Tired of chasing American TV shows with extraordinarily long seasons or South Korean dramas that are comprised of 16-20 movie-length episodes? Given how streaming services make access to international TV show options possible, Japanese TV series have been on a slow, steady rise to international recognition due to platforms like Netflix and Dramacool.Japanese dramas, or dorama, almost always consist of 10 episodes with a run-time between 40-60 minutes, with most of their stories concluding in a single season. Audiences unfamiliar with the category may believe that most dramas would contain over-the-top humor and cringe-worthy plotlines. Conversely, many Japanese dramas include some of the most idiosyncratic ideas and are not afraid to slap viewers in the face with reality while smiling.
'Unnatural'
Mystery, Medical, Slice-of-Life
Where to Stream: Dailymotion, Dramacool
The drama surrounds a group of forensic doctors working at the Unnatural Death Investigation (UDI) Lab, a fictional unit recently established by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare. The team often looks into unnatural death cases that are often overlooked by the police, investigating the truth behind the deaths, such as kidnappings and murder cases disguised as anomic suicides.
As one of the most famous Japanese dramas in 2018, Unnatural is highly praised for shedding light on cold-shouldered occupations like forensic pathology. It also doesn't hesitate to show the ruthless side of human nature when faced with the deaths of their loved ones but teaches viewers to embrace the passion for living despite all.
'Alice In Borderland'
Science-Fiction, Thriller, Deadly Games
Where to Stream: Dramacool, Netflix
As Japan's answer to South Korea's Squid Game, this death game tv series enthralls viewers with its post-apocalyptic Tokyo setting as the main characters are forced to play a series of dangerous games. Fans of Squid Game, Battle Royale, and The Hunger Games franchise will undoubtedly take a liking to this dorama with characters who are not afraid to get their hands stained with blood.
Alice In Borderland is originally based on a manga of the same name by Haro Aso. Before becoming a hit Netflix show, it was adapted into a three-episode OVA (Original Video Animation) in 2014. The much-anticipated second season will be streaming on Netflix in December 2022.
'Midnight Diner'
Food, Slice-of-Life
Where to Stream: Dramacool, Netflix
Midnight Diner was also adapted from manga, an anthology series currently streaming on Netflix. With a much shorter run-time (20-25 minutes) and non-linear narrative, many fans cited this heartwarming, slow-paced drama as what they will binge-watch while eating. Another reason is the scrumptious-looking food prepared by the main character.
Known by customers and viewers simply as "Master," the scarred chef runs a late-night diner named "Meshiya" in Shinjuku. He offers to cook whatever the customers may want as long as they are simple dishes. The episodes often focus on a particular customer, each with their troubles, while a philosophical lesson is waiting for them to be illuminated.
Long Vacation
Romance, Music
Where to Stream: Dramacool
Taking place during the deep recession period in Japan, Sena Hidetoshi (Takuya Kimura) is a college music graduate with grand dreams of becoming a world-class pianist. Despite owning pronounced talent, the insecurity of his skills lands him a job teaching piano lessons to children. On the other hand, Hayama Minami (Tomoko Yamaguchi) has a declining modeling career, and her fiancé dumped her on their wedding day.
Two lonely souls unite and bond regardless of their vastly different personalities, marking the beginning of a romance adored by audiences in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region in the 1990s.
Legal High
Comedy, Legal Drama
Where to Stream: Dailymotion, Dramacool
The dynamic duo is revered by all lawyer firms and courtrooms in Japan. Legal High follows two lawyers with polar opposite attitudes towards winning legal cases. One who makes up the incredible team is Kensuke Komikado (Masato Sakai), who relishes women, money, and fame. He would usually pose as an antagonist in films and tv shows if not for his 100% winning rate in legal cases and his hilarious comedic timing. His partner, Machiko Mayuzumi (Yui Aragaki), is a fresh newbie lawyer armed with a strong sense of social justice.
The dysfunctional duo creates a succession of jaw-dropping, side-splitting comedic circumstances. Underneath its ludicrous exterior, Legal High brings attention to various societal and human rights issues plaguing Japan, advocating for constructive and effective change in public sentiment.
The Full-Time Wife Escapist
Romance, Slice-of-Life, Comedy
Where to Stream: Dramacool
Taking inspiration from the Hungarian proverb: "Running away is shameful, but useful," this rom-com sees Aragaki again, playing Mikuri Moriyama, an unemployed graduate desperate for any job when she finds out her parents are moving to the countryside. On the condition that she will receive a stable source of income as well as a permanent place to live, Moriyama decides to enter into a contract marriage with Hiramasa Tszaki (Gen Hoshino), her employer for her housekeeping job/eligible bachelor.
Aside from its catchy ending theme featuring the brain-washing "Koi Dance," its refreshing story exploring the younger generation's mentality towards romantic pursuits has contributed to its overwhelming popularity.
'Great Teacher Onizuka'
High-School, Comedy, Slice-of-life
Where to Stream: Dramacool, YouTube
After a commercially-successful manga and equally sought-after anime adaptation, Great Teacher Onizuka finally received its first TV drama treatment in 1998. An ex-delinquent-turned-high-school-homeroom-teacher, Eikichi Onizuka (Takashi Sorimachi) incorporates his unconventional way of thinking and living into his teachings to a class of troublemakers ridiculed by other teachers.
Initially a rocky start, Onizuka slowly builds a foundation of trust with his students and motivates them to discover their purpose in life. His goofy but relatable manner eventually earns his students' admiration.
'I Will Not Work Overtime, Period!'
Office Drama, Romance, Comedy
Where to Stream: Dramacool
According to a Wired article, Japan has been suffering from karoshi (literally translated as "overwork death"). Hundreds, even thousands, of Japanese workers die from working up to 80 hours of overtime per month. This is due to physiological exhaustion leading to heart attacks and high blood pressure, known as karojisatsu ("overwork suicide").
I Will Not Work Overtime, Period! doesn't fully delve into the dark repercussions of karoshi. Instead, it accompanies an office worker named Yui Higashiyama (Yuriko Yoshitaka), who has a strict workplace policy — never working overtime. Many viewers would envy the main protagonist's courage in standing up for what she believes in, given her hatred of overtime based on her workaholic father and ex-lover.
'Rookies'
Sports, High-School, Comedy
Where to Stream: Dramacool
For viewers familiar with Japanese culture, all baseball clubs of Japanese high schools share the common goal of going to Koshien, essentially the National High School Baseball Championship Series. Rookies also see a group of baseball enthusiasts aiming for Koshien, but they probably would not have harnessed that dream if not for their teacher.
Koichi Kawato (Ryuta Sato) is a newly-appointed teacher who is faced with the challenge of guiding a high-school baseball club of delinquents with a penchant for booze, gambling, and women. Like Great Teacher Onizuka, the troubled students finally mend their ways, respecting their teacher after multiple heartfelt confrontations and holding great dedication to their sport.
'My Boss, My Hero'
High-School, Yakuza, Comedy
Where to Stream: Dailymotion, Dramacool, YouTube
In the eyes of his nemesis, Makio Sakaki (Tomoya Nagase), nicknamed "Tornado," is a 27-year-old yakuza gangster feared and worshipped amongst his yakuza members. To his classmates, Makio, nicknamed "Maki," is a 17-year-old high-school student with a heart of gold despite his rough appearance.
The protagonist's dual identity begins when Makio is instructed by his father, the head of the yakuza gang, to get a high school diploma if he wants to become the new boss. Of course, Makio complies with his father's wishes and learns that the school he once detested to its core can be a rewarding place to meet interesting people and make fun, lasting memories.