Many BL fans would know that ‘Cherry Magic’ has two live-action adaptations. There’s the Japanese version that aired in 2020 and told the story of Adachi and Kurosawa and the Thai version that took the original story across the sea from Tokyo to Bangkok and gave us Achi and Karan. While both versions have their own merits, let’s take a look at some of the ways they differ, and maybe you can decide which one you prefer!
- Pacing
The Japanese adaptation had a total of 12 episodes and while the Thai version has not completed its run yet, it is also projected to have 12 episodes. However, the episodes of the Thai adaptation are twice the length of its Japanese counterpart. This has led to both series having varied pacing between them. The Japanese version tells a more fast-paced version of the story, following the main storyline of the original manga, which is Adachi and Kurosawa’s love story. While it does have some moments for its side characters, such as Fujisaki, who goes through problems with her mother, the series still made sure not to distract too much from the primary pairing. The Thai adaptation, on the other hand, decided to give more screen time to its supporting cast even when it wasn’t necessarily related to Achi and Karan’s story, such as including Rock’s backstory of entering the company while in a relationship and then having it end soon after his employment. The difference in pacing can also be seen in how certain plot elements are introduced, such as the side couple being foreshadowed in the Thai adaptation with Jinta finding the cat Min was caring for in the alleyway, while the Japanese adaptation goes straight to Minato meeting Tsuge at his apartment. If you’d prefer a quicker story, check out the Japanese version, but if you’d like to take your time, The Thai adaptation may be for you!
- The Office Senior
The Thai adaptation completely changed one of the characters from the Japanese adaptation. In 2020, we met Urabe Kengo, Adachi’s work senior, who would give Adachi extra work he didn’t want to do and even belittled the quality of his work, which then led to Kurosawa defending Adachi. The Thai adaptation completely replaced this character with Dujdao, or just Duj for short. While she is also Achi’s work senior, like Urabe in the Japanese version, her personality could not be more different from his. She acts like a motherly figure to Achi and his co-workers in the office, being one of the few to remember Achi’s birthday at the start of the series and treating them all kindly while still being firm when it comes to work. In a way, she acts like the heart of their office friend group. Both serve their own roles in their respective stories, but are definitely quite distinct!
