Japanese dramas or J-dramas have long been a popular segment of Japanese entertainment. They captivate audiences with their unique storytelling, emotional depth, and cultural insights. Unlike some of the larger budget productions, these often explore themes like love, family, friendship, and personal growth through a grounded, heartfelt approach. From survival stories to school romances, these have become more popular worldwide thanks to streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. Here, we'll look at a few to get you started with this interesting genre.
Introducing Japanese Dramas
Among all the best Japanese entertainment, one genre has quickly become a favourite in Japanese households: drama. This sentiment is reflected in the best Japanese movies, including seminal Japanese films such as The Seven Samurai, Battle Royale, and Prince Kaguya.
With directors like Kurosawa, actors like Mifune, and comedians like Kitano, it’s no wonder Japanese films dominate at home and abroad in categories such as best foreign language films, dramas, and more! While big names like Ghibli, Miyazaki and Sakurai have put Japanese live action, drama and horror films on the map, Japanese television is actually one of the nation’s favourite forms of media.
Touching on themes of love, comedy, horror and fantasy, these series are sometimes also adapted into manga form. Superprof invites you to discover the 10 best Japanese dramas of all time. From romantic comedies to manga remakes, you’ll quickly learn why Japanese tv series are quickly becoming a phenomenon worldwide.
Hibana: Spark
Yes, movies on international film rosters from directors such as Mizoguchi, novels such as Monogatari and classical Japanese dances such as Kabuki all form an integral part of Japanese media and entertainment.
Apart from notorious movies, like the feature film Grudge - a horror film centred around a videotape - Japan is garnering recognition through Netflix. Somewhere between drama and comedy, Hibana: Spark was released on Netflix in 2016 and was adapted from Naoki Matayoshi’s novel Hibana.
Comprised of 10 episodes, each 50 minutes long, the show recounts the story of Tokunaga, a down-on-his-luck comic. During a fireworks show, he meets Kamiya, a more seasoned comedian, with whom he subsequently forms a comedic duo. Now gaining more traction and great reviews than shows like Zatoichi, Hibana: Spark delves into the fundamental aspects of comedy and its role in society.
Check out the trailer here (in Japanese).
Orange Days
With popular films like Confessions (or Memoirs) of a Geisha, Yojimbo, Hidden Fortress and Ichi the Killer - Japan’s famous TV series can often be overshadowed by their more exportable counterparts.
However, gone are the days when a Cannes Film award is the only measurement of international success - something that the show Orange Days proves.
This 2004 drama, released on the TBS network in Japan, comprises 11 episodes and tells the story of a group of friends - dubbed the Orange Society - who are about to enter the workforce.
The main character, Kai, is a 4th-year student who, while searching for a job at big corporations, finds Sae, a deaf and mute violinist.
The beginning of their love story also spells the beginning of complications within the dynamics of the Orange Society.
Shown in both Japanese and sign language, Orange Days is bound to tug at your heartstrings more than even some of the best Studio Ghibli creations.
My Boss, My Hero
Seeing filmmaking and cinematography based around stories of Ronin, postwar themes and more, it's no wonder that Japanese culture has been conveyed so successfully in many international film festivals.
From Japanese horror and comedy to drama, the Japanese movie and film industry has steadily produced some of the best films ever.
TV dramas, though, have witnessed an incredible surge in recognition due to shows like My Boss, My Hero.
Released in 2006 on Nippon TV, the first film-then-TV show has 10 episodes that are each 50 minutes long.
The themes in the show recall the manga Great Teacher Onizuka. My Boss, My Hero centres around Makio Sakaki, a 27-year-old who is part of the Yakuza and is, in fact, also the son of the gang.
When his father decides to send him to high school to finish his diploma, he has to pass as a 17-year-old to go undetected.
There, he learns the lessons that will change his life forever. Check out more TV shows with this Japanese game show guide!
Nodame Cantabile
Further comparing movies to television series, Japanese cinema has some of the most incredible documentaries, foreign language and horror films.
However, even the highest-grossing film to reach the nation cannot compare to some of the most popular television shows holding Japanese audiences captive.
One such show is easily recognisable to manga fans: Ninomiya Tomoko. After being adapted to anime, Fuji TV created it into a whole drama series named Nodame Cantabile.
Telling the story of Chiaki, the best pianist at Momogaoka University, the show centres around Chiaki’s dream of becoming an orchestra conductor and student of Sebastiano Viera.
At his university, he meets Noda Megumi, or Nodame, a peculiar woman who is extremely talented in piano playing. The dynamics of their love-hate relationship are further enhanced by their musical collaborations, making it a show for TV-philes and music-lovers alike!
Hana Yori Dango
With actors like Rashomon, gangster movies like Outrage, and tragedies like A Japanese Tragedy - it’s no wonder so many best foreign language films, screenwriters, or acting awards have gone to Japan. From the biopic or Godfather-esque mafia tale to the scariest ghost story, you’re bound to find a Japanese film on any theme that’s made it into the annals of film history.
On the other hand, Hana Yori Dango is one of those TV shows that has made Japanese series more popular in recent years.
The storyline is borrowed from a manga that became so popular it was adapted to television and the silver screen.
While remade throughout the years, Han, Hana Yori Dango was released in 2005 with nine episodes following the story of Makino Tsukushi.
Makino, a young girl at a private high school, starts to get bullied by a group of rich kids.
Deciding to rebel against the group and, specifically, the group’s leader, Tsukasa Domyoji, Makino’s efforts soon get her entangled in a romantic comedy!
One Litre of Tears
While movies like Spirited Away have garnered worldwide attention with the sight, sound and animated special effects, sometimes all you need is a classic storyline.
Ichi Rittoru no Namida, or One Litre of Tears, is a 2005 drama with 11 episodes.
The show follows Aya Ikeuchi, who meets Haruto when passing a high school entrance exam.
While starting high school with a new friend seems like the best possible scenario, Aya’s life is quickly turned upside down with the start of a condition that makes her lose control of some parts of her body.
After countless exams, she learns she has an incurable disease that will make her, one day, lose complete function in her body.
Based on a real story, this show is true to its title. Inspired by a novel, this show is one of many Japanese publications to have been remade into series!
Good Morning Call
Good Morning Call is a 2016 Netflix drama that has captivated audiences worldwide as one of the best foreign language TV shows.
Comprised of 17 episodes with a run-time of 45 minutes each, the show allows us to discover the life of Yoshikawa Nao.
Left to her own devices when her parents decide to move back to the countryside, Yoshiwaka finds her first apartment and thus begins her adult life!
Her new flatmate? Uehara Hisashi, the most popular guy at school, of course.
Agreeing that their arrangement must remain a secret, the lengths they go to keep that secret will keep you on the edge of your seat with a story full of adventure, comedy and more!
Ouran High School Host Club
Keeping with the bildungsroman theme, Ouran High School Host Club is based on a manga by Hatori Bisco and shows what can happen when one girl has to choose between several beautiful men.
Yes, it’s not a cursed videotape or Japanese government spy show.
However, how does an 8-million-yen vase sound?
Stumbling upon the Host Club and then literally tumbling into an extremely expensive vase, the main character, Haruhi, is forced to join the club to work off her debt.
Filled with drama and humour, this show is considered one of the best manga adaptations.
Hanazakari no Kimitachi e
Hanazakari no Kimitachi e is a 2007, Fuji TV drama that is 12 episodes long.
Ashiya Mizuki, the central character, is a Japanese girl who wants to join her idol Sano Izumi’s high school. The only problem? It’s an all-boys school!
Disguising herself as a male to go to Sano’s high school and help him boost his high jump career, the show is full of romance, comedy and more.
Learn more about Japanese media here!
Switch Girl!!
Originally a manga, this 2011 drama, again appearing on Fuji TV, follows Nika Tamiya and Arata Kamiyama - two high schoolers with secrets only they know. Making a pact to keep their secrets hidden, this story develops into a world of comedic gold!
Alice in Borderland
Alice in Borderland became a global sensation when it was released on Netflix in 2020. This Japanese series blends thriller, sci-fi, and survival genres.
Set in a mysteriously abandoned Tokyo, this series follows Ryohei Arisu, a young man who suddenly finds himself in a parallel Tokyo where deadly games determine survival.
Arisu has to navigate his new world with his friends and solve cryptic challenges simply to survive.
As the series goes on, this alternate Tokyo's origins and true nature are revealed.
Alice in Borderland is a fine example of how good Japanese dramas are at storytelling.
This series seamlessly blends suspense, high stakes, and deeper emotional undertones.
It's intensely paced and looks excellent, so it's hardly surprising that this series earned international acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
Terrace House: Boys & Girls in the City
This series takes drama in a different direction. Terrace House: Boys & Girls in the City is a Japanese reality TV show that aired on Fuji TV and Netflix between 2015 and 2016.
This series is more subtle in its drama than other reality TV shows. Six strangers (three men and three women) live together under one roof.
It's set in the heart of Tokyo and explores themes of love, friendship, and personal growth as the housemates navigate work, school, and their relationships.
What makes Terrace House different to other reality TV shows is the authenticity and pacing of the storytelling, which allows users to connect more with the cast over time.
Japanese celebrities providing commentary offer humour and insight, making this more of a wholesome and heartfelt experience.
Terrace House is an excellent series for those who want to learn more about Japanese culture and the nuances of social interaction.
Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories
Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories is a 2016 Japanese drama series set in a small back alley diner in Tokyo.
Each episode centres on a dish the diner's owner, known only as "Master, " serves.
As the name suggests, the diner is open from midnight to 7 a.m.
Patrons include office workers, cab drivers, aspiring musicians, and heartbroken lovers.
Midnight Diner tells stories of love, loss, dreams, and redemption through simple comfort food.
Since each episode is a standalone narrative, you don't technically have to watch it in order, though we'd still recommend that you do.
Its minimalist storytelling and emotional depth make it a popular series in Japan and internationally. Audiences around the world enjoy the human connection.
Attack on Titan (Live Action)
The live-action adaptation of the popular anime and manga series Attack on Titan is certainly worth looking into. This was released in 2015 as a two-part film series before being broadcast as a miniseries.
The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where humanoid creatures known as Titans threaten human survival.
The plot follows Eren Yeager, his adoptive sister Mikasa, and their friend Armin as they join the military to fight against the Titans.
Unlike the anime version, the live-action adaptation brings the Titans to life using different storytelling techniques (anime has a particular storytelling approach) and practical effects.
The live-action version also takes some creative liberties with the plot compared to the anime and the manga and is one of Japan's most ambitious live-action adaptations.
Gokusen
Gokusen is a classic Japanese drama from 2002 that aired on Nippon TV.
It skillfully combines comedy, action, and heartfelt moments to create a series that Japanese and international audiences can enjoy.
The series follows Kumiko Yamaguchi, a high school teacher with a big secret.
Despite being the heir to a powerful Yakuza family, she dreams of becoming a dedicated and inspiring teacher.
Despite being assigned the most challenging class at Shirokin High School, Kumiko (nicknamed Yankumi by her students) gradually wins the class with compassion and toughness.
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