“First Love” is a Netflix Japanese drama inspired by Utada Hikaru's two iconic hits, “First Love” (1999) and “Hatsukoi” (2018). While the love story feels somewhat conventional, what I found more meaningful was its portrayal of certain Japanese professions and its exploration of life's destinies.
The male and female leads primarily work as a security guard and a taxi driver, respectively. Both occupations are demanding, requiring night shifts and offering modest pay. While a security guard's duties can be relatively uneventful during quiet periods, they carry inherent risks when confronting emergencies. Taxi drivers interact with diverse individuals and may even secure celebrity autographs, yet their work demands sustained attention for extended hours, with potential hazards if mistakes occur.
In Japan, these professions likely aren't particularly sought after, with limited prospects for advancement. The recurring imagery of large roundabouts in the show seems symbolic of the characters being trapped in their lives, unable to find a suitable way out. In this situation, both characters need a trigger to break free from their predicament, and their shared memories of past affection become that catalyst.
The show tends to portray professions like pilots, flight attendants, doctors, and artists in a more favorable light. While Japan's Self-Defense Air Defense Force may seem unnecessary to some Japanese, pilots remain an enviable profession globally. The ability to control flight and witness breathtaking vistas inaccessible to ordinary people makes it a worthy pursuit for many. Flight attendant work is actually demanding and tedious, yet its glamorous image remains highly appealing. The opportunity to travel extensively and interact with diverse people makes it a dream job for many young girls.
Through flashbacks, the protagonists recall their youthful love and aspirations, breaking free from life's stagnation to courageously pursue their dreams. While idealistic, life rarely changes without taking risks. Whether outcomes are positive or negative, only through effort can one avoid regrets.