Redefining the BL Genre: Bridging Fiction and Reality in Japanese Dramas

The autumn drama season in Japan this year has witnessed a resurgence in the Boys Love (BL) genre, a niche that delves into homosexual relationships among men. Leading the pack are sequels to the renowned shows “Ossan’s Love,” starring Kei Tanaka, Kohtaro Yoshida, and Kento Hayashi, and “What Did You Eat Yesterday?” featuring Hideyoshi Nishijima and Seiyo Uchino. These shows have not only brought BL into mainstream discussions but also signified its robust presence in Japanese media.

Historically, BL, as a distinguished genre in manga and literature, took root in the 1990s. Initially, the stories catered to a predominantly female audience, some even adapting into televised animations. A classic example would be the 2015 anime “Dakaretai Otoko 1-i ni Odosareteimasu,” with its protagonist, Takato Saijō, ranking second in Charapedia’s 2018 “Most Charming Anime Characters” poll.

What sets “Ossan’s Love” and “What Did You Eat Yesterday?” apart is their positive portrayal of homosexuality, blended with comedic romance. These elements have expanded the BL genre’s fanbase and established it as a standalone category in the television realm.

To trace the origins of BL, one must return to the 1970s when “male love” stories began appearing in Japanese shōjo manga. Up until the…