The World’s Greatest First Love: Proposal

The story is set at Marukawa Publishing, a modern publishing house in Japan. Specifically, it centers on the Emerald department, which is the shōjo manga editorial division known for producing popular romance titles.

The movie takes place in present-day contemporary Japan. The setting reflects modern workplace culture within the publishing industry, emphasizing current-time dynamics between editors, authors, and managers.

The movie explores several interconnected themes: Romantic Ties focusing on the evolving relationship between the main characters; Office Politics highlighting competitive dynamics within the publishing house; Hidden Feelings examining unexpressed emotions and confessions; and Multiple Couples showcasing different romantic paths through the ensemble cast.

Ritsu Onodera is a literary editor who leaves his father's company to escape nepotism and prove himself. He transfers to Marukawa Publishing's Emerald department, starting with a serious, reserved demeanor and a desire to establish his own professional identity independent of his family.

Masamune Takano is Onodera's boss in the Emerald department and his former high school classmate. He harbors lingering feelings from their past and openly pursues rekindling their romantic connection, using bold and sometimes intimidating approaches to challenge Onodera.

Takano aims to reignite the romance he shared with Onodera during high school. His motivation stems from genuine lingering feelings, and he strategically works to break down Onoder's professional resistance while navigating the boundaries between his managerial role and personal desires.

The Emerald department is Marukawa Publishing's shōjo manga editorial division. It handles the creation and editing of romance manga targeted at young female readers, serving as the primary backdrop where the characters' professional and personal romances intertwine.

Office politics create significant tension through competitive hierarchy within the Emerald department, tight deadlines, and power dynamics between editors and manga artists. Onoder's struggle to prove himself away from his father's shadow mirrors these broader workplace pressures, testing both his professional resolve and romantic relationships.

Beyond the main pair, the story features multiple couples including editor Kisa Shouta pursuing bookstore employee Yukina Kou, and the editorial relationship between Hatori and manga artist Yoshino Chiaki. Additional characters like Zen Kirishima and Takafumi Yokozawa appear in novel expansions, adding romantic variety to the ensemble.

The Hidden Feelings theme centers on the tension between professional boundaries and personal emotions. Characters struggle with confessions and strategic gestures as they navigate workplace relationships, with the story exploring how unexpressed feelings create both anticipation and risk in romantic pursuit.

The movie has a hopeful tone balanced with medium emotional intensity, blending personal and professional tensions. Rather than high drama, it focuses on reconciliation and personal growth, culminating in a happy ending where the central love is rekindled.