✨ Japanese BL List ✨日本語

Japanese BL (also called yaoi or shounen-ai) is where the genre first took root, bringing us everything from soft, slice-of-life romances to dramatic, emotionally intense stories. Japan’s BL tends to lean into quiet intimacy, layered characters, and those iconic moments of subtle yearning that say more than words ever could. This list is my collection of favorites, hidden gems, and a few heartbreakers I couldn’t forget even if I tried.

My Rating System:

1️⃣ Horrendous – Completely unwatchable. So offensively bad it was almost painful.
2️⃣ Terrible – Virtually no positive aspects.
3️⃣ Poor – A few minor positives, but overall overshadowed by flaws.
4️⃣ Average – Some enjoyable elements, but generally unremarkable.
5️⃣ Fair – A balance of good and bad that cancels itself out.
6️⃣ Good – More strengths than weaknesses. Worth a watch.
7️⃣ Very Good – Strong recommendation. I’d likely revisit it.
8️⃣ Great – Highly enjoyable, memorable, and rewatch-worthy.
9️⃣ Excellent – Exceptional quality, often discussed and celebrated.
🔟 Outstanding – One of my all-time favorites. Authentic, unique, and endlessly rewatchable.

These ratings reflect my personal experience—what’s a 4 for me might be a 10 for you, and that’s the beauty of storytelling. Anything 5 or below didn’t leave much of a mark, while anything 6 or higher is a show I truly enjoyed, rewatched, or felt deeply moved by. At the end of the day, opinions are just opinions—I hope you dive in, find your own favorites, and enjoy the journey. ❤️

Chon3yyy May 4, 2024
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  • Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!
    10

    This was so captivating, heartwarming, and made me so fluffy on the inside. This is a MUST watch!! You will not be disappointed. The relationship between Adachi and Kurosawa is one of the healthiest and most wholesome in BL dramas I have ever seen! No toxicity, just pure love blossoming in every episode. Despite their differences, they support and admire each other deeply, helping one another grow and overcome their fears. Their unconditional love makes their bond truly special.

    The two ML's  were phenomenal. I  fell in love with how genuine and adorable Akaso's portrayal of Adachi was. He was so cutee!! AND THE MUSIC!! The show has its own written soundtrack and it just fucking works dude. It fits the vibe and series so well.  I've rewatched this show several times and I just can't get enough. 

  • Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!: The Movie

    As a big fan of the Cherry Magic! series, I was excited but also a little nervous about the movie. Would it live up to the charm and warmth of the drama? Would it feel necessary, or just like an extended episode? Luckily, the film not only met my expectations—it exceeded them in ways I didn’t anticipate.

    What I loved most was how much Adachi had grown. In the series, his shyness and self-doubt made him endearing but also frustrating at times. Here, we see a more confident Adachi, one who has learned to embrace love and express it openly. It’s so rewarding to see him return Kurosawa’s unwavering devotion with more certainty, proving that their relationship isn’t just a one-sided admiration but a true partnership. And of course, Kurosawa remains the absolute dream boyfriend—supportive, patient, and completely smitten.

     And the ending? Absolutely perfect. Without spoiling too much, it felt like a well-earned, beautiful resolution that reaffirmed everything I loved about Cherry Magic! in the first place. It left me feeling warm, happy, and incredibly satisfied. 

  • Old Fashion Cupcake

    3. Old Fashion Cupcake

    Japanese Drama - 2022, 5 episodes

    10

    Beautifully executed.

    This series is truly exceptional—I only wish it were longer. The message and story of the main characters are deeply impactful, and both actors delivered outstanding performances. There’s so much in this that resonates with me personally. The lighting, cinematography, and direction are masterfully done. I’d love to see a second season or something similar. Like, I want more Bl's that have tones/moods like this!! I love it.

    With each episode, it just keeps getting better. It maintains a mellow tone while still being emotionally intense, which I really appreciate. I love the maturity of the characters and how natural their portrayals feel—nothing is overdone, just perfectly nuanced. Huge praise to the actors, writers, and the entire production team. 

  • Love Is a Poison

    4. Love Is a Poison

    Japanese Drama - 2024, 12 episodes

    10

    Doku Koi surprised me in the best way. It’s not just a romance—it’s a story about trust, deception, and two people finding something real in an unlikely connection. Ryoma, a reserved lawyer, and Haruto, a smooth-talking con artist, have such an intense, compelling dynamic that I couldn’t look away. Their relationship builds slowly, but every moment between them feels meaningful. A unique blend of suspense, romance, and lighthearted comedy. 

    I also loved how the drama balances its legal intrigue with quiet, emotional depth. It’s short, but it lingers—just enough mystery, just enough heart. If you want a BL drama that’s different, one that keeps you hooked while making you feel something real, Doku Koi is absolutely worth watching. I loved watching Shiba's get so flustered with Haruto <3 

  • My Love Mix-Up!

    5. My Love Mix-Up!

    Japanese Drama - 2021, 10 episodes

    9.5

    This was such a wholesome, feel-good BL drama. It perfectly captures the awkwardness, excitement, and innocence of first love through Aoki, a lovable, overdramatic high schooler who accidentally starts a misunderstanding that leads to an unexpected romance with Ida, his quiet and kindhearted classmate.

    What makes this drama so special is its humor and sincerity. Aoki’s chaotic inner thoughts, Ida’s straightforward sweetness, and the support from their friends make every episode a joy to watch. There’s no unnecessary drama—just a pure, heartwarming story about discovering love and learning to express it. Given the high school setting, the series handled the characters' innocent love with such genuine care and sincerity. (While the characters are minors, a sensitive subject, the show handles it with care, yet it’s written in such a lighthearted way that I genuinely enjoyed watching it.) 

    If you’re looking for a light, funny, and genuinely touching romance, Kieta Hatsukoi is a must-watch. It’s the kind of show that leaves you smiling long after it ends.

  • Life: Love on the Line (Director's Cut)

    6. Life: Love on the Line (Director's Cut)

    Japanese Movie - 2020

    9.5

    This version made those extra 10 minutes so worth it.  I literally bawled my eyes out on this series. Its genuinely one of kind, watching Akira and Yuuki grow throughout the years into their relationship from their teenage years into adulthood. This show has a deep emotional and introspective tone, blending a tender coming-of-age romance with a bittersweet sense of realism. 

    The storytelling is subtle and melancholic, yet filled with warmth, portraying the complexities of love, societal expectations, and personal growth. The cinematography enhances the mood with soft lighting and intimate framing, while the pacing allows for quiet, reflective moments. The overall tone is a mix of gentle nostalgia, heartache, and hope, making it a poignant and beautifully crafted love story. AND THE SOUNDTRACK MAN, Hit me with that No. One by Ryu Matsuyama, OMFG, had me bawling.

  • 10 Things I Want to Do before I Turn 40

    7. 10 Things I Want to Do before I Turn 40

    Japanese Drama - 2025, 12 episodes

    9.5
  • When It Rains, It Pours

    8. When It Rains, It Pours

    Japanese Drama - 2025, 7 episodes

    9.0
  • I Hear the Sunspot

    9. I Hear the Sunspot

    Japanese Drama - 2024, 12 episodes

    9.0

    A powerful story about two people—one hearing, one deaf—who come from such different worlds, yet find ways to connect in ways that go beyond words. The way the series portrays their relationship feels so genuine and respectful, especially in its depiction of the deaf community. It’s rare to see shows handle this with such care, and I appreciated how it didn’t just focus on the challenges, but also on the beauty of understanding each other, even when it's not easy.

    The performances were incredibly sincere, and there was this natural chemistry between the leads that made their emotional journey feel real and relatable. I found myself truly invested in their growth, both as individuals and as a couple. The pacing was gentle, allowing the story to unfold naturally, which made it all the more moving.

    The way Kohei would look at Taichi was so breath-taking. You could truly see the love and fondness in his eyes. TT^TT The tone of the series is gentle and introspective, balancing moments of emotional depth with uplifting interactions. It portrays the struggles and triumphs of its characters with sensitivity, offering a heartfelt narrative that emphasizes understanding and connection. 

  • Ossan's Love Returns

    10. Ossan's Love Returns

    Japanese Drama - 2024, 9 episodes

    8.5
  • Candy Color Paradox

    11. Candy Color Paradox

    Japanese Drama - 2022, 8 episodes

    8.5
  • My Personal Weatherman

    12. My Personal Weatherman

    Japanese Drama - 2023, 8 episodes

    8.5
  • Our Youth

    13. Our Youth

    Japanese Drama - 2024, 10 episodes

    8.5

    From the very first episode, I found myself invested in the characters’ journey, not just because of the romance, but because of how real their feelings felt. The leads have such incredible chemistry—there’s this delicate balance of shyness and longing with young love, where every word feels heavy and meaningful.

    What stood out most to me was how this series didn’t rush anything. It took its time, allowing the awkward, uncertain moments between the characters to breathe. Their growth, both individually and as a couple, felt so organic. I honestly found myself rooting for them so much, not just because I wanted them to be together, but because I could see how much they were learning about themselves along the way.

    DISCLAIMER: One of the leads struggles with domestic violence at home, which is a significant part of their character’s struggle and journey. The character also exhibits what might be perceived as a delinquent attitude, especially from a Japanese cultural perspective so basically bad boy in high school. This series does have a slight darker undertone for a high school setting so keep that in mind. 

  • I Cannot Reach You

    14. I Cannot Reach You

    Japanese Drama - 2023, 8 episodes

    8.5
  • I Became the Main Role of a BL Drama Season 2

    15. I Became the Main Role of a BL Drama Season 2

    Japanese Drama - 2025, 6 episodes

    8.5
  • Ossan’s Love: LOVE or DEAD

    16. Ossan’s Love: LOVE or DEAD

    Japanese Movie - 2019

    8.5
  • Ossan's Love

    17. Ossan's Love

    Japanese Drama - 2018, 7 episodes

    8.0
  • Mr. Unlucky Has No Choice but to Kiss!

    18. Mr. Unlucky Has No Choice but to Kiss!

    Japanese Drama - 2022, 8 episodes

    8.0
  • My Beautiful Man: Eternal

    19. My Beautiful Man: Eternal

    Japanese Movie - 2023

    8.0
  • My Beautiful Man Season 2

    20. My Beautiful Man Season 2

    Japanese Drama - 2023, 4 episodes

    7.5
  • My Beautiful Man

    21. My Beautiful Man

    Japanese Drama - 2021, 6 episodes

    7.5
  • The End of the World with You

    22. The End of the World with You

    Japanese Drama - 2023, 8 episodes

    7.5
  • Seven Days: Monday - Thursday

    23. Seven Days: Monday - Thursday

    Japanese Movie - 2015

    7.5
  • Seven Days: Friday - Sunday

    24. Seven Days: Friday - Sunday

    Japanese Movie - 2015

    7.5
  • BL Drama no Shuen ni Narimashita: Crank Up Hen

    25. BL Drama no Shuen ni Narimashita: Crank Up Hen

    Japanese Special - 2023, 3 episodes

    7.5
  • The Proper Way to Write Love

    26. The Proper Way to Write Love

    Japanese Drama - 2025, 8 episodes

    7.5
  • One Room Angel

    27. One Room Angel

    Japanese Drama - 2023, 6 episodes

    7.5
  • Takara-kun & Amagi-kun

    28. Takara-kun & Amagi-kun

    Japanese Drama - 2022, 8 episodes

    7.0
  • The Cornered Mouse Dreams of Cheese

    29. The Cornered Mouse Dreams of Cheese

    Japanese Movie - 2020

    7.0
  • Perfect Propose

    30. Perfect Propose

    Japanese Drama - 2024, 6 episodes

    6.5
  • A Man Who Defies the World of BL 2024

    31. A Man Who Defies the World of BL 2024

    Japanese Drama - 2024, 6 episodes

    6.5
  • A Man Who Defies the World of BL

    33. A Man Who Defies the World of BL

    Japanese Special - 2021, 1 episode

    6.0
  • Me, My Husband, and My Husband's Boyfriend

    34. Me, My Husband, and My Husband's Boyfriend

    Japanese Drama - 2023, 10 episodes

    6.0
  • Senpai, This Can’t Be Love!

    35. Senpai, This Can’t Be Love!

    Japanese Drama - 2022, 8 episodes

    6.0
  • Tokyo in April Is...

    36. Tokyo in April Is...

    Japanese Drama - 2023, 8 episodes

    5.5
  • Love Is Better the Second Time Around

    37. Love Is Better the Second Time Around

    Japanese Drama - 2024, 6 episodes

    5.0
  • Ossan's Love: In the Sky

    38. Ossan's Love: In the Sky

    Japanese Drama - 2019, 8 episodes

    5.0
  • Kabe-Koji-Nekoyashiki-kun Desires to Be Recognized

    39. Kabe-Koji-Nekoyashiki-kun Desires to Be Recognized

    Japanese Drama - 2022, 8 episodes

    5.0
  • The Novelist

    40. The Novelist

    Japanese Drama - 2018, 6 episodes

    4.0
  • Jack o' Frost

    41. Jack o' Frost

    Japanese Drama - 2023, 6 episodes

  • Mr. Sahara & Toki-kun

    42. Mr. Sahara & Toki-kun

    Japanese Drama - 2023, 8 episodes

  • Cosmetic Playlover

    43. Cosmetic Playlover

    Japanese Drama - 2024, 8 episodes

  • Although I Love You, and You?

    44. Although I Love You, and You?

    Japanese Drama - 2024, 10 episodes

  • Eternal Yesterday

    45. Eternal Yesterday

    Japanese Drama - 2022, 8 episodes

  • Living with Him

    46. Living with Him

    Japanese Drama - 2024, 8 episodes

  • Sugar Dog Life

    47. Sugar Dog Life

    Japanese Drama - 2024, 9 episodes

  • At 25:00 in Akasaka

    48. At 25:00 in Akasaka

    Japanese Drama - 2024, 10 episodes

  • Takara's Treasure

    49. Takara's Treasure

    Japanese Drama - 2024, 10 episodes

  • Mr. Mitsuya's Planned Feeding

    50. Mr. Mitsuya's Planned Feeding

    Japanese Drama - 2024, 7 episodes

  • Happy of the End

    51. Happy of the End

    Japanese Drama - 2024, 8 episodes

  • Love in the Air: Koi no Yokan

    52. Love in the Air: Koi no Yokan

    Japanese Drama - 2024, 8 episodes

  • Minato's Laundromat

    53. Minato's Laundromat

    Japanese Drama - 2022, 12 episodes

  • Naked Dining: Love, Life and Liberation

    54. Naked Dining: Love, Life and Liberation

    Japanese Drama - 2023, 12 episodes

  • Our Dining Table

    55. Our Dining Table

    Japanese Drama - 2023, 10 episodes

  • We’re Both Grooms

    56. We’re Both Grooms

    Japanese Special - 2022, 1 episode

  • The 8.2 Second Rule

    57. The 8.2 Second Rule

    Japanese Drama - 2022, 5 episodes

  • More than Words

    58. More than Words

    Japanese Drama - 2022, 10 episodes

  • Kei×Yaku: Abunai Aibou

    59. Kei×Yaku: Abunai Aibou

    Japanese Drama - 2022, 10 episodes

  • Accomplishment of Fudanshi Bartender

    60. Accomplishment of Fudanshi Bartender

    Japanese Drama - 2022, 2 episodes

  • I Just Want to See You

    61. I Just Want to See You

    Japanese Drama - 2022, 4 episodes

  • Given

    62. Given

    Japanese Drama - 2021, 6 episodes

  • Restart after Come back Home

    63. Restart after Come back Home

    Japanese Movie - 2020

  • What Did You Eat Yesterday?

    64. What Did You Eat Yesterday?

    Japanese Drama - 2019, 12 episodes

  • No Touching At All

    65. No Touching At All

    Japanese Movie - 2014

  • Does the Flower Bloom?

    66. Does the Flower Bloom?

    Japanese Movie - 2018

  • Dominant Yakuza and Wimpy Corporate Slave

    67. Dominant Yakuza and Wimpy Corporate Slave

    Japanese Drama - 2024, 10 episodes