School Trip: Joined A Group I’m Not Close To is an endearing and refreshing high school romance centered on a group of well-meaning high schoolers. It avoids dramatic conflict in favor of emotional character development. It’s a wholesome watch with adorable characters and sweet chemistry.
Shy and reserved Hioki (Fujimoto Kodai) ends up in a group with the most popular boys in class. His nervousness gives way to friendship, particularly with handsome Watarai (Kan Hideyoshi).
A love letter to introverts.
The premise of School Trip is familiar to any introvert; there’s a particular terror you feel when you’re the outsider in a group that knows each other well. Hioki assumes the worst—always worrying that he’s doing something wrong. But instead of bullying him, the popular boys go out of their way to make him feel welcome.
The plot isn’t concerned with turning Hioki into an extrovert or painting his shyness as a character flaw. Unlike many American teen romances, he doesn’t have to transform to be accepted or loved.
Not your usual popular kids.
Popular kids are often positioned as bullies in television. In this show, however, the boys are kind and humble. Their classmates might see them as aloof, but that assumption isn’t accurate. Both Hioki and the audience learn that the boys are close partially because their classmates don’t see who they really are.
They look out for each other, and Hioki, with affection and humor.
Wholesome romantic tension.
Watarai and Hioki have the cutest chemistry. They are both a bit surprised by their feelings, but gently explore them as their friendship deepens. Their friends lovingly tease them for how close they become. There are moments where Watarai confronts his sexuality, but it never crosses into self-hatred. Homophobia doesn’t seep in. In fact, he handles his growing feelings responsibly.
Should you watch it?
If you love a charming school romance that makes you smile, this is for you. School Trip: Joined A Group I’m Not Close To is sweet without feeling too unrealistic. It’s also a quick and satisfying watch.
✅ Watch if you like:
- shy characters feeling safe
- slow-burn romances
- light-hearted, uplifting shows
❌ Avoid if you prefer:
- lots of dramatic conflict
- action-packed shows
- miscommunication trope
Where to Watch: Gagaoolala
Rating: 8.5 / 10 – a truly endearing show where every character is good-hearted.
Ruth’s Rec Room Rating:
⭐ 4 / 5 Stars
🍕 5 / 5 Pizzas*
*Pizzas rate my enjoyment, not the quality. Schindler’s List, for example, would be 5 stars but 1 pizza.
What others are saying about School Trip:
- School Trip: Joined a Group I’m Not Close To – Series Review by BL Watcher
- Japanese BL School Trip: Joined a Group I’m Not Close To Review by Pri
- School Trip Japanese BL Review: A Heartwarming Journey of Gentle Romance by Yolando
Written by Ruth aka ruthsrecroom. Read her reviews and recommendations of BLs, GLs, K-dramas, and more on Substack. You might also enjoy her reviews of Shine, Khemjira, and Burnout Syndrome.
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