting) culture that peaked in late 2000s media.
Director Nobuhiro Doi later helmed the hit film Be With You; this was his training ground for emotional manipulation.
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