Therapy Game (2025)

Great start, mediocre progression and ending

The other day, I was scrolling Reddit and came across a post where the poster was making a list of dramas where the FL was just as into the ML as he was into her. The poster argued that their list stemmed from them being exhausted of dramas where the ML was always chasing the FL, while she all but ignored him or acted as a spectator in the relationship

Now, granted, the post was about straight couples, and the shows in question were Chinese dramas, but if the post were to encompass all kinds of dramas, this specific show would 100% not be included in that list.

Shizuma spent so much of his time chasing. He is very much the devoted husband who will do everything for his partner, even though his efforts almost always go unnoticed and unappreciated. Minato kept running. He was so hot and cold. Even his confession to Shizuma in the 2nd last episode felt like pulling teeth.

You could argue that Minato did that cause of his trauma, and I'd say back that in the year of the Lord 2025, therapy (actual therapy, using love to therapize yourself as this show does) is more accessible than it's ever been. Find that before finding a partner. As clearly shown here, skipping that very important step leads you to deeply or constantly hurt the other person.

Also, the show kept hinting at this huge secret about Minato's background (and thus his trauma) only for the whole thing to be sorted in like half an episode. All that buildup for nothing. You couldn't even feel the impact of it because of how quickly they 'resolved' it.

All in all, the show had a great premise, but it was unfortunately ruined by a lack of proper direction. Once Shizuma finds out about the whole bet thing, everything falls apart. I'd say the show tried to do too much with too little

📷The 2nd couple... eh🤷🏾‍♀️ They are very forgettable and don't add much to the overall story. If I had to define their role in the story, I'd call them 'explainers.'
📷The kissing and NC scenes... *insert deep sigh here*

Random question:
Uhh.. does anyone else get bugged by the fact that these characters wake up with perfectly styled hair? There is no bed-head with these people.

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Buena adaptación, disfrutable y buena actuación de Naoya como Minato

La adaptación estuvo muy linda, Naoya hizo un buen papel como Minato, este manga es mi favorito porque me identifico mucho con Minato, ver que el actor pudo representar bien las emociones e inseguridades de él fue muy satisfactorio.

Si me parece que fue muy corta y por eso algunas cosas estuvieron en distinto orden de como pasaron sin embargo al final de cuentas lograron mostrar bien de una manera sencilla la historia de ambos.

Recomiendo mucho leer el manga porque en cuanto a sentimientos y drama esta mucho mejor detallado y puedes entender tanto el trauma de Minato como el de Shizuma y como ambos son la salvación de otro.

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hurt & healing

Overall: I had mixed feelings about this series. Adapted from manga series "Therapy Game" by Hinohara Meguru which I haven't read and I reviewed the series based on its own merits. 9 episodes about 20 minutes each. Aired on GagaOOLala https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/5935/therapy-game-2025 (not available in Japan or South Korea).

Content Warnings: held against will, manipulation, trauma; past death, murder, manipulation, child abuse

What I Liked
- easy to understand premise
- caring moments
- a character stood up to his friend
- supportive people (friends, siblings, ex girlfriend)

Room For Improvement
- started with a flash forward
- nonsense stuff: his friends just left him when he was super drunk, a cliche in episode 1, a person couldn't get out of a necklace that had a magnetic clasp/looked very easy to break, all those candles and magically they have what they need in a 10 year abandoned house
- really wish therapy with a licensed professional was at least discussed if not shown
- in real life, Minato would be so exhausting, I'm not 100% convinced these two will stay happy together

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A Heartbroken Straight Guy to BL

Wow, I have watched almost every Japanese BL this year, and most of them focus on university or high school love stories. Therapy Game is something completely different. It feels mature, emotional, and refreshing. Finally, a Japanese BL that explores adult relationships with real depth. I also love the addition of the drag queen and drag king supporting characters, it is the first time I have seen that in a Japanese BL, and they made the series even more entertaining and vibrant.

The story begins with Shizuma, a gentle veterinarian who has just been betrayed by his girlfriend. Heartbroken and lost, he goes drinking one night to forget his pain. That is where he crosses paths with Minato, a confident and flirtatious man who immediately senses Shizuma’s vulnerability. What starts as a casual encounter turns unexpectedly intimate when the supposedly straight Shizuma makes the first move. By morning, Shizuma cannot remember what happened, leaving Minato both frustrated and intrigued. Instead of letting it go, Minato decides to play a dangerous emotional game to make Shizuma fall for him, only to later walk away.

This setup instantly reminded me of Revenged Love, where love and revenge become dangerously entangled. Both series explore how revenge can blur into desire and how emotional wounds often lead people to seek connection in unexpected places. Like Revenged Love, Therapy Game keeps you questioning who is truly in control and whether the game is about payback or something deeper.

From the very first episode, I was hooked. The chemistry between the leads is intense, and the kiss scenes are beautifully shot and realistic, nothing like the stiff or awkward ones often seen in other Japanese BLs. The writing is mature and layered, showing both characters’ emotional struggles and personal growth as they navigate love, confusion, and vulnerability.
The supporting characters bring balance and humour to the darker emotional tones. The drag performers are not just background figures but meaningful voices in the story, offering perspective, acceptance, and comfort amidst the emotional chaos. Their scenes bring lightness and warmth to the story while reinforcing the theme of being true to oneself.

Visually, it is stunning. The cinematography is polished, the soundtrack fits perfectly, and the pacing flows naturally. It is rare to see a Japanese BL that blends emotional storytelling, sensual tension, and moral complexity so effortlessly.
I finished the first episode wanting more immediately. Therapy Game is bold, heartfelt, and beautifully executed. It shares the same emotional intensity as Revenged Love but adds a quieter, more introspective tone that makes it uniquely touching.

A strong 9.5/10, captivating from start to finish, with chemistry, drama, and depth that keep you emotionally invested in every moment.

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Good drama.. i wish people like shizuma actually existed

I don't get the hate this drama is getting cz for me a good drama is something that made me watch all the episodes and left me satisfied in the end and thats exactly what this did.

1st I'd like to address the thing that drew me to this drama and that is Kida. He's just too beautiful to skip this drama (nearly did cz of the name)

Anyways loved every bit of this drama and watched it without skipping. I also like minato not being magically healed from his trauma instead he learnt to cope with it and look at things from a different angle by the end of the drama. He always had people around him he just never realized it.

Shizuma was a total green forest. I really loved his character although ik people like that dont exist irl as for Minato he's more like a yellow flag. He did some wrongs but i get why he did those.

Overall loved it so I'm giving it a 10

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Sweet, soft, and absolutely heart-melting!!

At first, I thought this would just be a light, sweet drama. But honestly, it completely swept me off my feet and kept me feeling all the sweetness the whole time.

The story isn’t too heavy, making it super easy and cozy to watch. The acting and chemistry between the leads? Absolutely adorable. it literally had me melting. I also really loved Shizuma’s character, so kind and gentle. Minato gave such an emotional and lovable performance too. The second couple added even more life and charm to the story.

Every single visual in this drama is stunning, and I especially loved the ending.. it was just beautiful. The soundtrack fits perfectly and makes the whole experience even more engaging. If you’re looking for a light, super sweet drama with gorgeous visuals, this is an absolute must watch!🛐🤍

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