Netflix continues to diversify its international programming with the addition of S&X, a Japanese live-action adaptation of Kisei Tada’s 2021-2022 manga, S&X: The Confession of Therapist Ichito Shimotori. This romantic drama series stars Kento Nakajima as a sincere and slightly eccentric sex therapist who dares to take on the taboo topic of sex and defy constricting societal expectations to help others. But beneath his work lies buried pain and struggles that get in the way of his own healing and relationships. Throughout its seven 39-51 minute episodes, S&X takes viewers on an engaging, thought-provoking journey that’s worth your attention.
S&X: STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?
Opening Shot: We zoom in on a glowing circle as a voiceover discusses sex and how Japan ranks among the lowest in the world in sexual satisfaction. The circle morphs into vibrant, distorted, spinning scenes of Tokyo nightlife as the voiceover shares that once the sun sets, people reveal their true selves, only to slip back into their more prudish public personas by the next morning. Luckily, the narrator is here to help with intimate issues… even if everyone around him seems judgmental of and mortified by his profession.
The Gist: Ichito Shimotori (Kento Nakajima) is a 32-year-old sex therapist who runs Shimotori Clinic with the help of moodmaker nurse Yuta Saikawa (Ryota Miura) and grounded administrative assistant Marin Natsume (Sawako Fujima). Although Japan’s low birth rate and general discomfort around open discussion of sex make sex therapy a struggling and borderline taboo profession there, Ichito and his team offer sympathetic, dedicated care to their few clients no matter the issue. From sex addiction to inappropriate behavior to lingering traumas and beyond, Ichito hears out every concern with an open mind and takes a devoted, unconventional approach to finding “prescriptions” catered to each individual.
Ichito is the first to say that everyone has concerns about the topic of sex, and he is no exception to this rule. Although he hides it from everyone but his own therapist, Sion Kaze (Sayaka Yamaguchi), and mentor Professor Daisuke Kurusu (Yusuke Santamaria), Ichito has his own lingering pain and complex feelings surrounding sex due to a traumatizing incident in his past. But when his first love from childhood, Yumi Ichinose (Yuko Araki), suddenly resurfaces in his life 17 years after Ichito inexplicably disappeared and cut contact, the sex therapist is forced to undergo his own transformative journey.
With the combination of Yumi’s job as a well-known and admired “pure and innocent” local news field reporter, plus the scorn and pushback from respected medical school dean Norio Toyohara (Shiro Sano), Ichito faces mounting pressure in both his professional and personal lives. In the process, Ichito will realize that to help others, he must first help himself, leading him on a moving path towards lasting love, growth, and acceptance.
What Shows Will It Remind You Of? S&X may remind you of Western shows about sex therapy, like Sex Education and Masters of Sex, as well as Japanese shows that explore mental health, sexuality, and social commentary, like Shrink: Psychiatrist Yowai, My Husband Won’t Fit, and March Comes In Like A Lion.
Our Take: When it comes to addressing the sensitive topic of sex, Netflix’s S&X feels unique and comprehensive in its approach, particularly through its Japanese lens. Both here in the US and over in Japan, sex often feels like a taboo topic, with the latter nation even more tight-lipped about openness towards intimacy and sexuality. With that in mind, I especially love and am impressed by S&X‘s commitment to addressing these things in considerate, thought-provoking ways through the experiences and struggles of its well-written, multi-layered characters. Even in silly or light-hearted moments, no one feels like a caricature, and the more humorous moments are balanced by serious moments and earnest efforts to destigmatize intimate issues and sex therapy.
The show largely rests on Kento Nakajima’s shoulders, who knocks it out of the park as Ichito Shimotori. Surrounding Nakajima is an equally talented cast who fill out the show’s world and pull you in with strong, believable performances from everyone, no matter how big or small the role. In addition to the great acting, the show is bolstered by incredible cinematography and compelling storylines that further immerse viewers in the plot and make it easy to feel invested in the show and its characters. S&X offers unflinching looks at the good, bad, and ugly of Japanese society and its judgments on sex, queer relationships, gender roles, workplace harassment, and more. It’s a well-made show and a fascinating watch whether or not you’re a fan of non-English media or Japanese culture, and is definitely worth a watch for anyone looking for quality TV that addresses sensitive topics with respect and care.
Performance Worth Watching: Kento Nakajima delivers a winning performance full of sincerity and charm as the show’s compassionate, hard-working central sex therapist, Ichito Shimotori. Even more compelling are Ichito’s buried pain, internal conflict, and trauma that occasionally rise to the surface and impact viewers thanks to Nakajima’s vulnerable, committed performance.
Sex And Skin: Naturally, in a show called S&X, there is sexual content of some sort in every episode, although not as much skin or graphic content as you might expect. Still, the show is definitely meant for mature audiences, so viewer discretion is advised.
Parting Shot: Interspersed with a few blurry flashbacks of an unknown incident, Ichito speaks with fellow therapist Sion Kaze (Sayaka Yamaguchi), ending the episode on a shocking confession: “I don’t have the right to love anyone. I don’t even want to imagine myself having sex. I became a sex therapist… because I hate sex.”
Sleeper Star: It’s genuinely difficult to pick because the first episode already has several candidates to choose from. Yuko Araki’s Yumi Ichinose, Ryota Miura’s Saikawa, and Sawako Fujima’s Nanase all stand out as intriguing characters I’d like to know better, and I look forward to seeing more of the actors’ engaging performances from here on out.
Most Pilot-y Line: Ichito has a line that becomes almost a catchphrase that he repeats to clients throughout the season: “Everyone has concerns when it comes to sex.”
Our Call: Don’t let the one-inch barrier of subtitles or intimate subject matter prevent you from giving this well-made, engaging, and thought-provoking series a chance. Say yes to S&X and STREAM IT!
Maddy Casale is a Chicago-based writer and comedian who covers everything from animated series to Hallmark movies. Follow her on Duolingo @MCasale.
