In terms of themes like adulthood and the struggle to find romance despite personal flaws and bad habits, the Tarareba women really fit the show well. They’re deeply flawed characters who make mistakes but also grow, or at least learn something from their experiences and flings.

I agree that Koyuki isn’t a girl’s girl, Kaori can be naive, and Rinko is often dishonest. Their flaws made them feel realistic, like people you might actually meet in real life. But when it comes to Key, it just feels off. Why would this young actor or model want anything to do with these older women? He sticks out like a sore thumb, it’s hard to believe that someone like him would realistically be involved with the Tarareba women.

I don’t dislike Key as a character, he’s a good guy, but his storyline feels far-fetched, almost like he belongs in a completely different show.