REVIEW: ‘Cherry Magic’ Episode 2

Cherry Magic! Episode 2 settles into its rhythm as Kiyoshi Adachi (Chiaki Kobayashi) tries to determine how he feels about Yuichi Kurosawa (Ryôta Suzuki). Episode 1 of Cherry Magic Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard (Sanjusai made Dotei Da to Mahotsukai ni Nareru rashii) established Adachi’s newfound gifts to read minds and the fact that Kurosawa is in love with him. In Episode 2 Adachi tries to figure out what that means for him and his dynamic with Kurosawa going forward.

The workplace comedy element of the premise takes the spotlight, with many of the significant episode moments taking place in the office. It serves as a stable backdrop from Adachi having to come to Kurosawa’s rescue to dinner with coworkers. The narrative adopts a bit of a vignette pacing as we move from one central location to the next. In a hilarious bit of character introspection, Cherry Magic! Episode 2 opens with Adachi seeking the advice of his romance novelist friend, Tsuge. Tsuge doesn’t believe Adachi is telling the truth about his telepathic powers but does suggest that there’s nothing wrong in allowing Kurosawa to act on his feelings. This is especially true if all Kurosawa has done is show a little extra kindness without acting on his emotions.

Adachi confesses he thought similarly at first but realizes he doesn’t want to take advantage of Kurosawa’s sincere feelings. Tsuge is brutal in his response, telling him that he’s “too earnest, too awkward, and too dense.” The episode doesn’t fully dive into it, but it does an excellent job of flirting with Adachi’s inferiority complex. It’s not just that he’s grappling with internalized issues with sexuality and gender roles when facing Kurosawa’s affections — it’s also that he’s not sure he’s deserving of them.

This is highlighted throughout the episode as Adachi continuously praises Kurosawa. It makes for a relatable protagonist when he comments on how nice Kurosawa is despite being so busy, calling it “depressing.” Who among us hasn’t lamented those who are talented, attractive, and kind? But it’s not just his kindness that he thinks about. He admits to finding Kurosawa handsome and wanting to help him through work or lift his spirits. He wants to be close; he just has yet to put into words what that means for him and about him.

It’s why the moment between them at dinner is pivotal. Due to a tipsy drinking game, Adachi and Kurosawa were supposed to kiss. Sensing Adachi’s discomfort, Kurosawa chooses to kiss him on the forehead instead. The two have a heart-to-heart afterward as Adachi selflessly talks about why he seemed reluctant to try and appease some of Kurosawa’s guilt. It wasn’t the kiss in and of itself that made him uncomfortable, nor was it the fact that Kurosawa is a man. Instead, he shares it’s because of Adachi’s lack of romantic experience and that it would’ve been his first kiss.

Kurosawa is shocked but emboldened when Adachi admits to not minding the kiss. This sets up the next part of the narrative as, from now on, Kurosawa is determined to make Adachi fall in love with him. While Adachi has little faith in himself, it’s nice to see that his self-image isn’t nearly as bad as he believes. The balcony scene also allows further insight into Kurosawa, who, aside from his crush on Adachi, seems unflappable. But Episode 2 is all about showing his vulnerability. From the moment in the office where he deals with a disgruntled CEO to the near kiss, his insecurities shine through. Adachi may put him on a pedestal, but the episode allows Kurosawa to become more human in the eyes of the viewers.

It’s easy to root for the two as a romantic pair when they’re like this. Yes, there’s the appeal of two very different people being drawn together, but their similarities make it even more charming. Kurosawa puts on a confident front, and Adachi beats himself up. It’s where they meet in the middle where the show shines. The writing excels in the character moments. The tendency to show clips from moments earlier is the only detractor. It’s unnecessary and breaks up the flow.

Cherry Magic! Episode 2 delivers a perfect blend of romance and comedy. In contrast, the animation is sometimes stiff and awkward in how characters move. Still, it more than makes up for it in the personality-driven moments. Even though Adachi is still figuring himself out, the episode ends with the two on a similar playing field. He might not share his affections just that, but Adachi is clearly on the way to admitting to himself that his feelings for Kurosawa are hardly platonic.

Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?! Episode 2 is streaming now on Crunchyroll, with new episodes every Wednesday.