“This is for everyone who loves someone… or something.”

This review contains minor spoilers.

Taishou Otome Fairytale is an historical romance adaptation. The story tells us about the life of Tamahiko Shima, a young man who has lost hope for his own future after suffering an accident that left his right arm immobilized. One day, he receives a visit from a young woman for his arranged marriage — Tachibana Yuzuki, who has been sold in account of her family's debts.

The series starts from a simple premise, but it accomplishes exactly what it intends: to show the development of the characters in a lighthearted way, during a historical period in Japan called the Taisho Era. When Yuzuki and Tamahiko first meet, a process of inner healing begins that becomes very evident in the later episodes of the show — Yuzuki becomes the pillar of change in Tamahiko's pessimistic life, who, in turn, becomes the pillar of change to the life of other characters in the show.

Although questioned several times by the supporting characters about the reason for her selfless efforts, Yuzuki decides to make a decision that is incongruous to what we define as 'fair': she decides to commit to the supposed 'torment' that has been thrown on her life and continue to stand by Tamahiko's side without cursing her past or being discontent with the present. The lesson Yuzuki teaches, not only to Tamahiko but to all viewers, is a lesson in gratitude — where happiness becomes a choice regardless of past hardships.

It’s evident that Taishou Otome Fairytale is not written to be a contemporary romance: it is content with the classic, romanticist limits of a relationship between two people. At the same time, it is not a flat novel, one that is content only with the vicissitudes of two young people's first love. Taishou Otome is about the transformation that one person can cause in another person's life. Taishou Otome Fairytale was made with a very important precept about romance: that love is not only about sentimentality, but about the will of loving, the effort of caring, and the commitment to happiness. Loving, as much as being happy, is a choice you make every day.

While not very visually inspiring and clearly budget-limited, Taishou Otome Fairytale has amazing audio development. It has Flawless soundtrack, great voice acting and inspiring insert songs. The audio experience the show brings is unique, and makes the adaptation truly special.

Without bothering to create a novel awash in contemporary hardships and dualities, Taishou Otome is a family-friendly lighthearted experience that will remind you, even if only for a single dawn, that the sun does indeed come out in the morning.