Ao Haru Ride (2023)
A tender Japanese live-action drama about first love rediscovered, second chances, and the quiet pain of growing up too fast.
Ao Haru Ride - Series Information
- Original Title: アオハライド
- First Air Year: 2023
- Last Air Year: 2024
- Created by: Io Sakisaka
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Comedy
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 14
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: September 22, 2023 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: WOWOW Prime
- Alternative Titles: Blue Spring Ride (US), 青春之旅 (TW)
- Production Companies: WOWOW, Kyodo Television
- Production Countries: Japan
Ao Haru Ride - Plot
At the end of the first year of high school, Futaba Yoshioka meets Kou Tanaka who was her first love. In their middle school days, they attended the same school, but he suddenly transferred to another school. Three years later, he appears in front of her again with the different last name of Kou Mabuchi. His personality also seems to have changed from warm to cold. He is like a totally different person from three years ago. Futaba Yoshioka slowly learns what happened to Kou Mabuchi for the past three years and she become to have feelings for him again.
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Ao Haru Ride - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Io Sakisaka
Main Cast
- Natsuki Deguchi
- Kaito Sakurai
- Sara Shida
- Riko
- Taisuke Niihara
- Daiki Kanechika
- Ryosuke Sota
- Miyazato Sol
- Keiko Horiuchi
- Toru Nomaguchi
Writers
- Sayaka Kuwamura
Ao Haru Ride - FAQs
Is Ao Haru Ride based on a manga?
Ao Haru Ride is adapted from the popular shoujo manga of the same name by Io Sakisaka, serialized in Bessatsu Margaret from 2011 to 2015. The manga was a major hit in Japan, spawning an anime adaptation in 2014 before this live-action drama series arrived in 2023.
Who plays Futaba and Kou in Ao Haru Ride?
Natsuki Deguchi takes on the role of Futaba Yoshioka, the warm-hearted protagonist navigating her rekindled feelings, while Kaito Sakurai portrays the brooding and changed Kou Mabuchi. Their on-screen chemistry is central to the drama's emotional pull across both seasons.
Where can you stream Ao Haru Ride?
Ao Haru Ride is available to stream on Rakuten Viki, both with a subscription plan and with ads. For the most up-to-date viewing options in your region, check the JustWatch page for the latest availability.
What is Ao Haru Ride about?
The series follows Futaba Yoshioka, who unexpectedly reunites with Kou Tanaka — her first love from middle school — now going by Kou Mabuchi. His personality has shifted dramatically, and as Futaba uncovers what changed him, her feelings for him begin to resurface in deeply affecting ways.
How many seasons and episodes does Ao Haru Ride have?
Ao Haru Ride ran for two seasons: Season 1 contains 8 episodes and Season 2 contains 6 episodes, bringing the total to 14 episodes. The series concluded in 2024, offering a complete adaptation of the manga's central romance arc.
Is Ao Haru Ride worth watching for romance fans?
For fans of heartfelt shoujo romance, Ao Haru Ride delivers genuine emotional depth. The drama captures the bittersweet tension of first love lost and rediscovered, anchored by strong lead performances. If you enjoy slow-burn high school romances with real emotional stakes, this series is a compelling watch.
Is there an anime version of Ao Haru Ride?
Yes, an anime adaptation of Ao Haru Ride aired in 2014, produced by Production I.G. It covered a portion of the manga's story and is also listed among the series' recommendations. The 2023 live-action drama offers a fresh take on the same source material with a new cast.
What are similar shows to Ao Haru Ride?
If Ao Haru Ride resonated with you, consider A Condition Called Love (2024), The Dangers in My Heart (2023), or Mischievous Kiss: Love in Tokyo (2013) for more heartfelt romance. His and Her Circumstances (1998) and Honey Lemon Soda (2025) are also strong picks for shoujo enthusiasts.
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