Latest news with #TheBoyfriend
Tokyo Weekender
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tokyo Weekender
Alan Takahashi on Love, Labels and Life After The Boyfriend
This article appeared in Tokyo Weekender Vol. 2, 2025. To read the entire issue, click here . When Netflix released The Boyfriend , Japan's first same-sex dating program, it became an overnight sensation, praised for its honesty, slow-burn romances and lovable cast. One of its breakout stars was Alan Takahashi, a Brazilian-Japanese IT worker with an infectiously positive personality and a 1,000-watt smile. Although he joined the cast later in the season — in the third episode, to be precise — Takahashi's presence immediately became a focal point of the show, thanks to his ice-breaking extroversion and willingness to wear his heart on his sleeve. With The Boyfriend 's sudden success, the cast members have seen themselves catapulted into the spotlight, put in the lofty yet precarious position of representing the LGBTQ community in a country where that representation lags behind. Takahashi's life has changed significantly — on social media, he can be seen dancing with his co-star, the jet-setting go-go dancer Usak; attending fashion events; modeling for various brands; and even MCing at Japan's national qualifier for Miss International Queen, the world's largest transgender beauty pageant. And he's moved to Tokyo from Nagoya. Despite his sudden shift into the limelight, the 30-year-old remains as warm, open and engaging as he appears on TV. As his stint on The Boyfriend revealed, remarkable emotional depth lies underneath Takahashi's blinding charm, the result of a life spent not quite fitting in yet continuously finding the strength to be himself. A Childhood Between Cultures Takahashi was born in Brazil and moved to Japan at the age of 2, raised mostly by his single mother, a Nikkei Brazilian (a Brazilian of Japanese descent). They lived in Nagoya, part of a community of dekasegi — a term often used to refer to Nikkei people, especially those from Brazil or Peru, who migrate to Japan for work. So, despite living most of his life in Japan, Takahashi grew up surrounded by Brazilian culture and language, using Japanese only in school. 'I really feel like half-Japanese, half-Brazilian is the best way to describe myself,' he says. 'The values of both cultures that I treasure are very much alive inside of me.' Takahashi has had a bubbly personality and a slight mischievous streak his whole life, traits that weren't always accepted by the conformist society of Japan. 'I liked running around outside and climbing trees. I was called the Tarzan of Higashiura-cho [my neighborhood],' Takahashi recalls. He continues, still smiling, 'I overheard my classmates' parents telling their kids to stay away from me because I was different, and some teachers didn't like me, even though I never felt like I was doing anything wrong. I was excluded and bullied for how I looked and talked, and there were times when being raised by two cultures was tough. But I was always guided by my love for expressing myself, my love for music and dance, my love for Brazil.' In hindsight, Takahashi realizes much of his community was rooting for him as well. 'A lot of Brazilian parents from my neighborhood really supported me. The Nikkei kids in my school didn't want to be bullied and adapted to the Japanese lifestyle, but a lot of adults around me appreciated how I stuck with my heritage. There were times when I felt lonely, but as an adult, I realized I was never alone.' The Alan Effect Takahashi continued living in Nagoya, close to his mom and his younger sister, into adulthood. When he was cast in The Boyfriend at age 28, he was a full-time office worker. Joining a reality show — especially one that focused so closely on intimate relationships — was far out of his comfort zone, but it was a challenge he wanted to try. The Boyfriend follows nine men between the ages of 22 and 36 as they share a house and go on dates. They have a modest daily allowance, which they can augment with money they earn at a coffee truck they operate together. As in many dating shows, the cast lived in their own bubble for the duration of filming. 'Living isolated with a group of strangers for a month with the intention of wanting romance, that'll be broadcast on Netflix for the whole world … I was quite nervous, and I got in my head a lot.' The Boyfriend is mild and wholesome compared to its Western counterparts — the relationships generally progress slowly and cautiously, and the men mainly get to know each other through a series of polite conversations and shared moments working alongside each other in the coffee truck. Takahashi's entrance stirred things up; from the moment he appeared, the atmosphere changed. In contrast to his castmates, he vocalized his feelings quickly and pursued his love interest in a very direct way. He was immediately interested in Kazuto, a mild-mannered chef who was particularly popular among the show's participants, going so far as to describe his attraction as 'love at first sight.' 'I think the way I get close to people was different from some of my castmates, and I'm sure my castmates at first didn't know how to interact with me. I learned a lot about paying attention to the people around me and being careful with the timing in which I tell people my feelings,' he reflects. He wasn't just straightforward in his romantic efforts; he also discussed, openly and candidly, the struggles he faced growing up in Japan with a single mother. In one scene, he describes his father's arrest when he was 6 years old, recounting that he was tasked with taking care of his younger sister. 'That's all I have,' he says, smiling sadly. 'That promise is the only connection I have with my dad.' Takahashi has found the public's response to his arc on the show to be overwhelmingly positive, which has helped him feel understood. 'I realized there are a lot of people like me in the world. I received a lot of warm comments about how people found a new perspective on life or how they could relate to my actions on the show,' he says. A Lesson in Kindness Although Takahashi didn't leave with a new boyfriend, the experience helped him see himself in a new light. Given his confidence and ease in approaching others, he often became a sounding board or confidante for other members — for instance, college student Dai, who came to him with frustrations about his relationship with the mysterious artist Shun. In the scene, Takahashi advises him to speak directly to his love interest, without worrying about what might happen or fretting about others' opinions, and to be kind and forgiving, both to himself and to Shun. 'Kindness truly has magical powers,' he says, wiping away a tear. 'Grab Shun's hand and go talk to him right now. I think it's an important time.' This scene left commentators on the show struck by Takahashi's empathy and warmth. 'Watching the show back, I realized the words I gave people were things I needed to hear myself,' he muses. 'It makes me happy that those kind words are documented forever on Netflix, and it was a reminder that I should give myself the kindness that I give easily to other people.' He continues, 'I feel like I've been looking for allies my whole life, trying to improve myself so I can be surrounded by people who understand me. But now, I learned how to simply appreciate the people who accept me for exactly who I am. I think it's taken a lot of pressure off of me, and it's a kinder world to live in.' Evident from his unapologetic persona on the show, Takahashi has always had a knack for expressing himself completely, without trying to conform to expectations. At the root of this is a desire to be seen — and understood — fully. His queerness has been very public since his time on The Boyfriend , but he doesn't always appreciate the hyperfixation on his sexuality. 'Why do I have to be identified by the people I like? I don't like labels and being put into a box. I'm just a human trying to be happy.' It's clear Takahashi has spent a lot of time thinking about Japanese society, where his open-minded and flexible nature doesn't always conform to the societal norm of rule-following and respecting tradition. 'I want Japan to nurture the strengths it already has while looking at the world more. Japanese leaders can learn a lot from other cultures, and I think it would make Japan less fixed in its ways,' he affirms. 'Whether it's more freedom in education, clothing or self-expression, I think it's important to teach Japanese kids it's alright to be themselves. I want Japanese education to not make ideas black and white, but show the whole rainbow between.' More Info Follow Alan Takahashi on Instagram . Related Posts Why Netflix's The Boyfriend Is a Must-Watch The Infectious Absurdity of Atsuko Okatsuka Yuka Kouri: Shogun's Rising Star
Graziadaily
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Graziadaily
I've Seen This Viral Shirt All Over Instagram - Shockingly, It's Still In Stock
Zara, ZW Collection 100% Linen Shirt COS, Boxy Short-Sleeved Linen Shirt Zimmermann, Ascension Broderie Anglaise Linen Shirt With Nothing Underneath, The Boyfriend Shirt Nobody's Child, Red Linen-Blend Tie Front Shirt Gap, Linen Oversized Shirt Anthropologie, Printed Short-Sleeve Linen Shirt Boden, Sienna Linen Shirt Massimo Dutti, Open Collar Shirt When it comes to summer dressing, the best dressed women I know are creatures of habit. Once the temperatures rise, like clockwork, the dress code shifts to breezy spring dresses, relaxed sandals, and of course, linen shirts. Artfully crumpled and inherently breezy, the best linen shirts possess the magical ability to instantly whisk you away to a holiday state of mind. Yet, those in the fashion know have long taken their linen shirts out of the vacation suitcase for a spin on the capital's street thanks to their ability to do so much with barely any effort. ©Instagram/@chloehayward_ Dreading the stuffy commute to work at the height of summer? Simply pair a tailored linen shirt with your go-to work trousers. Looking for an effortless way to dress up your jeans and sandals for a weekend brunch? Throw on an oversized iteration and leave it partly unbuttoned. Of course if you're heading on holiday, a linen shirt serves as a great beach coverup for your favourite bikini and will also work wonders with your trusty linen trousers for an easy co-ord look. All of which to say, the best linen shirts will get your through summer, and make sure you look good doing it. Naturally, linen's textured ease lends itself well to a classic palette of beige, white and black, but if our favourite influencers are any indication, there's a wide variety of shades to choose from this season: from grounded khaki and chocolate brown to pops of red. ©Instagram/@julialundinblog As with any wardrobe staple, an array of luxury brands have delivered a brilliant line-up of linen shirts: from Deiji Studios' relaxed washed linen classics to Zimmermann's embellished and embroidered designs. If you're not keen on a splurge, there are plenty of great linen shirts across the high street, too. Case in point, the influencer-loved Arket Loose Linen Shirt. Arket's oversized button-down shines in its simple craftsmanship and universally flattering silhouette. While the white colourway remains a key favourite splashed across Instagram, its also available in light blue and dusty brown, both of which are worthy additions to any summer wardrobe. ©Instagram/@ooliviamiller Arket, Loose Linen Shirt Thrown over a bikini or neatly tucked into your favourite blue jeans, there's simply no outfit or occasion Arket's loose linen shirty can't elevate. The popular white iteration is slightly see-through which only adds to it's carefree appeal. From playful short-sleeved designs to polished classics, we're simply spoilt for choice when it comes to linen shirts this summer. Happily, we've sorted through the online racks to bring you the best of them below. Zara, ZW Collection 100% Linen Shirt Zara is no stranger to offering the kind of staples that immediatley make it into our carts. Simple and relaxed, this olive green linen shirt is proving incedibly popular with the fashion forwrad thanks to its easy wearability and polished finish. COS, Boxy Short-Sleeved Linen Shirt Similar to Arket's viral hit, COS' linen shirt is cut for an oversized boxy fit except it features shorter sleeves and comes in a SS25's trendy butter yellow hue. Style it with the matching shorts and a pair of suede sandals for an easy resort-wear look, or opt for the long-sleeved oversized iteration for a more elegant finish. Uniqlo, 100% Linen Shirt Price: £34.90 (was £39.90) That Uniqlo is a fashion holy grail, especially for trusty staples, is no secret. A brand bestseller, this easy linen button-down is cut for a relaxed fit and is available in an impressive 13 shades, meaning there's a colour for every taste and occasion. Zimmermann, Ascension Broderie Anglaise Linen Shirt Another summer necessity, you simply can't do without - an embroidered blouse - and this one from Zimmermann is as elegant as it gets. The boxy linen shirt is detailed with intricate broderie anglaise florals and paisely motifs and finished with a dainty scalloped hem. Whether you wear the high neck shirt with the matching shorts or with a white maxi skirt, it's perfect for dressier occasions. With Nothing Underneath, The Boyfriend Shirt One of Meghan Markle's favourite shirt brands, With Nothing Underneath is well known in fashion circles for its brilliant shorts and The Boyfriend is a particular favourite thanks to its lightweight linen construction and tailored fit. Customise it with embroidery and it's the perfect summer staple for everything from layering over a bikini to styling with a denim skirt. H&M, Linen Shirt Another great linen basic, this blush pink shirt from H&M is cut for a slightly loose fit that's practically made for pairing with trousers and maxi skirts to work. Nobody's Child, Red Linen-Blend Tie Front Shirt For a feminine spin on linen shirts, look to Nobody's Child's tie-front design which is perfect for laidback styling whether you pair it with jeans or a mini skirt. Gap, Linen Oversized Shirt For date nights and rooftop sundowners, slip into this cherry red linen shirt from Gap that's equal parts comfortable and striking. Anthropologie, Printed Short-Sleeve Linen Shirt Price: £58 Printed linen isn't all that common but Anthropologie does it well with a fun graphic spin. Covered in coastal motifs, this short sleeve linen-blend shirt is a holiday essential that comes with matching shorts for an easy co ord outfit. Boden, Sienna Linen Shirt From catering to regular and petite sizes, to offering an assortment of colours and prints, Boden has really thought of every taste, preference and need when it came to crafting the Sienna shirt. Cut for a tailored fit, it'll make looking stylish effortless this summer. Massimo Dutti, Open Collar Shirt Inspired by menswear summer staple, the camp collar shirt, Massimo Dutti's open collar linen shirt is infused with a certain Italian sprezzatura that'll carry you through many summers to come with ease. Main image credits: ©Instagram/@thealiceedit Hitanshi Kamdar is a senior commerce writer for Grazia. Hitanshi is always on the hunt for the latest trends, emerging designers and the internet's most bizarre style discourse. When not writing, she can be found IDing outfits during Netflix binges and shopping for the latest It-girl shoe trends.
Daily Mirror
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Kate Middleton borrows from Meghan's stylebook with this wardrobe classic - shop styles from £35
Kate Middleton steps out in a classic blue shirt similar to Meghan Markle's recent look, and we've found where you can shop this wardrobe must-have with similar styles from £35 Kate Middleton seems to have taken some styling tips from Meghan Markle during her recent visit to Mull, Scotland - an outing that also happened to mark her and Prince William 's 14th wedding anniversary. The Princess of Wales opted for a chic countryside look, consisting of a blue button-up shirt, tweed blazer (her exact one is the Double Breasted Blazer from Holland Cooper), brown skinny trousers and chunky brown boots. And if the outfit felt familiar, it might be because Meghan Markle was recently spotted in a similar style blue shirt during her appearance on Prince Harry's Netflix documentary, Heart of Invictus. We don't have the exact details on button-up Kate is wearing (although we think it could be Max Mara's offering), but the exact shirt Meghan opted for was best-selling Garçon classic shirt in cotton poplin in the simple yet timeless 'Blue Eoe' shade. With both women sporting the same piece, it's clear to see that the classic blue shirt is a wardrobe must-have and even has the royal seal of approval. Whether dressed up under a blazer or kept casual with jeans, it's one of those pieces that does it all. If you're in need of some blue shirt inspo, we've rounded up our favourite styles below... Shop blue shirts Max Mara Light Linen Shirt Available for £205 The closest-looking version of Kate's blue shirt comes from Max Mara. This linen shirt features two utility-style pockets on the front, plus the textured detailing that can be seen in Kate's one. Made from pure linen, this shirt is a summer staple that will keep you cool and breezy summer long. Simply swap out the Princess' winter boots and jackets for a pair of white Bermuda shorts for Princess Diana-inspired look. Gap Blue 100% Linen Oversized Shirt Available for £75 here This oversized shirt from GAP is one of those throw-on staples you'll reach for all summer long. Designed from 100% soft linen, it's breathable, lightweight, and machine washable, making it the ideal piece to roll up in your suitcase. To style this, we suggest keeping it simple with a pair of Ecru-coloured jeans and some on-trend woven ballet flats. With Nothing Underneath The Boyfriend 100% Linen Shirt Available for £120 here A brand that's favoured by Meghan Markle, you really can't go wrong with its high quality button-up shirts. This shirt is the kind of piece that feels made for beach holidays but looks just as good style for the office. The flattering, relaxed cut gives it that borrowed-from-him vibe, which is why its aptly named 'The Boyfriend' shirt. Mango Pocket Linen Shirt Available for £35.99 here Perfect for warm-weather dressing, the straight-cut design of this linen shirt gives it a polished look. We suggest styling this open over white vest top or tucked into tailored trousers for an office-appropriate outfit.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Brooklyn scammer who named his fake company ‘Vandelay,' like the ‘Seinfeld' joke, gets nearly 4 years in prison
A Brooklyn man who borrowed a running gag from 'Seinfeld' by inventing a company named Vandelay to scam investors wasn't laughing when a judge on Wednesday sentenced him to time behind bars. Thomas Sfraga, 56, who gained some internet fame as a crypto guru named 'T.J. Stone,' was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison in Brooklyn Federal Court Thursday for defrauding 14 investors out of $1.5 million. He ran a variety of schemes from 2019 to 2022 including taking their money to renovate their homes, telling them he was buying houses to flip and sell for profit, offering to buy them into a major construction contract, and getting them to invest in a cryptocurrency 'virtual wallet' with their cash. Sfraga was instead lining his pockets and using some of money from later investors to pay his earlier victims. The feds stay he may have stolen closer to $2 million, since three more victims came forward after his May guilty plea to a wire fraud charge. As part of the scheme, Sfraga held himself out as the owner of several businesses, including Vandelay Construction Corp. and Build Strong Homes. In the Seinfeld episode 'The Boyfriend,' George Costanza pretended he interviewed with a fake latex company named 'Vandelay Industries' so he could keep getting unemployment benefits. Throughout the series, Costanza would present himself as a fake architect named 'Art Vandelay,' and in the show's 1998 finale, a judge named 'Arthur Vandelay' sentenced the four main characters to a year behind bars for refusing to stop a mugging. Sfraga stole from a wide assortment of victims that came into his life — he targeted friends and next-door neighbors, the parents of children that played on his child's sports teams, his child's baseball coach, grade school acquaintances, people he met at crypto events, and a newlywed couple looking to invest some of the money they'd gotten as gifts, according to federal prosecutors. 'Remember me, Tommy? Yeah,' said one victim in court. 'We were next-door neighbors. Next-door neighbors, literally next door… We would barbecue together. I'd watch his kids play soccer. He was at my son's wedding.' His victims took cash from their life savings, home renovation funds and children's tuition funds to invest in him. 'I just think that this guy's rotten to the core,' said Michael Mindell, 61, of Manhattan, one of Sfarga's crypto victims. Another victim who spoke in court, said he and his wife gave him the $100,000 they got as a wedding gift, which was money they planned to use on a new home. 'Losing this money has not only affected my finances, but has caused a strain on my marriage,' he said. 'My wife and I are living in a basement apartment with our 2-year-old son … Due to constant worries about our living situation, we are unable to consider expanding our family right now, because we financially cannot.' When his victims figured out what he was up to, he skipped town and moved to Arizona under a false name. When authorities arrested him in Arizona in September 2023, he skipped out on his $3,600 bail and fled again, but was busted that December in Nevada after running out on his bill at the Wynn Casino. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Vagelatos asked for 41 to 51 months, based on federal guidelines, arguing in court filings a lesser sentence 'would amount to a slap on the wrist and send the message that white collar criminals bear minimal personal and financial consequences if they are caught, and that the court and the government doesn't care if over a dozen working-class New Yorkers were scammed.' Sfarga, who's already spent about 14 months of his sentence in jail at MDC Brooklyn, cut an apologetic figure in court Thursday, saying that will spend 'every waking moment of my existence on redemption.' 'I'm sorry for weaponizing the trust and the faith that was bestowed upon me,' he said. 'I'm sorry for turning a group of friends that I love so dearly into a list of victims that despise me so deeply.' Sfarga's lawyer, Samuel Jacobson of the Federal Defenders, said Sfarza plans to go back into the construction business to pay off the roughly $1.5 million in restitution he owes, drawing laughs from victims in the courtroom. Judge Frederic Block countered, 'It's a grim reality here that these victims are never going to be repaid.' Block said he was considering a sentence above the 41 to 51 month federal guidelines, but settled on 45 months because of the notoriously dire conditions at MDC Brooklyn. 'There's just no excuse for this whatsoever and you know that,' he said of Sfarga's crimes. 'I'm giving you a bit of a break because of the MDC conditions.'
