Shivangi Sinha
Netflix’s ‘The Boyfriend,’ Japan’s first same-sex reality dating series, stands out for its distinctive format. The men searching for love not only live together but also work as a group, bonding through small tasks and everyday routines that allow real connections to form naturally. In the second season, one storyline that quickly captured viewers’ attention was the reunion of Izaya Igaki and William Tsukamoto. Although they had dated in the past, their relationship had ended unresolved, with each holding a different perspective on what had gone wrong. The season provided them with a rare opportunity to reconnect and determine whether their past still held any significance.
Izaya and William Had Feelings For One Another Despite Their Breakup
When Izaya Igaki entered the house, he was clear about his intentions, that he was ready to find someone with whom he could build a future. What he did not expect was to see William Tsukamoto walk through the door soon after. The two had dated before, but their relationship had ended without closure, and each carried a vastly different understanding of why it had fallen apart. Izaya shared that, from his perspective, things had been going well until William suddenly stopped communicating, and it left him confused and hurt. Not long after, Izaya moved to Australia, yet he admitted that William had never fully left his mind.
William, however, explained that he had felt a stronger emotional intensity than he sensed coming back from Izaya, which frightened him at the time. He acknowledged that he was the one who cut off contact, but said he believed it would not make much difference then. Their reunion brought those unresolved feelings to the surface. Izaya openly admitted that he still cared for William and wanted to explore the possibility of being together again. William was more cautious, unsure of where his emotions might lead, but despite this hesitation, they consistently chose one another during group tasks and spent increasing time alone.
As their connection deepened, complications emerged. Izaya was hurt after noticing a warm message from someone else on William’s phone, especially after learning about William’s past infidelity. Still, both men chose honesty. William spoke about past betrayals that made it hard for him to trust declarations of love, while Izaya shared how losing his mother had changed the way he expressed his feelings, pushing him to be more direct. Though they worked through these moments with vulnerability, it was clear there was still much for them to get through together.
Izaya and William Are Likely Still Making Things Work With One Another
William and Izaya were clearly drawn to each other and shared an easy rapport that was evident even before either of them openly acknowledged their feelings. They had known each other for nearly nine years and had briefly dated about three years prior. Those lingering feelings slowly evolved into something more profound and were accompanied by an honesty that felt natural rather than forced. It was easy to see why they were able to open up to each other, finding comfort in small moments, mutual encouragement, and quietly celebrating one another’s presence. Both spoke candidly about wanting something long-term and appeared equally committed to working toward that goal.
They discussed the idea of a shared future and expressed a desire to be steady, dependable figures in each other’s lives. These intentions were reflected in their actions as well, particularly in their consistent efforts to reassure one another and provide genuine companionship. Another telling sign is their continued social connection beyond the show. Izaya is known to keep a very small, close-knit circle, and William remains firmly within it. All of these point to a relationship built on care, familiarity, and mutual respect. While nothing has been officially confirmed, there seems to be little standing in their way. Given the timing and their shared feelings, it feels as though they may have found each other again at exactly the right moment.
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Izaya and William Are Both IT Professionals
Today, both Izaya Igaki and William Tsukamoto are leading busy, globally oriented professional lives that reflect their shared appetite for movement and change. Izaya works in IT sales, a role that places him at the intersection of technology and client relationships. His job requires frequent travel, and he currently divides his time between Tokyo, Japan, and Sydney, Australia. The constant exposure to different markets and cultures has shaped his adaptable and forward-looking outlook. William, meanwhile, is an IT project manager, overseeing complex technology initiatives and coordinating teams across locations. His work often takes him to Barcelona, Spain, where he spends extended periods, while still living in Japan.
Outside of their careers, the two share a clear love for adventure. They are both drawn to outdoor pursuits, particularly water-based sports, such as scuba diving, as well as hiking and trail activities. This shared enthusiasm for exploration and physical challenge remains a natural point of connection, mirroring their desire for experiences that go beyond their routine and comfort zones.
