Synopsis

Cast & Crew

Episodes

Reviews (5)

Mamoru Nekoyashiki is a struggling doujinshi artist who pours his heart into drawing original BL manga, craving nothing more than validation and a spot on the coveted 'Wall' – the display section for the most popular circles at comic conventions. Gloomy, socially anxious, and painfully aware of his own shortcomings, Mamoru finds his world turned upside down when he crosses paths again with Issei Kazama, a beaming J-pop idol who was his childhood friend. Issei, burdened by the pressure of maintaining a perfect public smile, sees something in Mamoru's raw, unpolished passion that reignites his own forgotten dreams. As these two polar opposites navigate their careers and buried feelings, they must confront the vulnerabilities they've hidden behind manga panels and stage lights. Blending zany comedy with genuine emotional weight, this series is a heartfelt ode to chasing artistic recognition, embracing your true self, and finding love in the most unexpected reunion.

Yasoshima Miyako

Cast

Sato Tatsunari

Cast

Minamoto Kazuki

Cast

Hokimoto Shinya

Cast

Matsuoka Koudai

Cast

Nakao Masaki

Cast

Tateishi Toshiki

Cast

Kihara Rui

Cast

Konishi Eito

Cast

Yahagi Honoka

Cast

Miyashita Kanako

Cast

Kaji Masaki

Cast

E01

Kabe-Koji-Nekoyashiki-kun Desires to Be Recognized Episode 1

Season 1 · Oct 04, 2022

~ min

E02

Kabe-Koji-Nekoyashiki-kun Desires to Be Recognized Episode 2

Season 1 · Oct 11, 2022

~ min

E03

Kabe-Koji-Nekoyashiki-kun Desires to Be Recognized Episode 3

Season 1 · Oct 18, 2022

~ min

E04

Kabe-Koji-Nekoyashiki-kun Desires to Be Recognized Episode 4

Season 1 · Oct 25, 2022

~ min

E05

Kabe-Koji-Nekoyashiki-kun Desires to Be Recognized Episode 5

Season 1 · Nov 01, 2022

~ min

E06

Kabe-Koji-Nekoyashiki-kun Desires to Be Recognized Episode 6

Season 1 · Nov 08, 2022

~ min

E07

Kabe-Koji-Nekoyashiki-kun Desires to Be Recognized Episode 7

Season 1 · Nov 15, 2022

~ min

E08

Kabe-Koji-Nekoyashiki-kun Desires to Be Recognized Episode 8

Season 1 · Nov 22, 2022

~ min

7.2

out of 10

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blooming_sakura

January 2025

9/10

I absolutely adored the slow burn between Mamoru and Issei. Their chemistry is so palpable even without a kiss – those longing glances and awkward touches said everything. The way Issei never gave up on Mamoru melted my heart. This is the kind of sweet, character-driven romance I live for!

plot_whisperer

March 2025

6/10

The first half is a fun, quirky ride with great comedic timing, but the tonal whiplash in episode 7 is jarring. Mamoru's lack of meaningful character growth until the very last episode frustrated me, and the resolution felt rushed. It had the bones of a great story but needed tighter writing.

manga_lover_98

June 2024

8/10

As someone who read the manga first, I was nervous, but the live-action captures the essence beautifully. They toned down some of the more over-the-top comedy, which worked in its favor. The casting is perfect – especially Nakao Masaki as Issei. I just wish they'd included the kiss from the later chapters!

critical_lens

October 2024

7/10

I appreciate that the drama showcases a range of LGBTQ+ identities without tokenism, and the portrayal of Mamoru's anxiety felt genuine. However, I was uncomfortable with the repeated 'stalker photograph' trope framed as romantic. It's a questionable choice that undermines the otherwise positive message about consent and boundaries.

framebygrain

December 2024

8/10

Visually, this is a treat. The color grading shifts from gloomy grays to warm yellows as Mamoru opens up – brilliant storytelling through lighting. The integration of manga panels and kinetic typography gave it a fresh, dynamic feel. Even the wacky camera spins during emotional moments felt intentional. A feast for the eyes!