Awkward, Cute, and Surprisingly Addictive: Harutora Brings Light Into Sui’s World
Japanese culture is known for being formal and respectful, and having been to Japan 🇯🇵 myself, I have witnessed that firsthand. Japanese people are some of the most respectful people I have encountered, so when the series begins with the male leads bowing and even kneeling down, I saw it as part of Japanese culture rather than something strange.This series is honestly so awkward and cute. Japanese dramas always seem to come up with the weirdest plots, but somehow they get you addicted every time. Sui is bullied for being gay, which leads him to hide behind a face mask and keep his emotions to himself. He can be really awkward, but I can understand where his behavior comes from. He has built walls around himself because he is afraid of getting too close to people. Then Harutora comes along with his straightforward and warm personality, slowly becoming a light in Sui's nightmare and helping him open up again. And we already got a first kiss!
I was also really happy to see Ishi Masaya from School Trip: Joined a Group I'm Not Close To get the main role of Harutora. He fits the character really well, and I was glad to see him take on another BL lead role. The poster is also incredibly cute and matches the sweet atmosphere of the series.
Overall, Hold on, Harutora-kun is a very light and fun BL to watch. The story is simple, the romance is cute, and the awkward moments make it entertaining. It may not be the strongest BL out there, but it is an easy and enjoyable watch if you are looking for something sweet, youthful, and uncomplicated.
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First impression
I like it. It's a pretty good series. I really enjoy it so far, and I'm excited to see more. My eventual rating was 7.5 after the first episode, but I upped it to 8.5 after watching the second episode. It is definitely growing on me the more I watch.You can watch it on GagaOOLala: https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/8563/hold-on-harutora-kun-2026
or Viki: https://www.viki.com/tv/41670c-hold-on-harutora-kun#episodes
Things I liked:
1. I like the contrast between the main characters and how they show their feelings.
2. Harutora. A giant green flag who wears his heart on his sleeve.
3. Chemistry.
4. Acting.
Things I disliked:
1. Daiki. I understand that Daiki is trying to be a good friend or whatever. But he just sounds mean, basically telling his friend to hide himself and to not trust anyone. So weird.
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Definitely Recommend
There’s only 3 episodes out now but I’ve already grown to love this series!The actors are doing an amazing job!!
I’m mourning something that hasn’t even ended yet! Seriously, episode 3 made me shed happy tears!
I’m glad I have something to look forward to every Friday!!
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Comforting, Sweet, Relaxing, and…
I love the first episode.This is such a feel-good BL and I like how ML makes MC feel safe around him.
The story is good from the first episode and I look forward to more of what it would give us. It’s not just another Japanese high school BL, it’s something more, unique and interesting.
If you’re waiting to start, stop waiting. This one won’t let you down.
(I’ll edit as I watch)
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First Impression: Hold on, Harutora-kun
Overall: I can see my final rating going in either direction depending on the writing. 10? (10 is the MDL placeholder) episodes about 24 minutes each. Airing on GagaOOLala https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/8571/hold-on-harutora-kun-2026-e01 (not in Japan or Korea) ; Viki https://www.viki.com/tv/41670c-hold-on-harutora-kun and TVer (Japan)Content Warnings: past & present homophobia, dub/non con kiss
What I Liked
- caring MLs*
- easy to understand premise
- realistic how smiles can hide pain
Room For Improvement
- not happy with what a ML did at the end of episode 1 since he could see that the other ML was dealing with some stuff
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mask on face??? commoooooooooon ZERO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Who else wants to watch a lead actor with a mask on his face in a BL series??? And you continue to be amazed by the series and give 10 - an unrealistic 10. What are we watching COVID???? Director zero, screenwriter zero, acting can't be rated because you can't see the facial expressions under the mask, so...a total FAIL of the series!Was this review helpful to you?
