Who are the nine participants of The Boyfriend on Netflix? Details explored

There are multiple ways in which Netflix’s latest dating show, The Boyfriend, stands out from the rest in the genre. Completely based in Japan, The Boyfriend is the country’s first same-sex dating show and was released on July 9.

It casts 9 participants who will go on a journey of self-discovery while looking for love, and follows the format of the popular Terrace House show. The series premiered with a 10-episode Season 1 on July 9.

The nine participants on the show, who come from different walks of life, are named Dai Nakai (22), Ikuo (22), Alan Takahashi (29), Shun Nakanishi (23), Gensei Azumai (34), Kazuto (27), Ryota (28), Taeheon (34), and Usak (36).

While the first three episodes released on July 9, the rest of the season will follow a weekly 2-episode release until July 30. Entirely set and shot in Tateyama, a seaside city near Tokyo, the show's 9 participants will use the opportunity to reflect on their queer sensibilities.

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Who are the 9 participants of The Boyfriend?

As things stand, not a lot of details are available about the 9 men who are a part of the first season. Their identities, careers, and Instagram accounts are available, which seems to be the only information that fans can access for the time being.

The participants themselves range between the ages of 22-36 and come from a variety of backgrounds, which is set to add further spice and drama to the first season. The following details are currently available about the participants:

• Dai Nakai (22) - University Student: Instagram: @dainakai
• Ikuo (22) - Food Service Industry Worker: Instagram: @iku.o323
• Alan Takahashi (29) - IT Employee from Brazil: Instagram: @takahashialan
• Shun Nakanishi (23) - Artist: Instagram: @shun._.nakanishi
• Gensei Azumai (34) - Hair and Makeup Artist from Taiwan: Instagram: @gensei.am
• Kazuto (27) - Japanese Cuisine Chef: Instagram: @kaz._.too
• Ryota (28) - Barista and Model: Instagram: @ryota_32_
• Taeheon (34) - Designer from South Korea: Instagram: @taehonest
• Usak (36) - Go-Go Dancer: Instagram: @saksaksaksack

Moving on, some notable names will be a part of the series as hosts. For example, Japanese drag queen Durian Lollobrigida and Yoshimi Tokui, a comedian who was also on Terrace House, are hosting the show along with the likes of Chiaki Horan, Thelma Aoyama, and Megumi.

The show itself has not been marketed merely as a dating show, and focuses on personal growth and friendship between the 9 participants. The trailer which was released also majorly revolved around these themes, with executive producer Dai Ota recently stating the following about The Boyfriend:

“We started out wanting to highlight the young men’s friendships and personalities. Our focus wasn’t just on romance but also on spending time together and experiencing personal growth.”

Moreover, The Boyfriend chief producer Keisuke Hishida claimed that the show will revolve around shared friendships, youth, and struggles, which means that fans can expect a range of elements in addition to romance. Especially with respect to Japan, the show represents a bold step in the right direction with respect to queer representation.

Hence, rather than being looked at merely as a dating show, The Boyfriend fans might be surprised considering the kind of overall development that the creators wish to see with respect to the 9 participants. Of course, at the end of the day, these 9 participants will not only be competing amongst themselves but will also hope to find love by the time their journeys come to an end.

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The Boyfriend has been available to watch on Netflix since July 9th, with further episodes set to be released by the end of the month.