
TV Tokyo and GagaOOLala are set to release a live-action drama series titled 'At 25.00 in Akasaka' this month, falling under the popular Boys Love (BL) genre. The series, based on a manga by Natsuno Hiroko, has garnered significant attention, with over 1.2 million copies of the comic sold. The storyline delves into the romantic relationship between a well-known actor and a budding talent, both cast as leads in a BL drama that has captured the hearts of audiences globally.
The lead roles in the series are portrayed by Niihara Taisuke and Komagine Kiita. The BL genre, which has origins contested among Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand, has evolved into a substantial cultural phenomenon in East Asia. In 2020, the BL market in Japan was valued at $1.85 million, while Thai BL content received foreign investments totaling $111 million in 2021.