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Series poster for Let's Get Divorced (2023)

Let's Get Divorced

2023
Ended • 1 Season • 9 Episodes
Director: Fuminori Kaneko
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Overview

A mediatised married couple who no longer love each other is highly optimistic about getting a divorce. However, external circumstances will get in their way and they will have no other choice but to work hand in hand to reach their ultimate goal: getting a divorce.

Seasons

Status
Ended
Seasons
1 season
Episodes
9 episodes
First aired
Jun 22, 2023

Cast

11 people

Reviews

4 min read

They cannot afford to split

I know the rom-com beat. Meet cute, mix-up, big gesture, fade out. Let's Get Divorced, Netflix's 2023 Japanese series, skips the reunion. The couple wants out.

The grand gesture is a signature on a decree. That should feel new, a show about the dull, bureaucratic, draining work of pulling two lives apart. For all that ambition, it often plays like the same performance with different lines.

Taishi Shoji, played by Tori Matsuzaka, and Yui Kurosawa, played by Riisa Naka, look perfect on paper. He is a third-generation politician with a bright future. She is a beloved actress with a loyal fanbase.

Their marriage is a brand, a public picture of success. Behind closed doors they cannot stand each other. Neither can let the public see the cracks.

His career needs the stable home. Her sweetheart image would collapse. So they agree to divorce quietly, amicably, and in private.

A tense moment between Taishi and Yui, their faces half-lit by the glow of a Tokyo skyline, the weight of their unspoken frustrations hanging between them

The tension is not whether they stay together. It is whether anyone will let them leave. That inversion is the smartest thing the series does.

It cares about the how of a split. How do you divide a life that was never really yours? How do you unstick your name from someone else's when the country has treated you as one unit?

Marriage here is a social contract as much as a romance. Those questions should travel.

Then the wheels spin. The early episodes are good at awkward pressure, Taishi and Yui shoved into dumber and dumber poses to keep the act up. Episode two puts them at a political fundraiser, smiling for cameras while whispering about each other's flaws.

That should sting. Two people who know too much, trapped in a show neither wants to do. The writing undercuts it with broad sitcom gags.

Audience Opinions

Audience 6.4/10
"A lighthearted yet emotionally engaging Japanese dramedy that balances humor and heart with relatable marital struggles."

Viewers appreciate the series for its blend of comedy and drama, finding the premise of a couple navigating divorce both entertaining and surprisingly touching. The performances, particularly by the leads, are praised for bringing authenticity to the story, though some note the pacing can feel uneven at times. latestnetflix.com's read is that the show’s ability to tackle serious themes with humor resonates, though a few find the resolution less satisfying than the buildup.

What viewers praise
  • Strong lead performances Tori Matsuzaka and Riisa Naka are widely credited for their chemistry and convincing portrayals of a couple at odds, making their characters feel relatable and engaging.
  • Balanced tone The mix of comedy and drama is well-received, with viewers enjoying the show’s ability to shift between lighthearted moments and more serious emotional beats.
  • Relatable premise The exploration of marital issues and divorce feels authentic and thought-provoking, resonating with audiences who appreciate its grounded approach.
Common complaints
  • Uneven pacing Some viewers find the series drags in parts, particularly in the middle episodes, where the story struggles to maintain momentum.
  • Predictable resolution A few note that the ending feels formulaic and less impactful compared to the buildup, leaving some wanting more depth or surprise.
  • Underdeveloped side characters Supporting cast members, while present, are seen as lacking depth, with their storylines feeling secondary to the main couple’s journey.
Recommended for
Japanese dramedy fans Romantic comedy enthusiasts Viewers who enjoy character-driven stories Fans of relatable marital themes Lighthearted drama lovers

Buzz & Rumors

Public reports

Inside the Drama of Let’s Get Divorced: The 2023 Japanese Series That’s Got Fans Talking

Netflix’s Let’s Get Divorced (2023) is a sharp, modern take on marital strife, blending political intrigue with the messy realities of love gone sour. latestnetflix.com's view is that Starring Tori Matsuzaka and Riisa Naka as a couple desperate to split but trapped by circumstance, the series has quickly become a conversation starter.But what’s the story behind the cameras? Here’s what we know—and what’s still under wraps.


A Star-Studded Cast with Real Chemistry

The series hinges on the electric dynamic between leads Tori Matsuzaka and Riisa Naka, who play Shoji Taishi and his soon-to-be-ex-wife, respectively. Matsuzaka, known for his roles in Alice in Borderland and The Naked Director, brings a brooding intensity to the ambitious politician, while Naka (My Boss, My Hero, The 13 Lords of the Shogun) counters with a mix of vulnerability and steel. Their on-screen tension is palpable, but off-screen, the two have a history: they previously starred together in the 2018 drama An Incurable Case of Love, where their chemistry was equally magnetic .

Supporting them is a roster of heavyweights. Ryo Nishikido (Last Friends, Gokusen) plays a key figure in the political subplot, while Arata Furuta (Shin Godzilla) and Reiko Takashima (The Journalists) add gravitas. The ensemble cast suggests a deliberate choice to balance romantic drama with political satire—a rarity in Japanese TV .


A Political Twist on Divorce Drama

Let’s Get Divorced isn’t just about a couple calling it quits. The series weaves in a political narrative, with Matsuzaka’s character, Shoji Taishi, introduced as a third-generation lawmaker from a powerful political dynasty . This backdrop adds layers to the divorce plot: is the split purely personal, or are there career motives at play? The show’s Japanese title, Rikon Shiyou Yo (literally “Let’s Divorce”), hints at a more playful tone than the high-stakes premise might suggest, but the political angle keeps the stakes real.

The blend of genres—romantic drama, workplace comedy, and political thriller—is ambitious, and early buzz suggests it pays off. However, details about the show’s creators and directors remain elusive. Neither the Wikipedia entry nor IMDb’s credits page names a showrunner, leaving fans to speculate about who’s steering this ship .


Netflix’s Gamble on Japanese Drama

The series premiered on Netflix on June 22, 2023, part of the platform’s push into Japanese content . While Netflix has had hits like Terrace House and First Love: Hatsukoi, Let’s Get Divorced stands out for its star power and genre-mixing. The question is whether it can break out globally the way Alice in Borderland or The Naked Director did.

Early reactions praise the performances, particularly Naka’s portrayal of a woman navigating divorce while her husband’s career hangs in the balance. But with no official episode count or renewal news, it’s unclear if this is a limited series or the start of something bigger. Rumors of a second season are unconfirmed, and Netflix has yet to comment .


What’s Next?

For now, Let’s Get Divorced remains a tightly kept secret. No behind-the-scenes footage, cast interviews, or production details have surfaced beyond the basics. The lack of transparency is unusual for a high-profile project, leaving fans to dissect every episode for clues.

One thing’s certain: with this cast and premise, the series is primed for watercooler moments. Whether it becomes a full-blown phenomenon or a cult favorite may depend on how deeply it leans into its political subplot—or how messy the divorce gets.


Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.

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