If you're a fan of '90s J-dramas, you definitely know 101st Proposal. The iconic 1991 series is making a shocking comeback 34 years later with a sequel, tentatively titled The 102nd Proposal (102回目のプロポーズ). The announcement has set the internet ablaze, but fans are seriously divided on whether this is a good idea.
According to Japanese media reports, the new series will star Erika Karata alongside comedian Seiya of the duo Shimofuri Myojo. Tetsuya Takeda, the original male lead who played Tatsuro Hoshino, is also confirmed to return. Fuji TV has made it clear: this isn't a remake, it's a full-blown sequel. The show is slated for a broadcast release and will be exclusively available on a streaming platform, with more details to come.
The newly revealed plot synopsis centers on Hikari Hoshino (Erika Karata), the daughter of the original couple, Tatsuro Hoshino (Tetsuya Takeda) and Kaoru Yabuki (Atsuko Asano), in a completely new love story.
Despite her prestigious background and talent as a cellist, Hikari finds herself in an unexpected love triangle. She's torn between the hopelessly devoted underdog Taiyo Sorano (Seiya) and the seemingly perfect pianist Oto Otsuki (Kentaro Ito). Who will her father approve of? And who will Hikari ultimately choose? The series promises a modern take on the battle for love.
The news sent shockwaves through the fan community. "It's not a remake, it's an actual sequel!?" one fan exclaimed. Another commented, "The rumors were true! But if Takeda is back, does that mean Atsuko Asano will make an appearance too? Could we see the golden couple of J-drama reunite?"
But not everyone is thrilled. "Seriously, who was even asking for this sequel?" one netizen snarked. Many suggest it's better to treat The 102nd Proposal as a standalone series to avoid disappointment, while others are questioning if TV networks have simply run out of ideas, forcing them to resurrect a classic.
One of the most iconic parts of the original was the theme song, the smash hit "SAY YES" by Chage & Aska. Fans are adamant about its importance: "That song *is* the soul of the show. It wouldn't be 101st Proposal without it, right?" Another user added, "They could get someone to cover it, but it would be impossible to recapture the magic of the original."
(A reunion is highly unlikely, as Aska officially left Chage & Aska in 2019.)
▼ "SAY YES" is a core memory for anyone who grew up in the '90s.
The biggest point of contention, however, is the cast. "Erika Karata as the lead and the comedian Seiya as her love interest? That's a bizarre combination," one user commented. Another joked, "They should just cast Seiya as the son who keeps getting rejected, with Takeda Tatsuya muttering, 'That's my boy,' in the background. That would be way more entertaining."
Concerns about Seiya's acting chops are also popping up. "Can Seiya actually pull off a romance drama? Doing impressions isn't the same as acting," a fan worried. To be fair, others have come to his defense, noting his performance in *Ship of Theseus* wasn't half bad.
Many believe the success of 101st Proposal was deeply tied to the atmosphere of the early Heisei era, a vibe that will be difficult, if not impossible, to replicate in the current Reiwa era.
Ultimately, the sequel has stirred up a whirlwind of reactions, from excitement to apprehension. For some, it's a nostalgic trip down memory lane. For others, it feels like a desperate cash grab in an era short on fresh ideas.
via： /togetter