Is Therapy Game Restart Better Than Therapy Game?

Therapy Game Restart is the sequel to Therapy Game by Hinohara Meguru and we wanted to do a deep dive to see if this is better or worse than the original duology. Let’s do a deep dive into how the story and characters have changed throughout this series.

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Review

In this review we’re doing things a little different. Since I already reviewed Therapy Game, I’m going to review this as a comparison piece because I think there are many things that are different between Therapy Game and Therapy Game Restart. Restart has concluded some of the hang ups I had about Therapy Game such as the fast pacing of the time line and further enhanced things I loved about it, such as the very real issues it brings to light about the state of discrimination in Japan. Let’s dig into the review!

You can read the original Therapy Game review here!

Story

We start this story around 6 months after Therapy Game with Shizuma officially telling his friends that he’s dating Minato. Minato is petty as per usual, but in general incredibly supportive of Shizuma and him becoming a licensed vet. In fact, it’s this supportiveness that really shows Minato’s character growth and I just want to give him props for that. Because despite his selfish nature he really makes it a point to be patient and support Shizuma, despite the fact that he feels lonely.

Of course, this is not without issues because now he finds himself worrying about Shizuma’s fidelity and becoming jealous of his new boss and how close it appears they are. Shizuma is also sacrificing so much time and energy for his job and neglecting Minato’s needs. It’s noble but it’s not ideal in a relationship that’s only 6 months old.

Shizuma decides the solution to this problem is to move in with Minato, which Minto is obviously hesitant about. They’ve only been dating 6 months! Because Minato is hesitant, Tatsuki is able to convince Shizuma that he’s being overbearing. Which further puts strain on the relationship as Shizuma tries to hold himself back. Of course, Minato finds this hilarious when he finds out. He spends time reassuring Shizuma that he does actually want to move in with him.

However, here is where things start to break down. Despite being excited, Shizuma’s job is constantly getting in the way, and his relationship with the Director of the clinic begins to strengthen. Shizuma is not interested in them romantically at all, as shown multiple times throughout the two volumes. However, Minato does not take kindly to this, but he also doesn’t communicate with Shizuma which… MINATO WHY?

Throughout volumes three and four this keeps being an issue and I kind of wanted to shake the two of them for not communicating properly. However, this is very, very real to real relationships, especially when you’re trying not to let those feelings get the better of you. I don’t blame the two of them for being stupid. Things kind of resolve in Volume 4, and transitioning into volume 5, which just released in Japan, we have a whole new set of problems involving Minato’s insecurity surrounding Shizuma’s bisexuality.

However, it does lead us to a a very spicy scene where Minato is in drag. I won’t spoil it with a picture but, it’s really something to look forward to when volume 5 finally releases!

Characters

Whilst this was extensively covered in the original Therapy Game review, I feel like these characters have actually grown a lot during Therapy game Restart. Their growth centres around the two of them as a couple and how they solve problems and think about each other and it’s wonderful to watch them evolve as they settle into their relationship.

Shizuma has grown in the sense that he’s very ready to take the next step with Minato. He’s very ready to move in together and he’s also very ready to be open about being in a relationship with him. Which, if anyone is aware of the current state of Japan and their LGBTQ attitudes is incredibly brave. Minato is more content to be quiet and under the radar when it comes to the wider world outside of their immediate circle of friends.

The consequences of Shizuma being open is constantly shown throughout Therapy Game Restart and I think it’s very true and real towards the attitudes in Japan. Whilst his colleagues, all women, are generally pretty kind and accepting, his boss does have some choice words. Though they are not directly about his queerness, they do cut deeply. Whether they meant them or not is another question. Shizuma is very quick to defend Minato and their relationship, determined to show Minato that those who don’t care matter and those who care don’t matter.

Minato, on the other hand, is still quite anxious and insecure about the thoughts and feelings of the outer world. Despite Shizuma’s constant reassurances and their seemingly concrete relationship, Minato is still very concerned and jealous. Whilst you can’t help you feelings, you do control how you react to them and Minato reacts in some… interesting ways. From straight up ignoring the problem, ignoring Shizuma and getting angry at him for little to no reason.

However, you can tell that Minato really cares in this book. He’s asking his brother, Mito, for his help and opinions as well as Shohei, Shizuma’s brother. This is a big step for Minato because in general he’s quite a closed off person, preferring to deal with his problems himself.

He’s also trying to be more open towards what Shizuma wants. Minato himself doesn’t feel ready to move in with Shizuma, but he decides to go along with him and allow Shizuma to talk him into it because he secretly wants to know what it would be like. In fact, he’s almost upset when Mito and Shohei announce they’re moving in together first.

Minato is also not quite ready to be fully out like Shizuma wants to be. However, this seems to be less about Minato and more about Shizuma and how it would affect Shizuma’s life experiences. He is proven right when they are refused an apartment when the owner finds out that they’re moving in as a couple. This is absolutely not an uncommon thing in Japan, sadly, and there are very few laws to protect same sex couples from this kind of discrimination, unlike in the EU or certain American States.

Check out this article from Nikkei Asia outlining the current LGBTQ discrimination bill and the issues with it.

Minato is incredibly aware of these troubles and he wants to protect Shizuma as much as possible, despite Shizuma not wanting or needing the protection.

Rating

Here we go, let’s come to the conclusion: Is Therapy Game Restart better than Therapy game? For me, it’s a resounding YES. I felt like this story was much more realistic and touched on some very real issues faced by the LGBTQ community in Japan.

Overall Rating

Overall, I’ve bumped this up to a 5/5 stars purely for the light it sheds on the current issues faced in Japan in an entertaining way. Despite my issues with Minato’s jealousy and lack of communication, I think this is also a very realistic portrayal of relationships. I have always argued that Minato is a very well written but flawed character, and it’s a hill I’m prepared to die on.

Spiciness Level

Bumping up to a very nice 4/5 chillies! Therapy Game Restart just adds that little bit of extra spice to the story via the smutty scenes and that steamy shower scene was just *chefs kiss*.

Fluffiness Level

I have bumped the fluffiness up slightly. It’s not quite tooth rotting but it does have some very sweet and tender moments in this series that makes me very pleased to see. Who says you can’t have it all? Fluff and steamy is a beautiful combination.

Number of Red Flags

Ho boy. Minato, we need to work on your communication skills. I know you’re trying but my dude. You are literally carrying these red flags! We’re staying at 2 red flags for jealousy, having a moment of dub con in reaction to it and your lack of communication.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would argue that Therapy Game Restart is a much more realistic portrayal of a relationship and therefore I place it above Therapy Game in my rankings. I really believe that the characters are growing into their relationship with each other and they’re making the best of their situation, even through the jealousy present in this one.

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