Terrace House is a reality show with a different flavor, but the core is the same, which is "What derives human behavior?". Some behavior is driven by desire to find love, some by desire to self-enhance, or find true purpose, etc.. So, every member joins in order to achieve something different, and you can't help but to relate to most of them in a thing or two or even the whole character. As a viewer, you also get to understand that there are no rules for attraction, be it romantic attraction or friendship. people just get attracted to each other in a complete random and unexpected way. Japanese men and women are classy, hard working, very honest and decent, and fun also. My favorite character of all is Misoki, she is beautiful, has pure heart, innocent, and always laughing. I believe this show will appeal to most people and won't cause any regrets.
14 Reviews
Reality show that gives you a glimpse into Japanese relationships and culture
kimura-toyo29 June 2017
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.
The one reality show I really enjoyed and cried and smiled for!
DrunkenSoju28 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I have never stuck to a foreign reality tv show before but this one really stuck out from the Netflix series! I first started off with Aloha State / Boys & Girls in the City / Opening New Doors & leaving Boys x Girls Next Door (which was before the netflix series). All had its pros and some had cons but I feel the way I watched the series in this order was reflective on which series was best. Of course leaving the best for last! I really enjoyed Boys x Girls Next Door due to the character development of many of the members living the Terrace House. Everyone had a goal. Everyone worked hard. Everyone was able to achieve or witness flaws within themselves to better or move into a new direction in life. I loved it! I started to gain a dedication and interest into some characters due to their developments and goals such as Tetsuya (Tecchan) - the dude literally stayed the entire 2 years and went through hardship in his career and also his love life. His reflection of personality really reflected me and I could relate highly to him. Dyki (Kykikun) - his goals and motivation to himself and everyone in the house was something I was fond of. I first shed tears for this series when he won the championship title. I'm glad he stayed at the house for quite a long time because he brought a lot of insight with his views and perspective of overcoming issues, troubles and how to progress in life. The dude literally had to give up what he love because of an injury and felt lost after. but he picked himself up and tried his best to better his life from then on and tried many things! I love that! Lastly, Seina (Seina-san). Who the heck doesn't love her? Since I left BGND last, her appearances in the other later series were very vague on who she was. But man, after following her story and her development I love her even more now! She sure is a gem and I can she why people loved her!
Overall, all series were great, some werent the best but they are all worth watching!
Reality at its Best!!!!!!!!!
ecllc024 March 2017
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.
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.
Aweseome Show (Good Job!)
kkenwwong24 March 2017
I enjoyed a few of the Japanese drama and movies. And this reality show is truly awesome and stunning! I strongly recommend this show. The Japanese girls are hot, gorgeous, fun, and cute. Reality show, can give you a introduction of how people live together in various countries. And it shows how they can overcome conflicts or love triangles etc.
You'll be hooked instantly! When's the Netflix DVD release of the one base in Tokyo?!?
yosukeiwai13 May 2017
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!
Reality in it's purest form
codycodywilliams4 December 2018
Terrace house encapsulates what it means to be a reality TV show. I'm so sick of eliminations, challenges, prize money, and roses. The show documents 6 strangers living together and the engagement together nothing more nothing more, nothing less. Members still go to work, go grocery shopping, and have phones. At first, I was expecting something like big brother but japanese reality is another form of reality together. To enjoy this show, you need to have an open mind and your preconceptions about reality from western TV shows need to be abolished. Beautiful Camera work.
Interestingly Intriguing
anthonydapiii21 February 2021
A friend recommended this show. I watched an episode to get a feel then turned it off immediately.
After 10 minutes, I decided I shouldn't have given up on it so quick just because it started slow.
I'm glad I did because the show progress pretty fast as the days, then episodes shown, go on at the Terrace House.
Observing people's behavior is so fascinating to me. That's largely the reason why I watched this too. And also because I love the Asian culture.
After 10 minutes, I decided I shouldn't have given up on it so quick just because it started slow.
I'm glad I did because the show progress pretty fast as the days, then episodes shown, go on at the Terrace House.
Observing people's behavior is so fascinating to me. That's largely the reason why I watched this too. And also because I love the Asian culture.
The only reality tv show worth watching!
jonny_31 May 2019
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.
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.
What A Good Reality Show.
colorthekid27 March 2019
Best. Reality. Series. Ever.
lawrencevalencia20 March 2018
It's OK, casting isn't the best
DHosis25 March 2019
Some other reviews seem a bit bizarre, e.g. '... most interesting is the fact that most enter the home with a certain objective in bettering themselves in one way or another'.
It's not so interesting when you realize that many of these people that are cast for Terrace House enter the house have with the simple objective of furthering (or starting) a modeling/entertainment career vs. this 'relationship' atmosphere that the series plays up & the commentators talk about.
I certainly wouldn't call this 'true reality'. That being said, yes, some things do happen, and, yes, some people are there for reasons other than fame. It's these people that are worth watching.
It's not so interesting when you realize that many of these people that are cast for Terrace House enter the house have with the simple objective of furthering (or starting) a modeling/entertainment career vs. this 'relationship' atmosphere that the series plays up & the commentators talk about.
I certainly wouldn't call this 'true reality'. That being said, yes, some things do happen, and, yes, some people are there for reasons other than fame. It's these people that are worth watching.
I don't understand
majabayo20 February 2017
Please help. I managed to sit through 3 episodes and i still do not understand why anyone would enjoy this or why this has such a high rating. Please do not tell me that i didn't give it chance. i tried, but nothing happens. The shots a painfully long and almost silent. The commentators are extremely cringe, and make drama out of nothing. Because there is nothing. This is a show about normal people in a nice house doing absolutely nothing. people tell me this is a reality-TV revolution. But i'd rather sit through 10 seasons of Jersey shore then another episode of this, at least something happens there.
Best Reality TV Series
moonracer012010 April 2024
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!
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