As an avid fan of Asian dramas and films, ( limited by my lack of language skill to those with english subtitles), I have now seen four versions of this story. Its is impossible to not compare each of them and this definitely did not match the standard of the other three.
The Korean version was the first I encountered and fell in love with the show. The Taiwanese show ( original) was the next to come appear from my searches. It varied the story and how they played the characters and ,except for the final few episodes, I again fell in love. The more recent Thai version again played it slightly different to both previous productions . While I wasn't quite as enthusiastic, it still was quite a good show.
All three had great casts, chemistry between the leads, believable plot, fine production ....actually all the elements required to make an engaging enjoyable show. This most recent version from Japan lacked almost everyone of these elements , except for the female lead. It felt rushed, inexpensive, and amateurish which is not true for many wonderful Japanese shows.
As I watched it felt like there will be no Season 2 to complete the story as the company decided to cut it short because it was just not getting any better. This is of course my opinion. I am now excitedly looking forward to the promised Chinese version due this year starring my favorite couple from The Eternal Love 1 and 2. ( That's the one with the THE in the title)
Please still watch this drama and, if you haven't already, check out the other three, soon to be four!!