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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider TV Tokyo, GagaOOLala's co-production BL series 'At 25:00, in Akasaka' to fuel economic growth

TV Tokyo, GagaOOLala's co-production BL series 'At 25:00, in Akasaka' to fuel economic growth

Published Apr 3, 2024 02:54 am

GagaOOLala and TV Tokyo, one of Japan's most prominent TV networks, announced the premiere of the highly anticipated co-production of a gay/BL (boys’ love) live-action drama "At 25:00, in Akasaka".

GagaOOLala will stream "At 25:00, in Akasaka," with the exception of Japan, on April 18 at 11:30 p.m. (GMT+8).

"At 25:00, in Akasaka" stars Japanese actors Taisuke Niihara and Kiita Komagine.

The plot follows Yuki Shirosaki (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 Shirosaki 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.

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"At 25:00, in Akasaka" stars Japanese actors Taisuke Niihara and Kiita Komagine (GagaOOLala)

The series explores the romance between a renowned actor and an aspiring talent, cast as leads in a BL drama that wins the hearts of audiences worldwide. This collaboration underscores a strategic endeavor by Japan and Taiwan to navigate the challenges and opportunities within the Asian live-action sector, historically dominated by Korean dramas.

While Japan's global cultural export has largely been through its anime industry, its live-action content has remained confined to its domestic market.

The partnership with Taiwan's GagaOOLala, known for its robust promotion of LGBTQ rights and content, aims to propel Japanese live-action onto the world stage.

Taiwan's commitment is evidenced by a significant $300 million investment from its National Development Fund to support international co-productions, with a keen focus on queer content as a key aspect of its soft power strategy.

The BL genre, once niche, has exploded onto the global stage, reflecting a shift in cultural perceptions across Taiwan, Japan, and beyond.

The BL market size in Japan surged to $$1.848 billion in 2020, and in 2021, $10.7 million in foreign investment was specifically poured into the making of BL dramas in Thailand alone, signaling a burgeoning appetite for stories that challenge conventional norms.

The growing popularity of BL and girl’s love (GL) content in Asia, with over 220 BL titles created in 2022 alone, signifies a cultural and social revolution. Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand emerge as major content hubs, contributing to a genre that challenges stereotypes and fosters global acceptance of LGBTQ individuals through powerful storytelling.

GagaOOLala, Taiwan's premier global streaming platform, serves as a pivotal bridge connecting Asian LGBTQ and BL content with a worldwide audience.

Boasting a diverse subscriber base from North America, Europe, and beyond, GagaOOLala plays a critical role in the global distribution of content that celebrates and normalizes LGBTQ narratives.

The press conference for "At 25:00, in Akasaka" is scheduled for April 15. The event will welcome the cast, along with key stakeholders from TV Tokyo and GagaOOLala, to discuss the strategic vision behind this landmark collaboration and the broader implications for the BL industry.

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