Season 1 |
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Episode Guide
Episode 1 – Review Score 2.5/5
Episode 2 – Review Score 2.5/5
Episode 3 – Review Score 3/5
Episode 4 – Review Score 2/5
Episode 5 – Review Score 2/5
Episode 6 – Review Score 2.5/5
Episode 7 – Review Score 2.5/5
Episode 8 – Review Score 3/5
A gentle but unsurprising Japanese BL romance
Living with Him (Kare no Iru Seikatsu) is a live-action Japanese BL drama based on a manga of the same name created by Miyata Toworu. Our story begins when childhood friends reunite, surprised to find themselves university roommates. Natsukawa Ryota has spent his high school years as his family’s main caretaker looking after younger sisters while both parents work. Gaining new freedom, he’s excited to finally have the chance to live like a student as well as reconnect with his friend Kazuhito ‘Kazuto’ Tanaka. Perfect in every way, Natsukawa wonders why Kazuto doesn’t have a girlfriend. Now that they’ve reconnected, he’s set to help Kazuto figure it out.
Starring Sakai Sho (Takara-kun to Amagi-kun) as Natsukawa and Ryuga Sato (Kamen Rider Geats saga) as Kazuto, they’re supported by Rei Sawamura of J-pop group, One N’ Only who plays Keita Haruna. The story was adapted by Miyamoto Takeshi who scripted Old Fashion Cupcake and adapted the Fullmetal Alchemist movie series with production through NBCUniversal Entertainment Japan.

Their hesitancy feels realistic as Japan itself currently struggles to make same sex marriage legal, as well as introducing bills to recognize and promote the understanding of the LGBTQ+ community. If you’ve also been watching The Boyfriend, you’ll spot a similar hesitancy in the male-only reality show participants, even though they’re in a completely safe space (during the series), they’re all in the same boat, so to speak.
It may seem strange as Japan is the mother ship for BL romance, creating male-only love stories from as far back as the 70’s. So same sex pairings aren’t a new idea, just in how it impacts real people. Perhaps live action series like Living with Him have an impact on young Japanese viewers. Maybe these characters and their gentle dance around relationships feel familiar and encouraging. It must be tough to feel ok with society’s long-held beliefs about shame and familial expectation.
While the romance takes almost painfully slow steps, it also nicely delves into the inner thoughts someone in similar circumstances may experience. But for a drama, it’s a rather slow watch as the leads endlessly back and forth over each next move, finally arriving at a satisfying if expected end.
Living with Him is a gentle but unsurprising romance. Much like it’s lead, it’s a bit over-formal and afraid of its own shadow. While there’s sweetness, the chemistry is tough to find, mainly because the storyline is so damn careful. At the same time, it’s quite realistic. Even with today’s newly won LGTBQ+ awareness, it would still be tough for introverted Natsukawa to feel comfortable going against society’s grain, exposing his cherished person.
What are your thoughts?
Loving the pairing of Natsukawa and Kazuto? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
READ MORE: Japanese drama and movie reviews and more BL drama reviews
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Verdict - 6/10
6/10