It Started With a Kiss

It Started With a Kiss is a live-action take on Kaoru Tada's manga, following Yuan Xiangqin, a warmhearted but clumsy schoolgirl who has long admired the aloof genius Jiang Zhi Shu. After she finally confesses her feelings and is politely rebuffed, a housing mishap leaves her and her single father without a place to live. By coincidence they end up moving into the same household as Jiang Zhi Shu, which forces the two into frequent, awkward contact. The series traces how small domestic moments, misunderstandings, and quiet acts of care gradually change their relationship, balancing light comedy with sincere emotional beats without giving away major plot turns. Set in modern Taiwan, it also emphasizes everyday life, school scenes, and friendships.

Released in 2005 and directed by Qu Youning, this Taiwanese adaptation brings Kaoru Tada's Itazura na Kiss to Mandarin-language TV. Ariel Lin and Joe Cheng lead the cast, supported by Jiro Wang, Hsu Wei-Ning, and Aaron Yan, and aired locally.

While the show didn't sweep major international awards, it earned strong viewer attention and helped elevate its leads within regional television. Its reputation rests more on fan devotion and cultural visibility than on trophy cases. The cast received steady media coverage, and the series sustained lively online fan discussions regionally.

Among Mandarin-speaking audiences the series became a reference point for TV romantic comedies, often recalled for its humorous misunderstandings and tender domestic scenes. It contributed to the ongoing popularity of manga-to-drama adaptations in the region and kept conversations about Itazura na Kiss alive, and its moments still echo among fans.

Audience and critic responses leaned positive, reflected in a 7.5/10 vote average from 93 ratings. Viewers highlighted the chemistry between Ariel Lin and Joe Cheng, the show's comic timing, and its warm treatment of themes like young love, persistence, and family bonds. Some critics noted uneven plotting at times, though.