REVIEW: ‘Cherry Magic!’ Episode 3

Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?! (Sanjusai made Dotei Da to Mahotsukai ni Nareru rashii) is an endearing romance, and the last episode highlighted that. Based on the manga by Yuu Toyota, the series embraces the awkwardness of falling in love. While Kiyoshi Adachi (Chiaki Kobayashi) is still unsure about his feelings for Yuichi Kurosawa (Ryôta Suzuki), he is being thoughtful. Adachi has been investigating his own feelings and opening up to Kurosawa. In Charry Magic Episode 3, Adachi finds a crack in Kurosawa’s cool guy demeanor, and the audience learns just how Kurosawa started his crush to begin with.

In Cherry Magic Episode 3, Adachi and Kurosawa drink with their co-workers and wind up at karaoke. The company party is fun enough, but awkwardness is everywhere. For Adachi, accidental touches throughout the night crush his self-esteem. While Adachi may not be crushing on Kurosawa entirely, he does begin to think that he may not be handsome enough to be by Kurosawa’s side. From rude remarks thought by the women at the party to feeling uncharismatic next to the resident party boy, Adachi is worried.

But Adachi isn’t the only one worried. Kurosawa’s cool demeanor cracks as he attempts to impress Adachi by switching seats to sit next to him and singing karaoke. Kurosawa is jealous. Jealous on one end and insecure on the other, the romantic pair understand each other more than they think. The most important thing about their relationship thus far is how much thought they are each putting into making the other comfortable.

Adachi has been thoughtful about Kurosawa, even after he ran away in Episode 1. Unsure of his own feelings, he’s open to how Kurosawa feels, but at the same time, Adachi is making decisions after serious consideration. Adachi knows that he doesn’t want to see Kurosawa sad, knows that he isn’t bothered by kissing him, and wants to spend time with him. Adachi’s openness comes directly from his ability to understand Kurosawa through his internal thoughts, but it doesn’t change his thoughtfulness.

On the other hand, Kurosawa has to be extra careful without the ability. Extremely aware that his advances can ruin his friendship with Adachi and their work life, Kurosawa holds himself back. He tries hard to be accommodating and ensure that his feelings never show through in his actions. While Kurosawa can’t hide everything, especially given Adachi’s power, he does make a concerted effort to ensure that Adachi is comfortable.

Cherry Magic Episode 3 also shows how the two begin to come together. After an awkward trip to the sauna, audiences get to see their relationship from Kurosawa’s perspective. As Adachi helps a child, Kurosawa looks on and thinks that kindness is what started everything.

After an awkward visit to a sauna, Kurosawa reflects on how his crush on Adachi started. Kurosawa is handsome, and while that’s given him privileges, it’s made his working life difficult. Adachi was the first person to see Kurosawa as more than just his good looks. Kindness begets love, and that’s how the two are beginning to come together.

Cherry Magic Episode 3 has the same comedy of Adachi seeing spicy scenarios between him and Kurosawa, but it’s still extremely endearing. Even when it embraces those jokes, they show Adachi being uncomfortable and his openness to the idea of physical contact.

Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?! is a heartfelt series that embraces the awkwardness of falling in love. Endearing, charismatic, and heartfelt, Cherry Magic Episode 3 continues the series’ strengths and has yet to show any weaknesses.

Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?! Episode 3 is streaming now on Crunchyroll, with new episodes every Thursday.