Both the Japanese film and the Korean drama are about working hard towards academic success against all odds.

The main characters in both dramas (Hotaru and Arisugawa) are a little dense and silly about their love life. They both start relationships with a superior at their job. In Hotaru no Hikari the male lead is more harsh, while in Tokyo Alice he is much more gentle and is often timid as well, despite his appearance. But in both dramas the main character's love interest is a good man, who has deep feelings for an innocent girl, who is silly to the point of being plain stupid sometimes.

Both are directed by Shunji Iwai and have his signature style. Beautiful films in all respects, that will appeal to those who love quiet, introspective, slow films that don't spell things out for the viewer. I honestly believe that the director is someone who has great respect for his audience.

Same writer-director: Shunji Iwai. Both movies are beautiful, with a special charm. "Hana and Alice" will appeal to a wider audience. "April Story" may be boring to some, but it is a gem of a movie, for those who can appreciate it.

The relationship between the two protagonists is similar. A troubled schoolgirl and an older male living on the outskirts of society.