Last Tuesday, July 9, Netflix premiered the first three episodes of The Boyfriend, Japan’s first ever same-sex dating show. The logline? “Nine guys begin living together in a seaside beach house, where they enjoy a special time entirely dedicated to love and friendship.”
For one month, castmates Alan (29), Dai (22), Gensei (34), Ikuo (22), Kazuto (27), Ryota (28), Shun (23), Taeheon (34) and Usak (36) will live under one roof in a picturesque beach house, operating a coffee truck to supplement their daily budget of ￥6,000 (approximately $38 USD) all while “coming to terms with their sexualities, developing friendships, and experiencing the highs and lows of falling in love.”
While we wait for episodes four through six to premiere on July 16, I thought it would be fun to take a closer look at the eight boyfriends we’ve been introduced to so far*. If you’ve tuned into the series, feel free to discuss in the comments (using spoiler tags as a courtesy)! If not, well… what are you waiting for?
Name: Alan
Age: 29
Occupation: IT company employee from Brazil
Instagram: @takahashialan
Name: Dai
Age: 22
Occupation: University student
Instagram: @dainakai
Name: Gensei
Age: 34
Occupation: Hair and makeup artist from Taiwan
Instagram: @gensei.am
Name: Kazuto
Age: 27
Occupation: Japanese cuisine chef
Instagram: @kaz._ztoo
Name: Ryota
Age: 28
Occupation: Model and barista
Instagram: @ryota_32_
Name: Shun
Age: 23
Occupation: Artist
Instagram: @shun._.nakanishi
Name: Taeheon
Age: 34
Occupation: Designer from Korea
Instagram: @taehonest
Name: Usak
Age: 36
Occupation: Go-go dancer
Instagram: @saksaksaksack
* Ikuo (not pictured) is expected to move into the house during the second batch of episodes.
