Created by Miyako Koshikawa, Tomomi Matoba, and Fumi Tsubota, the original Japanese infidelity-themed drama series “Fishbowl Wives” revolves around the idea that you eventually meet your better half. However, circumstances are not always in your favor. The story borrows from the manga of the same name by Ryo Kurosawa. Sakura, Hisako, Yuka, Yuriha, Noriko, and Saya are middle-aged women living in the same apartment. Although seemingly in happy marriages, they all feel the pangs of a forbidden romance one way or another. The idea of twin flames rules the story, while the goldfish metaphor ties the narrative together. You may be wondering if the concept of twin flames is genuine or not. If so, let us quench your curiosity. FRONT SPOILERS.
What are twin flames? Is this real?
The unlikely relationship between working wife Sakura and young adult fish geek Haruto forms the heart of the story. On the other hand, we see Sakura and Takuya walking away. Considering Takuya’s violent streak, the divorce favors Sakura. As the story revisits the past, we know that Haruto was present at the scene of Sakura’s accident. Construction workers accidentally smashed a pane of glass and the pieces fell on passers-by. Brave and kind, Sakura saved a girl from broken pieces of glass. The girl we know is Ran, Haruko’s sister. As this incident defines Sakura’s life, Haruko may be destined to shelter Sakura in times of need.
The series proposes that they are twin flames – and the concept is explored further in other story arcs. Yuriha meets a builder with the same scar as hers, and they strike up an affair. Saya Sanada’s husband manages to slow his pace. On the other hand, Hisako’s husband Taguchi strives to present a new version of himself in front of his wife. Hisako and Saya find their twin flames in their current partners. Towards the end of the first season, feng shui expert Mei further illustrates the concept of twin flames. She remains the linking element of the story, almost a divine presence. The idea is that there is a kindred spirit for everyone.
Also called “mirror soul”, the idea stems from a belief that sometimes a soul splits into two bodies. These two people fall into place when they pass each other. You feel instant desire and recognition when you encounter them in life. The bond is intense and spiritual – and the effect is both healing and demanding. They feel at home – the idea reiterated in Sakura and Hisako’s love stories. You also share similar values, judgments and perspectives on the world. In many ways, twin flames complement each other, much like the yin and yang symbol in Eastern cosmology.
When you’re near them, you feel an instant urge to connect with them, and when they’re far away, you feel a magnetic pull. Even when Sakura and Haruko part ways at the end, the final episode sees Sakura receiving cues that remind her of Haruto. She goes to the same beach where Haruto took her to enjoy the fireworks. However, it is also necessary to realize that you do not need a twin flame to complete you, and you make your own sense. In the end, Sakura then takes the independent exit, relying on neither Haruko nor Takuya.
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