Pop culture in Japan is mostly considered to feature only anime and manga. Nevertheless, in recent years, there has been a surge in quality BL (Boys Love) dramas. Some of the best Japanese BL dramas to watch include Perfect Propose, My Beautiful Man, and Old Fashion Cupcake.
The aforementioned series are some of the popular Japanese Boys Love shows right now. With their impeccable storylines, the J-dramas feature heart-fluttering moments and comical scenes. This article looks at some of the popular Japanese BL dramas to binge-watch.
My Beautiful Man
My Beautiful Man (Utsukushii Kare) is a 2021 J-drama based on the novel He, Who is Beautiful by Nagira Yuu. The series, which stars Hagiwara Riku and Yagi Yusei, consists of six episodes. The storyline revolves around a 17-year-old student, Hira. He is a loner with low grades and wants to remain invisible in his school. He fears his interaction with his classmates will lead to bullying because of his stuttering speech. However, things change when Kiyoi Sou enters his class.
Hira is mesmerized by the newbie, who instantly becomes quite popular among students. Kiyoi Sou uses his popularity to order Hira around for his errands. Yet, Hira does not mind. Directed by Sakai Mai, it also stars Takano Akira, Tsubone Yuto, Sakurai Kento, and Momoka. The drama (seasons 1 and 2) is available on Rakuten Viki with English subtitles.
Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!
Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?! is a popular webtoon of the same name. The Japanese BL drama draws inspiration from it. The synopsis reads, “After a shy office worker unexpectedly gains the ability to read minds, he discovers that his handsome colleague can’t stop thinking about him!”
Starring Akaso Eiji and Machida Keita, the 2022 J-drama revolves around a virgin whose life changes when he turns 30. He can read people’s minds when he touches them. This way, he discovers that his successful and handsome colleague has a crush on him. Recently, the love story has been adapted into an anime, which is available on Netflix. Also, Thailand has remade the series, starring Tawan Vihokratana and Thitipoom Techaapaikhun.
Old Fashion Cupcake
Old Fashion Cupcake is a 2022 Japanese BL drama starring Takeda Kouhei as Nozue and Kimura Tatsunari as Togawa. It tells the story of a 39-year-old Nozue who struggles in his mundane life. Along with many problems, he also does not appreciate the rude behavior of his junior Togawa.
However, the senior does not know that Togawa has immense respect for him and is also attracted to him. One day, the two bump into each other at a pancake shop. Since then, fate has brought them together in the same place, and they somehow get entangled in each other’s lives. Fans can watch the drama on Netflix and Rakuten Viki.
Perfect Propose
Perfect Propose is a 2024 J-drama, starring Shunya Kaneko as Hiro and Kouta Nomura as Kai. It became one of the best Japanese BL dramas of 2024. It is available on Rakuten Viki with English subtitles.
The official synopsis reads, “Hiro, severely overworked, can barely function outside his toxic workplace. When he encounters Kai, a childhood friend he had once promised to marry, he finds he is steadily regaining a sense of purpose – yet Kai’s motives remain unclear.”
Ossan’s Love
Ossan’s Love is a 2018 hit BL drama based on the tropes of the love triangle and office romance. It follows the story of 33-year-old Haruta Soichi (Tanaka Kei) and Maki Ryota (Hayashi Kento).
Due to a family problem, Haruta has to live alone but he doesn’t know how to survive independently. Hence, he moves in with his coworker Maki. Things get complicated for Haruta when Maki and another coworker confess their love for him. The series is available on Viki and Netflix.
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