The Japanese romantic thriller series 25 Years of You is arriving on Netflix this July. The show, known in Japan as Kokuhaku: 25 Nen Me no Himitsu, tells the story of a man who has secretly loved the same woman for 25 years. The series explores the thin line between pure love and dangerous obsession.
The show premieres in Japan on NTV before making its global debut on Netflix a few days later. Here is everything you need to know about 25 Years of You, including its complete episode release schedule, streaming platforms, cast, and plot details.
25 Years of You Episode Release Schedule
25 Years of You has a total of 10 episodes. The series follows a weekly release schedule.
The show premieres in Japan on NTV on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. JST.
For international audiences, Netflix begins streaming the series on Friday, July 17, 2026. Netflix will release episodes on a weekly basis.
The full episode release schedule is:
- Episode 1: July 11, 2026 (NTV, Japan) / July 17, 2026 (Netflix, global)
- Episode 2: July 18, 2026 (NTV) / July 24, 2026 (Netflix)
- Episode 3: July 25, 2026 (NTV) / July 31, 2026 (Netflix)
- Episode 4: August 1, 2026 (NTV) / August 7, 2026 (Netflix)
- Episode 5: August 8, 2026 (NTV) / August 14, 2026 (Netflix)
- Episode 6: August 15, 2026 (NTV) / August 21, 2026 (Netflix)
- Episode 7: August 22, 2026 (NTV) / August 28, 2026 (Netflix)
- Episode 8: August 29, 2026 (NTV) / September 4, 2026 (Netflix)
- Episode 9: September 5, 2026 (NTV) / September 11, 2026 (Netflix)
- Episode 10: September 12, 2026 (NTV) / September 18, 2026 (Netflix)
Netflix’s weekly release strategy for Japanese dramas has been successful, following hits like Hell for You earlier in 2026.
Where to Stream 25 Years of You
25 Years of You is available on two major platforms:
- NTV (Japan): The series airs on NTV in Japan starting July 11, 2026.
- Netflix (Global): Netflix holds the global streaming rights and begins releasing episodes on July 17, 2026.
The series is not available on Disney+, Prime Video, or Apple TV+. Netflix is the exclusive international streaming home for 25 Years of You.
Viewers in India can watch the series on Netflix from July 17, 2026. The same date applies to most other regions worldwide.
What Is 25 Years of You About? Plot and Story Details
25 Years of You is a Japanese romantic thriller that combines suspense, mystery, and romance. The story centers on Yukimura Sota, a man who has secretly loved the same woman since childhood.
The official synopsis raises a troubling question: Is his devotion “pure love,” or is it madness born from obsession?
The woman at the center of this story is Nose Mariko. Sota has spent 25 years watching her from the shadows. Behind his mysterious behavior lies a brutal incident from 25 years ago that changed both their lives.
When Sota finally breaks his long silence and makes contact with Mariko, his ordinary life begins to change into something far more dangerous. The series explores the question: how far is too far when it comes to knowing everything about the person you love?
What if this love itself was part of a plan? The series is described as a love suspense story that is both the purest and the most dangerous.
25 Years of You Cast: Who Stars in the Series?
25 Years of You features a talented cast of Japanese actors. The main cast includes:
- Hokuto Matsumura as Yukimura Sota (main role)
- Sae Okazaki as Nose Mariko
- Tetsuji Tamayama as Sakura Taisuke
- Akihisa Shiono as Sagara Tomoya
- Nozomi Sasaki as Takeda Izumi
- Miki Mizuno as Nose Sayuri
- Mariko Nose (character name)
- Ken Ishiguro
- Shiori Kubo
- Ryoko Hashimoto
Hokuto Matsumura is known for his voice work in the film Suzume. Sae Okazaki appeared in Doctor White. The supporting cast includes Tetsuji Tamayama, Akihisa Shiono, and Nozomi Sasaki.
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Production and Background
25 Years of You is a Japanese drama production. The original title is Kokuhaku: 25 Nen Me no Himitsu, which translates to “Confession: The 25th Year’s Secret”.
The series is part of Netflix’s strategy to expand its weekly Japanese drama offerings. The platform has been acquiring global streaming rights for popular Japanese dramas soon after their local broadcasts.
The show falls under the genres of thriller, mystery, and romance. It offers a blend of suspense and emotional drama that explores the dark side of love and obsession.
Also Read: The Furious Cast Guide: Meet the Action Stars Behind 2026’s Top Rated Thriller
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