When One Day I Will Sleep Review: Simple Story With An Impactful Takeaway

‘When One Day I Will Sleep’ is a short Japanese drama about love, friendship, and life. With only 6 episodes, each spanning barely 25 minutes, this drama is an ideal watch for your lunch breaks. Its thought-provoking theme, tight plot, and immersive storyline, can capture your heart from the moment it starts. And the best part about it is that the show heads in a direction you might never be able to guess. Even with ample hints, you might not know what to actually expect of the drama.

I personally love this dorama. And let me tell you why you too should give it a try.

When One Day I Will Sleep (Itsuka, Nemuri Ni Tsuku Hi) (2019) (6 Episodes)

Hotaru Morino (Karen Otomo) is a high school student who loves her family and friends. In school, she is best friends with Shiori Yamamoto (Noa Kita). But even Shiori has no idea that Hotaru is in love with their friend, Ren Otaka (Shouma Kai). One day, she goes on a class trip where she has a minor fight with Shiori. While returning home, their bus meets with an accident. Hotaru then opens her eyes to see a strange man dressed in black trying to talk to her. At first, she thinks he is a creep harassing her but then he explains that she is actually dead and that he is there to give her a chance to get over three attachments in her life so her soul does not get earth-bound making her a ghost. She calls him Kuro (Yuta Koseki) because he looks like a crow dressed completely in black. Kuro then becomes her guide to help her resolve any lingering feelings she has for the 3 important people in her life.  

 

I enjoyed watching ‘When One Day I Will Sleep’ because…

…its story is so engaging that once I got into its rhythm I found it difficult to halt even temporarily. Even in its limited time, it manages to effectively put across the message it intends to give. And not in a broody, philosophical manner, but through its fun, suspenseful, and intriguing narration.

Hotaru is a simple girl facing regular teen life problems like an unrequited crush, misunderstanding with a bestie, confusion over future career path, and so on.

When she gets the chance to resolve the regrets she had in her life, she feels conflicted with her own emotions and finds it difficult to face the people she loves. She feels guilty over certain actions of hers and so it takes time for her to realize how much her friends and family love her.

She is a sweet soul and does not see why people love her. The writer has been assiduous in ensuring that every incident that occurs in the show gives you a glimpse of Hotaru’s selfless nature so when you reach the end you understand why she was given the chance to resolve her regrets.  

Kuro or the grim reaper is also an interesting character. He is not just a guide to Hotaru but also her protector.

In the limited time that Hotaru has, Kuro does want her to make the right decision but, he cannot directly command her anything or even try to influence her. It is entirely up to Hotaru to make her decisions. Kuro is smart and has his ways of getting Hotaru to do what’s right for her. Despite the initial distrust and frequent arguments, they share a good rapport and work together as good friends.  

…of its visual quality. This point is very subjective because when you watch the drama you may wonder what’s so special about its visuals. True, there is nothing out of ordinary but it appeals to me only because I have a penchant for small Japanese towns. I like to watch dramas shot in such simple towns. There is something alluring about them. Also, the light color palette chosen for this drama further added to the beauty and tone of the uncertainty of the story.  

I did NOT LIKE ‘When One Day I Will Sleep’ because…

…nah! I really liked it.

 

I give ‘When One Day I Will Sleep’ 3.5 out of 5 rating. Watch it when you do not have a lot of time to invest in a drama but want to watch something short and worthwhile. This bite-sized Japanese show will not disappoint you.  

 

Images and Screenshot Courtesy: Viki.com

Watch this show here.