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Light of My Lion is a Japanese drama series starring Yuya Yagira, Bando Ryota, and Tasuku Sato. It premiered on TBS in October 2024 and has been available for streaming on Netflix since January 25, 2025. The series explores themes of family, personal growth, and the unexpected bonds that form in the face of adversity.
The series focuses on Hiroto Komori, portrayed by Yuya Yagira, a young man employed at the city hall in Urao City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. Unlike the standard portrayal of a Japanese man, Hiroto shines bright in the series due to his kindness and love for his brother and family members.
Following the tragic death of their parents, Hiroto becomes the primary caregiver for his younger autistic brother, Michito, played by Bando Ryota. Michito, whom Hiroto lovingly calls "Mi" has a gifted flair for painting.
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The Komori brothers' structured and predictable life takes an unforeseen turn when a six-year-old boy named Lion, enacted by Tasuku Sato, appears at their doorstep. This intrusion challenges their routine.
Autistic patients get overstimulated by sudden changes of newness to their routines. This compels Hiroto and Michito to confront various new facets of life.
Directed by Toshio Tsubai, the series maintains an unnatural familiarity that tugs at viewers' heartstrings.
Light of My Lion: Thematic exploration and character dynamics amidst heartfelt storytelling
The complex relationships among its characters are brilliantly shown in Light of My Lion. Hiroto's commitment to his brother is clear as he strikes a balance between his duties at home and at work.
The series showcases Hiroto who goes above and beyond since he strongly feels happy taking care of his family.
Meanwhile, Michito's portrayal offers a nuanced look into the life of an individual with autism, highlighting both his challenges of autistic patients and their intimate yet fragile inner world.
Played by Bando Ryota, the actor shines in his craft with his portrayal of Michito.
In every scene where Michito gets overwhelmed and has sensory overloads, Bando Ryota uses his acting skills to artfully project his struggles and pain through his anger and emotional fits.
The series is also one of the handful of shows that touches on the subject of mental illnesses without stigmatizing them or using them as a prop to make the script seem "ahead of its time."
Director Toshio Tsubai skilfully addresses the struggles of Michito and also offers a closer look at how people like Michito should be loved and taken care of.
Toshio Tsubai presents Hiroto and the six-year-old Lion as two pillars who love and accept Michito without a shred of pity towards him since they genuinely see Michito as a normal person with just different needs.
The introduction of Lion serves as a catalyst, prompting the brothers to reevaluate their relationship and their understanding of "family." The trio's evolving bond is both heartwarming and thought-provoking.
The boys steal moments from life to share a few laughs together as three young brothers who are just trying to live one day at a time.
At its core, Light of My Lion is a meditation on family, trust, and personal growth. The series delves into the complexities of sibling relationships, the sacrifices made for loved ones, and the unforeseen connections that can alter one's life trajectory.
The narrative weaves elements of mystery and suspense, keeping viewers engaged as the characters' histories and motivations are gradually unveiled.
The cinematography in Light of My Lion employs natural lighting and everyday settings, lending an authentic and immersive feel to the storytelling. The show manages to weave in the calming vibes of a Ghibli movie yet hold onto its uniqueness as one of Toshio Tsubai's finest works.
The muted color palette mirrors the emotional depth of the narrative, especially in episode 6 when Lion gets abandoned by his mother on a bridge as she tells him to live as "Lion" and hide till everything gets better.
Each scene is meticulously crafted to convey the characters' internal landscapes, making the visual storytelling as compelling as the dialogue.
Even Light of My Lion episode 11 ending scene, Hiroto and Michito are seen packing their respective items as they prepare to head out on their individual journeys.
However, the series beautifully presents the brotherly love and care Hiroto and Michito have for one another. The scene tugs at viewers' heartstrings as the two brothers promise to text each other daily and meet as often as they can.
Light of My Lion holds a rating of 8.2 on IMDb, indicating a strong reception from viewers.
The series stands out as a poignant exploration of family dynamics and personal growth. Its blend of heartfelt drama and subtle suspense offers a viewing experience that is both engaging and emotionally fulfilling.
For those seeking a series that delves deep into the human experience, Light of My Lion is certainly worth watching.
Light of My Lion is available on Netflix for global streaming.
