The hardest person to face is often the one staring back at us in the mirror.

In the new Japanese GL drama Call Me by No-Name, adapted from Shasendo Yuki’s acclaimed novel, viewers are invited into a poignant and emotionally intricate journey of identity, trust, and self-discovery. The story centers on Megumi Yotsugi (Kudo Mio), a bright yet unassuming student at Eichi University, whose life is forever altered when she encounters Kotoha Furuhashi (Osaki Ichika), a mysterious and enigmatic girl abandoned at a garbage dump. What begins as Megumi’s earnest desire for friendship takes an unexpected turn when Kotoha proposes a peculiar wager: Megumi must act as her girlfriend and uncover her true name to achieve the bond she seeks.

The first two episodes lay a compelling foundation for a series that promises not only a gripping romance between two women grappling with their inner struggles but also an emotional exploration of self-acceptance and growth.

Sylvia Plath’s poem The Mirror about a woman confronting her unfiltered reflection in the mirror comes to mind—evoking the raw, visceral emotions of facing the truth. Watching Call Me by No-Name conjures a similar feeling, but here, the focus shifts from the truth of aging to the unfiltered truths these two women must confront about themselves. It’s a deeply powerful journey, made even more compelling as their relationship, built on half-truths, evolves into a process of mutual discovery and understanding.

Though we’ve only scratched the surface of Megumi and Kotoha’s story, the intense chemistry between Kudo Mio and Osaki Ichika, paired with the weight of what each character is facing, sets the stage for a drama that has already captured my heart.

For a series steeped in mystery and raw emotion, don’t miss Call Me by No-Name, now streaming on Gagaoolala.

Rating- 4 out of 5