Terrace House: Boys & Girls in the City

I'll be honest, my friend had to introduce this show to me despite my own interest in all things Japan and Netflix. I'm also not a big fan of reality tv, this show is completely different. It seems a lot more genuine and there is little to no interference from the production.

It's a very simple premise, 6 strangers live in the same house but otherwise carry out their normal life (going to work or school as usual). They can join and leave whenever they like, they don't have to have a specific motive to be there. Some want relationships other want friendships but it gives free rein to the housemates. They do have an outside cast of what I assume are celebrity personalities and/or comedians who weigh in on the events and give a quick rundown of previous episodes. It is a different style of humour so it could be hit or miss for some people but it is pretty enjoyable either way.

I hope that Netflix stick with this show, I feel that subbed series and films often get the short end of the stick in Europe.

I found out about this show while flying on ANA airlines and watched the movie they had made (Terrace House: Closing Door). The movie was very good, kind of like a long episode of a season, and I was instantly hooked. I was pretty stoked when I found out Netflix would be airing it. I watched 1 episode of "Boys and Girls in the City" and was instantly hooked. This is a reality Japanese show that puts 3 young adult guys and girls in a house together. The goal is to develop friendships and to eventually find love, if possible. Sometimes romance happens, other times it does not. The ages range from 18-30. The housemates are free to leave ("graduate") the show as they please. Every time someone leaves, they replace him/her with a new member, always keeping the same guy to girl ratio. Most of the members are in the acting/modeling industry, so many are good looking, are charming, and/or know how to provide entertainment. They all carry regular jobs (or are searching for one), so they live their normal lives but always come back to live at the house, where most of the conversation/events happen. Sometimes the camera will follow the outside, for when the members go to work (to give us a glimpse of their real world), go on dates, etc. The producers say that there is no script and nothing is rigged. I don't believe this 100% to be true, due to the certain situations that arise that seem a bit forced or suspicious, but it's fun to watch the show and think everything is unscripted. The commentators, famous actors/actresses/personalities in the entertainment industry, provide very entertaining, sometimes hilarious commentary about the members and what transpires everyday. Some of my friends skip through the commentary, but I really enjoy it. I particularly like the chemistry between Yu, Yamasato, and Torii. The subtitles are close to perfection and are able to catch and describe the context of each situation. If you get hooked on the show as much as me and my friends, you'll start rooting for certain people and rooting against others. It's also easy to get attached to them. I believe every member is on some kind of social media (Instagram, Facebook, etc.) so it is easy to see into their lives from a different angle, even after they graduate. Netflix has partnered with Fuji TV and have provided an excellent and entertaining show that gives us a fisheye view into the lives of Japanese young adults, how they interact, and an unobscured view into Japanese culture. What makes this show special for me is the pure, genuine relationships that develop between the members, and to get an interesting perspective into the minds of Japanese young adults.

I was born in Japan and am 100% Japanese, so I may be a little biased in this review. I absolutely love this addictive Japanese reality show, especially this specific season that is from 2015 and based in Tokyo, Japan. It's very real and Japan needs this because the country has a declining birth rate, the people don't date enough, and also because they need to work on communicating their emotions better in every day life, and with their love partners. The commentary team that is included before and during the intermission of each episodes of this first season of Netflix 'Terrace House - Boys and Girls in the City: Tokyo' is hilarious and very entertaining. Please, release the DVD for this show Netflix (at least the one based in Tokyo). I want to own it! Thank you Fuji Television & Netflix!

Terrance House is addictive to say the least. This is truly Reality at its best. Place 6 total strangers in a home and allow their common or not so common personalities to emerge over time.

What's most interesting is the fact that most enter the home with a certain objective in bettering themselves in one way or another. Whether it be a desire to become less shy, create new friendships or even seeking a dating relationship. Since there are no scripts many times such objectives are not so easily accomplished and can be rather rough, which makes it all the more exciting.

As each episode slowly evolves you may find yourself, "Being in the shoes," of one of the occupants which could have the same similarities as yourself. Eventually the show concludes when all have felt their objectives have been met through normal day-to-day activities. For those whom have not met their objectives the pressure can get tough in which they are must make a decision to stay on the show or simply leave. For the individuals that have created an outstanding friendship with others this can be some what of a tear jerk-er for the departing individual or yourself as well.

To add a little spice to the show there are normally 2 intermissions which involves the hosts and hostesses that narrate the show in the beginning providing a brief summary to the past episode and again near the end of the episode. Truthfully the intermission is somewhat of a breather and allows each to provide their input to what they believe is happening or going to happen. I actually Love it because its funny, outgoing and has great perspectives from different age groups. What's even more great about the break is that there is no holding back. Each host or hostess says what they truly feel and is on their mind about the episode. There are instances where I simply could not stop laughing, especially since one host is a sort of comedian. His look and reactions are totally, one-of-a-kind but so true in wisdom from his standpoint.

Granted not all will enjoy this sort of reality show but in my opinion its true reality and that's what is addictive to me. Reality to the core and Reality at its Best.

While the hosts can be a little mean sometimes (even to each other--poor Yamasato lol) they are also warm, spontaneous, and hilarious. I love how everyone is so natural and honest on the show including the hosts and how everything is so real and unscripted. It's a big difference from Singles Inferno, which just feels superficial in comparison. Being a Japanese reality tv show people also don't get into nasty screaming matches and fist fight like certain participants on American reality tv shows, which can feel very unpleasant to watch. Terrace House showcases the perfect blend of interpersonal conflict while maintaining consideration for housemate dynamics. There were a few cringe moments like when one participant had an emotional meltdown because of something minor that turned out to be a trigger for bigger issues. I love that this show isn't about just romance and finding a romantic partner but also about how human beings learn to relate to each other, experience interpersonal conflicts, and try to solve those conflicts. It is the kind of education on communication and developing better relationships that many of us do not get enough of. Although my interpersonal relationships haven't always been very good, I feel like I am learning healthier ways to relate to other people on this show. You do this by setting your boundaries and knowing when you are wrong (you apologize) and when you are right (you hope for an apology). Truly, this show goes beyond just romance. The hosts do a great job of calling out b.s. When they see it while still being kind and tolerant of human imperfections. I love this show and plan on watching the entire series!