Asian dramas like
Asa Ga Kita

Uno Meiko, the protagonist of a food-centric series, hails from a family that owns a western-style eatery in Tokyo. After tying the knot, she relocates to Osaka with her spouse, where she grapples with the contrasting cultures of the two cities while navigating her roles as a mother and wife.

Takei Chiyo was born into a low-income family in Osaka Prefecture's Minamikawachi region during the Meiji era. Her mother passed away when she was young, leaving her to live with her father Teruo and younger brother. Despite not being able to attend elementary school, Chiyo possessed a natural talent for speaking and quick thinking. At the age of 9, she found work as a servant in Dotonbori where she was introduced to the world of theater, sparking a deep interest in becoming an actress. Chiyo's passion for acting continued to grow, leading her to run away to Kyoto where she immersed herself in the art of performance.

The film is inspired by the real-life tale of Taketsuru Masataka and his spouse Rita Cowen. Masataka holds the distinction of being the inaugural Japanese individual to craft whisky within Japan upon establishing his distillery in Hokkaido in 1934. The film's title is derived from Rita's affectionate moniker for Masataka.

Set during the Meiji period in Matsue, Toki is an unconventional girl hailing from a once-respected samurai lineage that now faces financial hardship due to her father's unsuccessful venture. In order to support herself, she takes a job as a maid for a foreign English instructor of Greek-Irish heritage, who has always felt like an outsider after being left alone as a child. Despite their cultural disparities and the challenges of language, Toki and her employer connect through their mutual passion for ghost stories and their similar life challenges. Together, they embark on a unique adventure filled with odd characters and, naturally, an abundance of supernatural narratives. This tale is inspired by the real-life story of Koizumi Setsuko, the spouse of Koizumi Yakumo, originally known as Patrick Lafcadio Hearn.

Ning Meng has always aspired to be an investment director, however, she ends up in a stagnant role at an investment company post-graduation, working under Lu Ji Ming who questions her capabilities

Tsuneko Kohashi, the oldest daughter in the Kohashi family, was just 11 years old when her father, Takezo, passed away from tuberculosis. Embracing her father's belief in the value of everyday life, she took on the role of a parental figure for her mother, Kimiko, and her two younger sisters, Mariko and Yoshiko, earning her the nickname "Toto One-chan." Leading her family through challenging times, Tsuneko worked hard to support them as the head of the household. In the aftermath of the war, Tsuneko, Mariko, and Yoshiko collaborated to launch a lifestyle magazine in a war-torn Tokyo, catering to female readers. Named "Your Life," the magazine featured practical articles and quickly gained popularity. Thanks to the expertise of editor Hanayama Isaji, "Your Life" became an indispensable resource for women during the era of rapid economic growth.

Segodon depicts the story of Takamori Saigo, a historical figure who was the eldest son of a samurai from a humble background. Throughout his life, he faced exile on two occasions and was married three times. Takamori Saigo played a significant role in the Meiji Restoration but eventually led a rebellion against the government due to his discontent with the reforms of the Meiji era. (Wikipedia)

Three women of varying personalities found themselves joining forces to launch a business as a result of unforeseen events. As they navigate the challenging path of entrepreneurship, they will discover how to find humor in setbacks, refuse to surrender, and evolve along the way! (iQiyi)

Suenaga Kokoro, an international flight attendant, resides in Tokyo with her mother and grandmother who run a traditional restaurant in a bustling downtown area where customs and traditions are deeply rooted, and residents have a strong sense of community. This narrative chronicles a challenging year in Kokoro's life as she transitions from a single woman to a wife, stepmother, widow, and entrepreneur deeply connected to her family and neighbors. Kokoro shares their challenges and aspirations as she faces her own hardships and prospers despite adversity. While the internet is replacing traditional communities, places like Asakusa and individuals like Kokoro strive to preserve their warmth and values. Though Kokoro's world is distinctly Japanese, people worldwide will relate to her emotions of joy and sorrow as they are captivated by this touching story of love and loss, resilience and perseverance.

The narrative focuses on the experiences of a married couple, as narrated by Mura. (Tokyograph) Based on the memoir "Gegege no Nyobo" penned by Mura Nunoe, the spouse of manga artist Mizuki Shigeru. Presented as the 82nd NHK Asadora.

Sumire, a girl born in the affluent area of Kobe during the early Showa era, dedicated herself to creating children's clothing as a means of livelihood following the destruction of war. Eventually, she went on to open the first children's goods store in Japan.

The narrative of Zheng A Mian, a dedicated volunteer at Tzu Chi, depicts her journey through various challenges in life. From dealing with her father's irresponsible behavior to her husband's financial troubles and the tragic loss of her youngest daughter, A Mian demonstrates that one can handle adversity with a positive attitude.

In June of 1993, there was a strong partnership forming between Donghai Chemical and Luoda Company. Song Yun Hui, the driving force behind Donghai's collaboration, is leading the workers of Pengyang in initiating a reform process. Despite the challenges of bridging the gap between the two companies, Yunhui remains committed to his original vision. Lei Dong Bao is heading DengfengElectric and merging with small factories to create a cluster. He establishes regulations, secures investments, delves into international trade, and confronts the complexities of human interactions, always prioritizing the welfare of the people. Yang Xun and Liang Si Shen are collaborating on the development of a shopping center. Amidst their efforts, Liang Si Shen strives to find a balance between the interests of Luoda and Donghai. As they work together, they gradually build trust and unity to confront future obstacles. Through the challenges and changes, the unwavering dream pursuers persevere with determination.

The narrative follows the experiences of a cost engineer working in an architectural company and her development in a predominantly male-dominated field in China. Su Xiao, at the height of her professional success, falls in love with Xia Ming but faces setbacks that lead to her suppression and demotion. With the support of her father, she rebuilds her self-assurance, endures immense challenges, and advocates for her career advancement. (Baidu)

The story revolves around Hanako Muraoka, a translator who lived through the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa periods. Muraoka later translated the novel "Anne of Green Gables" by Canadian writer Lucy Maud Montgomery. This information was derived from the book "An no Yurikago Muraoka Hanako no Shogai" authored by Eri Muraoka, Hanako Muraoka's granddaughter. The English version of the book is titled "Anne's Cradle: The Life and Works of Hanako Muraoka."

The 81st NHK Asadora introduces a new series titled Welkame. The plot follows Nami, a young woman who grew up in a minshuku. After moving to Tokyo for a job at a magazine company, she unexpectedly loses her position and is forced to return to her hometown, where she must navigate relationships with her family and old friends.

The narrative revolves around a girl named Jun Kano, who grew up in Miyakojima, Okinawa. After securing a job at a prestigious hotel in Osaka, she crosses paths with a man named Itoshi Machida (Itoshi meaning love in kanji), whose sibling has recently died. Despite their contrasting personalities, they develop romantic feelings for each other.

Hyoga Mamoru, the Chief Executive Officer of Three Star Books, hails from a prosperous background

The play narrates the journey of Chu, who hails from a lineage of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners during the early years of the Republic of China. Throughout her experiences, she encounters three men: Xia Chu, Chen Da Shun, and Wen Zhi Qiu. These individuals resist the unjust circumstances dictated by society and fate, ultimately facing various challenges. As a result, they evolve into a courageous, resolute, and trustworthy female national entrepreneur, ultimately aiming to address... the saga of a nation’s rise and decline.

The story takes place in Tenma, Osaka, where Matsukichi, the son of a samurai, faces danger after his father is killed due to a grudge. Luckily, Wasuke, the owner of Ikawa store, comes to his rescue and saves his life. Matsukichi decides to work at the store instead of pursuing his dream of becoming a samurai like his father. While working at Ikawa, Matsukichi successfully handles various issues related to store credit. This narrative is inspired by Takada Kaoru's novel "Gin Nikan."

Torako is a secretive yet skilled tutor who harbors grand aspirations and diligently pursues them. She selectively takes on tutoring assignments from affluent families, building relationships and accumulating savings along the way. At present, she is mentoring three students, each with their own set of challenges, as they strive to gain admission to elite educational institutions.

Mantaro hails from a wealthy family in Kochi that is involved in the brewery business. Due to his fragile health, he becomes a victim of harassment. Since childhood, he has held a deep interest in flora and chooses to leave school in order to pursue a degree in botany at Teikoku University in Tokyo. He takes on the role of a research assistant with the aspiration of compiling a comprehensive encyclopedia on Japanese plants, dedicating himself to achieving this goal.

Taking place in the 1910s, this follows the tale of Hanada Suzuko, a girl raised in a household that operated a bathhouse in the heart of Osaka. Suzuko developed a passion for singing and dancing early on and became a member of the Umemaru Girls Opera Company (USK) in Dotonbori. Through her exceptional singing abilities, Suzuko rose to fame during the postwar period.

Jang Geu Rae, once a talented Go player, faces difficulties after his aspiration to become a professional in the game falls short. He finds himself interning at One International, where he encounters another intern, An Yeong Yi. Together, they deal with the pressures of working under the strict Section Chief Oh Sang Shik and contend with the driven Jang Baek Ki. As Geu Rae adapts to the corporate environment, he makes an effort to preserve his sense of self.

A young woman named Go Ha Neul embarks on a temporary teaching position at a private institution, motivated by a teacher who once played a crucial role in her survival. As she faces the demands of a highly competitive educational environment, she aims to nurture her students' aspirations while evolving with them. She is supported by Park Seong Sun, the head of career counseling renowned for her unwavering commitment to students, as well as her colleagues Bae Myung Soo and Do YeonU, who collaborate to address the obstacles encountered in the ruthless atmosphere of private schooling.

Gu Ae Jung was formerly the most celebrated member of the girl group, ‘The National Treasure Girls’. After the band disbanded a decade ago, she was largely held responsible for its demise. Although she has a friendly demeanor, her career has faced significant setbacks since then, and she now competes for airtime as a B-list celebrity on variety programs to make a living. On the other hand, Dokko Jin is a leading film star enjoying the peak of his career, with aspirations to penetrate the Hollywood scene and achieve recognition as an international actor. However, his efforts to secure his first break in the global market are hindered by a string of unfortunate meetings with Gu Ae Jung. Despite his initial aversion, Dokko Jin unexpectedly feels his heart race during their interactions. Could this mark the start of what might become his greatest romance?

The narrative commences with an unforeseen incident at the Shanghai concert in 2008. Deng Chang Fu, the third sibling, lay on a stretcher, reminiscing about the birth of "the girl," the fourth child in the Deng family, in a small village in Taiwan during the early winter of 1953. Despite her innate singing ability, her father, Deng Shu, strongly disapproved. Deng Shu, a retired army officer, transitioned to running a market stall. Witnessing her father's melancholy and longing for his hometown, the girl assisted him in selling steamed buns. Although she did not progress to junior high school after completing primary education, she excelled in radio singing competitions. Deng Shu encountered trouble with thugs at the market stall, resulting in injuries and a legal dispute. Convinced that a permanent store was the solution, the couple worked tirelessly. The girl, out of love for her parents, became a contracted singer, used her earnings to establish a store for her father, who was deeply touched by her actions. Eventually, the girl graced the stage and garnered numerous accolades.

Inogashira Goro is an independent trader who manages his own business selling imported dry goods. He leads a simple and solitary life, enjoying his meals but abstaining from alcohol. Despite his reserved nature, Inogashira has a hearty appetite and takes pleasure in exploring different eateries during his travels. These restaurants are authentic places in Tokyo that serve the actual dishes featured in the manga series "The Solitary Gourmet" by Kusumi Masayuki and Taniguchi Jiro. (Amazon.com.au)

Liu Yu Ru, the sole lawful daughter of a former textile merchant, resides with her mother in a harsh environment where they face mistreatment despite their standing. Due to a mix-up, she is wedded to Gu Jiu Si, the infamous offspring of the wealthiest family in Yangzhou, known for his lazy lifestyle. Initially, Gu Jiu Si harbors negative feelings towards Liu Yu Ru, viewing her as deceitful and conniving. However, as she adjusts to her new life, she gains business knowledge from her receptive mother-in-law and grows closer to Gu Jiu Si. Meanwhile, the threat of war looms, with the Commissioner of Yangzhou instilling fear and placing the Gu family in dire circumstances. Despite the challenges they face, the compassionate couple's bond strengthens, leading them towards a prosperous future.

The narrative revolves around the experiences of Koshino Ayako, a renowned fashion designer who died in 2006 at 92 years old. In addition to her thriving career in Japan, she also managed to raise three daughters who went on to achieve global recognition as designers themselves. These daughters are Hiroko, Junko, and Michiko.

After Maki's mother commits assault, Maki is placed temporarily in the children's orphanage, Kogamo no Ie. Post, a young girl who has lost her parents, is a strong and positive leader at the orphanage. Piami and Bonbi also look up to Post. Despite their different backgrounds, these girls appear indifferent and not sad. Post explains that they have abandoned everything from their past, including their names, to find happiness. She advises Maki to let go of the past and embrace bravery as their only protection in the harsh world. However, Maki remains hopeful that her mother will come back for her.

Taking place from the late Meiji era to the post-World War II period in Osaka, the story follows Fujioka Ten, inspired by Yoshimoto Sei, the founder of Yoshimoto Kogyo and a female comedy show promoter. Ten comes from a family involved in the drug wholesale business in Kyoto and falls in love with Kitamura Tokichi, the son of a family in the rice industry. Despite her parents' disapproval, Ten marries Tokichi, a passionate comedy enthusiast. Together, they manage a vaudeville theater, with Ten becoming the first woman in Japan to turn comedy into a profitable venture, turning Osaka into a hub for comedy.

Suzuki Nami, a native of a small rural town, has led a very ordinary life without any specific aspirations. She believes that as long as she can find a decent job and love, she will be content. In pursuit of love, Nami follows her childhood friend and crush, Kenya, to Tokyo in hopes of landing a job in the supply management department of the publishing company where Kenya is employed. However, Nami's plans do not unfold as expected. Instead of working in supply management, she is assigned to the editorial department of a fashion magazine within the company. Initially not taking her job seriously, Nami faces criticism from her hard-working editor-in-chief, Horai Reiko. Rather than being discouraged by the criticism, Nami's response is to start dreaming bigger for herself. As her perspective on work shifts, Nami also finds her views on love changing, especially after meeting cameraman Horai Junnosuke. With newfound determination propelling her forward, will Nami be able to turn her newfound dreams into reality?

Following a disagreement with her supervisor, dentist Yoon Hye Jin retreats to a coastal village she frequented during her childhood. Upon discovering the village lacks a dentist, she decides to establish her practice there permanently. Yoon's reserved attitude clashes with the locals, but she receives help from the carefree handyman, Hong Do Sik, as she adjusts to village life. Initially, their relationship is rocky.

The 99th morning drama series tells the story of Tachibana Fukuko, a young woman facing challenges in Osaka alongside her husband during the post-WWII economic boom. Despite numerous obstacles, they eventually achieve success by inventing instant noodles. This drama is inspired by the real-life experiences of the wife of Ando Momofuku, the entrepreneur behind Nissin Food Products Co. Ltd. and the creator of instant ramen.

Serizawa Tatsumi, the captivating owner of a well-known ramen chain that attracts large crowds daily, holds a prominent position in the ramen industry. In addition to running her successful business, she also offers guidance to struggling ramen shops as a food consultant. One day, her colleague Natsukawa Aya notices a female patron who has barely touched her bowl of new ramen. The customer criticizes the flavor of Tatsumi's creation, claiming it is lacking. Aya is angered by this feedback. However, the customer reveals that she is there for a job interview and confidently states that she can improve the ramen dish, despite being a novice in the world of ramen and having only tried it for the first time six months ago.

A tale of a temporary employee who escapes into the imaginative realm of a manga called Rose of Versailles. Katsuko's mundane routine is disrupted when the company president's son introduces a harsh cost-cutting plan at her workplace, causing her distress. Hearing the voice of Oscar, the protagonist of the comic, Katsuko is inspired to stand up for her coworkers and oppose the unfair policy.

Kawahara Kimiko, the oldest of three sisters, was born in Osaka in 1937. When she was nine years old, her family relocated to Shigaraki in Shiga Prefecture. Surrounded by the local Shigaraki pottery, Kimiko developed a passion for ceramics and aspired to become a ceramics artist. Despite the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry, she persevered and built a groundbreaking career in ceramic arts, from her early years to her marriage.

The 67th NHK Asadora Drama follows the story of Manten, a young woman who grew up on a small island in southern Japan surrounded by nature. Inspired by her father, who disappeared at sea when she was eight years old, Manten holds onto his dream of space exploration. At eighteen, Manten faces pressure from her mother to decide on a career path or start paying rent, while also dealing with a declaration of love from a childhood friend. Despite these challenges, Manten remains determined to pursue her dream of joining Japan's National Space Development Agency, NASDA. However, she realizes that achieving this goal will require hard work and dedication, including obtaining a college education and gaining three years of experience in the field. As Manten navigates the complexities of life and love, she remains steadfast in her pursuit of space travel, making unlikely friendships along the way.

Akari's biological mother hails from Osaka. In order to delve deeper into her roots, she relocates to Osaka to reside with her grandmother. It is revealed that Akari's grandmother shut down the okonomiyaki eatery following the departure of Akari's adolescent mother. Subsequently, Akari takes it upon herself to revive the okonomiyaki restaurant and launch the business independently.

This drama focuses on the 1979 seizure of power in the Korean government by Chun Doo Hwan.

Yang Zhao Zhi has been a cherished figure in the Yuli community in Hua Lien for more than three decades, serving as a primary school educator. Sadly, she is now faced with the responsibility of looking after her parents and father-in-law following the unexpected death of her husband.

The 71st Asadora is called Wakaba, which follows the story of a young woman who fulfills her father's desire by becoming a landscape gardener. Wakaba, originally from Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, enjoyed a happy life with her family until the devastating Great Hanshin Earthquake struck in 1995. After losing her architect father in the disaster, Wakaba, along with her mother and brother, relocates to Obi, an ancient castle town in Nichinan, Miyazaki Prefecture, where her grandmother, uncle, and aunt reside. Surrounded by Obi's lush natural surroundings, Wakaba discovers the healing power of plants and decides to return to Kobe to help rebuild the city with abundant greenery.

The 75th NHK Asadora is titled Imo Tako Nankin and is set in 1962 Osaka. The series is inspired by an essay written by Tanabe Seiko, an acclaimed writer, which reflects on her own life. The main character, Hanaoka Machiko, is a 37-year-old single woman who works at a hardware store in Osaka City and also pursues writing. After falling ill from overwork, Machiko meets and falls in love with Tokunaga Kenjiro, a doctor who treats her. They eventually marry, but Kenjiro comes with a large extended family, including his five children, brother, sister, and parents. The drama follows Machiko as she navigates her new family dynamics while continuing to pursue her career as a novelist in a humorous and heartwarming manner.

After facing harassment in her advertising job, Hitsujitani Chiharu decides to leave and starts working at a temporary agency owned by her aunt

At the onset of the Showa period, a girl named Asada Nobu, also referred to as 'Hachikin Onobu,' was darting through the streets of Kochi with astonishing speed. At the same time, Yanai Takashi, who had lost his father to disease during his childhood, was taken in by his uncle and met Nobu at the new school he attended. As the threat of war loomed, Nobu, who was enrolled in a women’s normal school, had become an ardent militarist like many of her peers. Before long, war broke out, and Takashi was deployed. He faced the devastating loss of his younger brother, Chihiro, in the conflict, while Nobu also suffered the loss of her beloved. After completing her education at the women's school, Nobu's beliefs shifted dramatically due to the war, prompting her to seek her own understanding of what was right. She became the first female reporter at a newspaper in Kochi. Following the war, Takashi left his job as a scrap collector and joined the same newspaper, where they both worked on the same magazine. Although Takashi aspired to become a manga artist in Tokyo, he was concerned about his ability to sustain himself. Nobu encouraged him, saying, "You can come later. I’ll head to Tokyo first and wait for you," after which she resigned from the newspaper and relocated to Tokyo. Takashi followed her there, and they began sharing a cramped six-tatami apartment that lacked a bath, had a communal toilet, and a hole in the ceiling requiring them to use an umbrella on rainy days, but on clear nights, they could gaze at the stars. Nobu found their circumstances intriguing, and the couple decided to marry, expressing, "I want to be with someone who can appreciate any situation."

Xiu Ju, a resourceful young lady born into poverty, supports her ailing mother by selling handmade items while studying in secret. She develops feelings for the compassionate Shen Yan Zhou, but circumstances lead her to marry his elder brother, Shen Yanqing, in order to settle a debt and care for her mother. Caught between love and duty, Xiu Ju grapples with a complex array of emotions within the Shen family. Will she find a way to be with the man she truly loves?

During the Early Republic era, around 1911, Chen Bi Yun, a talented individual from the southern region, is determined to fight for her education rights. To uncover the truth surrounding her father's passing, she sacrifices her own happiness by marrying into the Xuan family, prominent owners of the largest library. However, this decision leads her into complex power dynamics within the family, rather than bringing her closer to her beloved books. Can she navigate these challenges and secure the opportunity to pursue her academic aspirations?

Drawing inspiration from the historical events of the battle of Songmaoling in 1934, this drama depicts the unwavering resolve of a group of youthful soldiers as they protect Songmaoling for a week straight. (DramaWiki)