When The Boyfriend debuted on Netflix in July 2024, it became a quiet cultural phenomenon. As Japan’s first mainstream reality series centered on same-sex romance, the show offered something rare in the reality dating landscape: sincerity, emotional depth, and genuine human connection. Now, nearly 18 months later, the series is back for Season 2, trading sunny beaches for snowy mountains and bringing together ten new men searching for love, friendship, and self-discovery.
The New Setting: Winter in Hokkaido
Season 2 relocates the iconic Green Room—the shared house where cast members live together—to wintertime Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island known for its dramatic snowscapes and freezing temperatures. The shift from last season’s beachside summer vibes to a cozy snowy lodge creates an entirely different atmosphere, one that feels more introspective and intimate.
The men will spend two months living together, running a peppermint-colored coffee truck in pairs, and navigating the complexities of forming relationships in front of cameras. Between skiing excursions, conversations in makeshift igloos, and quiet moments by the fire, the wintry backdrop becomes its own character in the story.
Meet the Season 2 Cast
Bomi (23)
A university student raised in Tokyo and now studying in Kyoto, Bomi enters the Green Room having never been in a relationship before. His inexperience and openness make him one of the season’s most vulnerable participants.
Kazuyuki (40)
The oldest member of the house, Kazuyuki is a telecom sales worker from Osaka who recently ended a 15-year relationship. He quickly assumes the role of caring older brother to the younger cast members, offering perspective and emotional support.
Hiroya (29)
An art director from Hokkaido now working in Tokyo, Hiroya has spent years prioritizing his career over romance. This season represents his attempt to finally put relationships first and break old patterns.
Huwei (26)
A graduate student from Thailand studying gender theory in Japan, Huwei balances academic life with training for Olympic-level judo. Fluent in multiple languages, he brings both intellectual depth and athletic discipline to the house.
Izaya (32)
Originally from Tokyo but now living in Australia, Izaya works in IT sales and returns to Japan still healing from a breakup that happened three years ago. He’s described as earnest and disciplined, seeking a partner who shares his serious outlook on the future.
Jobu (26)
A marketer from Osaka working in manufacturing, Jobu is the house’s most vibrant personality. His high energy and emotional openness make him a natural connector among the group.
Ryuki (20)
The youngest cast member, Ryuki is a university student from Osaka navigating both the search for his first real romance and the anxiety of coming out to his father. He embodies the “kind younger brother” archetype while working through a painful past.
Taeheon (35)
A Season 1 fan favorite from South Korea, Taeheon returns to the Green Room with what he describes as “unfinished business.” His familiarity with the format and personal growth since his first appearance make him one of the season’s most intriguing figures.
Tomoaki (31)
An IT project manager from Miyagi, Tomoaki joins the show after completing a significant personal weight loss journey. He enters the house hoping to learn self-love and find a partner who appreciates him for who he is now.
William
Details about William remain mostly a mystery, adding an element of intrigue to the season’s early episodes.
What Makes Season 2 Different
While the core format remains unchanged—men living together, working in pairs at the coffee truck, and building connections through shared experiences—Season 2 introduces some notable shifts.
Greater Diversity: The cast spans a wider age range (20 to 40) and includes participants from Thailand and Peru alongside Japanese and Korean cast members.
Prior Connections: Unlike Season 1, many of this season’s cast members already knew each other before entering the Green Room, creating instant chemistry but also potential complications.
Deeper Emotional Stakes: Several participants arrive carrying heavier emotional baggage—long-term relationship endings, unresolved family dynamics, and the ongoing process of coming out.
The Cultural Significance
Executive producer Dai Ota emphasized that The Boyfriend was designed to authentically represent same-sex relationships in a country where LGBTQ+ visibility in mainstream media remains limited.
“Being the first reality series centered on same-sex romance in Japan, we took great care to ensure that the narrative genuinely reflects these relationships,” Ota told Netflix Tudum. “In Season 2, we aim to continue to portray their empathy and personal development, introducing even more unique viewpoints and backgrounds.”
The show’s success in Season 1—spending six consecutive weeks in Netflix’s Top 10 and sparking widespread online discussion—proved there was appetite for this kind of storytelling. Season 2 builds on that foundation while pushing the boundaries of what queer reality television can accomplish.
Release Schedule
The Boyfriend Season 2 premiered on January 13, 2026, with episodes releasing in weekly batches every Tuesday:
- Batch 1: January 13 (Episodes 1-6)
- Batch 2: January 20 (Episodes 7-9)
- Batch 3: January 27 (Episodes 10-12)
- Batch 4: February 3 (Episodes 13-15 – Season Finale)
The staggered release allows viewers to process each emotional arc while building anticipation for the finale, where it will be revealed whether any of the participants found “The Boyfriend” they were searching for.
With its thoughtful pacing, emotionally intelligent cast, and willingness to let relationships develop naturally rather than manufacturing drama, The Boyfriend Season 2 offers a refreshing alternative to the chaos-driven reality dating shows that dominate the genre. For viewers seeking genuine connection, personal growth, and heartfelt romance, the Green Room is once again open for business.
Check out It’s Netflix Nerd for our latest reviews, updates, release news, and information about Netflix movies and series.