Japanese Reality TV Hits Harder — Badly in Love Proves Why

Cast of Badly in Love - © 2025 Netflix, Inc.

Netflix Japan has done it again! At this point there is no denying that global audiences have a great affinity towards the Japanese reality tv show genre as Netflix is constantly trying to find ways to recapture the "Terrace House" magic from the late 2010s. Global audiences are increasingly drawn to Japanese reality shows because they feel fundamentally different from Western reality TV—both in tone and intent. The appeal comes from a mix of cultural contrast, emotional authenticity, and innovative formats.

Boyfriend, Love Village, Is She the Wolf? / Who Is the Wolf? are some of the few Japanese reality shows that have recently dropped on the streaming platform. However, the newest show to premiere is undoubtedly the most distinctive and refreshing the genre has seen in some time.

Badly in Love is a bold twist on the dating-show format that brings together 11 self-described “yankii” — adults with rebellious, delinquent-tinged pasts — and challenges them to find love in just 14 days.

For the uninitated - “Yankii” (ヤンキー) is a Japanese slang term used to describe a rebellious, delinquent-style youth subculture. For people unfamiliar with Japanese culture, it helps to think of it as a mix of bad-boy/bad-girl attitude, nonconformity, and street toughness—but with some uniquely Japanese nuances. Also, by the time you finish the first episode of the show, I guarantee you'll have a crystal-clear understanding of what a Yankii is!

Set in a secluded, renovated school-like compound, the series drops these outspoken, emotionally charged men and women into daily life together, where they’ll eat, sleep, and socialize under one roof with cameras capturing every step.

Tensions flare early as personalities clash, rivalries emerge, and unexpected attractions start to form — a mix of heartfelt connection and combustible confrontation that keeps both participants and viewers on edge.

From the very first scene, you can see that this show is entirely distinct from its more subtle and quieter predecessors, as two of the participants immediately begin fighting upon being introduced. This had me giggling and laughing endlessly when I first watched it.

Over the two-week experiment, the cast navigates group dynamics, one-on-one dates, and social events (including outings like a field trip to Kabukicho), all while wrestling with their own pride, past wounds, and romantic hopes.

Hosted and guided by Japanese entertainer MEGUMI alongside rapper AK-69 and comedian Nagano, the show blends raw emotional moments, candid conversations, and surprising vulnerability with dramatic flare.

Ultimately, as the deadline approaches, each participant must decide if they’ve truly found someone worth declaring their love to — making Badly in Love as much a social experiment in personal growth and trust as it is a quest for romance.