If you’ve ever watched a Japanese romance, ‘delinquent romance‘ is a trope that is much beloved. And now, Netflix and Japanese production company STAFF LaBBi are bringing that to real life. The new reality dating series Badly In Love hits Netflix this December.
Netflix has unveiled a first look at Badly in Love, a new reality dating series that brings together eleven former delinquents for 14 chaotic days under one roof. The series begins as a social experiment that quickly turns into a battle of emotion, pride, and redemption for the contestants on the show.
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The series is also produced by Natsuko Ogata with Tsuyoshi Kimura serving as staging director, and Mutsuya Ikeda is the Chief director of the series. This series expands Netflix’s Japanese reality series, which features The Final Draft (a competition reality series with contestants comprised of former athletes) and The Boyfriend (a reality same-sex dating series based on the Korean series His House).
What is Badly in Love about?
Netflix also shared an official synopsis for the series, which you can read below:
Created and produced by MEGUMI, Badly in Love is a passion project from the self-professed former delinquent who believes that in the age of overthinking and guarded emotions, what audiences truly want are people who are unapologetically themselves. The result is a heartfelt, no-nonsense dating experiment that captures both the chaos and vulnerability of love.
Set deep in the mountains at the Badly in Love Academy, the show follows a group of “yankii,” or delinquents, as they navigate fights, friendships, and first loves. Over two weeks together, they reveal their true selves through both clashes and connections, putting everything on the line in fights and in love. On the final day, at an emotional graduation ceremony, each must confess their feelings to the one they’ve fallen for.
Who are the Badly In Love hosts?
- MEGUMI: The series’ producer and an actor known for her interest in raw emotional storytelling
- AK-69: A rapper whose intensity and directness resonate with the show’s themes
- Nagano: A comedian who openly jokes that he’s “bad at dating shows,” yet offers a refreshing outsider lens
Meet The Badly In Love Cast
Male Contestants
- Shunya Tsukahara (Tsu-chan), 30 — Hostess-club Owner | A former biker-gang leader who claims “looks are everything.” Hates tomatoes.
- Takumi Sato (Milk), 22 — Construction Worker | A once-feared Kawasaki gang boss who becomes “hopelessly devoted” once in love.
- Sho Tsuda (Tackle), 24 — Bonsai Artist | Big in frame but surprisingly gentle. Once punched unruly club customers.
- Nisei Sakurai (Nisei), 27 — Bar Owner | A former street fighter turned boxer, a result of his mother’s tears.
- Isamu Nishizawa (Yanboh), 30 — Rapper | A university graduate and ex-yakuza member who expresses feelings bluntly.
- Tensei Nanahoshi (Ten-ten), 25 — Host-club host | Effortlessly charismatic, with a self-declared perfect record of successful love declarations.
Female Contestants
- Otoha (Oto-san), 22 — Student/Hostess | Recognizable for her full-torso tattoos. Desperate to be loved.
- Yuria (Baby), 25 — Painter/Performer | Grew up in poverty and foster care. Trained in karate but craves affection beneath the strength.
- Hikaru (Tekarin), 21 — Bar Staff/Underground Fighter | Expelled after fighting back against a senior student. Despite rough language, she loves kids.
- Kirei (Kiichan), 23 — Model/Makeup Instructor | A gal-style fashion devotee and former fighter who carries a wooden sword. Loyal and strong-willed.
- AMO (Amo), 27 — Show Dancer | Confident queen bee who vows to “win them all.” Once received love declarations from 50 guys.
What is the release date for Badly In Love?
Badly in Love’s release date is December 9, 2025, exclusively on Netflix, with new episodes released on Tuesday for the next two weeks.
New Episode Release Schedule:
- December 9: Episodes 1-4
- December 16: Episodes 5-7
- December 23: Episodes 8-10
Watch the Trailer
