At 25:00 in Akasaka 2 – Series Review & Episode Guide

Yuki Shirasaki is a young, up-and-coming actor who rose to fame after starring in Daydream, a popular romantic drama with two gay leads. The series was a hit with viewers, and many praised Shirasaki's acting skills. This success accelerated his career, leading to opportunities he never imagined, such as TV interviews and commercial ads. His agent, Shinoda, is excited by all the offers. Shirasaki's face also appears on billboards. To his amazement, random strangers recognize him and know who he is.

Unbeknownst to everyone else, Shirasaki fell in love with his costar, Asami Hayama. This handsome model-turned-actor was already a fan favourite before starring in Daydream, and the successful drama only increased his popularity. Shirasaki and Asami knew each other in university, but they grew close during filming. Initially, the sexual tension between them was fictional, meant only for the cameras. Eventually, their feelings turned genuine. After much hesitation, the couple finally confessed their feelings and began dating in real life.

Shirasaki and Asami enjoy spending time together. They try to be discreet and sneak into each other's apartments. However, the couple got caught. Asami's agent, Akeno, soon discovered their secret romance. Akeno tells Asami to end this relationship for the sake of his career. Unfortunately, she believes society isn't open-minded enough to accept two men dating. Akeno warned that Asami's popularity would plummet if anyone found out. Despite his agent's warning, Asami and Shirasaki won't break up. They promise to be more careful by moving in together.

Shirasaki and Asami are currently looking for new projects. They're both interested in Rain and Confession, a gritty mystery based on an award-winning novel. The story features a protagonist who commits murder and then impersonates the victim. The theatre adaptation is led by the famous Director Aoyama, who typically works with veteran actors. For this project, he's holding auditions for the first time in a decade. He's interested in casting a newcomer for the lead role. Shirasaki and Asami are huge fans of this director, so they both sign up for the auditions.

Thousands of applicants attend the auditions for Rain and Confession. Shirasaki makes it through the next round of auditions, and so does Asami. Another successful candidate is Keita, an unknown actor who's hungry for the lead role. As the competition intensifies, Asami and Keita feel the pressure in their relationship. They've never competed professionally before. Asami's agent also urges him to withdraw from the auditions. He has received a great offer to star in an indie film, but taking it would require him to forego his dream role in Rain and Confession.

I was surprised to see a second season of At 25:00 in Akasaka, mostly because I had forgotten it existed. Released a year ago, the original drama sits in a dusty corner of my memory with other mediocre BL series. It's the one with… the actors, right? There's a slow-burn romance, I think? Thankfully, the sequel doesn't require me to remember much. It quickly reintroduces the characters and explains their relationship dynamics. At 25:00 in Akasaka 2 sets up the story clearly enough that I can follow along without feeling lost.

The original drama took too long to develop the romance, dragging out the will-they-or-won't-they storyline until I lost interest. Thankfully, Shirasaki and Asami are already dating at the start of Season 2. No more ambiguity, no more indecision. One of the best improvements in the sequel is the focus on the couple's lovey-dovey moments. They live in the same home, acting sweet and domestic every episode. Also, BL fans will be pleased to see plenty of physical affection. These two can't keep their hands (or their lips) off each other! I appreciate all the relationship content, which was missing from Season 1.

My favourite part of At 25:00 in Akasaka 2 is the middle stretch. Shirasaki and Asami are locked in a heated rivalry over the same role. While the couple never argues, their tension escalates quietly. The stakes are high since only one of them can win. Eventually, someone makes a sacrifice. Instead of feeling bitter, he helps his partner because seeing a loved one achieve his dream feels just as rewarding. Oh my gosh, I thought that was so poignant and romantic! The series has stirred my heart with a beautifully crafted storyline that hits all the right emotional notes.

Shirasaki's actor (Taisuke Niihara) has a rare gift because he conveys so much sincerity through his eyes. His best moments aren't the big emotional scenes. Instead, he excels in the smaller romantic exchanges. He can deliver a tender gaze, give a yearning look, or soften his expression near his boyfriend. Find yourself a partner with the same heart-eyes Shirasaki has for Asami! While he shares decent chemistry with his costar, Asami's actor (Kiita Komagine) seems slightly reserved. He had dramatic material to work with, yet his performance never caught my attention.

Despite some improvements, At 25:00 in Akasaka 2 has the same problem as before. I'm sorry, but the series is still a bit boring. It struggles with pacing, so most storylines drag on for too long. Each episode's momentum is like sand falling in an hourglass. Yes, the plot makes progress. Just slowly… Very slowly… Both leads also behave passively and hesitate in many scenes. As an ISFJ and INFJ couple, they repress their feelings and avoid communicating their concerns. The story feels perpetually stuck because Shirasaki and Asami won't open up about what's bothering them.

At 25:00 in Akasaka 2 is rich with atmosphere. This artsy BL drama feels more elevated thanks to its stylish visuals. Although everything looks pretty, I still lost interest in some episodes, especially near the end. The final arc focuses on Asami's family troubles, leading to lots of quiet introspection and silent suffering. My boredom creeps in, just like it did during the first season. While the series can't entertain me from start to finish, I still enjoyed some parts of the story. Overall, I have a more positive opinion of At 25:00 in Akasaka than previously, and I'll consider that a win.