Romantics Anonymous is a Japanese–Korean cross-border romance drama streaming on Netflix, featuring Han Hyo-Joo as Lee Hana and Shun Oguri as Sosuke Fujiwara.
One of the most intriguing relationships in the show is between Hana and her mentor, Chef Kenji Kuroiwa (played by Eiji Okuda). This dynamic led us to ask: Could Chef Kenji actually be Hana’s father?
Table of Contents
- Who Is Chef Kenji in Romantics Anonymous?
- How Did He Meet Lee Hana?
- Could Chef Kenji Be Lee Hana’s Father?
- Why the Kenji-Hana Relationship Matters
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is Chef Kenji in Romantics Anonymous?
Chef Kenji Kuroiwa is introduced as the head chef of Le Sauveur, the high-end chocolate atelier where Hana anonymously supplies high-end chocolate.
Kenji is the only person aware of Hana’s identity as the silent, hidden chocolatier. He serves as her mentor, protector, and emotional support system as Hana grapples with her scopophobia (fear of being stared at).
How Did He Meet Lee Hana?
Hana is portrayed as a brilliant chocolatier who, due to her intense shyness and fear of eye contact (scopophobia), chooses to remain anonymous while creating exquisite confections.
This background suggests isolation and a lack of traditional family ties, especially after losing her mother.
Because of her social anxiety, Hana was unable to compete in a chocolate competition. One of the judges in the competition was Chef Kenji, who tasted Hana’s creation. He sought after Hana backstage and spoke to her about working for him.
Could Chef Kenji Be Lee Hana’s Father?
Kenji’s deep emotional investment in Hana, his protective behaviour, and his knowledge of her secret identity create a relationship rich in paternal overtones.
He supports her professional growth and seems committed to her well-being by going so far as to set her up with her crush, Hiro Takada (played by Jin Akanishi), someone Chef Kenji knows well.
After his unfortunate demise, we learn that Hana talks about her father, who frequently travelled when she was young, and would give her photos of his travels.
Plus, in episode 4 “Bonbon Sakura,” Hana has a flashback of her father being asked about the liquor he brought home. The elderly gentleman has a striking resemblance to the photo of a young Chef Kenji.
A little later in the series, Sosuke chases after Hana, who left on a whim for the Koita Republic in search of a “godsend” cacao variety that Chef Kenji discovered. Hana found her mentor’s photo in a photobook of his travels. This makes us wonder if he was her father all along.
But unfortunately, there is no confirmation that supports this theory. The show simply depicted Chef Kenji as the head chef of Le Sauveur and a supportive mentor to Hana, not her parent.
Why the Kenji-Hana Relationship Matters
The relationship between Kenji and Hana lies at the emotional core of the show. Whether or not there’s a biological link, Kenji’s support for Hana’s professional and emotional journey resonates with themes of found family, healing from trauma, and growth beyond one’s limitations.
This dynamic creates a foundation of trust and mentorship, which allows Hana to gradually open up despite her fears.
By not explicitly making Kenji her father, the story preserves Hana’s autonomy and growth arc—from a secretive, emotionally isolated chocolatier to someone who connects, heals, and evolves.
Conclusion
In summary, Chef Kenji Kuroiwa is not depicted as Lee Hana’s biological father in Romantics Anonymous. It’s a good theory, but not supported anywhere in the show.
The emotional strength of their bond remains powerful precisely because it emphasizes chosen support, professional nurturing and emotional trust—rather than inherited family ties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the plot of Romantics Anonymous?
How many episodes are there, and where can I watch it?
Do the main characters speak multiple languages?
Yes — the show is a joint Japanese-Korean production, and the lead actors’ backgrounds support its cross-cultural context. It features a blend of Japanese settings and Korean actor involvement.
Is Romantics Anonymous based on the French film of the same name?
Yes. Netflix’s Romantics Anonymous is inspired by the 2010 French film Les Émotifs Anonymes (also known as Romantics Anonymous), directed by Jean-Pierre Améris. While the original movie centers on two emotionally fragile chocolatiers in France, the Netflix adaptation reimagines the story in a Japanese setting with Korean actress Han Hyo-Joo and Japanese actor Shun Oguri, blending East Asian cultural nuances into the same heartfelt concept of love, vulnerability, and emotional healing.
Will there be a Season 2 of Romantics Anonymous on Netflix?
As of now, Netflix, Yong Film, and Ryu Film have not confirmed a second season of Romantics Anonymous. The drama was produced as a limited series, with the finale offering emotional closure to Hana and Sosuke’s story. However, strong viewer demand and positive international reception could inspire a follow-up project or spin-off, especially given the popularity of cross-cultural romantic collaborations between Korean and Japanese creators.
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