Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!

A shy and unassuming salaryman named Kiyoshi Adachi discovers he possesses a magical ability on his 30th birthday: he can read the minds of anyone he touches. This power comes as a result of remaining a virgin until the age of 30, a folk belief associated with becoming a wizard. Initially overwhelmed, his life takes a surprising turn when he accidentally touches his handsome and popular colleague, Yuichi Kurosawa, and discovers Kurosawa harbors deep romantic feelings for him. Kiyoshi must now navigate this unexpected situation, using his newfound ability to understand Kurosawa's true feelings while grappling with his own emotions and the potential consequences of his magic.

While specific critical reviews for the 2024 film adaptation are still emerging, the source manga and the preceding 2022 TV drama adaptation received widespread acclaim for its heartwarming story, charming characters, and positive representation of LGBTQ+ themes. It is generally praised for its lighthearted humor, emotional depth, and genuine portrayal of developing relationships.

• Praised for its sweet and tender exploration of first love and the anxieties surrounding it.

• Appreciated for its comedic elements rooted in the protagonist's awkwardness and the fantastical premise.

• Celebrated for its positive and authentic portrayal of a same-sex romance.

Google audience: Audience reception for the 'Cherry Magic!' franchise, including the TV drama and the anticipation for the film, highlights a strong appreciation for its feel-good nature, relatable characters, and the heartwarming development of the central romance. Viewers often cite the show's ability to evoke genuine emotion and its positive, uplifting message as key reasons for its popularity.

The original manga won the 'An An Magazine's Sexiest Man Award' for its character Yuichi Kurosawa. The 2022 TV drama adaptation was highly popular and won several awards including the Galaxy Award for Best Drama and awards for Keita Machida and Eiji Akaso at the WEIBO Account Festival.

The 'folk belief' that being a virgin at 30 turns you into a wizard is a real, albeit humorous, superstition that gained traction in Japan, forming the core concept of the popular manga series.