It’s undeniable that, at first thought, it’s usually the popular anime titles or the latest live-action dramas that come to mind when one thinks of Japanese television. However, the domain of the best Japanese reality shows remains largely untapped. As a matter of fact, whether you’re a fan of culinary shows or reality dating, these Japanese titles have something suitable for everyone.
February 2025 saw Offline Love make a big splash on Netflix as the newest Japanese reality dating show on the block. Its unique concept explores whether love can blossom and romantic sparks fly without access to any device or the internet in today’s digital world. The show introduced global audiences to a whole world of unscripted shows in Japan, which is not just fun but also diverse.
Some other popular Japanese reality dating shows include Love Village, The Boyfriend and The Terrace series.
But don’t think this segment is just about love and romance. Did you know that Shark Tank also originated as a concept in Japan? Called The Tigers of Money, it aired between 2001 and 2004. Here, small entrepreneurs would pitch their business ideas before a panel of “money tigers” or investors hoping to secure funding. The success of the show inspired Dragons’ Den (in the UK) and Shark Tank (in the US and beyond).
The contemporary Japanese reality scene also has some very addictive lifestyle shows and we cannot recommend Old Enough! more. In this, a camera crew follows Japanese kids as they carry out daily chores on their own that will simply fascinate you. On the other hand, the Japan chapter of Queer Eye is also a fantastic series where celebrity hairdresser Jonathan Van Ness and the rest of the Fab Five take over the streets for some cool makeovers.
Food enthusiasts may also like Iron Chef, the stylised food reality show from Japan.
So take a break from the regular dramas and get your popcorn to binge-watch some fun reality show content from Japan that is incredibly entertaining. The list features some very popular Japanese reality TV shows that originated in the country as well as imported shows whose Japan chapters have garnered high ratings and views.
From dating to lifestyle titles, here are some of the best Japanese reality shows
1
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Ainori Love Wagon: Asian Journey (2017-2019)
Seasons: 2
Episodes: 44
Host: Becky, Mayuko Kawakita, Masayasu Wakabayashi
IMDb rating: 7
Summary: Seven men and women board a pink bus called Love Wagon. As they tour across Asia, the participants try to find love in the group. If they land a partner, they get to ask the driver for a ticket back to Japan and return together.
What makes it fun: The premise and format of this reality TV show is what makes it a must-watch. Blossoming romance amid different cultures, landscapes and a variety of adventures make it entertaining. Sprinkled with heartfelt moments and unexpected twists, this show offers a complete viewing package.
2
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Love is Blind: Japan (2022)
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 11
Host: Takashi Fujii, Yuka Itaya
IMDb rating: 7
Summary: 24 singles — 12 men and 12 women — who want to be loved and accepted for who they are, come together, go on blind dates, mingle and get engaged without ever seeing each other. It is only when they are back in the real world as couples that their faces are revealed. Now, the couples have to quickly figure out if they can turn their emotional connection into an actual love story ahead of the approaching wedding date.
What makes it fun: The Japan edition of this romantic is one of the best in the Love is Blind series. From depicting the participants’ raw emotions and vulnerability to tracing their ways and criteria of deciding on a partner, it is a delightful watch till the end. The cherry blossom-loaded set design also accentuates the mood of the show.
Also read: Singles Inferno S4 and other exciting Korean reality shows of 2025 you cannot miss
3
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The Future Diary (2021-2022)
Seasons: 2
Episodes: 17
Host: Daigo
IMDb rating: 7.1
Summary: Two people who have never met before must enact a romantic plot by following a rough script that they receive in a diary handed to them at the beginning of the show. It contains a rough outline of the story, implying they have to build on it as they progress and visit several iconic places along the way. Their semi-fictional exchange, along with the cast’s interactions, will ultimately influence what they think of each other.
What makes it fun: This new Netflix-produced show is a reboot of a top Japanese TV reality series that made waves from 1998 to 2002. The blurring lines between the scripted story and the couple’s real-life conversations as they develop feelings make it a binge-worthy show. The Japanese pop band, Sekai no Owari wrote a theme song called “Diary” for the show.
4
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Love Village (2023-)
Seasons: 2
Episodes: 38
Host: Becky, Atsushi Tamura
IMDb rating: 7.3
Summary: A group of participants, all over 35 years of age, divorced or single parents, try to find true love and romance as they renovate a run-down Japanese house in the idyllic mountains. Once they find love, they must confess their feelings and leave the village, with or without their chosen partner.
What makes it fun: This Japanese reality dating show is all about mature content, uninhibited participants and bold conversations, right from the beginning. Emotional moments and experiences from their personal lives also accentuate the drama.
5
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Terrace House: Tokyo 2019-2020
Seasons: 2
Episodes: 19
Host: You, Reina Triendl, Azusa Babazono, Yoshimi Tokui, Hayama Shono, Yamasato Ryota
IMDb rating: 7.4
Summary: Three men and three women share an upmarket house in Tokyo. Together, they look for friendship, love and any other connection while living under one roof. Housemates must navigate romance and drama among themselves and keep their day jobs while going about their daily lives as they please.
What makes it fun: Terrace House is a beloved Japanese reality show franchise with unique formats and editions — Terrace House: Opening New Doors, Terrace House: Boys & Girls in the City and others. The non-scripted approach and the camera crew picking on every detail and antics of the cast members make it exciting.
Note: Certain episodes have been removed from OTT after the death of one of the cast members.
Image credit: Terrace House: Tokyo 2019-2020/ IMDb
6
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The Boyfriend (2024-)
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 10
Host: Megumi, Chiaki Horan, Thelma Aoyama, Durian Lollobrigida, and Yoshimi Tokui
IMDb rating: 7.8
Summary: A group of nine single gay and bisexual men live under one roof, for a month, in a lavish property called The Green Room in scenic coastal Tokyo. Here, they face several challenges, go on dates, and even take turns manning a coffee truck in an attempt to find love and develop a special bond.
What makes it fun: This is the first Japanese reality show to shed light on the LGBTQ+ community. Emotional scenes of their coming-out stories and desire to get married will make you reach for a box of tissues. Their daily routine and how they run the coffee truck are also fun. Netflix has renewed it for a second season.
7
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Terrace House: Boys & Girls in the City (2015-2016)
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 10
Host: You, Triendl Reina, Tokui Yoshimi, Babazono Azusa, Ito Kentaro, Mochizuki Ayumu, Yamasato Ryota
IMDb rating: 8.1
Summary: A bunch of men and women stay under the same roof in a lavish Tokyo house for the summer with a swanky car at their disposal. Yet again, there is no script to guide them as they find their partners and love.
What makes it fun: This Japanese reality show, a part of the Terrace House franchise is particularly noted for its lavish set and luxury car. The way the participants survive house politics and drama, while enjoying their time with the amenities, to find love is equally interesting.
Image credit: Terrace House: Boys & Girls in the City/ IMDb
8
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Queer Eye: We’re in Japan! (2019)
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 4
Host: Antoni Porowski, Tan France, Jonathan Van Ness, Karamo Brown, Jeremiah Brent
IMDb rating: 8.2
Summary: The Fab Five arrive in Tokyo to give four Japanese men and women a fabulous makeover. In the process, they explore the vibrant city, experience Japanese culture and spread joy.
What makes it fun: Queer Eye has been a beloved show with a loyal fan following across the globe. Its Japan chapter promises no less fun. The stunning makeovers, beautiful locations, emotional backstories and the participants’ reactions to their new looks make it a must-watch show. It also touches upon the Japanese LGBTQ+ community and how society sees them today.
9
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Old Enough! (1991-)
Seasons: 2
Episodes: 30
Host: George Tokoro
IMDb rating: 8.2
Summary: A camera crew chronicles the daily lives of small children, aged 3 to 5, as they run their first errands. From buying groceries to dropping off articles and performing chores, these cute toddlers do it all by themselves.
What makes it fun: Nothing more heartwarming than watching these cute toddlers run errands in the bustling streets. They get frequently distracted and wander off, but even then, their ways of handling a situation, greeting passersby and eventually completing a task make this a wholesome entertaining reality show. It also highlights Japan’s long tradition of making children responsible from a young age and cultivating independence.
More about the show: The show debuted on Nippon TV in 1991. Netflix picked up 20 episodes initially and later, 10 more for season 2.
Also read: 8 best Korean reality TV shows for a fun night in
Image credit: Netflix Tudum
10
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Offline Love (2025-)
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 10
Host: Kyôko Koizumi, Reiwa Roman
IMDb rating: 8.2
Summary: 10 men and women try to find love in the beautiful city of Nice, France, completely offline. However, they have just 10 days to connect and map out a love story.
What makes it fun: The first season of Offline Love has received high IMDb ratings, thanks to its unique format and challenge. The various adventures the participants face while finding their love interest in the picturesque French locale, completely detached from the digital world without any means to contact anyone over a device add to its drama.
Also read: 6 exciting BTS travel reality shows to watch now
11
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Iron Chef (1993-2002)
Seasons: 7
Episodes: 300
Host: Takeshi Kaga
IMDb rating: 8.6
Summary: Renowned chefs take on participants in a series of timed cookoff battles. They have an hour to prepare multicourse meals based on a particular hero ingredient and a panel of judges then critique them on taste, presentation and originality.
What makes it fun: Iron Chef has given rise to several spinoff series and different editions based in other countries. However, Kaga’s adept screen presence as host Chairman Kaga, the epic challenges and the gourmet dishes presented in Japan make it a hit reality show. Today, there are other reboots in America, Canada and others.
Image credit: Iron Chef/ IMDb
(Hero image credit: Terrace House: Boys & Girls in the City/ IMDb; Featured image credit: Offline Love/ IMDb)
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the highest-ranked Japanese reality show?
‘Iron Chef’, ‘Old Enough!’ and ‘Offline Love’ are some of the highest-ranked Japanese reality shows on IMDb.
Which is the best Japanese reality show on Netflix?
‘Love Village’, ‘Blind Love: Japan’, ‘Offline Love’ and ‘Old Enough!’ are some of the best Japanese reality shows on Netflix.
AloJapan.com