My Beautiful Man, also known as Utsukushii Kare (美しい彼) is a standout Japanese BL series from 2021. It stars former child actor Hagiwara Riku, and Yagi Yusei (the singer-model-actor and member of EXILE TRIBE’s J-pop group, FANTASTICS). The 6-episode series is adapted from the novel “He, Who is Beautiful” by Nagira Yuu.
There are now two drama seasons and an uncut version released on January 2023.
Where to watch My Beautiful Man (Series)?
Both Viki and GagaOOLala have the drama series available for viewing. English subs are readily available on both channels. It’s advisable to use a VPN service, in case these streaming sites will not grant you access based on your location.
What versions are available for My Beautiful Man?
As of February 2023, there are two drama seasons, and a movie (known as the uncut Japanese version, released on January 2023). The second season is currently airing on Viki and GagaOOLala.
My Beautiful Man: Season 2
Browse select photoshoots from Season 2 below!
Long synopsis provided by Viki follows:
Having overcome the obstacles that stood between them in high school, Kazunari Hira and Sou Kiyoi have spent the past few years in relative bliss. Living together, they’ve been able to support each other as they learn to navigate the ups and downs of their adult life. But just because life has gotten better, doesn’t mean everything for the happy couple is perfect. Currently, in his fourth year of college, Kazunari has spent the majority of his free time following Sou around in disguise. While Kazunari enjoys watching his boyfriend from afar, it has recently begun to dawn on him that with graduation looming, he might need to turn his attention elsewhere.
With no part-time job experience whatsoever, Kazunari is starting to see that his favorite pastime may be doing him a disservice. A fact that only becomes more apparent as his classmates, with their impressive array of work experience, begin to turn their attention toward post-graduation job hunting. Feeling a bit left behind, Kazunari begins to wonder what it is he wants to do with his life. While Kazunari struggles at school, Sou continues to work hard in his acting career. As both Sou and Kazunari learn to deal with some of life’s more harsh realities, will their relationship stand strong, or will they find their bond beginning to crack under the pressures that come with adulthood?
SERIES NARRATIVE FROM VIKI
Live-action Movie: Utsukushii Kare
The follow-up movie for My Beautiful Man is slated for 7 April 2023 in Japanese theaters, so it’s expected for international release a few months after. The frenzy surrounding the upcoming movie, and the leading roles are being sharpened for better viewing! This is yet to be verified as a so-called unedited Japanese version was released last January 2023.
My Beautiful Man: Season 1
Definitely one of the best Japanese BL series ever released from Japan, My Beautiful Man Season 1 has garnered accolades from both critics and the viewing public, with Yusei Yagi winning an acting award.
Synopsis
Hira Kazunari (Hagiwara Riku) is unknown and unappreciated in class. Kiyoi Sou (Yagi Yusei) is like a god, an idol worthy of worship, at least, to Hira. Kiyoi’s presence lends dream-like passion to Hira that borders on obsession – he stares at him, dreams of him, and fantasizes about him. Yet, does Kiyoi knows he exists? This is a psychological romantic drama combined with slice-of-life school-based BL with plenty to say both subtle and otherwise. [Synopsis © Psycho-Weird]
Cast of Characters
Hagiwara Riku started as a child actor. He is represented by the influential agency, Top Coat. He debuted as an actor in 2008 and this role provides an opportunity for Riku to once again hug the limelight after a short hiatus.
I often explain my feelings with the voice of my heart, so I don’t have any lines, but I’m in conflict with people and I have to express it in a place other than words. I couldn’t do it, so I think I was most conscious of playing Taira using everything other than words, such as eyes, intervals, and breathing. [source]
Yagi Yusei is a real-life idol who sings, dances, models, and acts. He is a member of EXILE TRIBE’s J-pop group, FANTASTICS. My Beautiful Man is his debut as an actor.
The fact that “My Beautiful Man” has been seen by so many people all over the world makes me really happy. It’s a work that has a lot of nuances to it, especially with the language it uses, so I really hope people outside of Japan will also experience this. [source]
Review: Season 1
At 6 episodes running less than an hour, My Beautiful Man offers a full-impact tale of passionate love and obsession and some rivalry on the side. The love-hate relationship between stuttering Hira and the vain and arrogant Kiyoi is a fascinating study of contrast and contradictions. What works well is the two-dimensional relationship between the boys – when together in private, and when in front of the class.
- The idol worship aspect of the series is front and center. It depicts Hira’s psychological makeup and Kiyoi’s reaction to it. There are several scenes that stand out. It keeps the intensity of the series and the curiosity of the viewers at a high level. The kissing of the hand says so much about adulation and there are some more, but I’m not going to spoil the show;
- In My Beautiful Man, it uses inner monologues to voice out feelings and emotions, I find the approach refreshing. It reveals what the characters have on their minds while interacting at the same time – pretending or acting with the kind of behavior expected of them. I’m reminded of how the Takumi kun series did for their characters. There are parallels between the two shows, yet unique in their own ways;
- The class divide is shown realistically. One’s position can change depending on the moods of the elite;
- The rivalry between Yusei Yagi and Takano Akira (who plays Koyama Kazuki, and brother of Kiyoi’s director/creative manager) is understated. Yet, the ‘mild animosity’ and anticipation are in the air, ready to erupt;
- Kudos to both main actors for their understated yet convincing performances. Yusei has some opportunities to show his amazingly sculpted body, while Riku made full use of his underdog character. Takano Akra’s supporting role may be small, but quite effective.
Gallery: My Beautiful Man Season 1
Above are some selected scenes that are pivotal to the show, most especially the kissing of the hand, and the ‘prelude’ to their first kiss.
My Beautiful Man on Social Media
Spotlight on Hagiwara Riku:
From his debut in 2008 with Tomica Hero Rescue Force to his supporting roles in 3-gatsu no Lion, and Chihayafuru, among others, Riku’s list is filled with 28 drama appearances and 23 movies so far. 2019 probably marked his biggest popularity spike yet, with supporting roles in the 3 Nen A Gumi drama and 12nin no Shinitai Kodomotachi movie.
A New Generation is Coming by Kaye @Psycho-Drama.
I think I am attracted to someone who has something that they devote themselves to. I think it’s because I myself am the type to really go all in on things I like. I don’t care if it’s work or a hobby, but I can really very much sympathize with someone who can give their all to one specific thing and I think we would easily be able to understand the other’s way of approaching things. [Interview]
Yusei Yagi won Outstanding Asian Star for his role in My Beautiful Man. The award is given by the Seoul Drama Awards. [See Photos].
Recommendations
We highly recommend other recent and upcoming Japanese BL to become part of your radar:
Eternal Yesterday | More Than Words | Grand Guignol | Takara-Kun to Amagi-Kun
An old-timer BL fan way back in 2007. I started out loving BL after watching the Takumi-kun series from Japan, went on collecting BL manga, and watched old BL anime such as Junjou Romantica and the likes. Love of Siam allow me to transition into Thai, while Amphetamine gave me glimpses of Taiwanese BL magic. I love to write reviews and I’m one of the administrators of Psycho Weird.