Japanese LGBT+ Main & Side Characters/Romances

#201

Continuing main romance between two MLs.

It was nice to see these extra moments. It was an enjoyable watch.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

#202

Continuing main romance between two MLs.

A very short and sweet little epilogue with the MLs spending a morning together.

Can be found on free websites

#203

Main romance between two MLs, with a prominent love triangle.

My thoughts on the special itself: Felt like I finally had to watch this. It was definitely nowhere near as good as the original drama or the following spinoffs/sequels. Honestly, I'd recommend skipping it. It's not really funny or has any real charm to it.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

#204

Features a Queer SFL, Kanno Seira, who has unrequited feelings for the main FL, Asagi Soramame. She does make some choices that are not kind but is not herself an unkind person.

We get very obvious clues as to Seira liking Soramame, with Ep 8 seeing her outright admitting to the ML, Umino Oto, that she likes her, as well as later in the final episode confessing to Soramame over the phone. Throughout glimpses into Seira's life/scenes with her, we never actually learn about or see her discuss her sexuality, though. Thus, leaving me to label her Queer rather than a Lesbian, contrary to the MDL tag.

I wouldn't recommend watching this for the rep alone as it wasn't very present in the drama. Now, the drama itself, I did find compelling. See my review below.

My thoughts on the drama itself: A drama full of coincidences and missed chances, and characters somehow inspired to find optimism and joy for life and their dreams. This felt like taking an evening walk in a park with a charming stranger. The sun is almost close to setting, and the world is aglow with warm, orange light, and something about the stranger's smile makes them seem almost familiar.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

#207

Features a Lesbian SFL, Imayoshi Reiko, who has unrequited feelings for the main FL, Mamoru. Ep 7 & 8 are where her feelings are clearly laid out (though it is hinted at in previous episodes) as she at first plans to leave the company since just being at Mamaoru's side but not being able to be with her how she wants is painful. However, after she gets outed by someone online and receives support from Mamoru and everyone else at Three Star Books--they declare that they wouldn't work with people who wouldn't support who she is in the first place--she decides to stay. Finally, during the last episode, through a casual line from Mamoru, we find out Imayoshi now has a girlfriend and is quite happy with her.

Though we didn't get to spend much time with the character Imayoshi herself, I found the words and actions of the other characters to speak volumes and, in my opinion, do well advocating for Queer people. All in all, very solid rep.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

#208

Features a Lesbian SFL, Sanae Ebato, who has unrequited feelings for and a brief relationship with the main FL, Yasuroka Hanabi. She was morally grey/dark like everyone else, which I found fitting. I think if they had made her the one perfect/morally righteous character, it would have felt like pandering rather than an easy inclusion of a Queer character who suited the drama's theme/matched the other characters' tone. So, personally, I'm glad they went the route they did with her.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

#211

Features a side romance between two FLs, Kawase Saki and Yoshino Manami.

My thoughts on the drama itself: It was visually spectacular, well-shot, and (dare I say) had artistic merit. Clearly, they were leaning toward a more experimental angle and trying to intertwine everyone's stories into a deeper message. However, the lack of time they had . . . Showed. The problem was that not enough time was spent developing the relationships between the characters or lingering on the aftereffects of one person's actions/words on another; what should have cut like a knife only left a single scratch.

Regarding the FL, it seemed overall like she didn't have agency. She was very reserved, and rather than making decisions that weren't the best for her, it was more like things just happened to her, and she went along with it. It didn't fit with her "Nevertheless," they were going for, at least in my opinion.

As for the side romance between Manami and Saki, while admittedly heart-tugging, I found it underdeveloped (especially compared to the Korean Nevertheless). If there were only some more background moments between them to establish their connection.

Can be found on Netflix

#212

Main blossoming romance between two FLs. These two basically have what they think are unrequited crushes but very obviously aren't. By the end, it seems like the natural continuation of their relationship would result in dating.

My thoughts on the drama itself: They both constantly misread the situation/what the other girl was thinking. Lol. I loved it! It was cute AND funny!

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-PWvwJngGZAyNAhGi1D1J_1cpqPL5oIU

#214

Main romance between two FLs.

My thoughts on the drama itself: The atmosphere they managed to create was simply masterful. This feeling of drifting away from reality and sinking into the dark recesses of your mind. I loved the lighting and use of shadows.

And, in hindsight, knowing her name and her story, everything made sense. For what (on the surface) appeared to be a silly premise, they really took it seriously and set it up so well.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

#216

Main romance between two FLs. Coming out or confusion about sexuality also isn't much of an issue here.

Regarding Riko, it was lovely to see her explore not only a romance with Kei but also just come out of her shell more.

Regarding Kei, she was so easily Bi! Love to see it!

Riko to Kei: "Do you like girls?"

Kei: "Girls, boys, I do like both."

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyqngFOTdamAXFE9oFKVflhYaYCM75hRU

#219

Main romance between two FLs.

My thoughts on the drama itself: Cute and entertaining as it was, I ultimately found this drama lacking. A big contributing factor to this is that in comparison to Ayaka's overwhelming determination and commitment to her feelings and to Hiroko, Hiroko felt "flaky" with her constant evasions and half-efforts. I wanted their relationship to be more equal.

Not to mention, the resolution felt rushed.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

#220

Main romance between two FLs.

I hate to say this . . . But I found myself more interested in the plot outside of the romance. And, while they were cute together, I felt the story would have been more interesting if it had been about Sayuri coming to terms with her father's marriage and accepting Yui as her new sister.

Side Note: I was really upset that Yui not only chose a completely inappropriate moment to kiss Sayuri but that she also didn't ask for her consent. We do not let that fly here!

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdTbAAy4JGzj26Vn8LKpyHvFxFIt76UNy

#224

Will watch sometime

Main romance between two FLs.

Link to watch it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfyotHBR_xs 

#225

Main romance between two FLs

Can be found on free websites

#226

Will watch sometime

Main romance between two FLs.

Link to Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ea7JHc4UX9I
Link to Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7F8hpBMktM 

#227

Need to rewatch to further analyze rep

Main romance between two FLs.

My thoughts on the movie itself: Really genuine, raw, calming, and hopeful.

I loved how they told the other people's stories and not just the main couple's. It truly felt like I was getting a special look into intimate details from their past experiences and what made them who they are today.

This was a beautiful movie.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

#228

Main romance between two FLs.

My thoughts on the movie itself: It was mundane but not boring. And I liked the overly casual tone it took with everything, as it felt kind of unique. However, many plot points didn't seem to make sense to include or could have been left out entirely without feeling anything was missing.

Not a movie I regret watching, but not one I would necessarily recommend. I mean, if you're starved for Sapphic content, then sure. 

Can be found on free websites

#229

Features a Lesbian FL and a later romance with her and the other main FL.

My thoughts on the movie itself: This was on-the-run Lesbian-manic-pixie-dream girl meets murder. And . . . I kind of liked it?

Are many lines and themes able to be pinpointed as having been included for/due to the male gaze? Absolutely (now I will argue with some as having been due to the character herself viewing the world/her sexuality/relationship/herself that way). But, as a whole, I found this experience crazy yet raw and real. The movie simply says, "Here." It doesn't tell you how you have to feel about it. I liked that they didn't try to glamorize the two girls' relationship, whether in the past or present, they not only miscommunicate but also manipulate and hurt each other. I will say, if you've never loved someone so much you'd be willing to drop everything in your life the moment they call or text you, or had someone you keep giving second chances to, I'm not sure you'll quite be able to give this a fair chance.

All in all, you might hate me for saying this, but I'd actually . . . Kind of . . . Recommend it.

Can be found on Netflix 

#230

Features a Bisexual FL, Hasegawa Miki. 

So, Miki. While I ended up disliking Miki later on, I did like the way her sexuality was handled. Her family seemed very open so a coming out was never needed, the implication was that it didn't really matter who she liked (in fact the only one who ever asked her a question about it was her brother, Kaoru, but the answer didn't even seem to matter to him). Even during the girl she was interested in's big speech, there was never a shot of her parents being horrified, nor was there a confrontation scene. Life just went on.

My thoughts on the movie itself: It's very slice-of-life for the majority of the film. That was when I liked it the most. I loved how it focused on this one out-there but wonderful family (the way the mother explained sex. Lol) and just told the story of their lives throughout the years with all the minor and major events included, all told through Kaoru's perspective. The last 3rd or so does get rather twisted at a few points when Miki is involved, however, and some parts of the story felt unexplained. I felt like a few problems related to her didn't get addressed like they should have for just how messed up they were. That being said, I did enjoy the movie, for the most part.

I would give it an 8/10 because of the criticisms I mentioned above, but because of the 2/3 of the film that was great, I'm giving it a higher rating.

Can be found on free websites

#231

A reality TV Show that features a Transgender woman among its participants. She was the best part of watching this outrageous and often offensive show. And, get this: She ends up being part of one of only two couples that resulted from this "experiment." 

Seeing her find a guy who loved her as she was was truly heart-warming. She was also just such a genuinely sweet person, so it was easy to root for her. Like, basically everyone else (including the hosts) was an asshole.

Can be found on Netflix

#232

Will add more info soon

A reality TV show documentary featuring Queer couples.

Platform not known

#233

A reality dating show featuring Queer men.

The short version of my thoughts on this show: The Boyfriend was an emotional journey that was not just focused on finding love but on friendship and personal growth. I felt honored and overjoyed to see each man find new courage, realization, motivation, and/or peace in their life.

This Queer reality dating show marks a monumental step forward for Japan, finally following in Korea's footsteps with their successful "His Man."

All in all, I was quite delighted with The Boyfriend, regardless of production choices. I sincerely hope there is a second season.

Link to my review (the character limit couldn't handle me): https://kisskh.at/profile/8835865/reviews/379071

Can be found on Netflix

#234

A reality dating show featuring Queer men.

My thoughts on the show itself: This felt almost heavier than the first season. Mainly due to the seriousness with which this cast dove into their two-month journey, and the fact that many of them had shared past connections that made conversations more weighted. And, of course, the fact that they doubled the time allotted from one month to two, allowing more time for exploring feelings/connections and even giving people second chances.

While not as romantically cinematic as S1 (mainly due to one couple in particular *ahem* if you know, you know), I found the unique ways everyone grew in life and love to be full of maturity.

I also noticed immediately that the production quality went up. There were many grand drone shots and scenes that felt very crisp through the camera, and more getaways and experiences for dates. I'd wager this is due to the first season gaining so much attention that they put more money into it this time around.

All in all, I was moved, charmed, and proud. 

To being "selfish," found family, and a third season because I do so want it!

Can be found on Netflix

#235

Features a likely Bisexual ML.

The mixed reviews have me a bit anxious. But I know I will need to see it for myself. Safe to say that I will get to this. At that time, I will update this accordingly.

Can be found on free websites

#236

Features an Intersex FL (per the tags), Hoshino Haru.

You know I will most definitely be watching this. I have to! At that time, I will update this accordingly.

Can be found on free websites

#240

Will add info soon

Reportedly features a Bisexual Supporting Character as well as an Aromantic Supporting Character.

Easy access and the possibility of some rare Aro rep? Of course, I'll watch it! At that time, I will update this accordingly.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki or Netflix

#241

Will research and add info

Has an ambiguous LGBTQ+ tag. I guess I'll need to watch this to find out who may or may not be Queer!

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

#244

CW. Will update accordingly.

Main romance between two MLs.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

#245

Coming May 14th

Main romance between two MLs.

Will be found on Netflix

#247

Hasn't released yet (for international audiences)

Main romance between two MLs.

This will be a really *interesting* one.

Update: At this point, likely as not, this will never see the light of day.

#248

Main romance between two MLs.

Note: For the life of me, I cannot find the final fourth episode with Eng Subs anywhere!

EP 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INP86oVaICs

EP 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19OIRDJCKWo

EP 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K79DTP89hIo

Features a Gay SML,

My thoughts on the drama itself: It's a drama with challenging people and a challenging love that challenges you as a viewer.

It was hard to see them fall apart or take the "easy," non-confrontational path so many times. But, even if they didn't say it, you knew the other would be there even when they hadn't managed to pick themselves back up yet.

You're not sure what they have will last. Hard-won as it is. But I suppose that's love, isn't it?

Can be found on Netflix