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 in different combinations, 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 briefly dated in the past, their relationship had ended unresolved, with each holding a different perspective on what had gone wrong. The season inadvertently provided them with a rare opportunity to reconnect and determine whether their past still held any significance.
Izaya and William Gravitated Towards One Another From the Beginning
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 briefly before, but their relationship 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 a different emotional intensity than Izaya at the time, which left him feeling unsure. He acknowledged that he was the one who cut off contact, but said he had believed it would not make much difference. Their reunion brought all these 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. Though they had to overcome their own insecurities, they kept choosing one another for dates, chose to spend a night together alone to develop their physical connection, and finally decided to officially start dating as boyfriends and think about their long-term goals. They left the villa together to get to the next stage of their relationship.
Izaya and William Are 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 were 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. Izaya even visited Brazil, which is where William spends most of his time. It also seems like they took a trip to Rio together, as they have shared pictures around the same time. 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 doubt. Given the timing and their shared feelings, it feels as though they have found each other again at exactly the right moment.
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Izaya and William Are Both IT Professionals and Lead Active Lives
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.
