Japanese lesbian dramas have always been a source of excitement and inspiration, with uniquely talented creators bringing a diverse range of styles to the queer community year after year.
Now we’re highlighting some of the best Japanese lesbian series from recent years that are absolutely worth watching.
Table of Contents
1. Chaser Game W 2024 Season I and II
Our Rating: 👑👑👑👑👑
Release Date: 2024
Main Role:
Review:
Just released in January 2024, Chaser Game W: Power Harassment Joshi wa Watashi no Moto Kano is the highly awaited new lesbian Japanese drama. Starring in this Japanese gl series are Nakumura Yurika and Sugai Yuuka.
The portrayal of the love-hate relationship between a former female boss, Hayashi Fuyu, and her subordinate Harumoto Itsuki, by the two female actresses was outstanding.
The former lovers become superior and inferior in the workplace, and the dusty love and hate are rekindled.
After the first season, its creators quickly produced and released a second season within the same year.
The second season follows the story of Hayashi Fuyu, who resigns from her job but returns to Japan in search of Harumoto Itsuki. The director faced the challenging task of fitting so much dramatic tension into an eight-episode series, with each episode lasting only 20 minutes. With complex characters, over-the-top drama, and the inherent societal weight of a same-sex love story, achieving perfection was a tall order. Still, the explosive opening, flawless middle, and slightly bumpy yet satisfying conclusion made this show a small spark of hope in the conservative cultures of Japan and East Asia.
Where to watch the Chaser Game W web series
2. She Loves to Cook, and She Loves to Eat Season I and II (2022 – 2024)
Our Rating: 👑👑👑👑👑
Release Date: 2022 – 2024
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Review:
The series is adapted from a manga of the same name and features two main characters: Nobu, a woman who loves to cook, and Kasuga, a woman who loves to eat. The story portrays their warm, everyday interactions while exploring themes of breaking stereotypes and discovering one’s identity.
Each 15-minute episode packs a lot into its short runtime, offering a well-crafted and deeply meaningful narrative. The plot touches on topics like minority awareness, escaping toxic family dynamics, and promoting diverse romantic orientations. Through the pure and slow-building love between Kasuga and Nobu, the series delves into real-world issues faced by modern women.
In the first season, the script focused on everyday details of women’s lives, addressing stereotypes like “maternal expectations” and “eating lightly.” It emphasized that women are independent individuals, not just accessories to traditional heterosexual norms.
The second season brings a deeper and subtler perspective, connecting the personal struggles of the characters to broader societal issues.
Nomoto encounters Ms. Yako, a figure within the LGBT community. Through Ms. Yako, Nomoto gains deeper insight into lesbian relationships and is introduced to a variety of lesbian films, prompting a journey of self-discovery.
As these emotional seeds begin to sprout, Kasuga confides in Nomoto about her strained family dynamics, particularly with her father, drawing them closer.
Japanese dramas excel at portraying the intricate details of women’s lives, covering their professional endeavors, social interactions, marital relationships, and romantic connections.
3. Ayaka Is in Love With Hiroko!(2024)
Our Rating: 👑👑👑👑👑
Release Date: 2024
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Review:
This show is based on a manga of the same name. It tells the story of Ayaka, who has a huge crush on her coworker Hiroko. Every day, Ayaka tries to win her over, but Hiroko doesn’t seem interested.
However, while everyone admires Hiroko as the perfect role model, she secretly has a strong attraction to women—and Ayaka’s persistent advances make her heart race. The misunderstanding grows because both believe the other is straight, leading to even bigger miscommunications.
I’ve read the manga, including the English version. It’s not very long and has a light, comedic tone with a happy ending. Still, the story also touches on issues LGBTQ+ individuals and women face in the workplace, offering a deeper layer of meaning. These challenges are common for the queer community and women alike, whether in the workplace or daily life.
The adapted series brings these themes to life with a cool meta-narrative. After so much media focused on objectifying women or catering to the male gaze, I’ve noticed a shift online toward creating “healthy” and “wholesome” WLW stories. That’s great and understandable! But I think this sometimes ignores or denies the reality of lesbian sexuality and desire. Lesbians can have sexual desires!
So, seeing a story that openly embraces themes of desire and suppression in such a fun and relatable way is fantastic! This show uses humor to tell the story of a workplace romance between two women while boldly showcasing the sexual tension and attraction between them.
Where to Watch:
4. Let’s Have a Meal Together! (2019)
Our Rating: 👑👑👑
Release Date: 2019
Main Role:
Review: “Cooking Up Love: A Sweet Sapphic Tale of Food and Family”
Get ready to fall in love with the most delicious GL series of the season! This heartwarming cooking show serves up the perfect recipe for sweet romance and sisterly bonds, proving that sometimes the best relationships bloom in unexpected places.
Watch as these two aspiring chefs navigate their way through both the culinary world and their growing feelings for each other. While their best friends play supporting roles, it’s the undeniable chemistry between our main leads that makes this series absolutely irresistible. Ohtomo Karen especially captivates viewers with her charming performance, creating a character so lovable you’ll wish she was your sister – or perhaps something more.
This fresh take on the cooking show format adds a dash of sapphic romance to create a unique flavor that GL fans have been craving. It’s tender, sweet, and guaranteed to leave you hungry for more.
5. Futari Monologue (2017)
Our Rating: 👑👑👑👑
Release Date: 2017
Main Role:
Review: “From Best Friends to Soulmates: A Sweet Japanese GL That Will Steal Your Heart”
Missing those butterflies of first love? This charming Japanese school romance delivers all the feels as it follows two former best friends whose unexpected reunion sparks something deeper than friendship.
Ten years apart couldn’t dim their connection, even though they’ve grown into completely different people. Watch as their attempts to rebuild their friendship lead to adorably awkward “misunderstandings” that slowly bloom into love. The way these two dance around their growing feelings will have you squealing into your pillow!
What makes this series special is how perfectly it captures the beautiful mess of young sapphic love. One minute you’re laughing at their awkward encounters, the next you’re reaching for tissues as the story hits those tender emotional notes that only Japanese GL can deliver. It’s a masterclass in finding the sweet spot between comedy and heart.
If you’re craving a GL series that feels authentic to the teenage lesbian experience – complete with all its confusion, joy, and beautiful chaos – this is your next must-watch!
6. Transit Girls (2015)
Our Rating: 👑👑👑👑
Release Date: 2015
Main Role:
Review: “Growing Up Gay: A Coming-of-Age Story That Feels Like a Warm Hug”
This heartwarming drama captures something rare and beautiful – what it’s like to discover your sexuality while surrounded by unconditional love. Finally, a GL series that shows us the brighter side of coming out, where family support, loyal friends, and true love come together perfectly.
At its heart is an 18-year-old girl navigating life’s big moments: family changes, career dreams, friendship drama, and that special “more than friends” feeling with her childhood bestie. But what makes this story shine is how naturally it portrays her journey of self-discovery, wrapped in a cocoon of acceptance and understanding.
From supportive parents to ride-or-die friends, every relationship feels authentic and touching. It’s the kind of representation we’ve been craving – where being gay isn’t a source of drama, but just another beautiful part of growing up.
For anyone who wishes their coming-out story could have been this sweet, this series offers a glimpse of how things should be.
The GL couple is not the main focus of the following series:
7. BOKUMARI(2017)
Our Rating: 👑👑👑
Release Date: 2017
Main Role: Ikeda Elaiza/Yoshizawa Ryo/Nakamura Yurika
Review: “Split Love: When One Heart Houses Two Souls”
Forget everything you know about typical GL dramas – this groundbreaking series dares to explore the fascinating intersection of split personalities and sapphic love. Ikeda delivers a masterful performance, bringing to life a complex character who houses both female and male personalities, creating a love story that defies all conventions.
What begins as an intriguing blend of BL and GL elements evolves into something far more profound. The series expertly navigates a complex love triangle where the boundaries between personalities blur, challenging our understanding of identity and attraction.
Through stunning cinematography and thoughtful storytelling, we witness a psychological journey that asks: Can one heart truly love in different ways? Ikeda’s nuanced portrayal of dual personalities transforms what could have been a gimmicky plot device into a deeply moving exploration of self-discovery and love.
This isn’t just another lesbian drama – it’s a sophisticated psychological thriller wrapped in a love story that will keep you questioning everything you thought you knew about identity and romance.
8. Ôoku (2016)
Our Rating: 👑👑👑👑
Release Date: 2016
Main Role: Sawajiri Erika/Narimiya Hiroki
Review: “Beyond Traditional Beauty: A Japanese GL That Breaks All Rules”
Step into a visually stunning world where traditional Japanese aesthetics meet modern sapphic storytelling. While the intricate hairstyles might first catch your eye, it’s the compelling lesbian narrative that will capture your heart.
Written by a brilliant female screenwriter, this series delivers more than just another love story – it’s a masterpiece of emotional depth and authenticity. The way it weaves feminist themes into its narrative shows just how far Japanese dramas have evolved, proving that the best stories come from breaking conventions.
What makes this drama truly special is how it lingers in your thoughts long after watching. It’s not just about love; it’s about women finding their voice and their truth in a changing Japan. This is the kind of groundbreaking GL content we’ve been waiting for.
9. Fake Marriage(2015)
Our Rating: 👑👑👑👑
Release Date: 2015
Main Role: Amami Yuki/Sawamura Ikki
Review: “The New Wave of Japanese GL: Where Love is Love”
Japanese dramas are revolutionizing how we see sapphic love stories, and we’re here for it! Gone are the days when lesbian relationships were merely sensationalized plot devices or adult-only content. Today’s Japanese storytellers are crafting nuanced narratives that celebrate LGBTQ+ relationships with the respect and depth they deserve.
What’s truly groundbreaking is how these stories now weave same-sex relationships naturally into their narratives, treating them with the same care and authenticity as any other love story. The focus isn’t on the “shock value” anymore – it’s about real emotions, genuine connections, and the beautiful complexity of human relationships.
This evolution represents more than just better entertainment – it’s a powerful step toward normalized representation in Asian media. By tackling themes of equality, acceptance, and social awareness, these dramas are helping shape a more inclusive future for GL content.
For those who’ve been waiting to see themselves represented authentically on screen, Japanese GL has become a beacon of hope and change.
10. Last Friends (2008)
Our Rating: 👑👑👑👑
Release Date: 2008
Main Role: Nagasawa Masami/Ueno Juri
Review: “The Many Colors of Love: A Japanese Drama That Touches Every Heart”
More than just another GL series, this beautiful Japanese drama reminds us that love comes in many forms. While sapphic romance blooms at its center, the story weaves a rich tapestry of relationships that feel wonderfully real and deeply moving.
From unbreakable friendships to complex family bonds, each relationship is treated with the tender care it deserves. Watch as characters navigate the delicate balance between romantic love and the other meaningful connections that shape our lives.
What makes this drama truly special is its celebration of that rare kind of friendship that stands the test of time – the kind that remains steady even as romance ebbs and flows. It’s a gentle reminder that sometimes our chosen family becomes our greatest love story.
Perfect for anyone who believes that love – in all its forms – is what makes life beautiful.
11. Paradise Thirty: The Melancholy of Being 29
Our Rating: 👑👑👑👑
Release Date: 2000
Review: “A Groundbreaking GL Classic: When Forbidden Love Dared to Speak Its Name”
Travel back to the early 2000s with this revolutionary Japanese drama that paved the way for modern GL storytelling. At its heart stands Shimizu Misa’s unforgettable portrayal of a butch lesbian character – a rare and authentic representation that was years ahead of its time. Her magnetic presence and quiet strength bring a depth to the role that still resonates today.
What sets this series apart is how masterfully it handles forbidden love without falling into typical tropes. The slow-burning plot comes full circle in a way that feels both natural and deeply satisfying. For a drama from the early 2000s, its sophisticated handling of complex themes feels remarkably modern.
Whether you’re a GL history buff or simply appreciate well-crafted lesbian storytelling, this series proves that some stories are truly timeless.
12. And Then, Yuriko Was Left Alone (2020)
Our Rating: 👑👑👑
Release Date: 2020
Main Role: Tamashiro Tina
Review: “Yurioko-sama: Where Sapphic Love Meets Supernatural Thrills”
Forget everything you know about campus romances – “Yurioko-sama” delivers a haunting twist on the genre that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This isn’t just another school story; it’s a masterfully crafted supernatural thriller where forbidden love dances with dark curses.
At its heart lies the mysterious Lady Yurioko, whose curse threatens all who share her name. Only one can survive – but who? The series builds tension masterfully, weaving together supernatural elements with deep, meaningful relationships that transcend the typical Yuri narrative.
What makes this series truly unforgettable is its main character’s magnetic presence and the way it strips away conventional romance tropes to focus on raw, emotional connections. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, the ending delivers a shocking twist that will leave you questioning everything.
According to Mizuki, this is sapphic storytelling at its finest – proving that sometimes the most powerful love stories come wrapped in mystery and danger.
13. The Mistresses: Secrets of Women (2019)
Our Rating: 👑👑👑
Release Date: 2019
Main Role: Hasegawa Kyoko/Mizuno Miki/Hyunri/Omasa Aya
Review: “Dark Desires: When Friendship Turns to Forbidden Love”
Step into a hauntingly beautiful drama where darkness and desire intertwine, creating one of the most compelling sapphic storylines we’ve seen this year. While the show masterfully weaves multiple narratives – including a powerful mother-son relationship – it’s the lesbian subplot in episode five that steals our hearts and leaves us breathless.
What sets this series apart is its raw, unflinching portrayal of unrequited sapphic love. The story delicately explores that gut-wrenching reality many of us know too well – the agony of loving someone who can’t love you back in the same way. Against a backdrop of haunting music that perfectly captures the emotional turbulence, we watch as one woman’s desperate attempt to be “perfect” for her beloved slowly unravels.
This isn’t your typical coming-out story or happy-ending romance. Instead, it’s a brutally honest look at the complexities of female relationships, where the line between intense friendship and romantic love becomes beautifully blurred. The show dares to ask: How far would you go for love that might never be returned?
For anyone who’s ever loved from the shadows or felt the exquisite pain of impossible love, this drama hits differently. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most powerful lesbian stories are the ones that break our hearts.
14. Life As a Girl (2018)
Our Rating: 👑👑👑
Release Date: 2018
Main Role: Shison Jun
Review: “Love, Loss, and Longing: A Must-Watch Sapphic Drama”
Get ready for a series that will haunt your thoughts long after watching. With its hypnotic soundtrack and masterful storytelling, this drama delivers an unforgettable exploration of unrequited sapphic love that hits close to home.
Episode five stands as the crown jewel, offering one of the most authentic lesbian storylines we’ve seen this year. Watch as one woman’s journey of self-transformation for love unfolds, leading to a heart-wrenching realization that sometimes love isn’t enough.
While the show excels in portraying complex female friendships and touching family dynamics, it’s the raw honesty of its sapphic elements that makes it truly special. This isn’t just another drama – it’s a beautiful, bittersweet reminder of love’s transformative pow
15. Mendol (2008)
Our Rating: 👑👑👑
Release Date: 2008
Main Role: Minegishi Minami/Kojima Haruna/Takahashi Minami
Review: “Stage Love: A Quirky GL That’ll Make Your Heart Sing”
Don’t let the modest budget fool you – this charming drama about theater girls is pure sapphic joy! Watch as passion for performing arts transforms into something more, creating one of the most delightful GL series we’ve seen this year.
The president and Marilyn steal every scene they’re in, bringing an irresistible chemistry that’ll have you rooting for them from the start. Their story, along with other adorable couples, proves that sometimes the most authentic love stories come from the most unexpected places.
What makes this series special is how it welcomes everyone into the world of LGBT storytelling with open arms. It’s sweet, it’s funny, and it’s refreshingly genuine – perfect for both longtime GL fans and newcomers to the genre.
Think “Glee” meets sapphic love, but with a uniquely charming twist that’ll leave you smiling long after the curtain falls.
16. Love in the Summer (2019)
Our Rating: 👑👑👑
Release Date: 2019
Review: “From CEO to Soulmate: The Sapphic Romance That Changed Everything”
Just when you think you’ve seen every CEO romance out there, this series sweeps in and steals your heart with an unexpected sapphic twist that will leave you breathless. What begins as a seemingly traditional story of a powerful female executive transforms into one of the most compelling lesbian romances of the year.
This isn’t just another corporate love story – it’s a masterfully crafted journey that weaves together mystery, hidden truths, and the kind of slow-burn romance that makes your heart race. The chemistry between our leads is electric, proving that sometimes the most powerful love stories are the ones we never see coming.
What sets this series apart is its perfect storytelling recipe: well-developed characters who feel real enough to touch, perfectly timed plot twists that keep you guessing, and performances so authentic they’ll make you forget you’re watching fiction. Every episode peels back another layer of complexity, challenging our perceptions of what love truly means.
Whether you’re a fan of corporate dramas or sapphic romance, this series delivers everything you’ve been craving – and then some. It’s the kind of show that reminds us why representation matters, wrapped in a package of pure entertainment excellence.
Here are 16 Japanese lesbian TV shows that explore the theme of “lesbianism” and showcase the evolution of Asian entertainment from closed cultural narratives to more open-minded storytelling. From Japan’s nuanced dramas to Korea’s groundbreaking films (check out Top Korean Lesbian Movies That Changed Cinema) and Thailand’s progressive series (explore more in Thai Girls’ Love Series: Evolution and Impact), Asia’s LGBTQ+ content continues to evolve.
These Japanese lesbian series present us with amazing tales from a range of viewpoints and backgrounds. The GL dramas dive into themes of minority identity, the complexities of Japanese family relationships, and the celebration of diverse romantic orientations.
Each lesbian storyline weaves a more thoughtful and layered perspective, seamlessly tying the characters’ personal battles and journeys of self-discovery to larger societal challenges.
Further Reading
- 20 Most Beautiful Lesbian Love Poems: A Collection of Love & Passion
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- Best 15 Lesbian Korean Dramas: Must-Watch Korean GL Web Series (2024 Update)
- 11 Must-Watch Christmas Lesbian Movies for Your Holiday List
