Recently, Japanese romance reality shows (KoiRia) have been gaining a lot of attention. These shows not only offer heart-fluttering love stories, but also explore themes of friendship, life perspectives, and even marriage, making viewers reflect on various aspects of life.
Especially on Netflix, you can find a wide variety of romance reality shows, such as Badly in Love, which features the passionate human drama of “Yankees” (delinquents); The Boyfriend, which depicts romance between men; and Love Village, where men and women over 35 participate. There are many more romance reality shows available for streaming.
In this article, the FUN! JAPAN staff, who are huge fans of Japanese romance reality shows, introduce six highly recommended series, highlighting their unique features and what makes them worth watching. Find the show that matches your taste and enjoy the excitement of these romantic stories!
Which One Should You Watch First? Comparing 6 Japanese Romance Reality Shows
| Title | Features | Recommended For |
| Badly in Love | ・Serious romance among Yankees (delinquents) ・Set in a school | ・Those who want a thrilling romance reality show ・Those who enjoy human drama |
| Love Village | ・Participants are men and women over 35 ・Emotional adult life in a traditional Japanese house | ・People over 35 ・Those who love human dramas that make you laugh and cry |
| The Boyfriend | ・Romance between men ・Friendship is also a highlight | ・Those who want to watch a refreshing love story ・Those who want to reflect on their own outlook on life |
| Love Deadline | ・Searching for a marriage partner through travel ・Women propose to men | ・Those who are thinking about marriage ・Those who enjoy suspenseful developments |
| Offline Love | ・A journey without digital devices ・Set in Nice, France | ・Those who love fateful romance ・Those who love to travel |
| Love Like a K-Drama | ・Japanese women × Korean men ・Acting and romance intertwine | ・Fans of Korean culture or Korean dramas ・Those who want to enjoy heart-throbbing romance |
6 Recommended Japanese Romance Reality Shows on Netflix
Badly in Love｜Yankees Face Serious Romance
The biggest feature of this show is that all the participants are Yankees (delinquents). Men and women who have lived as delinquents spend 14 days living together in a school setting.
The show has its own unique rules and “school regulations,” such as calling out someone you’re interested in over the school broadcast system or having “one-on-one showdowns” for a chance to go on a date. The blend of delinquent culture and school life is one of the show’s most interesting aspects.
There are times when values clash and fights break out, but as you watch, you’ll start to see the participants’ awkward kindness and pure hearts. This show is moving not only for its romance, but also for how each person faces their past and tries to take a step forward.
💡Editor’s Recommendation｜Pay Attention to Their Tough Attitudes and Awkwardness in Love!
One of the unique aspects of this show is that it delves into sides of the participants rarely shown in other romance reality shows, such as criminal records or pasts as delinquents.
By getting to know not just their appearance, but also their personalities and histories, you’ll find yourself understanding the participants on a deeper level.
Setting｜Season 1 in Okutama, Tokyo; Season 2 in Okinawa
The filming locations for Badly in Love are not officially disclosed, but Season 1 was shot at the closed school facility “OKUTAMA+” in Okutama, Tokyo, and Season 2 was filmed in Okinawa. The beautiful scenery of the sea, beaches, and blue skies is also a highlight.
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👉 Read more about Badly in Love
Love Village｜Adults Face Romance and the Next Chapter of Their Lives
The eligibility requirements for participating in Love Village are that you must be a man or woman aged 35 or older. Rather than focusing on the fresh romance of youth, this show follows adults who have experienced bereavement or divorce as they search for a life partner through communal living in a traditional Japanese house.
What makes this show unique is that, in addition to dating, participants renovate the house themselves, cook their own meals, and do the cleaning together, gradually getting to know each other's personalities. The honest conversations about past marriages, family, health, and the future feel incredibly real, giving the show a depth that is different from romance among younger generations.
💡 Editor’s Recommendation｜Mature Romance Beyond Just Butterflies
Unlike young love, this show gives a very real sense of each participant’s family background and marriage history. There’s little judgment based on appearances; instead, as they live together, they come to understand each other’s pasts and true selves.
The moment when someone rings the “Bell of Love” to confess their feelings is also moving and memorable.
Setting｜The Communal House and Changing Scenery Each Season
Season 1 of Love Village is set in a traditional Japanese house in Minamiboso, Chiba Prefecture, while Season 2 takes place in a similar house in Nago, Okinawa. In Season 2, the house is also used as an Okinawa soba restaurant called “Suba Suba Yagaji.”
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The Boyfriend｜Romance and Friendship Among Men
This show depicts the romantic relationships between men. Male participants of different ages and professions build connections through communal living and running a coffee truck together.
Not only do they live together, but working together and dividing up responsibilities also helps them get to know each other. Of course, the romantic developments are a highlight, but so are the strong bonds of male friendship. There are also touching scenes where participants come out or share their thoughts on same-sex marriage, which can bring viewers to tears.
The gentle and sensitive atmosphere is comforting, and you’ll want to watch over the moments when love begins to blossom.
💡 Editor’s Recommendation｜Changes in Relationships Revealed Through Everyday Conversation and Consideration
Because all participants are gay, everyone is a potential romantic interest, something rarely seen in other dating reality shows.
Another highlight is that, over the long period of communal living, pairs of two run the coffee truck together every day. This show is recommended not only for those interested in seeing couples form, but also for those who want to watch the participants grow and deepen their mutual understanding.
Setting｜From a Beach House by the Sea to Winter in Hokkaido
The filming locations for The Boyfriend are the Tateyama area in Chiba Prefecture for Season 1, and the Akan area in Hokkaido for Season 2. Since filming lasts one to two months, you can also enjoy the changing scenery.
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🏨 Search for hotels in Hokkaido on “JAPANiCAN”
Love Deadline｜A Marriage Hunt Where Only Women Can Propose
In Love Deadline, men and women who want to get married gather together, but only women are allowed to propose. In addition, each man has a set time limit for participating in the journey, so every decision can dramatically change their fate.
As a “marriage-hunting journey” with marriage in mind, the participants travel to places like Okinawa and Kyoto, seriously considering whether they can imagine a future with someone as their spouse. It’s a mature reality show about the search for a marriage partner.
💡 Editor’s Recommendation｜What Will Be the Deciding Factor Within a Limited Time?
A unique feature is that no one knows when the men will leave the journey. Because of this, participants need to get to know those they’re interested in quickly, and sometimes, time with a particular man can suddenly come to an end.
With the focus on finding a “marriage partner” within a limited time, there are plenty of highlights in this show.
Setting｜A Journey Through Okinawa, Kyoto, and More
In Love Deadline, the atmosphere changes with each destination, from enjoying the sea in swimsuits on Ishigaki Island to kimono dates in Kyoto. It’s also recommended for those who want to enjoy a tour of famous spots in Japan.
🏨 Search for hotels in Okinawa on "JAPANiCAN"
🏨 Search for hotels in Kyoto on "JAPANiCAN"
“Offline Love”｜A 10-Day Romance Without Smartphones
In “Offline Love,” set in Nice, France, we follow ten men and women as they nurture romance without using any digital devices.
They begin without knowing each other's faces or names, gradually closing the distance through chance encounters in the city and exchanging letters, just like a scene from a romantic movie. In a foreign country where they can’t instantly contact the person they want to see, the situation leads to dramatic developments.
💡 Editor’s Recommendation｜The Excitement of Not Being Able to Reach Out Instantly
The biggest highlight is the stunning beauty and charm of Nice, the filming location. There’s also a sense of destiny in the way they search for each other in Nice, relying only on a map.
After watching, you’ll find yourself thinking, “I want to visit Nice at least once in my life.”
Setting｜Nice, France
All the participants are Japanese, but the story takes place in Nice, France. Pay attention to the beautiful locations that enhance the romance, such as the seaside, the old town, and churches.
“Love Like a K-Drama”｜Can Real Love Be Born from Acting?
In this show, Japanese actresses and Korean actors pair up to aim for the lead roles in a romance drama. With the theme “Can real love be born from acting out a kiss scene?”, they grow closer through rehearsals and auditions.
As they play lovers, how do the emotions of their roles overlap with their real feelings? Is it just acting for the drama, or is it genuine love? The line between the two gradually blurs, making your heart skip a beat.
Not only romance, but also their earnest pursuit of their dreams as actors, and the process of connecting beyond language and cultural barriers, are highlights of the show.
💡 Editor’s Recommendation｜Focus on the Line Between Acting and True Feelings
The women memorize Korean lines and take on auditions with Korean actors. The winning pair gets to film a short drama, including a kiss scene.
Although it’s all part of their work, there are many moments where it seems real feelings are blossoming, keeping you on the edge of your seat: this is the charm of the show.
Setting｜Seoul, South Korea
This show is especially recommended for fans of Korea, with all filming locations set in Seoul. You’ll also see lively markets, local eateries, and famous K-drama filming spots.
Plus, since both Japanese and Korean are spoken, it’s enjoyable for those interested in languages as well.
Enjoy Japanese Romance Reality Shows: Start with the Ones That Catch Your Eye
Even within the genre of romance reality shows, each series offers a different style and way to enjoy romance.
If you want to think deeply about marriage, try “Love Village.” If you want to enjoy a travel vibe, “Offline Love” or “Love Deadline” are great choices. Pick a show that matches your interests!
If any of these shows catch your attention, be sure to check out their official websites.
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