Asian dramas like
Barakamon

Mitamura Yukio serves as the creator and leader of a fast-growing fashion company. Despite its success, the company has been criticized for exploiting its workers. Mitamura prioritizes the company's profits and has been pushing his employees to work long hours, believing that hard work is necessary for success. He does not see any issue with the demanding work environment and believes it is justified. While delegating tasks to his subordinates, Mitamura enrolls in a university to study company management. It is there that he meets Akiyama Kyoko, a new lecturer, with whom he clashes due to their differing backgrounds and perspectives. He also encounters the "pressure-free generation," a group of young individuals whom he initially looks down upon. However, through interactions with these students, Mitamura finds inspiration and gains new insights. Meanwhile, there is a growing movement within his company to remove him from his position as it becomes apparent to Mitamura that his company is indeed exploiting its employees, leading to a power struggle within the organization.

Jian Bing, a renowned advertising director, and Sheng Yang, a newcomer in the industry, coincidentally met at a restaurant one day. While one had recently gone through a divorce, the other was anticipating the end of a relationship. Despite being strangers, they formed a strong bond and embarked on a journey of personal growth and budding romance. Sheng Yang's presence helped Jian Bing regain her confidence in life and love, while Jian Bing guided Sheng Yang from carefree youth to a more mature individual. They supported each other, grew together, and eventually fell in love. However, they faced challenges due to their differences in background, objections from their families, and workplace gossip. After three years of growth and change, they decided to let fate determine their future. Their shared experiences and trust brought them back together, leading them to rekindle their relationship.

After three years of working in the city, Feng Tian Lan, a graduate of Agricultural University, made the decision to return to his hometown of Pingguo Village to pursue his dream of living in the countryside. (Baidu)

Cheng Mei, Gua Ju, Qu Shou, Xing Hua, and Song Gang became friends while participating in a student organization at university. Despite experiencing heartbreak due to romantic relationships, they remained close as they transitioned from students to working professionals. Throughout their journey, they encountered obstacles related to various issues such as same-sex relationships, workplace harassment, women's empowerment, infidelity, and relationships with significant age gaps. As they navigate through these challenges, they rely on their friendship to support each other and find solutions to the problems they face in love and life. (Viki)

Song of Life follows the story of young people who were born after 1995

Kagami Rei is a new teacher assigned to the third-year students at the prestigious Eto Gakuen, a school known for housing students labeled as having "no motivation, talent, or potential." Mr. Kagami, charming and playful, brings a unique teaching approach that deviates from the school's traditional methods. Surprisingly, he is also the Chairman of the prominent Japanese conglomerate Kagami, which provides him with vast resources. Despite keeping his true identity hidden, he forms strong bonds with his students and navigates through various challenges together.

Yang Yi Shan, a young man raised in Shanghai, fled from his aunt to seek independence and enrolled in a school located in the distant northeast region

This is a tale revolving around love and relationships that can lead anyone down a path of defeat. It will be a romantic comedy showcasing people's inherent vulnerabilities and the array of exhilarating moments that accompany different types of love. The realistic portrayal of individuals at their weakest points will be balanced with humor and compassion that transcends discomfort. Seo Min Gi is a freshman in college studying Korean literature. He is cautious, contemplative, and occasionally makes daring decisions. At 20 years old, his actions often result in a series of blunders and missteps. Nevertheless, due to his introspective nature and idealistic character, he always engages in self-reflection. He is a modest outsider whose sole desire is to socialize with his friends and indulge in gaming at internet cafes.

Suk Chul Soo and Na Young Hee are a recently married couple with a 14-year age difference. This drama explores the narrative of a couple who welcome a child following a brief encounter. It reflects the contemporary perspective on love and marriage, along with the obligations that come with parenting. Park Byung Ho, initially reckless, abandons his child in pursuit of a more prosperous life, only to later experience regret and discover the meaning of love.

Liu Lang, a clever and greedy attorney, experiences a major shift in his life when a young boy named Liang Liang shows up at his doorstep and claims to be his son. Despite Liang Liang's endearing nature, Liu Lang is uncertain about how to handle the situation. To make matters worse, a new lawyer named Lin Xiao Yan causes Liu Lang to be expelled from the law firm. As Liu Lang navigates his way back to success, he begins to develop a bond with Liang Liang and undergoes a transformation in his beliefs.

A unique love story unfolds between a charming carnivorous man and a woman passionate about cooking, who has decided to avoid romantic relationships

Fat Tin, a wealthy man's daughter in the Philippines, is concerned about her future due to her weight. Her father tries to arrange a marriage for her with Mak Ka Fai, but Fat Tin is uninterested and flees to Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, she faces criticism for her weight from Tai Hei, a successful designer. Despite their differences, they eventually grow closer due to unexpected events in the Philippines.

Haruko Takanashi, aged 30, is employed at a radio station. As she advances towards a middle management position, she learns that attractiveness alone is not sufficient. Lacking a romantic inclination, she dedicates herself to work and leisure, ultimately finding herself alone. Just as she gives up on love, she encounters a man at a party she attended with a colleague. The man, named Ichiro Kashiwakura, is 25 years old and unremarkable. They initiate a relationship and, unexpectedly, Ichiro passionately proposes to Haruko. Recognizing his genuine affection, she accepts and they wed. However, she has yet to disclose her true age to him.

This drama is set in a small branch school located in a mountain village that is at risk of being shut down. The story follows teacher Aiko and her six students as they navigate their daily lives. The genuine and open-hearted nature of the children, along with Aiko's dedication to her students, evokes nostalgic memories of our own childhoods, where even the smallest things brought joy. In a remote area of Japan, a branch school houses only one teacher and one student in its classroom. However, the dynamic shifts when a proposal is made for students to visit the mountain village for a study program. The teacher is taken aback by the lack of prior notice about this plan, while the student is left wondering how this new development will alter his current way of life. Amidst this uncertainty, a reception is organized to welcome the visiting schoolchildren to the village.

Returning to college after taking a break can be quite challenging. Join Tae Gu and his friends as they navigate the complexities of attending classes and exploring relationships, all while uncovering new insights each day. (AsianCrush)

The enduring love story between Zhang Lidong and Wang Chunhua is nearing its end. Just as Wang Chunhua's long-lost father, Wang Zhongde, reappears, Li Tiegang sees an opportunity to impress his potential future father-in-law to win Wang Chunhua's affection. In an attempt to discourage Li Tiegang, his sister Xiaomei introduces him to one of her university classmates. However, unexpected challenges continue to strain Zhang Lidong and Wang Chunhua's relationship.

A year after the stage was established, business flourished. Liu Lao Gen, after recovering, was impressed by the growth of the folk orchestra. In the villa, Da Kui aimed to select a new general manager to replace the departed Han Shi Xin, leading to a conflict. Meanwhile, Liu Lao Gen attempted to test the medicine box to collaborate with the big pepper, but his efforts backfired, causing misunderstandings among the villa residents. Song Xiao Bao, portraying the character Song, applied to be Liu Lao Gen's nanny. The stewed tofu she made during the interview impressed Liu Lao Gen, who allowed her to stay. Thus, Liu Lao Gen, Da Jiao, and Lao Song Tou began living together. Lin Geng Xin, disguised as a bank employee, entered the villa and was reluctantly set up on a blind date with Shan Shan. A series of amusing and entertaining events unfolded in the small village.

Due to internal conflicts at work, Ga Jai Choi, a thriving business executive, is appointed as the principal of a struggling school. The school, known as the Samshui Fisherman and Agricultural Workers Union Yin Liang Can Y n Endowment Yin Ding Bao Memorial School-WDPS, is facing the threat of being shut down by the education board due to its poor performance and reputation. The school was established in memory of tycoon Yin Guo Rong by his parents, who are determined to save it from closure. Ga Jai Choi is urged by his competitors to take on the role of headmaster, despite his reluctance to leave his corporate career. Although Ga Jai Choi initially aims to accelerate the school's downfall, he is surprised to see the teachers rallying to protect their jobs in response to his proposed changes. The arrival of passionate young teacher Lam Ying Yun and dedicated educator Wong Yerk Se further complicates Ga's plans. As Lam and Wong inspire their students to strive for success, Ga begins to question his motives and gradually becomes invested in the school's future. Despite Ga's efforts to undermine the school, his policies inadvertently lead to improvements in academic performance and a sense of unity among students, parents, and staff. However, the school's survival remains uncertain. Ga ultimately realizes his genuine care for the school and its students, joining the community in a final plea to prevent its closure.

Ozu Takaichiro, a 32-year-old man who is single, resides in Tokyo and holds rationalistic and modernistic beliefs. Despite his lethargic approach to daily life, his world is turned upside down when his older sister and her husband tragically pass away in an accident, leaving behind their 12-year-old daughter, Kasukabe Mei. Takaichiro takes on the responsibility of caring for Mei during her summer break, temporarily relocating to Naraha in Fukushima Prefecture while continuing his work remotely. As he bonds with his niece and interacts with the welcoming local community, Takaichiro undergoes a transformation, influenced by the warmth and kindness of those around him.

Gu Da Hai's youngest daughter, who is in her thirties, develops romantic feelings for her graduate instructor, a man who is around the same age as her father, leading to significant complications

A woman in her forties working as a beautician catches the eye of a young man in his early twenties who works a regular job and soon they develop romantic feelings for each other.

In order to honor her deceased father's wishes, BIN KWAI WOR established a unique coffee shop where she crossed paths with BAO CHI TAI, known as "Tai Chi Bao" (Raisin Bread). TAI, a single father with an 8-year-old son, dreams of becoming the coffee king of Hong Kong. As TAI learned the art of latte-making from WOR, their feelings for each other blossomed, despite facing numerous obstacles. The biggest challenge they faced was overcoming the disapproval of WOR's two mothers, her biological mother MA SZE NGA and stepmother SO MEI, who were against their relationship. With so many hurdles to overcome, how will TAI and WOR navigate their love story and brew a strong and fragrant cup of coffee together?

The plot centers on Motohashi Kumiko, a employee at an advertising firm who unexpectedly becomes the owner of a host club called "MAJEST" in Kabukicho following her uncle's passing

Matsunaga Jun, a 29-year-old individual who works as a freelance graphic designer in Tokyo, resides in a shared living space with occupants from diverse age ranges. Despite appearing spirited, Jun is actually warm and caring. The household welcomes a new member, Sonoda Miko, a high school sophomore known for her vibrant personality and proactive nature. Miko's family relocated to the countryside to manage her grandparents' inn, but she chose to stay behind to remain with her school friends. She joins Jun in the shared living space, where the residents navigate conflicts and offer support to one another, fostering personal growth and forming bonds.

The narrative revolves around Hae Suk, an elderly woman who enjoyed a contented life with her spouse until her passing. Her husband held a deep affection for her and continuously praised her attractiveness, remarking, "You were stunning in your youth and remain the epitome of beauty at eighty!" As Hae Suk neared the end of her life, she recollected her husband's affectionate words and expressed a desire to ascend to heaven at her true age. Upon arriving in heaven, she was pleasantly surprised to encounter her husband in his youthful thirties.

Yoshizawa Miku is an active member of the entertainment team at the local television network "P-Tele"

The show follows the narrative of Sakakibara Soichiro, a formidable president, and his secretary, Onodera Mariko, who introduces him to a unique dining experience known as "Betrayal Meal." The restaurants featured in the series are real establishments. A "Betrayal Meal" refers to a dish that surpasses expectations in taste, despite its appearance, ingredients, or setting. (TVDb)

Zhang Fan, an interior designer who has gone through a divorce and lost faith in lasting relationships; Pan Xiao Chen, an outstanding insurance agent who is feeling dissatisfied in her long-term relationship; and Luo Xiao Xiao, a popular pet blogger who has yet to experience love, are three main characters with different backgrounds and personalities facing challenging circumstances. Despite encountering betrayal, deceit, and obstacles, they overcome life's difficulties with honesty and determination, ultimately reaching a turning point in their lives and discovering improved versions of themselves. (iQiyi)

Shiratama Sayako has faced many challenges in her life. Despite her childhood dream of becoming an architect, she struggled to pass her university entrance exams. Now at 30 years old, she works in a different field. One day, she meets a young university student named Ogasawara Taku. After sharing her dream with him, he encourages her to pursue it once more. Inspired by his words, she decides to study hard and eventually gets accepted into a university. It is there that she reunites with Ogasawara Taku, who is a senior in the architecture department.

After a decade away, Minase Alice came back to her native village from Tokyo and met up with her old buddy from childhood, a high schooler named Harumi

This narrative follows the journey of young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 as they navigate through life. It explores their pursuit of dreams amidst facing harsh realities, building new relationships while letting go of old ones, and navigating the complexities of love.

Sakuraba Isumi, a university student known for his youthful appearance and small stature, has a talent for cooking. Mistaken for a minor due to his baby face, he narrowly avoids being taken to jail by police officer Amasawa Kyosuke. Isumi quickly proves his age by showing Kyosuke his ID, clearing up the misunderstanding. Their paths cross again at the convenience store where Isumi works part-time, leading to Kyosuke becoming a regular customer. Whenever Kyosuke visits the store, he seeks out Isumi's advice on what to eat for a midnight snack. Over time, they develop a friendly rapport. Concerned about Kyosuke's eating habits, Isumi offers to cook for him at his home one day.

Kureno Masora, a youthful physician, was contentedly employed at a bustling hospital in Tokyo. Upon discovering her own illness, she made the decision to persist in her medical career while concealing her condition at a clinic situated in a quaint village known as "Niji no Mura". Through this experience, Masora encounters captivating villagers and gains insight on embracing life with vigor.

The narrative centers around the tensions between inexperienced educators and the challenges faced by high school students. Jang Yi San is a shy and ineffective homeroom teacher assigned to instruct Eun Byul, the sole daughter of a notorious mob boss. Eun Byul has just enrolled at MyungMoon High and lacks the motivation to excel.

A story revolves around a grandfather and his granddaughter, whose contrasting personalities come together over a weekend, allowing them to develop a friendship and strengthen their connection.

As the cherry blossoms swirled gently in the air, Chizuru Yukimura arrived at the entrance of a prestigious academy that had previously only admitted male students. This year, Hakuou Academy welcomed its first co-educational class, with Chizuru being the sole female student among them. And so, her first year at the academy commenced.

A tale of self-discovery unfolds as a doctor and a policewoman dedicate themselves to their ambitions and discover love along the way. Huang Zi Li, facing numerous challenges, relocates from the Southwest to pursue a fresh start in the bustling metropolis. Fang Yan, a determined policewoman, strives to excel in her profession. Initially at odds, the two eventually find themselves drawn to each other amidst constant clashes. (ChineseDrama.info)

Ishizawa Hajime is the head of the sales department at a trading company. The younger staff members express discontent with issues such as working overtime and a lack of innovative practices. Ishizawa Hajime gives them a stern look, causing the young employees to scatter. A new employee, Mugita Ayumi, joins Ishizawa Hajime's sales team. She struggles to adapt to the new work environment, finding solace only when she eats her lunch alone at her desk. One day, while enjoying her solitary lunch as usual, Ishizawa Hajime unexpectedly appears before her.

Career-driven woman Takanashi Asuka has a traditional aspiration of getting married and being a homemaker. When her longtime boyfriend ends their relationship to focus on his career, she crosses paths with Nanami Ryu, a well-known news anchor at PTV. Asuka and Ryu hit it off, despite his aversion to marriage. Their conflicting desires in life make a romantic relationship seem unlikely, especially since Nanami believes marriage restricts personal freedom and serves as a mere escape for women. "I have no interest in getting married," he declared. Despite their differing views on marriage, Asuka views Nanami as an ideal partner. Thus, the 'Battle of Values' commences.

Yamaguchi Narumi is flourishing in her life as a single woman—until the unexpected and solitary death of her respected aunt, a successful career woman, profoundly unsettles her. In a state of anxiety, she plunges into matchmaking, but her efforts lead to failure. When her younger coworker Nasuda Yuya candidly remarks, "Believing that marriage offers security? That’s so old-fashioned!" Narumi undergoes a significant transformation—from konkatsu (marriage searching) to shukatsu (preparing for end-of-life). This is the unfiltered, emotional journey of a woman in her late 30s grappling with societal expectations, personal insecurities, and moments of profound appreciation—all aimed at achieving a single, vital objective: to live well in order to die well.

Lu Yuan worked tirelessly in the United States to achieve the prestigious title of a Michelin 3-star chef. While many view him as a controversial figure, he displays a completely different side when it comes to his loved ones - loyal, kind, and honest. Following a tragic car accident that claims the life of his friend Da Peng, Lu Yuan decides to return to his homeland with Da Peng's ashes, reunite his daughter with her mother, and quietly bid farewell to life. However, his plans are disrupted when he unexpectedly encounters his ex-girlfriend Gan Jing, along with their former classmate Jiang Hao Kun and his younger sister Jiang Lai.

A story unfolds as a man and woman find themselves sharing a living space due to unforeseen events, leading them to discover the true meaning of love. Kataoka Yuji, a compassionate police officer known for helping the vulnerable and promoting peace, is a widower who has been raising three children on his own since his wife passed away four years ago. Matsuda Yoko, initially with a disagreeable demeanor, undergoes personal growth through her interactions with this kind-hearted middle-aged man.

The plot centers on Usa Shijimi, a 38-year-old high school teacher specializing in classical literature. Despite facing hostility from her students, they are unaware of her secret double life. Outside of school, she assumes the persona of Watanabe Mayu, a widely adored 17-year-old idol, by lying about her age. (Tokyograph)

After leaving a large corporation, Lee Joon Ho decides to return to the school where he once studied, but this time as a teacher. His main motivation is his enduring feelings for his former teacher, Seo Hye Jin. Seo Hye Jin has been teaching Korean language for over a decade and gained fame for an event known as the Miracle of Daechi. Just as she begins to settle into her routine, her former student and troublemaker, Lee Joon Ho, reappears after she helped him get into a prestigious university ten years ago, causing upheaval.

After getting involved with the girlfriend of a mafia boss's son and finding himself in a brawl, young Yothin must seek refuge. Rather than sending him abroad, his father opts to send him to the countryside! There, he resides in Bang Pho under the supervision of the subdistrict headman, who is a close associate of his father. He is also monitored by the village headman, the subdistrict headman's grandson, who is in charge of his probation. As Yothin spends more time with Jomkhwan, his view of the village headman starts to shift gradually.

Despite recently winning a prestigious Top Actor Award, Bai Yin Mo has faced rumors of being challenging to work with. Due to a string of controversies, he is compelled to take a break in the Kinmen Islands. Li Hai Nuo, the manager of the Seaside Breeze guesthouse, was delighted when Yin Mo made a reservation, as her business was struggling during the slow season. However, Hai Nuo soon realizes that dealing with the superstar is more challenging than expected, as his lifestyle is vastly different from the locals. Despite their initial disagreements, Yin Mo starts to warm up to Hai Nuo after discovering her family background and experiencing the loving atmosphere of her grandmother.

Aihara Kotoko has now transformed into Irie Kotoko

Lee Ji An is a determined single mother who uses her confidence as her greatest asset. Whenever she encounters challenges, she confronts them with her straightforward nature and unwavering resolve. She believes that nothing comes without a cost. Employed as a construction site manager, she oversees all operations at her workplace. Her daughter, Lee Hyo Ri, is a student at a medical school and represents the pride of Lee Ji An's life; she is everything to her. However, their lives take a turn when Lee Hyo Ri starts to rebel, coinciding with the reappearance of Lee Ji An's first love, Ryu Jeong Seok. Ryu Jeong Seok, a single father, enjoys a tranquil life with his son, Ryu Bo Hyeon. The peaceful existence of Ryu Jeong Seok is disrupted when Lee Ji An and her daughter unexpectedly enter their lives. Ryu Bo Hyeon, a young man who has had clear ambitions from an early age, has been successfully running a flower farm for six years, making him quite experienced in the field. However, he begins to develop new feelings because of Lee Hyo Ri, who parks her camper in front of his home.

The setting of the play is a secluded island hosting a unique educational institution for troubled youths from urban areas. Every student grapples with various personal challenges like harassment and skipping school. Over time, the 10 students regain their confidence through the compassion shown by the community members, educators, and their guardians.