(Photo Credits: Screengrab from GagaOOLala – Find YourStory‘s Official YouTube Account)
For romantic comedy fans seeking something unique, Ossan’s Love delivers a refreshing and bold take on the genre.
Ossan’s Love—for those not in the know—is a groundbreaking Japanese drama that blends humor, heart, and LGBTQ+ themes in a way that captured audiences across Asia and beyond. Originally aired in 2018, the series follows the life of Soichi Haruta (portrayed by Kei Tanaka), a single, bumbling office worker who becomes the center of affection for two men: his boss, Musashi Kurosawa (Kōtarō Yoshida), and his junior colleague, Ryota Maki (Kento Hayashi).
The charming love triangle creates plenty of humor as Haruta fumbles through awkward confessions, unexpected moments of romance, and hilarious misunderstandings. But beyond its comedic surface, Ossan’s Love dives into the complexities of relationships and identity in a thoughtful, meaningful way that elevates it above typical rom-coms.
What makes Ossan’s Love a must-watch is not just its comedy, but also its groundbreaking portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships in Japanese media. It normalizes love between men in a tender, respectful manner, while still delivering the fun and lightheartedness romantic comedy fans crave. The show’s ability to explore love, acceptance, and personal growth without losing its comedic charm is what truly makes it stand out. It’s a heartwarming, joyous ride that will have rom-com lovers hooked from start to finish.
The show offers a unique combination of romantic comedy and drama, exploring love triangles, workplace romance, and the complexity of same-sex relationships in a society where such topics are still not widely discussed on screen. Haruta, who had never considered the idea of being in a relationship with another man, suddenly finds himself at the center of two men’s affections, creating a storyline full of laughs, awkwardness, and emotional depth.
What makes Ossan’s Love so popular is its mixture of light-hearted humor with genuine emotional moments. The series tackles the concept of love beyond labels, exploring how feelings can develop in unexpected places. It addresses the challenges of same-sex love in a conservative society while still maintaining a fun, breezy tone. You can watch the series here.
Because of the show’s immense popularity, it wasn’t long before other countries sought to adapt it. Thailand took on the task of recreating the magic of Ossan’s Love with a fresh cast and cultural spin. The Thai version features Earth Pirapat Watthanasetsiri and Mix Sahaphap Wongratch, a fan-favorite on-screen couple, in the roles of Haruta and Maki, respectively. The duo’s chemistry had previously captured the hearts of fans—having worked together previously in A Tale of Thousand Stars (2021)—making them the perfect fit for these iconic characters. The Thai version also features Krit Shahkrit Yamnam who plays the role of Kurosawa
Thai dramas, especially those featuring LGBTQ+ themes, have gained immense popularity in recent years, and the adaptation of Ossan’s Love was a much-anticipated project. The Thai version brings its own flavor to the beloved story while staying true to the original themes of love, confusion, and comedic misunderstandings. The pairing of Earth and Mix adds a fresh, youthful energy to the storyline, continuing the legacy of Ossan’s Love while reaching a whole new audience.
Ossan’s Love is a show that transcends borders and cultures, offering a heartwarming and hilarious look at love in all its forms. Whether you watch the original Japanese version or the Thai adaptation, the message remains the same: love is unexpected, messy, and sometimes awkward—but it’s always worth the journey.
Happy viewing!
NO INTEREST
Agreed. Just not into any of the hype statements in this article.
Good for those who are! Enjoy!
Not my demographic. Not anywhere near close.
Knew there was a Thai adaptation but had no idea Earth and Mix were the leads. Tale of 1000 Stars was excellent and I will definitely check this out