GagaOOLala, the world’s largest LGBTQ+ streaming platform, and TV Tokyo have joined forces to create the first co-produced Boys Love (BL) series, “At 25:00, in Akasaka.”
This series is adapted from a popular manga that has sold over 1.2 million copies and marks a significant achievement in BL cinema and television.
The collaboration was celebrated at TV Tokyo’s headquarters on April 15 during a press conference. The event featured the public debuts of lead actors Kiita Komagine and Taisuke Niihara, as well as co-stars Takuma Usa and Shoma Nagumo.
For fans around the globe
During the press conference, Hiroaki Saiki, Head of International Business at TV Tokyo, shared insights into the collaboration.
He stated, “With digital platforms, content can now quickly reach a global audience. GagaOOLala’s extensive worldwide reach is a testament to its influence, and we are eager to partner with GagaOOLala to deliver high-quality content to fans around the globe.”
A celebration of queer stories
Jay Lin, founder and CEO of GagaOOLala, also commented on the significance of Japanese BL dramas, observing their soaring popularity and the substantial 66% increase in new BL series from 2021 to 2022.
He pointed out three big benefits of the Japan-Taiwan collaboration: great economic value, top-notch production quality, and a variety of engaging themes.
Lin also mentioned how this partnership positively impacts nearby Asian countries and praised the compelling story of “At 25:00, in Akasaka,” which could draw in a wider audience beyond just the usual BL fans.
With the 30th anniversary of Tokyo Pride and anticipated advancements in LGBTQ+ rights in Asia, there is a promising horizon for further acceptance and celebration of queer stories.
During production
Lead actors Kiita Komagine and Taisuke Niihara talked about the unique challenges they encountered while filming. The series has a “play within a play” structure, so they had to learn two sets of scripts, which was a challenge for them.
They also mentioned that shooting kiss scenes stood out as memorable. To make these moments feel real and captivating, they worked with intimacy coordinators and experimented with different chin angles to capture the dreamy feel of the manga’s style.
About the drama
The plot follows Yuki Shirasaki (Taisuke Niihara), a rookie actor who seizes his chance during an audition and lands a role opposite the popular senior actor, Asami Hayama (Kiita Komagine), in a BL drama. As Shirasaki grapples with the pressure of his first major role, Hayama proposes that they enter into a “relationship for the sake of their roles” until filming concludes. This pseudo-romantic involvement off-screen leads to a poignant and beautifully crafted love story that delves into the complexities of relationships within the entertainment industry.
GagaOOLala will begin exclusive global streaming, with the exception of Japan, starting April 18, 2024, at 11:30 PM GMT+8. New episodes will be released weekly on Thursdays.
Press release from GagaOOLala
