Love Begins in the World of If arrives as one of the most anticipated Japanese BL releases of the season. Blending romance, fantasy elements, and emotional self-growth, the series adapts the original novel ifの世界で恋がはじまる and brings to life a touching story about identity, connection, and the power of “what if.”
The drama follows Akihito Kano, a quiet and introverted man who struggles after being transferred from the technical department to sales. His admiration — and growing emotional tension — toward Seiji Ogami only complicates his daily life. A mysterious encounter under a full moon, however, changes everything, shifting him into a parallel world where love and courage unfold in unexpected ways.
Synopsis of Love Begins in the World of If
Akihito Kano has spent a year trying to adjust to his new role in the sales department. Talented yet withdrawn, he feels out of place, especially around Seiji Ogami, the department’s standout performer. Despite admiring Seiji, Akihito also wrestles with feelings of jealousy and inadequacy.
One stressful night, after reaching his emotional limit, Akihito stops by a small shrine and finds an old mirror said to reflect one’s “ideal self.” He wishes he could be someone capable of standing beside Seiji, someone confident enough to smile with him as equals.
Suddenly, a thick fog envelops him, and when he wakes up, the world looks the same — but people treat him very differently. His coworkers are welcoming, and Seiji, surprisingly, behaves with an intimacy Akihito never expected. As Akihito navigates this parallel reality, he must confront his own fears, understand his true feelings and, ultimately, decide what kind of man he wants to become.
Who is in the cast of Love Begins in the World of If?
- Kotaro Daigo as Akihito Kano
- Daisuke Nakagawa as Seiji Ogami
- Hayama Yuki as Ryota Tomioka
- Yoshimura Sojiro as Kaito Uchida
- Hagiwara Mamoru as Kentaro Iwase
- Tosa Kazunari as Tadashi Fukushima
- Kobayashi Kaoru as Gaku Ibushi
Each performance brings emotional nuance to the story, creating a dynamic ensemble that enhances the drama’s intimate and magical tone.
How many episodes does Love Begins in the World of If have?
The series features 10 episodes, each approximately 30 minutes, making it an easy and compelling watch. Episodes air weekly starting November 21, 2025.
Trailer of Love Begins in the World of If
Is Love Begins in the World of If worth watching?
Absolutely. This drama stands out because it merges emotional sincerity with a unique fantasy premise. Several elements make it especially compelling:
- A tender, slow-burn romance that grows naturally
- A parallel-world concept that adds emotional depth
- A character-driven narrative, focusing on Akihito’s growth, vulnerability, and courage
In short, if you enjoy heartfelt Japanese BL dramas, introspective storytelling, and themes of self-acceptance, this series deserves a place on your watchlist.
Fun facts about Love Begins in the World of If
- The drama is adapted from the novel by Sachi Umino, beloved for creating emotionally rich romances.
- This marks Kotaro Daigo’s first BL role, bringing new layers to his acting career.
- The series features a soft, cinematic visual style designed to enhance its dreamlike tone.
- Director Hariu Yuji is known for expressive and delicate storytelling.
- Composer Hidekazu Sakamoto contributes an atmospheric soundtrack that elevates the emotional beats.
Where to watch Love Begins in the World of If?
The series will be available exclusively on Viki, beginning November 21, making it accessible for international viewers who enjoy Japanese romance and BL narratives.
Conclusion
Love Begins in the World of If delivers an enchanting blend of romance, introspection, and fantasy. With a talented cast, beautifully crafted emotional arcs, and a premise that explores what it means to truly see yourself, the drama has everything it needs to become a standout title. For fans seeking warmth, vulnerability, and a touch of magic, this is one of the season’s must-watch BL releases.
Read more: Nevertheless: full review, cast, synopsis and everything you need to know
I’m Milly, from Brazil — passionate about discoveries, K-dramas, series, and cinema. In this blog, I bring together my two greatest loves: exploring the world and telling great stories. I share travel experiences, entertainment recommendations, and tips that connect culture, technology, and emotion. Here, every read is a new journey.
