Honoka Yahagi, formerly known as Honoka Miki, is a Japanese model and actress. She was born in Chiba Prefecture, Japan on March 7, 1997 and made her debut in the entertainment world in 2009 when she began working as an exclusive model for the teen fashion magazine, “Love Berry”. She made her acting debut in 2010 in film “Maria Watches Over Us” and the television drama “Clone Baby.” But it was her role as Kotoko Aihara in the popular television series “Mischievous Kiss: Love in TOKYO” (2013) and its sequel “Mischievous Kiss 2: Love in TOKYO” (2014) that catapulted her to superstardom, making her and co-star Yuki Furukawa one of the most popular on-screen couples in Japan. She has also appeared in “Hoping to Give You a Big Hug Tonight” (2018).

Honoka Yahagi

Hitomi Mamoru (Honoka Yahagi) is an HR consultant. She works for a company that prefers to use her as a publicist, however. The firm has tried to exploit her social media success by making her the face of the company – meaning she spends most of her working life giving interviews and entertaining special guests. But this has left her feeling deeply unsatisfied: What she really wants to do is work at the heart of the human resources industry.

One night, her frustrations boil over and she decides to head out to a bar – without any makeup on – to drink and forget her woes. While she is there, she meets a charming stranger called Sakyo Shiori (Atsuhiro Inukai). He showers her with compliments, and she is taken in by his charisma. Before she knows it, it’s the next morning and she wakes up at his house! Little does she know, however, that all is not quite as it seems… Sakyo Shiori is the CEO of a company called Jet Black. This firm has been struggling with employee retention, and Sakyo Shiori wants Hitomi Mamoru to turn Jet Black’s fortunes around. Will she agree? And could this unusual encounter lead them to love?

This drama was based on a manga series by Yatsumi Tsumu.

“Troubles All Aboard!” is a 2023 Japanese drama series that was directed by Tomohiro Takahashi, Fuga Yaegashi, and Watanabe Yuya.

Troubles All Aboard!

🌞 Troubles All Aboard 😎 

ABC TV

Mamoru Nekoyashiki (Matsuoka Koudai) is a reclusive artist who makes doujinshi works: fan-created or self-published works. He has created a BL-themed manga series that he dreams of being able to sell in a special section for popular doujinshi titles in bookstores. Only a select few doujinshi artists are ever granted this rare honor – and being selected to sell his works in this manner would be a major source of recognition for his art.

But his life turns upside down when he is suddenly reunited with Kazama Issei (Masaki Nakao), a childhood friend that he used to have a crush on. The two parted in somewhat ambiguous circumstances when they had an exchange at their high school graduation ceremony. Since leaving school, Kazama Issei has become a pop star. He has now joined an all-male pop group named Shiny Smile, which is on the road to chart success. Will reuniting with Kazama Issei help Mamoru Nekoyashiki attain his dream – or could it lead the duo down an unexpected path to romance?

“Kabe-Koji-Nekoyashiki-kun Desires to Be Recognized” is a 2022 Japanese drama series that was directed by Tatsunori Sato, Miyako Yasoshima, and Kentaro Harada.

Kabe-Koji-Nekoyashiki-kun Desires to be Recognized

Boys over Wallflowers

With the number of women who still believe in “happily ever after” rapidly dwindling, the government created a top secret agency dedicated to supporting those still in search of their perfect match. Using high-tech equipment on par with any other national intelligence agency, the Peanut Butter Sandwich, or PBS, is well equipped to handle any job, be it big or small. As the newest recruit to the PBS, Tsubaki (Honoka Yahagi) is tasked with monitoring four new targets and assisting them in finding their one true love; but the job won’t be easy.

A successful manager at an IT company, Katagiri Sayo (Akane Hotta) is convinced that you can obtain everything you need in life through hard work and she lives her life as proof. Setting extraordinarily high standards for herself, she doesn’t see why a man can’t live up to her standards as well. So far, none have and Sayo is beginning to wonder if anyone ever will. Meanwhile, Morimoto Miharu (Miori Takimoto) is a nurse desperately holding onto the hope that her long-time boyfriend will finally propose; but after six years together, the odds aren’t looking so good. It may be time to let go but how? Equally desperate for love, Yamashita Miwa (Miwako Kakei) works at a local bank and suffers from such low self-esteem that she’s willing to give herself to anyone willing to pay her even the slightest bit of attention. She’s well aware that none of these men are interested in love, but she just can’t seem to find a way to say no. And then there’s the stunningly gorgeous Matsuoka Akane (Niwa Niki), an executive assistant who has no problem drawing a man’s attention but can’t seem to find one who isn’t exceedingly dull.

With four completely different targets assigned to her, Tsubaki can think of only one way to help these women and close her first case. Infiltrating their ranks by joining their yoga class, Tsubaki becomes one of the group but the job before her is monumental. Can this rookie agent really help these love-starved souls find their perfect match?

Based on the webcomic of the same name by Mitsouko, “Peanut Butter Sandwich” is a 2020 romantic comedy drama directed by Keijiro Tsubakimoto and Kazuyuki Yamagishi.

Peanut Butter Sandwich

🥪 PEANUT BUTTER SANDWICH 🧈

One of the most admired and beloved romance manga writers of her time, Hanai Ao (Fumika Baba) has dedicated her entire life to her work. From sunup to sundown, she pours one hundred percent of herself into what she does and it shows. With countless fans clamoring for her latest work, Hanai is at the top of her game. As one of the best romance writers in the country, you’d think Hanai would be experienced in the world of love, but in reality, she’s never even had a boyfriend. A fact that her editor likes to point out. Frequently.

Completely fed up with the constant nagging of her editor, Hanai decides to take a walk, completely unaware that she looks like she's just survived a typhoon. Completely indifferent to anything but her work, Hanai has never bothered with her appearance. At least not until she catches her reflection in a shop window and has to do a double-take. Feeling inspired to make a change, Hanai walks into a nearby salon, where she’s immediately greeted by Riichi (Eiji Akaso), a charismatic and charming stylist who promises to give her a look she’ll love. Struck by Riichi’s charm, Hanai soon finds herself falling for this man she can’t seem to resist. Lucky for her, the feeling seems to be mutual.

With love in the air, it’s only a matter of time before Hanai finds herself experiencing all the joys of a first love, but her strict work ethic could become a problem. Can a workaholic really keep a steady relationship when she frequently forgets her boyfriend even exists?

Based on the manga of the same title by Aya Asano, “Hey Sensei, Don’t You Know?” is a 2019 romance drama directed by Keijiro Tsubakimoto and Tatsuya Aoki.

Hey Sensei, Don't You Know?

Love At First Sight Team

Growing up, Nanakusa (Ryusei Yokohama) and Yuu Manabe (Marie Iitoyo) were good friends. Though time caused them to drift apart, they each still remember the years they spent together fondly. Now in high school, the two childhood friends find themselves reuniting in the last place on Earth anyone could possibly imagine, Kaiden Island.

Known to be a place where the lost and abandoned end up, Kaiden Island isn’t exactly a place anyone purposely visits. Yet on this island, live those who have been abandoned by friends, family, and society in general. It’s here, amid the discarded souls of the world, that Nanakusa and Yuu rekindle their childhood friendship and soon strike a bargain of the most unusual nature.

Soon entangled in a series of unusual cases, the two friends set out to unravel the mysteries of the island. Will their quest for the truth bring them the answers they’re looking for or will they find something truly unexpected lurking in the dark?

Based on the novel, “Inakunare Gunjo” by Yutaka Kono, “Go Away, Ultramarine” is a 2019 sci-fi adventure mystery film directed by Akina Yanagi.

Go Away, Ultramarine

Fuji TV

Back in high school, a meteorite crashed into Kotoko (Honoka Yahagi)'s home, leaving her with no choice but to move in with classmate Naoki (Yuki Furukawa). For Kotoko, this was a dream come true, as she’d had a longstanding crush on Naoki. Despite his initial disdain for her, Naoki eventually fell for Kotoko, and they ended up getting married. However, married life may not be the sweet fantasy they’d dreamed it would be. Kotoko has decided to become a nurse, but her studies aren’t going well. Plus, having a charming, good-looking husband has its drawbacks – as Naoki seems to have no shortage of female admirers! Can they overcome these hurdles and ensure their love survives the test of time? This 2014 Japanese drama, based on the hit manga of the same name by Kaoru Tada, follows 2013’s Mischievous Kiss: Love in TOKYO. It was directed by Kazuya Konaka and Takashi Ninomiya.

Mischievous Kiss 2: Love in TOKYO

Mischievous Kisser Team

Fuji TV TWO

Kotoko Aihara (Yahagi Honoka), an average girl with poor grades, falls head-over-heels for Naoki Irie (Yuki Furukawa), the smartest and most handsome boy in school. For three years, she admires him from afar, but fate intervenes when a meteorite destroys her home, forcing her family to stay with Naoki’s. Living under one roof, Kotoko seizes her chance to win Naoki’s heart. Can she convince him to see her as someone he truly cares for, or will her dreams of love remain unfulfilled? This 2013 Japanese drama, directed by Koto Nagata, Koji Kawano, and Masakazu Abe, is the fifth TV adaptation of Kaoru Tada’s manga series Itazura Na Kiss.

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