Every snowflake is unique — and so are the love stories that unfold among a group of men at a snowy retreat in The Boyfriend Season 2.
Japan’s first reality series to explore same-sex romance is back, shifting its location to wintertime Hokkaido, where ten men stay in a cozy lodge dubbed the Green Room. Surrounded by a blanket of white snow, these men discover both what they want in a relationship and who they each want to become as a partner. From hitting the slopes together to sharing intimate conversations in a makeshift igloo, what better place to fall in love than a winter wonderland?
Of course, it’s not all hot springs and leisurely trips to the sauna. The group is tasked with operating a peppermint-colored coffee truck, taking turns in shifts of two. (Yes, it gets pretty snug in there.) Over 15 episodes, the housemates hope to develop slow-burn connections that are worth the wait — much like the drip coffee they serve on the truck.
Ranging in age from 20 to 40, the men live together for two months in the hopes of forming lifelong connections — and maybe, of finding the boyfriend of their dreams. Meet the group below and follow along as the next chapter of The Boyfriend begins.
Raised in Tokyo, Bomi is currently studying at a university in Kyoto. As one of the youngest members of the group, Bomi has never been in a relationship before. He longs to develop a pure and innocent romance with his first ever boyfriend — who just might be waiting for him in the Green Room.
Highly considerate Hiroya is hoping to find a forever partner. Originally from Sapporo, Hiroya now works in Tokyo, and has a habit of putting his work before his relationships. Now, he’s stepping outside of his comfort zone to expand his social life and build connections with new people.
Huwei is studying gender theory and anthropology in graduate school with plans to get his PhD. Proficient in several languages, Huwei is also training with the Thai national judo team for the Olympics. Yes, he’s both smart and athletic.
Originally from Tokyo, Izaya currently lives in Australia and returned to Japan to join the others in the Green Room. Both sincere and strict, Izaya is still healing from a previous relationship that ended three years ago and hopes to find a partner who takes their future seriously. Izaya believes this opportunity will be a step in the right direction.
Hailing from Osaka, Jobu traveled the length of the country to find love and friendship in the Green Room. His expressive and lively nature warms up even the chilliest Hokkaido nights. Jobu is enthusiastic about finding his perfect match, and hopes to spark the romance of his dreams.
Kazuyuki was in a 15-year relationship that ended a year before arriving at the Green Room. The eldest in the group, Kazuyuki was initially worried he’d be judged for his age, but he’s quickly accepted as the group’s older-brother figure.
As the youngest in the group, Ryuki is anxious about coming out to his father. He becomes the younger brother of the house, relying on his new friends for support and guidance. A sophomore in college, Ryuki works part-time at a café — making him an ideal coworker on the coffee truck.
This isn't the first time Taeheon has stayed in the Green Room. The Season 1 fan-favorite returns in Episode 8 to join the winter oasis and tend to some “unfinished business.” Previously, Taeheon took on the role of big brother, but this time around, he’s here for love. “I want to be more honest about my feelings.”
Considerate and playful Tomoaki lives in Tokyo, where he enjoys volleyball outside of work as an IT project manager. Tomoaki joins the Green Room with the intent of learning to love himself after a weight loss journey — and maybe find a boyfriend to bring home to his parents in the process.
William is a globe-trotter who moved to Barcelona three years ago to explore his family’s Latin roots. (He still misses the waves in Tokyo, where he used to surf.) William dreams of getting married, but after being hurt in a previous relationship, he struggles to take the next step. Popularity among the group may help him find his match.
