Japanese Reality Dating Shows to Binge this Valentine’s Day

Since Netflix revamped Fuji Television’s romantic slice-of-life reality hit Terrace House, countless shows have followed in its footsteps. But which of these real-world dating dramas are worth your time?

Japanese dating shows provide something of an antidote to other reality fare. While Western offerings typically prioritize sexy shenanigans and outlandish drama, Japanese reality TV has an almost soothing quality. The country’s reserved culture means that romantic build-up is slower and quieter, but often more meaningful. Courtships typically culminate in semi-formal love confessions, which make for seriously swoon-worthy TV.

It’s no surprise, then, that many viewers who otherwise don’t consider themselves fans of the genre find comfort and joy in Japanese reality dating shows. They can even be instructive for internationals who are dating a Japanese partner. Along with its range of romantic J-dramas, Netflix has undoubtedly built the best library of dating shows from Japan. So, if you’re seeking some romantic escapism, look no further than this list of seven Japanese reality dating shows to binge this Valentine’s Day in Japan.

1. Terrace House: Boys & Girls in the City

While its truncated final season ended in tragedy, Terrace House remains the pinnacle of Japanese reality shows. Its first Netflix outing, subtitled Boys & Girls in the City, is a masterpiece of the genre. Six young men and women live together in a stylish Tokyo house, and we watch as they strive to achieve their dreams in life and love. 

From the start, Terrace House’s calm, decidedly Japanese approach made it a refreshing contrast to the chaos of Western reality shows. But the shockingly meta ending of Boys & Girls in the City featured twists and romance enough to rival any scripted drama. Follow-up seasons Aloha State and Opening New Doors provided similar, if diminishing, rewards. However, Netflix’s first Terrace House has never been topped, and its influence can be felt in just about every Japanese reality show that followed.

Japanese Title: テラスハウス ボーイズ＆ガールズ イン・ザ・シティ(Terasu Hausu Boizu & Garuzu in za Shiti; “Terrace House Boys & Girls in the City”)

2. Love is Blind: Japan

For the uninitiated, Love is Blind asks single men and women to find a potential spouse without ever setting eyes on one another. Participants talk while separated by an opaque paper screen, adorably dubbed ‘the moon’. When they fall in love, they can propose. Only then will they get to see their betrothed for the first time.

The Love is Blind franchise is a global sensation, but many agree the Japan season is special. Perhaps it’s the participant’s earnestness in the search for a life partner. Perhaps it’s the beauty of the set design, with sweethearts meeting on a half-moon bridge surrounded by cherry blossoms. Without giving too much away, one of the joys of the Japanese season is seeing just how accurate the premise of the title can be. Whatever the secret ingredient is, Love is Blind: Japan is in a class of its own.

Japanese Title: ラブ・イズ・ブラインド JAPAN (Rabu izu Buraindo Japan; “Love is Blind Japan”)

3. The Boyfriend

This spiritual successor to Terrace House puts a delightfully queer spin on the format. Here, single young gay and bisexual men live together in a scenic coastal locale. During their stay, they are challenged to match up on dates and profess developing feelings. They also take turns manning a coffee truck, with each housemate inviting his ideal partner along for the ride.

While love and friendship blossom on The Boyfriend, the show is most notable for breaking taboos around LGBTQ+ representation. A deeply affecting scene comes when the housemates share their coming-out experiences. Several participants also expressed a desire to get married, a possibility that remains out of reach for same-sex couples in Japan. If the fact that the show has been renewed for a second season is anything to go by, however, these boys have plenty of viewers on their side.

Japanese Title: ボーイフレンド (Boifurendo; “Boyfriend”)

4. Love Village

Love Village is unusual among Japanese dating shows for showcasing mature relationships. All participants are over the age of 35, with several divorcees and single parents in the mix. The romantic hopefuls begin by working together to renovate a run-down Japanese house in the countryside. If they find love, they must confess their feelings, and leave the village with or without their chosen partner. 

Love Village’s focus on mid-life romance yields some surprising results. The housemates are less inhibited than their younger counterparts. Alcohol flows freely, and the dinner conversation is bawdy from the get-go. However, the participants’ life experiences make it an even more poignant reality drama, with touching animated sequences recounting past losses. It’s warm-hearted and well worth your time. Just make sure to have some tissues at the ready.

Japanese Title: あいの里 (Ai no Sato; “Village of Love”)

5. The Future Diary

Reality shows frequently come under fire for being too scripted, manipulating audiences and cast members alike. But for the young stars of The Future Diary, that’s precisely the point. In this experiment, participants are tasked with acting out the beats of a pre-written romance, right down to moments like holding hands and sharing a first kiss. The question at the heart of the series is, will they fall in love for real?

It’s a preposterous premise that ends up working thanks to the casting of the show’s would-be lovers. The first season unites a Hokkaido boy and an Okinawa girl to see if they can create a genuine long-distance romance. Season two sets up a young trio in a friendship-turned-love-triangle that could be straight out of an anime. By turning the genre’s biggest weakness into its secret weapon, The Future Diary emerges as one of the most tender and emotionally engaging dating shows around.

Japanese Title: 未来日記 (Mirai Nikki; “Future Diary”)

6. Ainori Love Wagon: Asian Journey

This pre-Terrace House format (also imported to Netflix from Fuji Television) has all the features of regular Japanese TV. Manic text captions, sarcastic voice-over, and the exaggerated reactions of studio commentators collide on screen. All of this makes Ainori Love Wagon a less relaxing experience than other entries on this list, but its core charms are similar.

In Ainori (literally meaning ‘love ride’), a gaggle of young singletons board a bright pink minivan for an international adventure. Half the fun is watching the sheltered young Japanese cast break out of their comfort zone as they experience the fun and culture shock of foreign travel. However, the main attraction is seeing whether any of them will return to Japan as boyfriends or girlfriends. A follow-up season, African Journey, is also available to stream.

Japanese Title: 恋愛バス：アジア之旅 (Renai Basu: Ajia Ryokou; “Love Bus: Asian Journey”)

7. Is She the Wolf?

Is She the Wolf introduces a group of impossibly glamorous Tokyoites looking for love. Sparks fly in all directions as the cast members work together to complete a romantic photography project. But there’s a catch: at least one of the female participants has been assigned the role of ‘the wolf’, and must entrance her male castmates without falling in love herself.

The twist within the twist, of course, is that you can’t prevent someone from falling in love. After all, forbidden fruit is often the most tempting. The fact that most of the stars here are quite successful figures in Japanese entertainment gives it a glossier and more manufactured feel than other dating shows. But the romantic psychodrama between the suspicious castmates is all too real and all too addictive.

Japanese Title: オオカミには騙されない (Ookami-chan ni wa Damasarenai; “Don’t Be Deceived by the Wolf”)

Have you watched any of these Japanese reality dating shows? Let us know in the comments!

Comments

Mel Bushe says:

February 14, 2025 at 8:35 am

Last time I was in Japan I binge watched Love is blind Japan. I loved it and continue to follow 2 of the contestants on Instagram 2 years later. I am coming back next month and shall definitely make my choice from this excellent enticing selection.