Entertainment

Japan's Justice Ministry cuts promotional tie-in with Netflix dating show following criticism

Officials withdrew support for reality program "Badly in Love" after public backlash over the cast members' past criminal acts.

Updated Aug 24, 2026 · 00:33 UTC1 reports

The short version

Japan's Justice Ministry canceled its promotional partnership with the Netflix reality dating series "Badly in Love."
The decision followed public backlash alleging that featuring participants with histories of delinquency glorified crime and distressed crime victims.
The streaming program remains on the air and continues to rank as Netflix's top-viewed show in Japan without government involvement.

The Justice Ministry's rehabilitation bureau announced the termination of its collaboration with Netflix after receiving widespread public complaints.[CBS News]
The ministry had initially launched a poster campaign featuring Season 2 contestants because the show's rehabilitation themes aligned with its message that people can change.[CBS News]
"Badly in Love" centers on Japanese delinquent subculture, housing individuals with past criminal backgrounds together, including former organized crime figures and motorcycle gang members.[CBS News]
Public criticism escalated after a participant recounted an arrest during his teenage years for setting an individual on fire.[CBS News]
Netflix continues to broadcast the series, which is currently the platform's number one ranked program in Japan.[CBS News]