Kei×Yaku: Abunai Aibou (2022)

Unfair to hold it to typical BL standards

You can’t go in expecting typical BL material. But if you appreciate two troubled guys finding comfort in each other, this is it.

With a little reading between the lines, there is still plenty of evidence to suggest that their relationship goes beyond just friendship.

As a detective, Ichiro is a stickler for law and order. A lonely young man with a tragic past, he rarely lets anyone in, mostly keeping to himself. On the other side of the law, Shiro is a young and ruthless yakuza leader who turned to a life of vice and violence after his sister’s disappearance. While he has an outgoing exterior and nonchalant attitude, this only masks his deeper fears of abandonment.

Brought together by a chance encounter, the yakuza leader and the public security bureau officer discover a more profound connection than they expected. They are the unlikeliest of pairings but what can I say? Opposites attract.

A fairly wide range of characters propel the show forward. The backbone of the narrative is a sinister plot involving a network of politicians, agents and gang members. And this is really what drives the show. The relationship between Ichiro and Shiro is, unfortunately (and disappointingly for some), secondary.

But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the story for what it is. Even the is-this-BL-or-not ambiguity.

Read my full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/04/01/kei-x-yaku-review-2022-unfair-to-hold-it-to-typical-bl-standards/
Analysis of why I think they're more than friends: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/04/01/kei-x-yaku-episode-breakdown-why-theyre-more-than-just-friends/

Lire davantage

Two person, one destiny, one goal, a spectacular bromance, kerfuffle of emotions and events

* So, KeixYaku, a cop and the maffia boss, their fate intertwine lovely bromance that unfolds between them



- Not gonna explain the whole story, so im just gonna recap and add the positives and negatives throughout.
Even the seemingly perfect stories have downsides and this story is not an exception.


- Lot of people seen huge potential in the series and some of the people felt unsatisfied.
Either because of their relationship, the sometimes confusing script and the unfinished plot-holes.
The story itself is quite interesting and they could execute it well...at least they tried.
For this exact reason some of the eposides are full of action with less interaction between the two men and some of the episodes are slower with their relationship being the main thing.
Plus the ongoing battle between BL vs bromance.

- Your typical detective, action bromance drama that reminds me of Mad dog or Killer and Healer series
(i recommend these aswell if you havent seen them)


- Two completely different person on the same case about a bombing that connects them very much.
(one of them lost their parents due to the bombing, the other one has an innocent close friend sitting in jail and his sister also got in trouble cause of the bombing)


- The series started out strong but with time got slower and slower. Lot of people felt disappointed by how they executed the storyline. Lot of characters popping up out of nowhere gotta admin, even I lost the story sometimes.


- I must admit and agree that they couldve directed the whole thing better with more action because in the second half of the series the action scenes are dull and unreasoned.
(For example why is there a gun when you wont even use it and foes wont feel threatened by it)

- I was waiting for the big skirmish at end but they gave us some psycho drama stuff.



- The end of the series felt rushed. Maybe with less episodes and less flashbacks it couldve been more fast-paced, cause this left a lot of people bored. I myself couldnt care less about the dynamism of the series but rather some pointless scenes
that never added anything to the case.


- For example why did the sister jump infront of a bullet for the bad guy which meant nothing.

- In addition there was no battle at the end but some psycho drama stuff.

- The acting was phenomenal from Atsuhiro Inukai who played Shiro.
He was incredible, I fell in love with the character.
His acting partner was quite good aswell, altho sometimes I found him a little bitt stiff here and there.
But the chemistry between them made up for it.


- The music was ashtonishing aswell, perfect fit, despite the OST being deafening for me. Ryo Nobuguchi is composer's music was wonderful
The OCTPATH - IT'S A BOP music itself is not that bad even tho I dont think it fits the series.


- I loved watching their relationship as their emotions conveyed slowly.
They were worried for eachother, trusted eachother.
I think it was an unfolding love between them as it was hinted very strongly that It was more than friendship.
Not gonna lie I would watch it as BL (they kinda gave that vibe), but not gonna hold it against them that
they made a bromance out of this.
Loved wacthing the extras at the end, they were so cute together, almost like they were each others significant other.


- So all in all I liked the series even if it ended in a cliffhanger, even if it has mistakes.


- As far as I know the manga hasnt finished yet, and the series ended with a cliffhanger
theres a chance for a new season. One thing for sure, they stayed together, officially lived together based on the apartment lease. I really hope we get to see a sequel with the same actors cause none of the cases were closed
Neither the detective case, nor their relationship.

- So go ahead and watch this not perfect but loveble little series.
And decide FOR YOURSELF, whether you like it or not. Dont listen to the negative critics.

Lire davantage

This screams for Season 2!!!

The ending definitely screams for season 2 and I am looking forward to it. It’s a detective story so that’s what viewers should expect from this series. My only gripe is can a yakuza be allowed to be part of the police investigation, and why are the participants of the investigation so small in number? But I’m not too particular about details; the cast, specially the chemistry of the lead actors, plus the extra scenes at the end of each series will let you forgive these minor loopholes. (Watch til the end of each episode, you’ll miss a lot if you skip it)

The every day life of our two protagonists is a gem to watch. The series’ seriousness is well balanced with Ichiro and Shio’s playful bickering that those who are not into detective stories might still continue watching just to enjoy these splices of home life. Dangerous Partner is a bromance bordering to BL, which should be the case (in my opinion). The seriousness of the situation they are in will definitely hinder them from delving deeper into a relationship. But everyone around them can feel the attraction between the two, even the junior yakuzas under Shiro accept Ichiko’s presence. The unanswered situation of Ichiro remaining a squatter in Shio’s residence is rarely challenged by the owner. In fact this ticklish “will they or will they not” scenes are keeping me at the edge of my seat. This bromance worked so much that it’s makes viewers want for more and I’m definitely demanding for a season 2.

Lire davantage

I'm confused

I really like the show but it's just really lacking in alot of stuff that it makes me kinda annoyed. Japanese bl specially are always very good and memorable for me this one is a bit confusing. its not like I didn't like it but I was always torn weather I should continue to the next ep or just drop it because it wasn't really moving.

it was good but it was JUST good nothing crazy or out of this world. for a drama that most of its Screentime was about the main plot which was about the bombing that happened and their investigations I found it very very boring which is new to me because even when watching the least suspensing dramas it made me more excited than this one which is supposedly mainly about the plot.

I only watched for the BL part because I found it very new and the chemistry was kinda special and rare but even in this they didn't really focus on the BL it was mostly in as a comedic relief which I think was necessary because the show was kinda boring.

I loved the three of them and their relationship together but that's it which I don't think was enough for me. I really wished it was better than this because I had such great expectations and I was kinda let down.

to watch it or not? I'm saying give it a chance if nothing else is better on your list

Lire davantage

Kei x yaku

The story good. Actors are also good . It's the only reason I watched this drama.
Story is best on crime , emotions, happy, sad etc it's all okay. I'm disappointed at last episodes. It was not that kind of ending what I expected at first episode. Song is very good . It's actually match with story . And lastly where is BL ? Why it's BL ? There I can't feel that it's BL. No confessions, no that much story also, even I thought Ichiro is straight. He like his friend. It's give me some distance from the expectations. By the way it's not waste of time but if anyone want to watch so they can it one time. But it's not for BL lovers that's my personal opinion.
Thank you .

Lire davantage

I fell in love with this series in the first several episodes, and the rest were kinda disappointing especially the last one. The chemistry among those main characters were adorable, I really love about their connection without labeled as BL. I know they didn't say anything about BL, but this series was beyond than bromance.

This series is the first 2022 series that has a musical taste so far, I fond of their soundtrack as my spotify playlist everyday.

Honestly, I have a question to everyone who watched this series. So, before an extra scene in every episode there were some kind of commercial about the show and Hulu related. What was that actually? I've been trying to look for on Hulu, but I couldn't find anything. Is it the same series? or movie? or side story? or what else? I don't get it.

Lire davantage

Where's Season 2?

I could watch an endless amount of these two being domestic and solving crimes.
I heard someone say the show wasn't acted very well, except there's a whole special "episode" where the guys swap bodies (not in the show but it is a fun little episode) and they act just like each other, which is completely different from their own characters, and if that doesn't show acting skill, I don't know what does.

Shiro is so openly flamboyant and physical, and Ichiro is so repressed but supportive. I loved their interactions and the ways they showed they cared about each other. I have heard it won't get a season 2 but I want one so bad. I'm just hoping the artist/author finishes the manga and the producers decide to continue the show. Because we have too many loose ends, and also the slow burn needs to complete it's arc. They're already basically married. I just need them to admit it.

Lire davantage

Um bom bromance

Confesso que comecei a ver esse drama apenas por causa do ator Inukai Atsuhiro, pois já era fã dos trabalhos anteriores dele. Eu particularmente não gosto tanto de histórias policiais pois a possibilidade de final trágico é grande, e sim, eu sei que as pessoas morrem na vida real, por isso vejo séries. A vida não é fácil, eu quero ver séries para me iludir mesmo hehehe.
De fato, se trata de uma boa história. Não tem o tom de exagero e as pitadas de humor excessivas que geralmente vejo nas produções japonesas, até por causa da temática, e de início eu, fujoshi que sou, fiquei iludida imaginando que o casal BL iria desenvolver o romance, mas ficou no bromance mesmo (Aprendendo com a China Sr. Japão?)
A história central, o mistério que une os personagens foi muito bem construída, trabalhou muito com o fator surpresa para deixar os expectadores ansiosos por mais episódios, e apesar da química e da atuação fantástica de todo o elenco, os últimos episódios pareciam apenas encheção de linguiça, as coisas foram se arrastando.
Em relação à ost, eu simplesmente amei, é eletrizante e super coerente com as cenas. A fotografia está de parabéns, a cenografia idém.
Indico muito esse BL, não é do tipo que eu gosto de ficar revendo, mas é uma história que fica na mente como uma boa lembrança.

Lire davantage

NOT A "BL" BUT NO LESS THAN A BL

I want season 2 for this! I absolutely loved this! I don't understand why people are saying they're disappointed that it's not a "BL". Does only having romantic moments depicts love? Hell no! The MC and ML loved each other and were like soulmates... Yeah there were no romantic moments bcz they were always in life and death situation and none of them are aware of each other's feelings, but they do love each other. The purest form of love.
The plot was AMAZING! The background music was thrilling! The two actors are hot af. What more do you need? Romance? NC scenes? Well if so, go watch some other drama. This is for more matured people .

Lire davantage

Uma boa surpresa

Esse drama entrou para a lista dos que me surpreenderam positivamente. Para falar a verdade, quando comecei a assistir não esperava muita coisa, porém logo no primeiro episódio já me chamou a atenção.

No início da trama, a construção do mistério é muito boa. Porém, achei o desenvolvimento da mesma um pouco confuso, apesar de me prender bastante. Eu geralmente tenho problemas com histórias de investigação porque realmente acabo ficando bem perdida, mas nesse drama, até antes de alguns episódios finais senti que estava entendendo tudo certo. Entretanto, quando chegou no último episódio fiquei ainda mais perdida, e nem sei se entendi direito ou não. Isso é um outro problema que encontro nas histórias de investigação, muitas vezes eu me decepciono com o final hahah. Aqui não foi necessariamente uma decepção, só achei que podiam ter explorado mais, foi muito corrido e não dimensionou tudo que aconteceu durante a trama. Além disso, eu gostei bastante do mistério/suspense que era apresentado, o caso a ser solucionado realmente me prendeu, tendo algumas reviravoltas esperadas e outras não.

Um ponto fortíssimo desse drama na minha opinião é o relacionamento dos protagonistas. Quando comecei a assistir eu não sabia se era bl ou não, mas o tanto que eu shippei esses dois não está escrito! E o shipp veio da melhor forma possível, pois eu realmente passei a gostar muito dos dois juntos a ponto de querer demais que eles virassem um casal. Então comecei a tentar não me iludir porque pensei que ficaria decepcionada caso não ficassem juntos. E bem, na verdade não fiquei decepcionada. Shiro e Ichiro passaram por tantas aflições e encontraram um no outro conforto. O carinho e preocupação de um pelo outro, as cenas extras que aqueciam meu coração, a intimidade, tudo é lindo de se ver. No fim, não me importei se eram um casal ou não, se teve beijo ou não, a relação deles é linda e é isso que importa.

A irmã de Shiro (Rion) e Chika-chan também foram personagens que gostei bastante! As cenas que elas apareciam, em especial quando se reuniam com Shiro e Ichiro, eram muito boas e me deixavam feliz.

Outro ponto que gostei nesse drama foi a fotografia e a trilha sonora. A fotografia é mais escura e sombria, como costuma ser nas histórias de suspense. Porém, na casa de Shiro e Ichiro é mais acolhedora, o que ajuda a passar aquele sentimento de conforto que o lugar representa. A trilha sonora se encaixa bastante nas cenas, alguns com tons sombrios e outras eletrizantes, condizentes com as reviravoltas da trama.

No quesito ação, não acho que esse drama tenha muito, poderia ter até mais. Principalmente no final, geralmente é o que se espera desse tipo de história. Porém tiveram muitos momentos tensos ao decorrer da narrativa.

Em conclusão, eu gostei bastante desse drama. Tenho minhas ressalvas aqui e ali, mas foi uma boa surpresa, do tipo que você deseja encontrar mais histórias semelhantes para assistir. Inclusive, aceito recomendações.

Lire davantage

Everything they're fighting from beginning to end is useless

I'll start it with this Series being labeled as BL. I do think that they used BL as a click bait. It's more like bromance or friendship and brother hood . That's the first thing I want to emphasize

The theme and story are very interesting and good, and it will have additional star if they really make it a BL. It's all about crime and investigation. A mafia leader or Yakuza and a police officer who joins together to solve a certain case of missing person that will soon lead to reopening a case happened in the past. With the case happened in the past they will try to solve and investigate it and will open memories that hunts them.

The characters are well aligned to the actors, they have good acting and chemistry as well.

I will summarize it, First episode and nearly final episode were all about investigation, the process of knowing the truth is slow and in final episode they explain everything that happened in the past and THEY ENDED IT OPEN.

ITS MORE LIKE THE EVERYTHING THEY DID IS USELESS, NOTHING HAPPENED. ITS A WASTE OF TIME I THINK, THEY JUST USED THE BL CATEGORY AS A CLICK BAIT TO ATTRACT VIEWERS.

VERY DISAPPOINTED

Another thing that idon't like is the repetition of flashbacks, well I get it that they want to comemorate or show the past but I think they overdid it, they simply repeat the flashback with the same scene and it kinda annoying because they should at least show different angle or different viewpoint.

Lire davantage

A mix of feelings while watching this drama, I don't read the mangá but I felt like Kei and Yaku are so good to watch that their chemistry is on point. All the stories are amazing, are good and It's a good drama to watch, the weak point is the soundtrack, don't catch me. But the actors are so good they really can make a cop x mafia story be so fun and good to watch, all the investigation and all the things they created are so close to the reality that I feel afraid for them while I watch. The drama, the action, the mystery is a mix that is unforgettable, I want more so much, please make more seasons! (I enjoy the extra scenes more than the normal episode HAHAHAHA)

Lire davantage