Light of My Lion Review: TBS’s Latest Drama Is A Roaring Success

The autumn season in Japan offered a handful of good shows, such as NHK’s Sora Wataru Kyoshitsu and NTV’s After School Doctor. But the real star of the season and the entire year was TBS’s heartfelt Light of My Lion, which aired its last episode on December 20th, 2024.

Written by Tokuo Koji (of Ossan’s Love fame) and directed by Tsuboi Toshio (who directed TBS’s I Will Be Your Bloom), Light of My Lion aired on TBS from October to December 2024 and received international distribution through Netflix. Yagira Yuya is Komori Hiroto, a young man who dedicates his life to looking after his autistic younger brother, Michito (Bando Ryota), after the passing of their parents. They live a quiet life following a very specific routine. That is, until a little boy who calls himself “Lion” (Sato Tasuku) mysteriously shows up at their house, telling them that he’ll be living with the two brothers from now on.

Light of My Lion is a poignant exploration of familial bonds, reminding us of the miraculous nature of love and the unique nature of the present. It ultimately delivers a family drama peppered with a bit of mystery, allowing the script to propose more complex themes while focusing on character development.

This review is spoiler-free so I hope you enjoy it! If you don’t have time to read it all, why not pin our spoiler-free summary at the bottom?

The Narrative Structure & Core of Light of My Lion

The show starts by introducing the audience to seemingly unrelated scenarios that are slowly brought together. By the end of the series, you realise that every scene moves the plot forward and strengthens the connections between characters, creating a cohesive whole. This progressive disclosure of information provides enough space in the script to offer multifaceted supporting characters who are revealed to us bit by bit. Hiroto’s colleague Makimura Mio (Saito Asuka), the mysterious “X” (the excellent Okayama Amane), the journalist Kudo Kaede (an interesting performance by Sakurai Yuki) and her partner Amane Yuma (Ozaki Takumi), as well as Tachibana Aoi (perfectly played by Ono Machiko) are all secondary roles whose personalities are much more complex than a superficial look might tell you. Our perception of these characters changes throughout the show as they evolve and their identities are gradually unveiled.

The heart of Light of My Lion lies within the relationship between Hiroto, Michito, and the little Lion, whose arrival is the catalyst for all the changes in the Komori household. Lion not only brings joy and energy to the house but also purpose and growth, pushing the two brothers out of their comfort zones. Thanks to Lion’s spontaneity, innocence, and courage, Hiroto and Michito find the strength to look at themselves, each other, and the world around them through a different lens. From here, the show then places them on a journey of self-discovery as their newfound brotherhood spurs them on to blossom beyond their current selves.

But even though they are “part of the same pride”, they are still individuals with their own dreams and needs. And that’s a very important aspect of Light of My Lion: familial love isn’t possessive or strict. On the contrary, it’s selfless and warm, sheltering us as we follow our own personal paths. This theme is skillfully explored through the depiction of Michito’s autism and Hiroto’s reality as a carer.

Michito: A Driving Force in Light of My Lion

First, Michito’s autism is an intrinsic part of his identity but not his entire identity. By avoiding the common “genius” or “apathetic” autistic representations that often pop up in the media, Light of My Lion gives Michito a well-rounded personality that goes beyond the autism traits that permeate his daily life.

Michito is a talented painter who has his own dreams and interests. He’s also given a wide range of emotions throughout the show, and it’s a wonder to see Michito express everything between joy and sorrow in his own way. Most importantly, he’s always aware of his surroundings and the struggles of his loved ones, and so, he’s an active participant in the resolution of all conflicts in the script. Subtly, he gives the space and support his brother needs, becoming a driving force for Hiroto’s actions.

Bando Ryota embodies Michito in an awe-inspiring performance. From the physicality of the role to the microexpressions that he delivers, Ryota gives life to his character. Thanks to a well-written character and his extraordinary performance, you are bound to adore Michito — smiling along with his achievements, learning with his sensitivity, and crying with his pain.

Hiroto: Reclaiming One’s Own Identity

Meanwhile, Hiroto’s role as a carer is explored with compassion. After all, it can’t be easy to care for someone who depends on you as much as Michito depends on Hiroto. Growing up, Hiroto shouldered the responsibility to adapt to his brother’s needs, which gave him a childhood that was clearly different from his peers’. As an adult, after losing his parents, he has given up on his dreams to look after Michito. And so, Light of My Lion examines the complex mix of emotions living within Hiroto.

Despite his kindness and profound brotherly love, Hiroto struggles to handle people’s opinions of Michito’s autism, stopping him from socialising with others in fear of what reactions he might receive. He also finds it hard to be constantly needed and, as a child and a young man, Hiroto can’t help but feel stuck in a routine that wasn’t of his own choosing. As the years have gone by, Hiroto has embraced his new reality, but as he focused on placing Michito first, he lost track of his own identity. So by showing both Hiroto’s love for his brother and his own personal struggles as a carer, Light of My Lion builds Hiroto’s character honestly and humanely.

Hiroto ultimately learns as much about Michito as he does about himself. By the end, he comes to understand that the two of them can be much more than what his limited beliefs dictate. During this revelation, he sees that communication is key and that he shouldn’t be scared of talking about and to Michito. The last episode is a marvellous ode to their relationship, highlighting their development and allowing Hiroto to finally convey to his brother what he truly feels, thinks, and wants.

Yagira Yuya delivers an incredible performance alongside Ryota, giving Hiroto the right amount of generosity, innocence, audacity, and vulnerability.

Light of My Lion & The Miraculous Power of a Child

It’s, of course, little Lion who ignites these reflections and changes. Unlike the “mature” children whom we often see in dramas, Lion is a child through and through: he’s loud, spontaneous, curious, and energetic. He also feels scared and yearns to be loved and accepted by the people around him. At the same time, he carries the innocent courage and trust that only children can embody. Lion learns what it’s like to live in a safe environment and to be truly loved when he meets the Komori brothers, who benefit from his presence as much as he benefits from theirs. Sato Tasuku is adorable, and he responds well to more experienced actors while giving Lion a strong and remarkable personality.

Choosing Your Genre: Instead of a Thriller, A Family Drama

The gentleness and beauty of the familial love they share is so enchanting that it spellbinds us into rooting for these three characters as if they are our own family. Our bond with them extends to the wonderful Tora-san (Denden), the old chef who lives down the street and cooks for the boys, and Aoi, who joins the clan later on.

Light of My Lion then offers a solid script focused on character development. Even though its main storyline is driven by a mystery, the show actively chooses to be a family drama instead of a thriller. By embracing its dramatic side and using the crime as something of a subplot, Light of My Lion shines as a compelling and heartfelt family tale.

Contrasting with the bright and colourful Komori household, the more mysterious narrative threads introduce heavy themes of physical and emotional abuse and corruption. The antagonists are given just the time and space that they need to make the story move forward — nothing more, nothing less. Even though this storyline receives a tidy ending, it doesn’t bother to share too many details of motives and punishments. Light of My Lion isn’t about foes and crimes, so we’re served as much time with our main characters and their allies as possible, focusing on their bonds, actions, and growth.

Then, Why Use A Mysterious Narrative Thread At All?

By providing these affable characters a story with a dark underbelly, the script emphasises the allure in the simplicity of Hiroto and Michito’s life. It reminds us of how fleeting and unique every single moment of our existence is. The everyday life that Hiroto, Michito, and Lion create together, with their joys and laughter despite the obstacles, is simply… magnificent. Each day presents them with some new miracle, and every moment they spend together is precious.

But will these days go on forever? Does anything last forever? Even as they might face the end of their convivial routine together, they know that the love they share goes further than physical presence. It’s part of their identity, allowing them to build their individual lives while remaining “part of the same pride.” And so, by escalating the challenges that the Komori brothers and Lion face, the story not only becomes more intense and emotional but also more inspirational.

A Final Technical Note Before We Go

Light of My Lion is shot in standard J-drama cinematography, but Tsuboi Toshio offers a direction that allows the characters and — most importantly — the performances to shine. The opening credits are absolutely stunning and deserve a special mention. The theme song, Fuujin by Vaundy, is also a catchy tune that expresses both the hope and the sadness of the show.

Should You Watch Light of My Lion?

TBS left the best for last. Light of My Lion is one of the best shows of 2024, a sensational tale of growth, courage, and love. Excellent performances and a well-written, heartwarming script offer a constellation of vibrant characters that we can’t help but fall in love with. While reminding us of the ever-changing nature of life and the strength that love provides us, Light of My Lion is a show that will inspire, encourage, and move you.

You can watch Light of My Lion on:

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Let me know in the comments if you’ve watched the show and what you thought of it!

Happy New Year! 🎊