As the year comes to an end, many of us will be thinking about the various things we have seen and done this year that we are grateful for. For us at JGG, this means looking back at all of 2025’s best queer media — but wait! The year isn’t over yet, and there are still a few more drops we can squeeze out of the beginning of this century’s second quarter! So here is a trio of triumphant television treats to thrill those at the terminus of 2025!
Punks Triangle
An adaptation of the *PUNKS△TRIANGLE/*パンクストライアングル manga by Yuho Okita, Punks Triangle premiered in Japan on 10 October, and is a BL for the young and the young at heart. It follows the exploits of Chiaki Sumiura, a youth with dreams of becoming a renowned fashion designer — and in particular, he wants to see his pieces draped on the frame of the model Ai. But after he is paired with the sloppy and clumsy Ayumu Enaga, will he ever be able to make clothes to attract his idol?
Viewers are compelled by the vidsual flare of the show, combined with an unconventional love triangle and a story that goes beyond the typical BL fare, with a vibe and a setting that is reminiscent of Ai Yazawa’s Paradise Kiss. If you’re a punk rocker (yes you are) then this is an easy recommendation.
- Cast: Nagano Ryota, Fujibayashi Yasunari, Kurihara Louis, View All
- Genres: Comedy, Romance, Life, Youth
- Where to watch: FOD
School Trip: Joined a Group I’m Not Close To
Premiered on 18 October, this show is based on Uzura Kakuregi’s novel of the same name (originally Shugakuryoko de Nakayokunai Group ni Hairimashita/修学旅行で仲良くないグループに入りました), focusing on, as you may have guessed, a school trip for protagonist Asahi Hioki.
Before the big school trip, Hioki is assigned to a new class, meaning that he can’t be a part of a group with his regular friends. Not knowing anyone in his new class well, he is somewhat isolated when it comes to finding a group to be part of. However, Hayato Hotta, his friend from middle school, invites him to join his group of hot guys. Over the course of the trip, he becomes closer to the “Four Heavenly Kings” of the class… and especially to the cool, quiet Tsukasa Watari.
Audiences love that the characters and scenario are both quite wholesome, and the 25 minute episodes, shorter than many drama, are still packed with enough story and fun to make them more than popcorn but without wasting any time. Sincere and sweet, it’s a sugary sweet to give you some solace in these shivery nights.
- Cast: Fujimoto Kodai, Kan Hideyoshi, Fukuda Ayuta, Shimizu Kairi, Sakuragi Masaya, Iwanami Shiori, View ALL
- Genres: Romance, Youth
- Where to watch: GagaOOLaLa
Love Begins in the World of If
Another novel adaption, this time from Sachi Umino’s If no Sekai de Koi ga Hajimaru/ifの世界で恋がはじまる. On its 20 November premier, we met Akihito Kano, who was previously in his company’s technical department, where he excelled, but has now been transferred to the sales department, where his introverted nature works against him. He admires Seiji Ookami, the best salesman and his friend… but their friendship is tested after a conflict surrounding the pair.
Visiting a shrine one evening, he finds an ancient mirror that promises to let those who look into it become the person they wish to be. The next day, Kano awakes to find that he is admired and beloved by everyone in the sales department — and Ookami is besotted with him. As he enjoys this new world, Kano begins to confront his real feelings, and understand why this dream is not the same as reality.
The audience for Love Begins in the World of If appreciate both the darker tone and cinematography compared to many similar BL dramas, as well as the superb performances from the leads.
- Cast: Daigo Kotaro, Nakagawa Daisuke, Hayama Yuki, Yoshimura Sojiro, Hagiwara Mamoru, Tosa Kazunari, View All
- Genres: Romance, Fantasy
- Where to watch: GagaOOLaLa
Even as the nights grow dimmer, longer, and colder, there are still spots of warmth for fans of Japanese BL drama.
