Asian dramas like
05 No Otoko

Nozomi, a Taiwanese woman, is married to Shinji, a Japanese businessman living in Taipei. Their relationship takes a turn when Shinji is required to go back to Japan to manage the family estate. This leads to a conflict between Nozomi and her mother-in-law. (groink)

Thirty-four-year-old Yoshioka Toko was diagnosed with breast cancer two years after giving birth to her second child. Unfortunately, surgery is not an option due to her terminal condition, although her life expectancy remains uncertain. Toko is determined to stay strong for the sake of her son and daughter, despite facing moments of fear and anxiety. Shortly after Toko's diagnosis, her husband Kenichi learns that he has end-stage lung cancer. Despite their limited time left, the Yoshioka family continues to hold onto their dreams, never losing their sense of humor and their love for each other.

Tomikawa Yosuke is wedded to Mizuki. They share a daughter named Shiori and a son named Ko. Yosuke holds the position of general manager in the human resources department of a sizable corporation, whereas his spouse is employed as an educator at a private junior high school. Their daughter is employed as a creator of jewelry and their son is currently seeking employment. Although they may seem like a harmonious family, an unexpected event causes their familial unit to unravel.

Seven years after disappearing, Isoyama Takeshi has returned home and now runs a struggling bakery with his wife Seiko and daughter Nanami. The only bright spot is Nanami's engagement to Shirogane Masaya, the son of a wealthy family. However, Masaya's father disapproves of Isoyama's financial status and wants to end the engagement. One day, Isoyama reconnects with his old friend Kurebayashi, who asks him to deliver something to someone. During a night spent in his car, Isoyama meets Meguro Yuki, who is seeking to escape her father's abuse. To help her, Isoyama pretends they are father and daughter and together they flee Tokyo.

Tenko manages a guesthouse by herself, situated in a wooded area in Nagano abundant with Japanese larch trees

Kamikawa Ryohei, a 35-year-old man employed by a multinational corporation, enjoys a content family life with his wife and son. However, when he decides to make a career change and resign from his job, his wife unexpectedly disappears, leaving him to manage the household and raise their son on his own. On the other hand, Saeki Shinichiro, aged 61, chooses to live independently after losing his wife to an illness shortly after retiring from his long-time job.

Seven years ago, Kazuki passed away when he was only 25 years old, leaving behind his wife Tetsuko and father Gifu. Although they live together as a family, their relationship is unique as Tetsuko is not biologically related to her father-in-law. Tetsuko finds solace in meeting individuals who were connected to her late husband through fate, which helps her overcome the grief of losing a loved one and allows her to move forward in life.

Rika Ikeda, aged 34, engages in a relationship with Sota Kashiwagi, aged 54. Sota, who is married to Mitsuko and has a daughter, is also the director at the company where Rika works. Despite Rika's deep affection for Sota, he ultimately deceives and ends the relationship. Rika encounters Keiichi Ochiai through a blind date, who happens to be a close friend and almost like a younger brother to Sota Kashiwagi. Subsequently, Rika decides to seek revenge.

Isoyama Takeshi, a temporary worker at a company, receives news from his employer that he will remain on a fixed-term contract with no possibility of becoming a permanent staff member. At home, his wife Seiko and 12-year-old daughter Nanami often criticize him. Adding to his troubles, a real estate investment he made secretly ends up with unexpected consequences, leaving him struggling to keep up with mounting interest payments. Encountering a mysterious elderly woman, he hatches a plan to vanish for 7 years in order to be legally declared dead and start anew.

Arimoto Hikari, a 32-year-old woman who is married with a son, visits her father Taizo after he collapses from overworking. The doctor informs Hikari that her father only has 4 days to live. Despite her initial resistance, Hikari decides to take over her father's company as he had originally intended for her. However, she encounters challenges such as her husband traveling to America for work and facing opposition from some employees like Katsumata and Junzo. This story is inspired by Suwa Takako's novel "Machi Koba no Musume."

Tajima resides happily in Tokyo with his wife Keiko, their daughter Mika, and son Ryota. Unfortunately, Keiko is diagnosed with terminal cancer and passes away within three months. Keiko was the light of the family, and her absence creates a void in their hearts. Tajima attempts to continue on as usual, but soon realizes it is futile. Upon his children's suggestion, they visit Kibougaoka, Keiko's hometown, to reminisce about her past. They visit Keiko's old, empty home, and Tajima proposes they move there. Mika and Ryota agree, and the Tajima family begins a new chapter in Kibougaoka.

Wang Xiao Feng's tranquil existence was disrupted by a sudden and extraordinary journey. This experience lifted him out of his mundane routine and introduced him to a mysterious power that allowed him to traverse different dimensions. The unconventional and innovative "Lele Primary School" captivated Wang Xiao Feng, sparking a newfound sense of joy and wonder within him. As he encountered the eccentric inventions of Dr. Wu Zhi and the unconventional approach of the school's staff, Wang Xiao Feng felt compelled to bridge the gap between his old life and this new, fantastical world. His father, usually preoccupied with work in the "Kuai Kuai World," transformed into a devoted stay-at-home dad in "La La World." Similarly, seemingly ordinary individuals in "La La World" revealed unexpected talents and quirks, such as Ada, who traded her efficient demeanor for a fascination with ants. The once stern principal emerged as a whimsical and optimistic figure in this alternate reality. Amidst these transformations, Wang Xiao Feng's encounter with the enigmatic Xu Wen Wen in Lele World sparked his curiosity and thirst for adventure. This drastic shift from his previous unremarkable existence propelled Wang Xiao Feng into an extraordinary and enchanting journey.

"Revitalizing Our Community" is a social drama set in a small town in Osaka, Japan. The local government is facing a financial crisis, with severely limited funds. They must decide which government sectors to reduce funding for and which to prioritize in order to sustain their town.

A noodle shop owner struggling with debt and his incredibly resourceful wife are facing financial difficulties while trying to support their five children. Despite their limited funds, they rely on humor and clever problem-solving to make ends meet. (JDorama)

Yu Yang, a well-respected former school principal, has a strong love for traditional Chinese culture and values family above all else. His oldest child, Jack Wu, earned a degree in journalism and now works as an editor for a magazine. Jack is known for his inquisitive nature and occasionally disagrees with his father on social matters. With a 40-year age gap, Yu Yang and his daughter, Zoie Tam, struggle to connect due to their differing perspectives shaped by different generations. Yu Yang also finds it challenging to adapt to the fast-paced changes brought by modern technology. Luckily, his daughter-in-law, Elaine Yiu, effectively manages the household as a devoted mother and wife. As their son grows, the family faces tough decisions regarding his education, leading to heightened emotions for all involved. The show delves into key issues affecting Hong Kong residents, such as education, housing, an aging population, youth competitiveness, Mainland China relations, and immigration trends. Through each episode, the series realistically portrays these challenges, striking a chord with viewers.

Three women, each at a different point in their lives, are looking to start fresh in a new country for various personal reasons. Faye, who got married young, recently discovered her husband's infidelity. Seeking a change of scenery, she pays a visit to her closest friend in Taipei with the intention of finding a new partner to settle down with. Meanwhile, Lydia and Leo, a married couple who were both successful in their careers, decided to leave their high-paying jobs in Hong Kong and relocate to Green Island to manage a hotel. Despite their initial admiration for the laid-back lifestyle on the island, they face challenges as Lydia's perfectionism clashes with the business setbacks caused by the pandemic, leading to tensions with local partners and conflicts with Leo. Lastly, Yvonne, an art teacher working on a temporary basis in Taipei, receives news that her contract will not be renewed. Worried about readjusting to the fast-paced life in Hong Kong, she is determined to find a way to stay in Taiwan with the help of her colleagues Shun Wan and Yu Shan. However, Yvonne must confront her true motivations for wanting to remain in Taiwan.

Kami Daisuke serves as the primary aide to influential parliamentarian Tojo Yuji. His aspiration is to enter politics and bring about change in Japan, with Tojo serving as his role model for an honest politician. Despite his busy schedule, Daisuke's wife Kumiko remains supportive of his ambitions. One day, Daisuke is shocked to discover a memo supposedly signed by him indicating acceptance of a 50 million payment from a construction firm. Tojo, believing Daisuke betrayed him by taking a bribe, distances himself from Daisuke who now faces scrutiny from both law enforcement and the media.

Yakushimaru Hiroko portrays Nanami, a 35-year-old woman who is navigating her desires and needs, such as finding a job, improving her relationship with her mother-in-law, and securing good schools for her children. She resides in a Tokyo suburb with her husband Wataru and their three young kids. When Wataru's father proposes that they move in with him and his wife to save money, Nanami reluctantly agrees, hoping that her mother-in-law can help care for the children while she seeks employment. Unbeknownst to her, this decision will bring about a host of unexpected challenges.

After losing her mother, a high school student named Marimo embarks on a journey to meet her estranged father, Shinpei, whom she had never known. To her surprise, Shinpei turns out to be a 38-year-old aspiring private detective, very different from the father she had imagined. Despite initial disbelief, Shinpei eventually accepts Marimo as his daughter after seeing the necessary documents. As they navigate their newfound relationship, Marimo labels Shinpei as "The worst father in the world" while Shinpei mourns the loss of his freedom. Together, they discover the challenges and rewards of building a father-daughter bond.

The central theme of this television series revolves around the connections between parents and children, as well as between spouses. It delves into the complexities of love, the essence of life, and the pursuit of genuine happiness. The protagonist is taken by surprise when his wife suddenly expresses her desire for a divorce, despite his belief that he was a devoted husband. Without providing a reason, she packs her things and leaves, leaving behind their 7-year-old daughter. This leaves the man to navigate life as a single parent to Rin, their daughter, amidst an uncomfortable atmosphere at home. Struggling with unfamiliar household responsibilities and the care of Rin, Tetsuro grapples with feelings of anger and stress, all while being unsure of his daughter's emotional state.

Hiraki Asuka has been given a terminal cancer diagnosis with only three months to live. She decides to reconnect with her daughter and ex-husband, whom she had previously left behind, in order to make the most of her remaining time and rekindle their relationships.

Miyuki, a 34-year-old Japanese homemaker, lives with her husband who works as a salaryman and their son. Despite feeling like her dream has come true, she secretly grapples with the realization that her life depends entirely on her husband. On the other hand, her childhood friend Sumiko, a single woman who was recently promoted to a managerial position at a large company, enjoys a high salary and independence but struggles with loneliness. Meanwhile, Yu, who is approaching thirty, still lives with her father and relies on him for support. Feeling lost and unsure of her aspirations, Yu is uncertain about her future. When Miyuki encounters an elderly woman she is caring for as part of her part-time job, the woman unexpectedly leaves her a beach house upon her passing. It turns out that the elderly woman was Yu's grandmother. Initially unsure of what to do with the property, Miyuki ultimately decides, with encouragement from Sumiko whom she reconnects with after two decades, to turn it into a business venture. As Sumiko and Yu also become involved as partners, tensions arise as each of them has conflicting ideas for the beach house.

Hikari is responsible for looking after her ailing mother and two younger siblings. They receive the news that their father, who had been missing, has passed away and left them with a significant debt of 10 million yen. The family, already struggling financially, is left with no money or food. In order to repay the debt, Hikari secures a job as a cleaner at UBS TV company. Meanwhile, Masako Nagai, a drama producer at UBS TV, faces challenges at work due to sexist colleagues. After a chance encounter at UBS, Masako recognizes Hikari's creative talents and hires her as an assistant producer, despite facing opposition from her coworkers. Hikari is motivated by the opportunity to provide for her family and pay off her father's debt, while Masako aims to earn respect at UBS by excelling in her role as a drama producer.

Following the success of its initial television run, the series Angels with Broken Wings, featuring scripts by Yoshi, garnered over 1,800 messages from viewers praising the show. Now, the series is returning for a second installment! In the latest installment of the popular Deep Love series created by Yoshi, viewers can expect four stories, including one that was not featured in the first installment and three brand new stories. This series is a must-watch for young individuals facing challenges and for their parents' generation. The four nights will feature the following stories: 1st night - Impulse (starring Satomi Ishihara), 2nd night - Confederate (starring Erika Toda), 3rd night - Time (starring Rosa Katoh), and 4th night - Merchandise (starring Karina).

The unique title "Panda" refers to a panda outfit worn by the main character, a 29-year-old woman known for her talent. She was once praised as a child prodigy actress and had successful songs as a singer, but her career took a different path after turning 20. Nowadays, radio DJs and TV show hosts wear panda costumes, while she remains attached to her favorite song. She falls in love with a younger man at a cake shop in her neighborhood and they marry, pledging to pursue their dreams as a singer and pastry chef. However, their newlywed bliss is disrupted when her older sister and three children move in, causing challenges in their relationship. The drama follows the couple as they navigate the early hurdles of marriage, exploring themes of family, love, and life through the eyes of a talented woman married to a bakery owner.

This series follows the lives of four women who are in their forties. Shifumi, an attractive woman, was known for stealing her classmate's boyfriend during high school. Despite facing criticism, she got married and had a child before eventually getting divorced. Currently, she is dating a younger man. The other three women from Shifumi's past include Makiko, a typical housewife, Neri, a doctor focused on her career, and Miwa, another housewife. Miwa is secretly involved with Keishi, Shifumi's ex-husband and the boyfriend she had stolen in the past. As the story unfolds, the hidden secrets and lies of these four women gradually come to light.

Narumi is a tranquil island, inspired by the real-life Hateruma Island, where the demand for medical assistance outweighs the need for law enforcement. Despite the initial reluctance of the inhabitants, Shirase Ryo, a police officer, is assigned to the island. Over time, he forms close bonds with the locals and assists them in resolving their issues and planning for the island's future. --Tokyograph

Married life for Onodera Mariya took an unexpected turn when her husband Tatsuya disappeared suddenly. Feeling lost, she travels to a heart-shaped island in Okinawa that Tatsuya had mentioned before. Meanwhile, Tsuruta Kameko, a midwife in Tokyo, becomes disillusioned with the attitude towards abortion and hospital births among young women. After winning a lottery, she embarks on a trip around the world but ends up in Okinawa where she discovers a need for midwives. Determined to make a difference, she decides to establish a maternity hospital on the island. The paths of these two women from different generations cross in the southern islands, where they are welcomed by the locals with open arms, embodying the Okinawan saying, "If we meet by chance, we're all brothers and sisters."

The Isawas are a typical Japanese family living in Tokyo. Yasuhiko and Yukari are a married couple who run a restaurant called Isawaya in the historic downtown area. Despite their differences, they are a content pair. However, the arrival of Takagi Rui, the girlfriend of their eldest son Haruhiko, and Yukari's long-lost mother Mimatsu Hanae, who has been estranged since divorcing her husband, bring to light a hidden secret within this multi-generational family, putting their family bonds to the test.

The narrative revolves around a pair of individuals with contrasting backgrounds who encounter challenges in their romantic relationship, personal lives, and professional endeavors

After Nagashima Daigo and Aya's three sons got married and moved out, Aya decided to renovate the kitchen and living room to open up Cafe Restaurant Aya. The restaurant has been successful, with Daigo also pitching in whenever he can. As former employees Uchida Yoko, Otake Noboru, and Nakatsu Eri moved on, Aya welcomed Nakano Kyoko, a unemployed graduate with an attitude, and Togawa Tatsu, a customer in need. Despite their challenges, Tatsu proves to be a skilled cook and great with customers, much to Aya's relief. Things take a turn when Noboru shows up with his dropout junior, Okumura Ryo, who is struggling to find his way. Ryo's unconventional appearance and behavior at the restaurant come as a shock to Aya and the rest of the staff. The Nagashima family is once again facing challenges with their new employees.

Located in Kamakura, in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, the story revolves around five siblings, with the eldest being Asa, each dealing with their own challenges. Upon returning to Japan from Italy, their 60-year-old mother Fuko brings her bright and grandiose personality back into their lives. Despite facing disagreements with Fuko, the mother ultimately guides her five children towards a fresh start.

Umeda Mina, a talented pianist, comes from a family with a renowned conductor as her father. Her goal is to win a prestigious international piano competition, despite facing numerous obstacles along the way. At 35 years old, this competition marks her final opportunity to achieve her dream. Mina has been married to her husband, Shinji, for a decade, yet they have been unable to have children. One day, a neglected boy with a stoic demeanor intrudes into their yard. After discovering the boy's abusive past, he is placed in a care facility. However, he reappears in their garden a few days later. Feeling a sense of destiny, Shinji begins researching child adoption in secret, believing the boy's return to be fateful.

Madoka, a pregnant homeless woman, sought assistance from Takako Okada, the leader of "Smile Baby," as she approached her due date. While originally planning to give her baby to a man she met online, Madoka switched to another organization called "Online Adoption" after being offered money in exchange for the baby. Using the funds she received from Nonogaki, the representative of the new organization, Madoka paid for nursing school tuition in hopes of gaining independence. However, she grew concerned about Nonogaki's motives and attempted to cancel the agreement. Nonogaki demanded double the amount of money received in order to terminate the contract and coerced Madoka into signing away parental rights with a lawyer. Nonogaki operated as a middleman profiting from connecting babies with adoptive parents without considering the well-being of the children. Despite her reservations, Madoka ultimately delivered her baby to the elderly adoptive parents at the specified location.

Takeuchi Ryoma decides to take a break from shooting and decides to spend his leisure time visiting a spice shop. He informs the owner of his desire to prepare an extra spicy curry, prompting her to suggest some of her top spice picks. They collaborate to whip up a delicious curry just as a new customer walks into the shop. (jdramas.wordpress.com)

Sugisaki Hana, a well-known actress with a hectic schedule, finds herself with unexpected free time during a break from filming. Curious creators have taken the opportunity to explore a different side of Sugisaki Hana during her downtime. One day, while on a break from shooting, Sugisaki Hana discovers that her washing machine is out of order. With no other option, she heads to the laundromat, where she realizes she only has 1,000 yen bills and no change. As she steps outside to find some change, she comes across musician Mizuki (played by Kamishiraishi Moka) performing on the street. Intrigued, Hana purchases Mizuki's CD for 1,000 yen, leaving her with no money for the laundromat. She attempts to borrow some change from Gonda, a fellow customer, but...

The play explores the conflicts and significance within a family as experienced from a child's perspective.

A theatrical piece that delves into the essence of family, examining the unwavering commitment and enduring affection parents hold for their children, who remain perpetually unsatisfied yet continually yearning for additional fulfillment.

The play illustrates the experiences of individuals caring for an abandoned infant collectively in a countryside community located in Paju.