With a sudden rise of thought-provoking dramas, 2022 was indeed a phenomenal year for the BL world. While we spend the last three weeks listing our favorite Thai BL dramas, this week onward we will be diving into the Japanese shores. Despite lingual limitations that often cause delays in international premiere, Japanese BLs are always at the top of the game. In today’s feature, our authors will be talking about the shows that stole their hearts!

Drama_Llama’s Favorites

Japan has a unique way of telling a story in a limited amount of time, pacing its narratives in a masterfully artistic form, whether comedic or dramatic. They also have a unique way of threading underlying symbolic themes into their dramas/films. Their BLs are no different. While there is never a time I don’t appreciate a Japanese BL, three, in particular, stood out for me in 2022. Each told a nuanced story full of meaning.

Eternal Yesterday

Starring Komiya Rio and Inoue Sora, Eternal Yesterday tells the sad story of Koichi and Mitsuru, two young men who fall in love, only for one to die. While the story is tragic, there’s a thread of hope inside Eternal Yesterday that carries it, offering a beautiful deep look at grief and dealing with it. We carry the ones we love with us, even after they pass, until we’re ready to let them go. And that’s the beauty of Eternal Yesterday. Mitsuru carries Koichi with him until it’s time to let go. The viewers let go with him, finding themselves having taken a journey of loss that ends in accepting it. Watch it now on Gagaoolala or Viki.

Old Fashion Cupcake

Starring Takeda Kouhei and Kimura Tatsunari, Old Fashion Cupcake takes viewers into the offices of present-day Japan, focusing on business and how it operates on certain gender norms and prejudices about age. Amid this, office workers Nozue and Togawa throw all that away. Rather than be defined by the box society has placed them in, Nozue and Togawa step outside of it and fall in love, delivering a heartfelt romance that tackles ageism and gender norms in a breathtaking, chemistry-filled way. Watch it now on Gagaoolala or Viki.

More than Words

Starring Fujino Ryoko, Aoki Yuzu, and Nakagawa Daisuke, More than Words is a realistic story about finding love in a conservative culture, changing affections, and brutal realizations. It’s about sacrifice, running away, and remaining true despite everything. Following best friends Mieko and Makio and the man they become involved with, Eiji, it takes viewers on a life journey that doesn’t always feel pleasant and that frustrates in its uncomfortable truths. The underlying message in More than Words is: “you’re allowed to love yourself more.” There are many things left unsaid in More than Words, and the power in it lies in what’s never spoken. Watch it now on Amazon Prime Japan. For interfans, visit Furritsubs.

SlimFastZombie’s Favorites

Over the decades I’ve spent watching Japanese cinema, it’s very hard to go into a production with low expectations. The way they are often filmed makes the film quality feel vibrant and rich with color.

Old Fashioned Cupcake

Recently I watched “Old Fashioned Cupcake” and was instantly impressed with the expression of love for filmmaking that went into each shot. Whether it’s the scene where the boss takes every girl in the office out for desert, or the first time the two main leads go out for lunch. Seeing the way the camera showcases their meal choices, in glossy HD quality, was superb. Because these are men, not boys, when they realize they have feelings for each other beyond friendship, it’s treated with its own version of reverence and respect.

Cherry Magic The Movie

Another JBL I got to see was “Cherry Magic”. An adorable take on being a 30-year-old virgin. His virginity gives him the ability to hear the thoughts of anyone he comes into contact with. Including his super sexy boss who of course is a charming man. The two go through a few misunderstandings, but eventually get it right. In the movie sequel, their relationship is tested by the coming out process and I absolutely loved the way Kurosawa puts Adachi first in regard to his family.

We will be back next week with the second edition of this feature. So till then, keep watching this space as we bring you more updates from the Asian BL World!