The highly anticipated second season of Toshishita Kareshi (年下彼氏), known internationally as Younger Boyfriend, has returned with a fresh lineup of talent and heartwarming stories. Building on the success of its first season, which starred members of Naniwa Danshi and Ae! group, Toshishita Kareshi 2 introduces a new cast featuring Lil Kansai, AmBitious, Boys Be, and a selection of Juniors.
This season follows the same format as the first, presenting 17 mini-stories of love between younger boys and older girls. Each episode captures unique and relatable moments of romance, showcasing the growth and acting talents of the new cast. The main spotlight this season shines on Lil Kansai, with all five members—Toa Shimazaki, Takuya Nishimura, Fuga Onishi, Kotaro Okazaki, and Ruku Toma—taking center stage, continuing to impress fans with their evolving performances since their earlier appearances.
Adding to the excitement, roles for supporting characters were determined through auditions among the Juniors. This season welcomes AmBitious members Takeyuki Mayumi, Itsuki Yamanaka, Leo Nagaoka, Rikuto Ura, Rion Ouchi, and Taro Yoshikawa, alongside Boys Be talents Atsushi Ito, Yukiya Ikegawa, Shintaro Sumi, and Kairi Kamei. Juniors Taiga Watanabe, Kane Mori, Eito Motoshige, and Sukoyaka Okano also join the ensemble, rounding out a dynamic cast. The Kansai legacy is strong and is being passed down through the generations with this installment of a second season.
Among the highlights so far of Toshishita Kareshi 2 (Toshikare) is the episodes featuring Taro Yoshikawa and Takeyuki Mayumi of AmBitious, which brings its own unique flavor of charm, humor, and heartfelt moments. Their dynamic, blending youthful energy with emotional depth, promises to leave a lasting impression. As the series progresses, viewers are eager to see how these fresh faces bring the warmth and sincerity that have made Toshikare such a beloved drama series.
The fourth episode of Toshikare, “The Heroine of that day,” has fans absolutely buzzing—and for good reason. Taro’s portrayal of Yamato brought together a perfect mix of mystery, warmth, and a sprinkle of ad-libbed charm that left viewers swooning. From his subtle expressions to iconic moments like the car wash scene, this episode gave fans plenty to talk about.
Arisa (Asuka Kawazu), an aspiring actress, returns to her family home, which operates an auto repair shop, where she meets Yamato (Taro Yoshikawa), who works at the shop. Feeling dejected after failing an audition, Arisa struggles to respond to the overwhelming support and expectations from her family and those around her. Adding to her troubles, she ends up having a fight with her father over a trivial matter. As Arisa runs out in tears, Yamato gently approaches her and offers her kind words…
One of the first things fans couldn’t stop noticing? Taro’s physique. Social media lit up with comments, and the direction of the episode certainly liked to focus on Taro’s height and well-built muscles. The purple member of the rising Kansai group AmBitious is known for his gains, and while he might seem silly and air-headed when he is on YouTube, he is fluent enough in English to have done a whole interview in only English!
But it wasn’t just his physique that captivated audiences. His precious, heart-melting smile made waves too, with fans exclaiming over the cuteness that he portrayed through the screen. That juxtaposition of physique and vulnerability is part of what makes Yamato such an intriguing character—and Taro’s portrayal of him so compelling.
Yamato’s mysterious nature kept fans guessing, with some admitting they were completely clueless about the meaning behind his gazes as it was hard to figure out his intentions. His perfect timings to save Arisa from awkward situations were adorable, and left you wondering if they were intentional. Yet, when Yamato offered his first genuine smile—a moment inspired by his nostalgia for Arisa’s first stage play—it was a heartwarming highlight that reminded viewers of the layers to his personality. It’s this ability to blend Yamato’s cold exterior with flashes of warmth that made Taro’s performance stand out.
For long-time fans of Taro, this episode was more than just a great piece of TV—it was a celebration of his growth as an actor. Many reflected on his earlier role in “Nagatan to Ao to: Ichika no Ryoricho” (ながたんと青と-いちかの料理帖) to spot his improvement in acting. Seeing Taro take on a lead role gave fans a chance to witness his evolution. For international fans, especially, who can’t attend stage plays, concerts, and similar in Japan where Taro and his fellow agency mates shine on stage, Toshikare felt like a gift.
“Even though I can’t see their stage play in person, this drama gave me a chance to see a different side of my idol.”
Then, of course, there was the car wash scene. This moment became an instant favorite, not just for its visual appeal but also for the behind-the-scenes tidbits fans uncovered. Taro himself admitted that the scene was partly ad-libbed and that he was nervous his true nature might slip through. This revelation added even more charm to an already iconic scene, and certainly, many fans were jealous of the girl in that scene. If it had been Taro himself in that scene, he’d probably have accepted the water spray with an annoying proud smile just to show off his muscles.
The episode also sparked a lot of discussion about Taro’s acting style. Fans debated whether his portrayal of Yamato felt so natural because of how close the character is to Taro’s actual personality. “Even the awkwardness of Yamato feels intentional, like it’s part of who he is,” one fan noted.
Regardless of the reason, most agreed that Taro’s performance was impressive, with his ability to convey warmth and subtlety being particular highlights.
For many, this episode was a dream come true. Taro is one of those idols who rarely gives fluttering words, so seeing him in this kind of role and drama is a treasure box for fans. As many of these dramas aim to do, fans can also easily put themselves in the position of the heroine, imagining themselves with their favorite idol. The combination of romance, charm, and relatability made this episode one that fans won’t soon forget.
Toshikare has proven to be more than just a drama; it’s another platform that showcases Taro’s versatility and charm beyond the concert stage. Whether it’s through his mysterious gazes, his ad-libbed moments, or that unforgettable smile, Taro has solidified his place as both an idol and a budding actor. As fans continue to swoon over this episode, one sentiment rings loud and clear: they’re ready for more. Here’s hoping for even more romance roles for Taro—because honestly, who doesn’t love a little delulu now and then? 💜
The seventh episode of Toshikare, “One person, two roles,” starring Takeyuki Mayumi of AmBitious as Keiji charmed viewers with its delightful blend of sibling banter, heartfelt moments, and comedic chaos. This story, centered around the bond between him and his older brother Issei, delivered a fresh take on familial love while sprinkling in the nervous excitement of a first crush. Mayumi’s performance as the lovable and awkward Keiji left fans laughing, swooning, and completely invested in his journey.
As a child, Keiji (Takeyuki Mayumi) would often trail behind his older brother, Issei, and harbored a secret crush on Issei’s classmate, Himari (Shiori Akita). However, due to their parents’ work, Keiji’s family had to move, leaving him unable to confess his feelings to Himari. Years passed, and Keiji, now a high school student, learns about a reunion being held for Issei’s class. Seizing the chance to possibly see Himari again, Keiji volunteers to attend in place of his brother, who plans to skip the event. Disguised as Issei, Keiji reunites with Himari at the reunion, but will he find the courage to express his true feelings for her as himself?
At the heart of the episode is the dynamic between Keiji and Issei, a sibling relationship that feels genuine, chaotic, and deeply heartwarming. Keiji’s admiration for his brother is palpable, with fans noting how he seems to view Issei as a larger-than-life figure. Yet, this hero worship doesn’t stop their interactions from being hilariously relatable. It seems that Keiji can’t lie to Issei because he knows him too well, highlighting the playful but honest bond between the two.
The plot takes off when Keiji comes up with a wild plan: pretending to be Issei at an elementary school reunion to get closer to his crush, Himari. The premise alone keeps fans entertained, with one wondering how Keiji even thought to take his brother’s place, remarking on the power of love being too strong. Issei’s wholehearted support of the ridiculous scheme adds to the charm, leading another fan to question whether there is a big brother who is this happy to help his little brother match with his classmate.
Mayumi’s portrayal of Keiji brought the character to life with a mix of innocence, nervous energy, and moments of unexpected boldness. His performance captured the rollercoaster of emotions Keiji experiences, from his excitement about Himari to his panic when trying to navigate unfamiliar situations. The flow of the drama and the acting is well delivered, and there are times when Keiji is panicking and when he’s calm, adding depth to Mayumi’s acting, and he really pulled it off well.
One standout scene was when Keiji first heard Himari call out to him, using his given name instead of his surname. His reaction—equal parts confusion and panic—had fans in stitches. After all, he’s not really Issei. Moments like these showcased Mayumi’s ability to balance comedy and heartfelt emotion, keeping viewers engaged and entertained.
Fans were particularly impressed by Mayumi’s ability to portray Keiji’s awkwardness in a way that felt endearing rather than overdone. Whether it was his subtle foot taps of excitement, his nervous glances, or his exaggerated attempts to act natural, Keiji’s every move felt authentic. The harder Keiji tried to cover his excitement or nervousness, the more suspicious he looked. Even so, Mayumi looked really handsome and captivating despite being awkward.
Even when getting a makeover to safely get into the class reunion, Mayumi’s natural idol side shines through a little, and he stands out with his bright aura.
The comedic elements of the episode were perfectly complemented by its emotional depth. Keiji’s innocence shone through in moments like his heartfelt compliments to Himari, his bashful attempts to interact with her, and his visible nerves when trying to gather the courage to speak.
While fans adored Mayumi’s portrayal, some pointed out areas for growth, particularly in conveying emotion through his eyes. There’s room to grow there, and there will certainly be more opportunities in the future for him to shine. Despite this critique, there was overwhelming praise for his natural expressions and ability to bring Keiji’s character to life. “He captured a surprised and confused expression at the same time so naturally️,” another fan wrote, emphasizing the subtle nuances Mayumi brought to his role.
The episode wrapped up with an adorable scene between Keiji and Himari, leaving fans wishing for more. Mayumi’s performance as Keiji not only highlighted his potential as an actor but also left fans excited to see what he’ll tackle next. From his heartfelt sibling interactions to his comedic mishaps, Keiji’s journey was a delightful blend of humor and heart that resonated with viewers everywhere.
The episodes starring Taro and Mayumi in Toshikare offered fans a delightful blend of emotional storytelling, heartfelt performances, and comedic charm. Both actors brought unique strengths to their roles, leaving viewers with a lasting impression of their versatility and growth.
Taro’s portrayal of Yamato in the nostalgic and emotionally resonant auto repair shop episode showcased his ability to balance quiet intensity with heartfelt sincerity. His character’s kindness and subtle warmth, paired with Taro’s natural charm, created a performance that was both endearing and memorable.
On the other hand, Mayumi’s turn as Keiji in the sibling-centric and comedic tale of first love demonstrated his knack for capturing innocence, nervous energy, and heartfelt determination. From his hilarious attempts to impersonate his older brother to his shy but persistent efforts to reconnect with his childhood crush, Mayumi brought Keiji to life with authenticity and charm. His comedic timing and natural expressions had fans laughing one moment and rooting for him the next.
Together, these episodes highlighted the wide-ranging talent of these young actors. Taro’s emotive depth and Mayumi’s dynamic expressiveness prove that they’re more than capable of stepping into diverse roles and captivating audiences. Fans are eager to see what’s next for both of them as they continue to grow in their craft. With performances like these, Taro and Mayumi have cemented their places as rising stars to watch.
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Written with the help of dedicated fans of the community ♥