Charisma Clash: ABEMA’s ‘Love Power Kingdom 2’ Pits 16 Stars in a Battle for ‘Most Popular’

ABEMA’s ‘Love Power Kingdom 2’ Ignites a Charisma Battle: Youngest Star Yukito Harada Reveals His ‘Daily Grind for Popularity’

ABEMA’s ‘Love Power Kingdom 2’ Ignites a Charisma Battle: Youngest Star Yukito Harada Reveals His ‘Daily Grind for Popularity’

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Malta, ABEMA’s highly anticipated original dating reality show, Love Power Kingdom 2, is poised to captivate audiences starting February 11, 2026. This eight-episode series gathers 16 “super attractive” men and women—known as “bakumote” in Japanese culture, signifying extreme popularity—to compete for the coveted title of “Most Popular.” At the heart of the initial buzz is actor Yukito Harada, the youngest contestant at 21, who recently shared his unique philosophy on maintaining allure and navigating the complexities of romance.

The Secrets to Charisma: Yukito Harada’s Approach to Self-Refinement

Yukito Harada, with his striking height and a captivating blend of youthful innocence and mature charm, offered insights into his “secrets to popularity.” He attributes his appeal to a consistent effort in self-improvement, a daily ritual he meticulously maintains. “I believe it’s about making a daily effort to refine myself,” Harada explained. “For instance, when I eat, I constantly ask myself, ‘Will this make me cuter? Will this make me cooler?’ It’s about continuously striving for even the smallest improvements in my daily life to be more attractive.” This dedication to his personal brand, even in mundane activities, highlights the meticulous nature of cultivating “mote” status.

Lessons from Love: Valuing Connections

When reflecting on his most memorable past relationships, Harada revealed a surprising depth. “I haven’t had many ex-girlfriends,” he admitted. “I tend to be the type who stays in relationships for a long time.” He emphasized the importance of learning from past mistakes, particularly when he felt he had hurt someone he cared for deeply. “I learned the importance of rectifying those mistakes in subsequent relationships. Ultimately, these experiences have shaped my current approach to truly cherishing women,” he shared, underscoring a maturity beyond his years.

An Unpredictable Battle for Love

Love Power Kingdom 2 promises a dramatic and unpredictable journey. Harada encourages viewers to dive in without prior knowledge of the contestants’ backgrounds. “I genuinely hope viewers watch without looking up the members’ detailed backgrounds or past information beforehand,” he stated. “I think it will be even more enjoyable to research the members extensively after watching a certain amount of the show, as it will make predicting the ‘mote’ battle outcomes more exciting. This dating reality show is filled with unexpected twists and turns, so please look forward to it.” This approach invites audiences to experience the raw, unfolding drama and form their own opinions before diving into fan theories and research.

The Kingdom’s Rules: Love and Strategy in Malta

The Love Power Kingdom series is renowned for its unique premise: a collection of self-proclaimed “bakumote” individuals engaging in high-stakes romantic maneuvering to determine the ultimate “Most Popular” male and female. A constantly updated “Mote Ranking” is central to the show, revealing who is most and least popular, and exposing the true nature of the participants. This ranking system tests the contestants’ pride and ignites genuine romantic feelings.

In Love Power Kingdom 2, set on the picturesque island nation of Malta, a land where history intertwines with natural beauty, the “mote” battle unfolds on an even grander scale. Contestants grapple with the strategic elements of the ranking system and the raw emotions of genuine love, leading to a fierce interplay of tactics and heartfelt connections.

The show’s dynamics will be observed by a panel of renowned studio MCs:

Seiya (from the comedy duo Shimofuri Myojo)
YOU (Talent)
Fuma Kikuchi (timelesz)
Maria Tani (Talent)

Their sharp observations and lively commentary are expected to add another layer of enjoyment to the unfolding drama.

Meet the Contestants: A Diverse Cast of Charismatic Individuals

Love Power Kingdom 2 brings together a diverse cast of 16 charismatic individuals, each with unique backgrounds and professions.

Male Members:

Kota Iwaki (33): Company executive, actor, and “netapashi” (hot spring master)
Taiju Shiratori (29): Fighter, 5th RISE Super Lightweight Champion
Taisei Riku (25): Model
Takashi Sakaguchi (35): Internal medicine physician
Naoki Oguro (28): Actor and model
Yuki Tanaka (30): Restaurant owner
Yuto Oku (28): Actor
Yukito Harada (21): Actor (participating in an ABEMA dating reality show for the second time)

Female Members:

Kano Takahashi (24): Talent
Seina (23): Exclusive model for Koakuma ageha, participated in Love Power Kingdom Season 1
Noriko Nishiyama (25): International talent
Hazuki Kimura (25): Actress
Mariya Nagao (31): Former AKB48 member, model, and actress
Moe Kawase (32): Talent and race queen
Yume Hayashi (30): Talent
Rumi (27): Show dancer

This blend of experienced reality show participants, successful professionals, and entertainment figures promises a compelling mix of personalities and strategies.

Tune In for the Drama

Love Power Kingdom 2 will be broadcast for free every Wednesday at 10 PM JST, starting February 11, 2026, on ABEMA’s “ABEMA SPECIAL” channel. Prepare for a grand spectacle of love, strategy, and self-discovery.

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