That being said, the anime centers around the everyday moments and memories of an elderly couple living in rural Japan. Through a touch of magic, they regain their youthful bodies for a limited time and get a second chance to experience the things they were once denied in their youth. The story is deeply rooted in themes of family and love.
The focus clearly lies on the comedic and heartwarming aspects. You shouldn’t expect a deeply intricate plot—if you do, you might end up disappointed. I personally felt a little let down at first by the lack of an overarching narrative, but as I continued watching, I realized that the light comedy and episodic format are not only intentional but necessary. They help balance out the heavier, more emotional undercurrents of the story—grief, regret, and the inescapable fate that awaits us all: death.
It’s a laid-back, cozy series, but one that carries an important underlying message. It has its quiet, sad, even heartbreaking moments, but what I appreciated most is that it doesn’t push too hard for tears. It avoids melodrama and allows the audience to decide how deeply they want to engage with the questions it raises.
What would I do in their place?
What might I regret not doing when I’m older?
At first, I expected the couple to live wildly and completely reinvent their lives after turning young again. But instead, they remain true to who they are. They use this time to revisit what truly matters to them, not chasing excitement, but cherishing what they missed due to circumstances, poverty, or the constraints of society when they were young.
The concept could have been taken in a more dramatic or adventurous direction, but I still enjoyed the show for what it is. One of the biggest reasons I liked it was the characters. Honestly, I liked all of them. The elderly couple, in particular, was a joy to watch. Their interactions with each other, their family, and old friends were warm and grounded. They reflect on their shared life with kindness—not pretending it was perfect, but accepting both the good and the bad. Despite all the things they had to give up, they maintain a positive outlook, largely because they had, and still have, each other.
That quiet, mutual love and acceptance is the heart of the show and what makes it worth recommending. Sure, the plot could have been more tightly written, but the series shines in its tone, message, and characters.
It stayed with me long after I finished it. Not in a heavy or depressing way, but in a thoughtful one. It made me reflect on life, on family, and on the quiet regrets and joys that shape us over time.
