Really enjoyed watching this. I'm not too sure about the romance part, ok in the end it produced several couples, but I don't think the intensity of the filming helps much. In my opinion, it's either love at first sight or more time to develop a budding romance than the time span this series allows. The other part of the programme I really really enjoyed was the travelling across the asiAs countries. I'm from the UK and it was wonderful to see these countries and learning about their cultures. Also, enjoyed the critics review in the studio in Japan, very funny. Beginning to realise that countries like Japan, S. Korea etc have a very similar humour to the British
13 Reviews
Seeing Asian Countries as you watch the cast interact
docpauldc13 September 2018
Happened upon this show...binge watching now. A cast of would be possible love interests and their interactions while they travel the countryside and cities of several Asian countries. The main characters/participants are interesting and fun to watch. They go through their own personal transformations while engaging in possible love interests. One of the surprising and refreshing things about this show is that you get to experience different settings that are not so well known and the cultures of the different locations. They also make the setting of a 'poor man's' vacation so it's not opulent and dresses the cast down to the very essence of engaging with one another (no cell phones, etc...). The studio cast is fine and the production is also fine. Recommend watching...
Great Concept but One Character Ruined it for all
PalmBeachG9 July 2022
I loved the concept of this show, but Season 1 had one character that got violent and bullied and actually punched a guy that made it uncomfortable for everyone. Somehow she got it turned around with the directors and others on the love wagon into staying and continuing. I thought it was detrimental to the show. So I thought I would give Season 2 a chance since I loved the concept and was looking forward to it. I could not believe my eyes when they brought back the same girl again for season 2, and it wasn't long before she bullied and hit another male who was really struggling with it as he was clearly having PSTD from it. He couldn't defend himself since he was brought up never to hit a woman and he described it as assault because she pulled out his hair, punched him and more. Yet, they keeped her and profiled her more than anyone else. This was upsetting and unfortunate as this could have been a great show. I felt real good about a few of the love matches that were made and thank goodness for those because the one character ruined the show.
Brilliant show!
jase-corey31 May 2018
Heartfelt and Genuine Fun
keikoyoshikawa12 January 2020
Among Japanese or other Asian reality shows, Ainori Love Wagon is probably one of the better ones. The reasons? One is that unlike many Japanese shows, it is not mean-spirited. You actually feel happy and sad for the participants, who are not acting up for the camera but rather come off as genuinely trying to find themselves.
Despite this, I enjoyed season one much more than season two. A lot of this has to do with personalities, and for me the passengers in season one are much more interesting and relatable. There are some very memorable personalities, both men and women, that I reminded me of people whom I know in my own life. And that, ultimately, is the strength of the series. The reactions when picking up new passengers are particularly fun.
And unfortunately that strength is also its weakness. For some reason season two was a bit boring for me, despite that we started off with some of the same participants from season one. Some of the confessions and rejections simply did not make sense to me. I don't know if the producers forced some of these dramas or not, but they just did not feel as genuine as in season one. There was also one person who I thought should not have been brought back.
This person is a drama-queen and a bully, and it was evident back in season one. I'm sure the producers brought her back in order to have more drama, and it was the wrong decision. She was poisonous and brought down the fun for everyone else, and ultimately for the audience as well. Hence I cannot rate this series higher than a six.
Despite this, I enjoyed season one much more than season two. A lot of this has to do with personalities, and for me the passengers in season one are much more interesting and relatable. There are some very memorable personalities, both men and women, that I reminded me of people whom I know in my own life. And that, ultimately, is the strength of the series. The reactions when picking up new passengers are particularly fun.
And unfortunately that strength is also its weakness. For some reason season two was a bit boring for me, despite that we started off with some of the same participants from season one. Some of the confessions and rejections simply did not make sense to me. I don't know if the producers forced some of these dramas or not, but they just did not feel as genuine as in season one. There was also one person who I thought should not have been brought back.
This person is a drama-queen and a bully, and it was evident back in season one. I'm sure the producers brought her back in order to have more drama, and it was the wrong decision. She was poisonous and brought down the fun for everyone else, and ultimately for the audience as well. Hence I cannot rate this series higher than a six.
Raw and genuine
winkyinky16 September 2021
I watched both seasons and loved them both. I like how they taught us about the different cultures in the countries that they visited.
I loved Depparin. I don't understand the hate that she gets. I'm really glad that they brought her back on the second season. She was one of the most interesting people on the show. Sure she did some things that were wrong, but she was not afraid to show her true self on television. She was raw and genuine and she went to lengths to ensure that the entire show was also raw and genuine. And the honesty of this show is what sets it apart from other reality tv shows. The way the film crew members treated Depparin also really showed how kind and compassionate they were. Thank you for delivering this gem to us.
I loved Depparin. I don't understand the hate that she gets. I'm really glad that they brought her back on the second season. She was one of the most interesting people on the show. Sure she did some things that were wrong, but she was not afraid to show her true self on television. She was raw and genuine and she went to lengths to ensure that the entire show was also raw and genuine. And the honesty of this show is what sets it apart from other reality tv shows. The way the film crew members treated Depparin also really showed how kind and compassionate they were. Thank you for delivering this gem to us.
I've only seen 2 seasons on Netflix
knightridergal12 December 2022
But I love it so far I love that it's real and the people aren't all models and they seemed genuinely want to find love and also you know there's a little bit of drama especially with wat least one or 2 of the cast members coming back for season 2 esp a certain firecracker... we all know that is lol. Love seeing the diff countries too... Love the judge's their sense of humour as well and also that the language barrier doesn't seem to be a problem like I don't speak Japanese but I find watching it and subtitles work just as well I understand everything that's been said would definitely recommend anyone to watch it's a good laugh as well I wish they had anori in New Zealand.
Relying too much on a bully to create drama
aboldt-402923 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
First season was good enough to make me want to watch season two. There is alot of drunk people type drama which is entertaining and the confessions have me at the edge of my seat. When they travel around, you get to learn about the place they travel to, which is something I really enjoy about the show. However, season two quickly became unwatchable. They focus the show around a bully as if she's the main character. She takes things too seriously and too far, and noone does anything to stop her. It's sad to watch an entire episode(s) of someone mindlessly yelling at innocent people. Very upsetting, had to quit watching.
One of the best shows I've ever seen
TheodoraEh22 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Really, one of the best shows I've ever seen. Even though Depparin almost ruined the first season and I couldn't believe they brought her back and almost stopped watching. But the countries were so beautiful, and the educational part of the show was really interesting. It's also a funny and heartwarming show. I skipped through the upsetting parts, and they also have a way of moving on fast or simply making it lighthearted rather than take it seriously.
It was a patience test for me I guess, to see if I'm up for watching something I enjoy while having to endure someone I'd rather not. It made me think that the Japanese are really patient with people and can tolerate anything and anyone. Or expect them to change on their own? Or assume there's a kind heart within everyone no matter how they behave? It's hard to be too hard on her cause she's so young, plus I guess the production team wanted the drama, but I preferred African Journey even though the countries shown in Asian Journey were much more interesting and prettier.
It was a patience test for me I guess, to see if I'm up for watching something I enjoy while having to endure someone I'd rather not. It made me think that the Japanese are really patient with people and can tolerate anything and anyone. Or expect them to change on their own? Or assume there's a kind heart within everyone no matter how they behave? It's hard to be too hard on her cause she's so young, plus I guess the production team wanted the drama, but I preferred African Journey even though the countries shown in Asian Journey were much more interesting and prettier.
Enjoyable but
natapata-1240928 March 2019
The first season was great, I had some minor issues here and then but I really loved the show. Second season though... I don't know whose brilliant idea was to reintroduce Depparin on the show. She is incredibly problematic and you can tell how much distress she inflicts on the other participants. Watching her "voice out her opinions" really gives me anxiety and I wonder why someone doesn't just kick her out. The show would be pleasant to watch if it was actually about people finding love, not about Depparin steamrolling over everybody's feelings.
What is wrong with this program???
naomisertori31 May 2021
I've been watching ainori for years. I really don't understand why this program engaged AGAIN a person like depparin. I think it is a huge lack of respect to all Japanese citizens since this program is on Netflix worldwide. Her dirty language and vulgarity do not represent the program, I imagine... so why she was called twice? People see enough of arguing and fighting in everyday basis, I want to see love and peace, collaboration between participants to do good things! I really don't want to see people like depparin who talks like a non educated hooker!
Is this ainori, or a documentary about bullying?
louisivchan28 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I am here to watch a journey about people developing relationships
, not on a scientific research group which studies how bullying, initiated by a psychopath, is done among young Japanese.
I am also surprised to find out the pyscopath had not been sued or prisoned for her anti-social behaviours.
I am also surprised to find out the pyscopath had not been sued or prisoned for her anti-social behaviours.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
