Hold on, Harutora-kun (2026)

Akward nc-scenes and refusal to kiss does take away from a nice series

Some think this is the best JBL 2026, but of course it's not. Actors not commiting to their roles and everything what it should include does take away from this series. This *IS* disappointing. The script has the classic clichés in it, which we have seen so often for years and only drive forced drama. Still not a fan of that.

As typical with JBLs we have an introvert, insecure uke but at least we know he is gay. But of course he gets bullied from many people. In contrast we have a extrovert, energetic, athletic seme who is sure of himself but has problems keeping himself in check, it always seems his desire for his lover will make him to do something stupid.

Of course when the uke is coming out to his mom, it's not going well. You should not do it talking on the street, that is not the right place to do it. Mom is shocked but they talk it out and mom is educating herself about having a gay son. The seme has not come out in school, but he does so with some people. His family is over the moon with his little uke. The talks between the couple are really in a very sensitive way, but - there is no real kissing ever, not even in the finale. They have two akward nc-scene in the show which made me wonder if they had an intimacy coordinator on set, I doubt it. Production quality was very high, cinematography nice and everything fit well together.

Overall it's a nice show, very fluffy, with some drama but with stereotypical clichés. Because it ends with uke senpai graduating there is a hope this series gets a 2nd season and it would be so much more well deserved compared to other series. The only downside are the dead fish kisses and the akward nc-scenes.

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Awkward, Cute, and Surprisingly Addictive: Harutora Brings Light Into Sui’s World

Japanese culture is known for being formal and respectful, and having been to Japan 🇯🇵 myself, I have witnessed that firsthand. Japanese people are some of the most respectful people I have encountered, so when the series begins with the male leads bowing and even kneeling down, I saw it as part of Japanese culture rather than something strange.

This series is honestly so awkward and cute. Japanese dramas always seem to come up with the weirdest plots, but somehow they get you addicted every time. Sui is bullied for being gay, which leads him to hide behind a face mask and keep his emotions to himself. He can be really awkward, but I can understand where his behavior comes from. He has built walls around himself because he is afraid of getting too close to people. Then Harutora comes along with his straightforward and warm personality, slowly becoming a light in Sui's nightmare and helping him open up again. And we already got a first kiss!

I was also really happy to see Ishi Masaya from School Trip: Joined a Group I'm Not Close To get the main role of Harutora. He fits the character really well, and I was glad to see him take on another BL lead role. The poster is also incredibly cute and matches the sweet atmosphere of the series.

Overall, Hold on, Harutora-kun is a very light and fun BL to watch. The story is simple, the romance is cute, and the awkward moments make it entertaining. It may not be the strongest BL out there, but it is an easy and enjoyable watch if you are looking for something sweet, youthful, and uncomplicated.

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