Hotto Supotto

I don't really have much to say so I don't know that I'll be able to write enough to reach the required minimum. That said if it kind of stayed like the way it's been the eight episodes so far I think I could watch a lot more. It's so low key but at the same time funny and in this interesting way so "on point". I also wonder if the way the dialogue has this funny charming melodious quality sounds as striking to people who speak Japanese as it does to my ear ? Okay now I'm just filling up space. I like it. I like that it just seems so kind of intimate in the way that it does to me and I hope that there will be more at least for awhile. It's been awhile since I wrote my review, maybe I've seen three or four more episodes, and even if it would probably be undesirable for the actors I just want to say that I don't want it to ever end and now when I watch new episodes I'm filled with the bittersweet awareness that with each new one the last one draws closer. "We were wearing the same jacket. So I wanted the conversation to end soon." Tarantino eat your heart out . . ..

Endo Kiyomi lives in a tiny hotel at the base of Mount Fuji. She has an ordinary life and an ordinary job with a daily routine and the same friends since she can remember. Then one day, starting with an accident, her so ordinary life starts revealing itself to actually be more extraordinary than ordinary, while remaining relatable.

It quickly became one of my favourite series.

If you like slice of life type of series, and relating to every day life and humour I hightly recommend it.

If you are learning japanese and/or like japanese culture and humour, I highly recommand it as well.

(And I can bet the person who actually said "a soviet era documentary would be more refreshing" than Hot Spot has actually never watched a soviet era documentary or the full Hot Spot serie)

Deliciously quirky-but-gentle comedy of manners about a nerdy fifty-something alien working as a hotel desk clerk in Mt Fuji.

Mr Takahashi, who looks totally normal, comes out as an extra-terrestrial to his co-worker - 40ish single mother Kiyomi Endo - after he had to use his powers to save her from being hit by a truck while cycling home. Ms Endo lets a couple of her close friends in on the secret, but the neurotic Mr Takahasi pleads with her to keep it quiet beyond that.

Of course, any other program about aliens living on earth with superhuman strength and speed would be the cue for plots about planet -saving escapades. But the twist here is that Mr Takahashi has otherwise very human attributes. He's a lazy, vain middle-aged man with a bad back and often skives off from his work post on the nightshift to use the hotel onsen, insisting he needs to bathe in the hot mineral waters to 'restore' his powers.

The other twist is that Ms Endo and her friends plead with him to use his powers, not to fight injustice, but to attend to mundane tasks like recovering stolen bikes or dislodging basketballs from gymnasium ceilings or replacing screen protectors on smart phones. In each case, Mr Takahashi (like a put-upon husband) makes excuses and tries to wriggle out of doing any work. Of course, ultimately he gives in begrudgingly and saves the day.

It's this juxtaposition between the alien's shear ordinariness and the extra-terrestrial nature of his powers that ignites the comedy.

Being Japanese, the show also derives much of its humour from social embarrassment and discomfort - as well as by highlighting the contrast between the rigidly polite codes of Japanese culture and what the characters are really thinking.

Altogether, the low-stakes situations and social tensions together with the deadpan delivery of the lines - in particular by the delightful Mikako Ichikawa (who plays Ms Endo) - makes for an almost Seinfeldian mix. Like that classic US comedy, ''The Hot Spot' is a 'show about nothing' except for one detail - the central character comes from another planet.

It works brilliantly as a satire of indulged male malingerers in Japanese culture who are superheroes in their own heads but who have to be brought down to earth by busy, practical women who just need a few chores done.

The fantasy 'fish out of water' element of a supernatural being living awkwardly in the human world while trying not to blow their cover also is rich in comedic potential and recalled for me classic 60s US sitcoms like ''Bewitched' and ''My Favourite Martian'.

In summary, this charming and sweetly affectionate comedy is just the tonic I needed in an increasingly crazy world.

Well, after two episodes, I'm hooked. It really is just a lot of very mundane conversations between three friends and occasionally an alien who's actually just half alien. Not too much happens and yet it's very funny. The cast is great, almost mumbling their lines sometimes. The vast majority of episode 2 Took Pl. At a table at a diner. The writing to be that funny with Monday dialogue between friends is genius. They're so good. It's almost a contest of under acting. They're going to use a colleagues, fairly minor superpower to solve everyday problems. So if that sounds appealing, you should watch it.

Thoroughly enjoyed all the episodes of "The Hot Spot"! Superb ending !!! Alien and Time machine ;)

The stunning backdrop of Mt. Fuji adds a mesmerizing touch, making the series visually captivating. The story unfolds at a steady pace, with fascinating characters and brilliant cinematography keeping you engaged. The hotel and restaurant featured in the series are beautifully portrayed, adding charm to the setting-I'd love to visit them someday! The attention to detail, compelling performances, and immersive storytelling make this a must-watch. Simply loved it! Beautiful, interesting and Funny i must say, hope to see more episodes. Truly engaging story line!!!