The Phenomenon of Unwatched Finales: Escapism or Sentimentality in Modern Japanese Society?

If you’re a fan of Japanese dramas (J-drama), you’ll likely know the format — most are serialized into ten to twelve episodes, neatly packaged into a three-month season. Some viewers eagerly await each episode, while others prefer to binge-watch the whole season in one go. Intriguingly, a trend has emerged among the Japanese internet community — some viewers choose not to watch the final episode. A quick search for “最終回を見ない” (not watching the final episode) reveals a significant number of viewers with this peculiar habit. Unofficial statistics suggest that around 20% of viewers hesitate to watch the last episode of a series they love, fearing the sense of loss that follows.

This tendency stems from the emotional connection viewers build with the characters and the fictional world they inhabit. Over the course of three months, audiences immerse themselves in the narrative, forming a bond with the series. The prospect of saying goodbye to this connection can trigger a sense of loss, leading some viewers to avoid the final episode entirely. Similar behavior has been observed in gamers, who sometimes refrain from defeating the final boss to delay the game’s inevitable conclusion.

The reluctance to watch the final episode reflects a fear of losing a beloved fictional…