I’ll be honest, very few Japanese BLs disappoint me. They tend to range from slow, comforting stories to narratives that either touch on important topics or border on the controversial. But no matter what story you get, there is almost always a deeper meaning woven into the series, one that may stand out in the moment or may hit you later after the series has aired.

So, it isn’t easy narrowing down a list of favorites. Rather than focus on what makes one drama better than another for me, I’ll list the dramas from 2024 I find myself recommending the most to others.

I Hear the Sunspot “Hidamari ga Kikoeru”

Stars: Nakazawa Motoki as Sugihara Kohei and Kobayashi Toranosuke as Sagawa Taichi

Where to watch: iQiyi, Gagaoolala

I Hear the Sunspot is a series about two young men–a loud, somewhat naive university student and a hearing-impaired university student–who find solace and understanding in one another. It is an experience in silence and sound, allowing viewers to fall in love with two people who walk the line between the world they live in and the world they create for themselves. And that resonated with me. It explores the reality of communication in a world where people tend to ignore or push aside anything they don’t understand. And that is powerful, eye-opening, and electric.

At 25:00 in Akasaka “25 Ji, Akasaka de”

Stars: Niihara Taisuke as Shirasaki Yuki and Komagine Kiita as Hayama Asami

Where to watch: Gagaoolala

My favorite thing about At 25:00 in Akasaka is that, while it tells a love story between two men falling for each other while pursuing separate yet parallel dreams, it places just as much emphasis on their individual journeys of self-discovery. Hayama may have first found validation in Shirasaki during their university days, but it’s through rejection and heartbreak that he ultimately learns to find validation within himself. He reignites his passion for acting, not by relying on others’ approval, but by believing in himself.

So, while At 25:00 in Akasaka does give us a love story with a happy ending, it’s really a story about learning to love oneself before fully being able to love someone else. That message is deeply inspiring, especially for anyone burning with the desire to succeed at something they fear they’re not good enough to achieve. It’s comforting to watch a romance unfold on screen, but it’s even more powerful when that romance inspires personal growth, both for the characters and the audience.

Love is Better the Second Time Around “Koi wo Suru nara Nidome ga Joto”

Stars: Hasegawa Makoto asMiyata Akihiro and Furuya Robin as Iwanaga Takashi / Hoshizawa Takashi

Where to watch: Viki, Gagaoolala

Love is Better the Second Time Around beautifully explores the complexity of love and second chances, weaving a heartfelt narrative between two characters who find themselves reconnecting in unexpected ways. The chemistry between the leads feels genuine and tender, and their emotional journey is filled with poignant, quiet moments that linger long after the episode ends. It’s a drama that makes you believe that love, in all its imperfections, is worth a second try.

“I love you” aren’t easy words to say.

Love is Better the Second Time Around portrays emotional weakness well. Those who seem strong on the outside are sometimes less strong than they appear. And those who seem weak aren’t always weak. Love grows as much out of weakness as it does strength, and I found myself impressed by how well this series portrays that.

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