Review Series Cinderella Closet (2025) – A Story About Self-Acceptance and True Love

 

Cinderella Closet | 2025 | 12 Episodes
Genre: Drama/Romance | Country: Japan
Cast: Ichika Osaki, Reo Matsumoto, Rintarô Hachimura
IMDB: 7.4
My Rate: 7/10

Haruka finds confidence and courage to be herself after meeting Hikaru, a crossdresser and stylist, who helps her transform not just her appearance but also her heart.

Warnings:

Contains sensual scenes, strong language, and alcohol.

Synopsis:

Haruka is a tomboy who doesn’t care much about her appearance. But when one of her coworkers, Keisuke, invites her out for her birthday, she feels the need to look stunning in front of him. The meeting between Haruka and Hikaru feels like unplanned fate.

Hikaru, a man skilled in makeup and a crossdresser, accidentally meets Haruka and decides to help her. Haruka initially doesn’t realize Hikaru is a man. But when the truth comes out, Haruka doesn’t change her opinion and continues to see Hikaru as someone very important in her life. Haruka is unaware that Hikaru secretly has feelings for her.

Haruka’s feelings start to waver with the appearance of Mio, Keisuke’s ex-girlfriend, and Shu, Hikaru’s coworker. Keisuke seems like a different person when he’s with Mio, stirring a bit of jealousy in her heart. Meanwhile, the closeness between Shu and Hikaru also sparks a different kind of jealousy, a fear of losing someone important.

Will Haruka and Hikaru’s relationship change?

 

Review:

Imagine if Cinderella fell in love with the “Fairy Godparent” helping her become a princess. Cinderella Closet invites us to see the classic story from a fresh perspective. This series isn’t just a cliché love story about a girl chasing her prince; it’s about finding oneself, being honest with your heart, and learning acceptance. Being beautiful isn’t just for others—it’s more important to do it for yourself.

The story begins with Haruka, a tomboy with various dreams after graduating school. But life isn’t as rosy as imagined; her dream of becoming a more stylish and attractive student is blocked by the harsh reality of working part-time. Then, one day, a prince-like figure, Keisuke, enters her life.

The meeting between Hikaru and Haruka feels natural and flows smoothly while showing the backgrounds of both characters. This sets a strong foundation for the entire story. Conflicts emerge as feelings develop: Haruka relies on Hikaru to attract Keisuke, while Hikaru hides his own feelings because he feels he’ll never be seen as a man by Haruka. Haruka also lacks awareness of Hikaru’s emotions.

Another layer of conflict comes from Hikaru’s parents, revealing his vulnerable side beneath his confident exterior. Mio’s arrival, Keisuke’s past, shakes Haruka’s self-confidence. On top of that, Shu, Hikaru’s coworker, appears, stirring feelings of fear of loss in Haruka.

All this tension is well-blended, balancing romance, friendship, and character growth. The series shows how internal and external conflicts shape the characters, making viewers feel their uncertainties and doubts.

The ending shows clear character development: openness and honesty with oneself provide a satisfying closure. Although the resolution feels quicker compared to the buildup of story and conflict, the message remains strong. True beauty isn’t just outward appearance—it’s an inner glow that will be seen by the right people without forcing it.

Overall, Cinderella Closet is a light yet meaningful watch, perfect for the weekend. The acting is charming, the chemistry works well, and the use of makeup and clothing feels natural without being overdone. There’s still room to explore the story’s depth to make it more memorable for viewers.

In the end, the series reminds us: beauty and love aren’t about changing for someone else, but about recognizing and accepting yourself.

"You don’t need to change just to get someone’s love, but change because you want to."

 

Memorable Scene:

Episode 10, where Haruka finally expresses her feelings to Hikaru, even knowing the risk of rejection. This reflects a common real-life situation known as the “Friendzone,” where feelings arise between friends but are hesitant to be expressed. Even if rejected, honesty and courage matter because relationships are not just about love but comfort and connection.

 

Memorable Quote:

"You don't date or marry someone for their abilities. It's for their company."

 

Ending:

Happy Ending

 

Recommendation:

Worth to Watch

(Aluna)