Upon first glance, Love Village (or Ai no Sato in Japanese) may seem like your typical reality TV show, where four women and four men live together in hopes of finding love. Similar to shows like Terrace House and Single’s Inferno, Love Village features hosts who comment on the happenings from a separate studio. However, this Japanese show, which recently premiered on Netflix, puts a twist on the usual formula: all the participants are at least 35 years old, with most of them in their 40s to 60s. This unique premise completely changes the dynamic.
35 years old may not be considered old, but when I was growing up in Japan in the ’90s, it was common for unmarried 26-year-old women to be referred to as “Christmas cakes.” This term implied that single women over 25 were like leftover baked goods at a store on December 26, past their prime. Today, Japan faces challenges such as a declining birth rate and an aging society, with almost a third of the population aged 65 or older. Many adults in Japan now choose to remain single and unmarried. The United States is following a similar trend, with “older Americans” projected to make up over 20 percent of the population by 2030, according to the Census Bureau, and the number of unpartnered adults on the rise. In this context, Love Village highlights a truth that is already present in our society, yet seldom seen on TV. It is not another show about young adults in the throes of passion; instead, it invites us to witness and admire the less commonly portrayed search for a partner by actors in their 50s or landlords in their 60s. One of the most significant differences between this show and others like it is the participants’ open discussion about sex.
In the first episode, just twelve minutes in, the cast of Love Village gathers around a dining table to play a game where they answer anonymous questions from their fellow housemates. As the questions progress, one asks about the participants’ most exciting sexual encounters. Unlike other reality shows where participants might posture and try to appear sexier than each other, Love Village fosters an atmosphere of impressive honesty. Some share that their most thrilling encounters were with the people they loved most, while another cast member reminisces about losing their virginity to an older woman. One of the oldest members, a 60-year-old children’s book author, proudly recounts the sexual experience she had on the night her first husband proposed, feeling for the first time that she could get pregnant and it would be okay. While there is some expected giggling and blushing, no one avoids the question. Their answers convey that sex is a natural part of life, important in past relationships and experiences. It is not scandalous or taboo, but rather a facet of living well.
Sexuality also shapes the dynamics among the cast members on Love Village. In one notable scene, a 50-year-old actor known as Hollywood opens up about how historic Japanese attire provided easier access to each other’s bodies. To demonstrate, he opens his kimono (while wearing underwear) in front of his love interest, a 45-year-old barista named Yukiemon. Yukiemon calls out Hollywood for being inappropriate, but in a confessional, she reveals that despite the discomfort, she is still the most interested in having a sexual encounter with him because she has seen a part of his body. This moment stands in stark contrast to the euphemistic approach to sex in shows like Terrace House, where “sleeping together” is prepared for when couples form, or in U.S. reality shows that dance around the topic of intimacy and partnership. On Love Village, the cast’s age and experience allow for a frank and rational perspective on sex. Yukiemon is honest about her desire for a short-term physical encounter while setting boundaries for acceptable behavior.
The honesty on Love Village extends beyond discussions about sex. The cast members are equally open about other topics often overlooked in reality TV courtships. For example, in the sixth episode, they discuss their savings accounts, which leads to the end of a crush for a 45-year-old chef named Anchovy, who realizes he cannot respect the way a fellow housemate handles money. In another scene, a 36-year-old yoga instructor named Yukorin asks the men about their desire for children. Their vague responses frustrate her, as she wants evidence of serious thought given to the health risks associated with childbirth later in life. She seeks more than a simple yes or no answer; she wants an understanding of the sacrifices women make for starting a family. Just as successful relationships require communication about sex, Love Village implies that they also require openness about healthcare and medical decisions.
Reality TV is rarely completely unscripted, so it’s important to take the cast members’ candidness with a grain of salt. However, Love Village‘s sincere portrayal of sex and other aspects of building a relationship offers a hopeful perspective on sustainable romance. Too often, depictions of aging on television go hand in hand with a sense of nihilism, suggesting that once individuals reach an age where they would no longer qualify for shows like The Bachelor or Single’s Inferno, their sensual lives become distant prospects. Love Village challenges this notion by illustrating how experience, pragmatism, and honesty can lead to romance that evolves over time, influenced by personal preferences, past experiences, and the joys that life brings. Ultimately, the show presents a coherent and confident view of romantic relationships, earned through a journey of self-discovery and genuine connections.
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