Mei Nagano’s Stirring Performance in “Because You Gave Me Your Heart” Sparks Rise of ‘Kimi Koko Loss’ Phenomenon Among Viewers

The Monday 9 PM drama “Because You Gave Me Your Heart” starring Mei Nagano (on Fuji TV) concluded on March 18th, leaving viewers experiencing what’s been dubbed as “Kimi Koko Loss.”

 

This drama revolves around the protagonist, Aihara U, played by Nagano, who sacrifices her own heart for the sake of her beloved, Asano Taiyo (portrayed by Yuki Yamada), in a fantasy love story laden with a harsh destiny. In the final episode, they face the day U loses her last sense, hearing, and journey to the school where they first met.

Leaving behind the words, “Please don’t remember me,” U loses her hearing. However, a miracle occurs once again for the weeping Taiyo.

“The guide of miracles, Kusaka (played by Koji Seto), presents U with a choice: to accept U’s heart, relinquishing his own life, or to trade his life for U’s heart (her senses). U regains her senses in exchange for Taiyo’s life. The ending, where U eventually finds success as a patissier, has brought comments flooding in from netizens, describing it as tear-jerking.” (Production company producer)

This production, set in the exotic locale of Nagasaki, features an original script by Kiyosuke Uyama, a master of pure love novels popular among younger generations, and is directed by Hiroaki Matsuyama, known for films like “Don’t Say Mystery.” Initially, some viewers found it difficult to endure the heavy storyline of U gradually losing her senses, leading to some dropping out of the series.

Nonetheless, their straightforward challenge to the staple of Monday 9 PM dramas, the romantic drama revival, was refreshing in a way. Among them, Mei Nagano, who portrayed the tragic heroine U, captivated audiences with her tears every episode.

“When U gradually loses her senses for Taiyo’s sake, Nagano controlled her tears at will, as testified by her co-star Yamada. Not only did she cry, but she also held back her tears to allow viewers to emotionally invest in the drama and create space for them to cry.

Such ingenuity was also incorporated. Therefore, Nagano revealed that during scenes requiring tears, she worked hard to drink plenty of water, sharing behind-the-scenes stories.” (Production company director)

Is Nagano, who can manipulate tears at will, the tearful charismatic figure emerging in the Reiwa era?