It's the summer of 'The Boyfriend'!
Netflix is launching a brand-new gay dating show, The Boyfriend, on Tuesday, July 9. Not only is this an exciting new series filled with heartwarming moments and handsome guys, but it's also Japan's first-ever same-sex reality dating TV show.
The Boyfriend's premise consists of nine men spending a month together living in a beach house (nicknamed "the Green Room") and running a coffee truck. The show was filmed in Tateyama — a city in Chiba Prefecture, Japan that is best known as a "beach town" close to Tokyo.
The mere existence of a gay dating show in Japan is already groundbreaking. While the country has been making progress on LGBTQ+ rights, it can still be culturally difficult for many queer people to come out and live as their most authentic selves in Japan.
Netflix's The Boyfriend will spotlight Japanese men coming to terms with their sexualities, developing friendships, and experiencing the highs and lows of falling in love. "Expect a blend of romance, camaraderie, jealousy, and everything in between," the synopsis reads.
The complete series will be released in four batches: episodes 1-3 on July 9, episodes 4-6 on July 16, episodes 7-8 on July 23, and episodes 9-10 on July 30. In other words, get ready for the summer of The Boyfriend with new episodes dropping every Tuesday on Netflix.
Scroll through to meet the nine men appearing on The Boyfriend — and make sure to tune in when the series premieres on Tuesday, July 9 on Netflix.
Alan
Age: 29
Occupation: IT company employee from Brazil
Instagram: @takahashialan
Dai
Age: 22
Occupation: University student
Instagram: @dainakai
Gensei
Age: 34
Occupation: Hair and makeup artist from Taiwan
Instagram: @gensei.am
Ikuo
Age: 22
Occupation: Food service industry worker
Instagram: @iku.o323
Kazuto
Age: 27
Occupation: Japanese cuisine chef
Instagram: @kaz._.too
Ryota
Age: 28
Occupation: Model and barista
Instagram: @ryota_32_
Shun
Age: 23
Occupation: Artist
Instagram: @shun._.nakanishi
Taeheon
Age: 34
Occupation: Designer from Korea
Instagram: @taehonest
Usak
Age: 36
Occupation: Go-go dancer
Instagram: @saksaksaksack