Japanese BL dramas have a special way of touching hearts, don’t they? They’re packed with heartfelt stories, relatable characters, and just the right amount of emotional depth. Over the years, these dramas have become more than just entertainment—they’ve built a global community of fans who love the genre’s honesty and charm.
2024 has been an exciting year for Japanese BL! The dramas this year have brought us everything from sweet first-love stories to intense, thought-provoking narratives. What makes them stand out isn’t just the romance; it’s the way they explore love, identity, and acceptance in such a genuine way.
Plus, the production quality keeps getting better. Gorgeous cinematography, amazing soundtracks, and talented actors make every scene come alive. It’s impossible not to get drawn in!
If you’re ready to discover some of the best Japanese BL dramas of 2024, stick around. There’s a lot to love this year, and I can’t wait to share these stories with you!
Ossan’s Love Returns
This is a sequel to Ossan’s Love, so start with Ossan’s Love (2018), followed by its sequel Ossan’s Love: Love or Dead (2019), and then continue with Ossan’s Love Returns and its two spinoffs for fans of Haruta and Maki.
- Genres: Comedy, Romance, Drama
- Cast: Tanaka Kei, Hayashi Kento, Yoshida Kotaro
- Episodes: 9 Duration: 47 min.
Watch on Viki
Ossan’s Love Returns Synopsis
Haruta Soichi and Maki Ryota, who returned from Singapore, started living together as newlyweds. However, work and housework become too much for the couple, so they try housekeeping services to make their domestic life easier.
But the person who appears at the door turns out to be the retired Kurosawa Musashi! Will the love triangle between them happen again? (Source: GagaOOLala)
If you loved the “Ossan’s Love” series, you shouldn’t miss this new season. Haruta and Maki’s relationship is as funny and romantic as ever! The return of the characters we know from before adds a nostalgic touch.
Perfect Propose
- Genres: Food, Romance
- Cast: Kaneko Shunya, Nomura Kota
- Episodes: 6 Duration: 24 min.
Watch on Viki
Perfect Propose Synopsis
Hiro’s so stressed out at work that he can barely have proper meals or get some well-earned sleep.
When he passes out on the sidewalk after yet another stressful day, an unfamiliar face calls out to him – apparently, they once promised to marry each other?
What’s Kai Fukaya’s deal, and why is he so insistent on assuming the role of Hiro’s fiancé?
Adapted from the manga “Perfect Propose” (パーフェクトプロポーズ) by Tsurukame Mayo (鶴亀まよ).
Hiro’s journey will make you laugh and take you on a romantic adventure. This series blends work life and romance in a delightful way, leaving you with a big smile on your face.
Although I Love You, and You?
- Genres: Food, Comedy, Romance
- Cast: Kan Hideyoshi, Nishiyama Jun
- Episodes: 10 Duration: 23 min.
Watch on Gagaoolala
Although I Love You, and You? Synopsis
A charmingly handsome owner of a small restaurant, who can make anyone’s stomach and heart happy, meets a divorced office worker who got relocated to Osaka and… falls in love with him at first sight?! (Source: GagaOOLala)
Adapted from the manga “Sukiyanen Kedo Do Yaro ka” (好きやねんけどどうやろか) by Chiba Ryoko (千葉リョウコ)
Living with Him
- Genres: Comedy, Romance, Youth, Drama
- Cast: Sato Ryuga, Sakai Sho
- Episodes: 8 Duration: 30 min.
Watch on Gagaoolala
Living with Him Synopsis
Natsukawa Ryota, looking forward to university, is surprised to encounter childhood friend Tanaka Kazuhito as his new roommate.
Thus begins their journey of working together to ascertain why seemingly-perfect Kazuhito is still single. (Source: IMDb)
Adapted from the manga “Living with Him” (彼のいる生活) by Miyata Toworu (宮田トヲル)
Our Youth
- Genres: Romance, Youth
- Cast: Motojima Junsei, Kamimura Kenshin
- Episodes: 11 Duration: 30 min.
Watch on Gagaoolala
Our Youth Synopsis
Jin Minase was an exemplary high school student who hated Haruki Hirukawa, a delinquent who led the troublemakers in school. Deciding not to get involved with the delinquents, Jin lived his life as a spectator. However, after finding out about Haruki’s secret, the two quickly get intimate. (Source: Gagaoolala)
Adapted from the webtoon “Our Youth” (미성년) by Hi Noon (히눈)
Our Youth touched me deeply with its realistic portrayal of characters and the complexity of their relationships. Each character’s flaws and growth felt so authentic that I found myself connecting with their emotions as if they were my own. The series beautifully captures the confusing and sometimes painful aspects of youth in a way that truly resonated with me.
While the emotional intensity can feel heavy at times, the subtle humor and heartwarming moments balance it perfectly. The scenes where the characters try to understand each other left me both reflective and comforted.
If you enjoy heartfelt dramas that explore the messiness of life and the emotional rollercoaster of growing up, this series is definitely worth a watch.
Love is Better the Second Time Around
- Genres: Food, Romance
- Cast: Kaneko Shunya, Nomura Kota
- Episodes: 6 Duration: 24 min.
Watch on Viki
Love is Better the Second Time Around Synopsis
Business editor Miyata Akihiro approaches the successful professor Iwanaga Takashi to contribute a column to his magazine.
To Miyata’s surprise, he quickly realizes that Iwanaga is actually his first love from high school—though back then, Iwanaga went by a different last name.
While Iwanaga is eager to reconnect, Miyata is far less enthusiastic, having severed ties with him years ago in an effort to move on.
Now juggling a demanding career and a girlfriend, Miyata’s carefully constructed life begins to unravel as he’s forced to work closely with Iwanaga.
Can the two confront their shared past and forge a new beginning?
Adapted from the manga series “Koi wo Surunara Nidome ga Joto” (恋をするなら二度目が上等) by Kinoshita Keiko (木下けい子)
For those who believe in the power of second chances and confronting past scars, this is a perfect choice. As you watch this series, you’ll embark on an emotional journey alongside the characters.
A Man Who Defies the World of BL 3
- Genres: Comedy, Romance, Youth
- Cast: Inukai Atsuhiro, Yutaro, Ito Asahi, Shiono Akihisa
- Episodes: 6 Duration: 24 min.
A Man Who Defies the World of BL 3 Synopsis
Mob once again narrowly escapes finding himself in a BL relationship! After bidding Kikuchi farewell, he returns to his usual routine, carefully dodging any potential “flags” around him.
Yet, just as he avoids one, he’s thrust into another awkward situation when a boy unexpectedly confesses his love. How will Mob escape this persistent flag that refuses to disappear?
Adapted from the manga series “Zettai BL ni Naru Sekai VS Zettai BL ni Naritakunai Otoko”
If you’re looking for a series that guarantees laughter, the third season of this series is just for you! With a humorous take on BL clichés, it’s sure to please both fans of the genre and its critics.
At 25:00, in Akasaka
- Genres:Romance, Drama
- Cast: Niihara Taisuke, Komagine Kiita
- Episodes: 10 Duration: 25 min.
Watch on Gagaoolala
At 25:00, in Akasaka Synopsis
When Shirasaki, an underdog stage actor, gets cast in a gay drama series, he is surprised to learn that he will be working with Hayama, his charming clubmate from university who is now a popular actor.
During production, Shirasaki realizes that he will need some inspiration and goes to find somewhere the local gay people hang out.
What he didn’t expect was to meet Hayama there, which eventually led to a kiss. He soon finds himself confused and conflicted about his feelings as he struggles to keep his emotions contained on-screen… (Source: GagaOOLala)
Adapted from the manga series “25 Ji, Akasaka de” (25時、赤坂で) by Natsuno Hiroko (夏野寛子)
Takara’s Treasure
- Genres: Romance
- Cast: Iwase Yoji, Konishi Eito
- Episodes: 10 Duration: 23 min.
Watch on Gagaoolala
Takara’s Treasure Synopsis
Having been comforted in his grief by a stranger named Takara a year earlier, Taishin decides to leave Fukuoka and move to Tokyo in order to reunite with him. However, their reunion doesn’t go exactly as planned… (Source: GagaOOLala)
Adapted from the manga “Takara no Vidro” (タカラのびいどろ) by Suzumaru Minta (鈴丸みんた)
I Hear the Sunspot
- Genres: Romance, Youth, Drama
- Cast: Nakazawa Motoki, Kobayashi Toranosuke
- Episodes: 12 Duration: 31 min.
Watch on iQIYI
I Hear the Sunspot Synopsis
This drama, adapted from the manga of the same name, follows first-year university student Kohei Sugihara, who has withdrawn into a quiet, solitary life after developing hearing loss.
One day, he crosses paths with Taichi Sagawa, his lively and straightforward classmate. When Kohei offers a bento to a hungry Taichi, it sparks an unexpected connection.
In return, Taichi begins helping Kohei take class notes, gradually breaking down his walls. Through these simple yet meaningful interactions, Taichi finds his way into Kohei’s heart.
Their bond grows quietly and tenderly, as they awkwardly navigate their feelings through the act of note-taking.
Adapted from the manga series “Hidamari ga Kikoeru” (ひだまりが聴こえる) by Yuki Fumino (文乃千)
Another favorite of 2024, this drama was really cute, and the two leads did an amazing job bringing their characters to life. Even though I already knew the story from the manga, the actors added new layers to the characters, especially Taichi, who had a darker side I hadn’t fully noticed before.
The show did a great job showing the isolation people with hidden disabilities can feel, like in the basketball scene—it was one of the best moments. The only downside was how rushed the last few episodes felt; with a bit more time, the ending could’ve had an even bigger impact. Still, it was a great adaptation and totally worth watching!
Sugar Dog Life
- Genres: Food, Romance, Life
- Cast: Tanaka Koki, Tawada Hideya
- Episodes: 9 Duration: 30 min.
Sugar Dog Life Synopsis
Sakuraba Isumi, a university student with a baby face and small stature, often gets mistaken for a minor—so much so that police officer Amasawa Kyosuke almost arrests him!
Isumi clears up the misunderstanding by showing his ID, but their paths cross again when Kyosuke becomes a regular at the convenience store where Isumi works part-time.
Kyosuke frequently asks Isumi for midnight snack recommendations, and their casual chats lead to a growing familiarity.
Concerned about Kyosuke’s poor eating habits, Isumi blurts out one day, “Shall I come to your place and cook for you?”—marking the start of a warm and unexpected connection.
Adapted from the manga “Sugar Dog Life” (シュガードッグライフ) by Yoriko (依子)
Mr. Mitsuya’s Planned Feeding
- Genres: Food, Romance, Life, Drama
- Cast: Yamazaki Masayoshi, Sakai Taisei
- Episodes: 7 Duration: 24 min.
Mr. Mitsuya’s Planned Feeding Synopsis
“This pounding in my chest is more than just admiration!?”
Tomoya Ishida, a newbie editor at the fashion magazine Sophia Monthly, finds himself unexpectedly assigned to collect a column manuscript from the renowned culinary researcher Ayumu Mitsuya after his senior is suddenly hospitalized.
When Tomoya visits Ayumu, he’s taken aback by the older man’s warm demeanor and charming Kyoto dialect.
While waiting, Tomoya is treated to a simple yet mouthwatering dish, sparking an unanticipated craving—not just for food, but for more of Ayumu’s company.
What starts as a professional visit quickly turns into an eager anticipation for their next meeting!
Adapted from the manga series “Mitsuya Sensei no Keikakutekina Ezuke.” (三ツ矢先生の計画的な餌付け) by Matsumoto Ayaka (松本あやか)
Cosmetic Playlover
- Genres: Romance
- Cast: Okuno So, Toyoda Yudai
- Episodes: 8 Duration: 25 min.
Watch on Gagaoolala
Cosmetic Playlover Synopsis
Sahashi and Natsume are assigned as cosmetic consultants by their company, both being star employees in their own right.
However, Sahashi’s impolite and disrespectful attitude quickly becomes a headache for the senior Natsume. Things take an unexpected turn when Sahashi uncovers a secret about Natsume and begins to use it as leverage, threatening to expose it.
As the tension between them grows, their working relationship becomes more complicated—and potentially more personal.
Adapted from the manga series “Cosmetic Playlover” (コスメティック・プレイラバー) by Narashima Sachi (楢島さち)
Happy of the End
- Genres: Psychological, Romance, Drama
- Cast: Sawamura Rei, Beppu Yurai
- Episodes: 8 Duration: 25 min.
Watch on Gagaoolala
Happy of the End Synopsis
Dazed and disoriented, Chihiro wakes up on a pile of garbage, the memories of his wedding day still fresh in his mind. Just as he tries to piece things together, a young man named Keito appears before him, sparking a flood of recollections.
The booze, the hotel, and—most notably—the punch to his face!
Chihiro may not have a place to call home, and Keito is far from a model citizen, but despite their unconventional circumstances, the two find an unlikely connection.
Could it be possible for them to find happiness together, despite the chaotic beginning to their relationship?
Adapted from the manga series “Happy of the End” (ハッピー・オブ・ジ・エンド) by Ogeretsu Tanaka (おげれつたなか)
This isn’t your typical BL—it’s a raw drama about love and healing. With intense and heavy themes, it’s not for the faint-hearted, but it’s a must-watch for those who can handle it. The actors are outstanding, the cinematography is top-notch, and the show masterfully balances tough themes with emotional moments. A truly unique and brave project.
Love Is A Poison
- Genres: Thriller, Law, Romance
- Cast: Hama Shogo, Hyodo Katsumi
- Episodes: 12 Duration: 20 min.
Watch on Netflix
Love Is A Poison Synopsis
Shiba Ryoma, a brilliant lawyer, aced the bar exam with the highest score while still in university and became the youngest co-partner at a top law firm. Known for advising major clients, Shiba’s life takes a turn when he meets Haruto, a mysterious genius con artist, at a bar.
Haruto, looking for a capable partner, invites Shiba to join him, and Shiba, intrigued by Haruto’s talent for impersonation, decides to take him in as a secret partner.
As they work together, Shiba, inexperienced in romance, starts to develop feelings for Haruto, who is sweet and devoted to him despite the dangerous situations they face. The two, opposites in many ways, solve problems in a thrilling way while growing closer.
Haruto begins to fall for Shiba’s sensitivity and clumsiness, while Shiba, a tsundere with no romantic experience, struggles to express his growing emotions. Their bond deepens, but they will eventually have to confront a great evil together.
Adapted from the novel “Doku Koi: Doku mo Sugireba Koi to Naru” (毒恋～毒もすぎれば恋となる～) by Makino Keisuke (牧野圭祐)
This was so cute, warm, comforting, cozy, and absolutely adorable. It felt like someone poured a bucket of sugar over me, leaving me drenched in sweetness—literally an overload of cuteness. Definitely one of my favorites of 2024!
Don’t Care for an Old Man’s Underwear
- Genres: Comedy, Life, Family
- Cast: Harada Taizo, Nakajima Sota, Jyo Kairi
- Episodes: 11 Duration: 55 min.
Don’t Care for an Old Man’s Underwear Synopsis
The story follows Makoto Okita, a middle-aged man who is trapped by society’s old norms and prejudices.
He is disliked by his family for being “stiff,” and his colleagues avoid him due to his lack of sensitivity. Despite this, he continues to follow the path he believes is the only right one.
However, a pivotal moment arrives when his son confesses, “I… never want to become someone like my dad!!” This prompts Makoto, in his fifties and with a rigid mindset, to meet a gay man over two decades younger than him.
Through this new friendship, Makoto begins to challenge and change his long-held “common sense.”
Adapted from the manga series “Ossan no Pantsu ga Nan Datte Ii Janai ka!” (おっさんのパンツがなんだっていいじゃないか！) by Nerima Zim (練馬zim)
Love in the Air: Premonition of Love
Adapted from the Thai BL drama Love in the Air.
- Genres: Romance, Youth
- Cast: Nagumo Shoma, Hamaya Takuto, Suzuki Asahi, Nagatsuma Reo
- Episodes: 8 Duration: 26 min.
Watch on Gagaoolala
Love in the Air: Premonition of Love Synopsis
Rei and Kai, two close friends facing troubles, find themselves caught in the teasing of clouds and falling rain. Their journey leads them to Arashi and Fuma, two cunning yet captivating figures who stir unexpected storms in their hearts. As the seasons change—from the warm spring to the hot summer, lonely autumn, and cold winter—the battle of love begins.
With love in the air, the atmosphere shifts and emotions fluctuate. Will Rei and Kai’s hearts be swayed by these new feelings? What path will love take as they navigate the turbulent weather of their emotions?
I’m Your Pet
- Genres: Romance, Drama
- Cast: Aoyama Gai, Kohinata Ruki
- Episodes: 44 Duration: 2 min.
All episodes are available on a short drama app called “SWIPEDRAMA” Japanese, English, Korean, Taiwanese, and Chinese subtitles are available https://onelink.to/swipedrama
I’m Your Pet Synopsis
Kitami Makoto once lived a life filled with betrayal, losing his ability to trust others. Similarly, Ashihara Ritu is weighed down by past scars and struggles to find hope in his own despair. By chance, the two cross paths and begin an unusual life together.
Ritu’s innocent and unpretentious view of the world gradually melts Makoto’s closed-off heart, allowing him to rediscover trust and affection. However, their relationship is far from easy, as their painful pasts stand between them like insurmountable walls. As they face their vulnerabilities and despair, the two start to grow together.
Will Makoto reclaim his lost sense of self, and can his bond with Ritu light the way forward for both of them? Their future begins to take shape, step by step.
Can a Freeloader Make It as a Secretary?
- Genres: Romance, Youth
- Cast: Nagumo Shoma, Hamaya Takuto, Suzuki Asahi, Nagatsuma Reo
- Episodes: 8 Duration: 26 min.
All episodes are available on a short drama app called “SWIPEDRAMA” Japanese, English, Korean, Taiwanese, and Chinese subtitles are available 🙂 https://onelink.to/swipedrama
Can a Freeloader Make It as a Secretary? Synopsis
Keita Shirahata’s life takes a dramatic turn when his girlfriend breaks up with him after becoming pregnant. Having lived as a kept man for many years, he finds himself homeless.
Desperate, Keita discovers a job opportunity with promising conditions and decides to apply. However, his life changes completely when he is hired as the secretary to Joji Kuroda, a strict and demanding CEO.
Me, Him, and You
- Genres: Romance
- Cast: Iijima Hiroki, Mitsu Satoshi, Higashi Keisuke
- Episodes: 30 Duration: 2 min.
Me, Him, and You Synopsis
Takumi, feeling defeated after another job rejection, stops by a cafe where he meets Souichiro, the owner, and Daiya, Souichiro’s nephew. A commotion breaks out as Ryoji, a regular, breaks up with his girlfriend. Takumi starts working as a waiter at the cafe, and when he overhears Daiya and Ryoji looking for a third roommate, he volunteers.
The three move in together, and Takumi, an aspiring chef, impresses them with his cooking. Takumi shares his dream of opening his own restaurant, and the others support him. He learns Daiya is a model and Ryoji is a photographer.
Takumi secretly has a crush on Ryoji, who doesn’t recognize him from a past encounter where Ryoji encouraged him to follow his dreams. Daiya notices Takumi’s feelings and offers relationship advice. Takumi’s awkward attempts to win over Ryoji bring him closer to Daiya, who realizes he may have feelings for Takumi.
There’s Love That Starts From Mistaken Identity
- Genres: Romance
- Cast: Usa Takuma, Imai Ryutaro
- Episodes: 29 Duration: 2 min.
There’s Love That Starts From Mistaken Identity Synopsis
Kai is struggling financially after a gambling loss and can no longer afford his rent. As a last resort, he contacts his twin brother, Riku, for help.
Riku is overseas and offers Kai a place to stay, but with one condition: Kai must break up with Riku’s boyfriend, Chiaki. When Kai arrives, Chiaki greets him with affection, unaware of Riku’s plan. Kai pretends to be Riku and struggles to break up with Chiaki.
As they live together, Chiaki continues to show affection toward Kai, and Kai starts to develop feelings for him. This creates a conflict as Kai questions whether he can go through with the breakup and wonders if they could be happy together instead.
I Fell in Love With Someone of the Same Sex
- Genres: Romance, Drama
- Cast: Arai Keishi, Ren
- Episodes: 2
Click to watch with English subtitles
I Fell in Love With Someone of the Same Sex Synopsis
Naoki and Takuya are high school seniors with a close friendship. They’re so comfortable with each other that they hang out in the bedroom, even lying on the same bed. Takuya recently got dumped by his girlfriend of three years because they’ll be attending different universities, leaving him single for the first time in a while.
What Takuya doesn’t know is that Naoki secretly has a crush on him. Naoki, scared of ruining their friendship, keeps his feelings to himself and quietly pines for Takuya, who sees their bond as purely platonic. Takuya is clueless, teasing Naoki and getting physically playful, unaware of how much it affects him.
Enter Ayaka, Takuya’s childhood friend, who starts cozying up to him after his breakup. Since they’ll attend the same university, she even suggests being roommates. But Ayaka doesn’t like Naoki and sees him as competition for Takuya’s attention. She confronts Naoki about his feelings, but he denies everything, keeping his crush a secret.
As graduation nears, Naoki dreads saying goodbye to Takuya without confessing his feelings. Takuya admits he’ll miss Naoki, but Ayaka brushes it off, pointing out they’re just two guys. Time is running out, and Naoki struggles with whether to finally tell Takuya the truth or let him go.
Dominant Yakuza and Wimpy Corporate Slave
- Genres: Romance, Action
- Cast: Karuma, Ah Ben
- Episodes: 10 Duration: 3 min.
First 5 episodes are available on YouTube. Full episodes can be watched on the streaming platform: https://app.mov.movie/dly.html
Dominant Yakuza and Wimpy Corporate Slave Synopsis
Yang, a corporate employee often referred to as a “corporate slave,” is transferred to the Japanese branch of his company. One day, he witnesses the Yakuza member Yuma fighting a gang in the downtown area and is captivated by his strength.
After a chance reunion with Yuma, Yang, despite his awkwardness, finds himself gradually drawn to him. Yuma, in turn, begins to open up to Yang, and the two of them start to form a connection through their shared loneliness.
Adapted from the manga “Ore-sama Yakuza to Hetare Shachiku no Jingi Naki Dekiai” (俺様ヤクザとヘタレ社畜の仁義なき溺愛) by Haruki Arin (陽葵ありん)
This story is so good, it deserves to be made into a full series! Yakuza and BL is the perfect mix for me, and if you agree, I highly recommend it.
Actors High!
- Genres: Comedy, Romance
- Cast: Yutaro, Negishi Takuya
- Episodes: 30 Duration: 1 min.
First 5 episodes are available on YouTube.Watch full episodes in Vigloo
Actors High! Synopsis
A sentai actor and a former child star find themselves at odds while filming a BL project, creating tension on set. To mend their strained relationship, an assistant producer arranges a retreat.
Unexpectedly, their guardian spirits—who happen to be long-lost lovers—reunite during the getaway. As past and present intertwine, will this unforeseen connection help save the project and bring the two actors closer together?
Smells Like Green Spirit
- Genres: Life, Youth, Drama
- Cast: Araki Towa, Sono Shunta, Fujimoto Kodai, Abe Alan
- Episodes: 8 Duration: 30 min.
Smells Like Green Spirit Synopsis
Mishima, a student at a rural school, is relentlessly bullied by his classmates for being “gay.” While the assumption is true, Mishima quietly endures the bullying, finding solace in secretly cross-dressing.
One day, on the rooftop, he discovers his lost lipstick in the hands of Kirino—one of his bullies—who is about to apply it to his own lips. This unexpected moment sparks a new dynamic between them.
This is a story of young boys navigating their identities and searching for a place where they can truly be themselves.
Adapted from the manga series “Smells Like Green Spirit” (スメルズライクグリーンスピリット) by Nagai Saburo (永井三郎)
Finally, another excellent BL from Japan! Too painfully realistic. A new good story for a change. Three teen boys struggling with growing up and their own sexuality: the drama is rough and tender, sweet and scary, happy and sad.
