Asian dramas like
Beppin San

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 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.

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.

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.

Cheng Yue Liang, a man with autism, is saved by his stepmother in a crucial accident after his father dies during the war with Japan in the 1940s. The narrative explores their tumultuous lives and close familial bond. The drama features acclaimed screenwriter Cheung Wah Biu, known for works like 'Moonlight Resonance', 'Rosy Business', 'No Regrets', and the 80s trilogy 'The Legend of the Condor Heroes'.

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.

Nireno Suzume was born in 1971 in Gifu Prefecture to parents who operated a small eatery in a rural town

Yatabe Mineko, a 17-year-old girl, was raised in a family of seven in a mountain village located in northeastern Ibaraki Prefecture. Her father, Minoru, left for Tokyo to seek employment and earn extra income, but failed to return for the New Year. Determined to find him, Mineko convinces her family to allow her to go to Tokyo and promises to send money back home. In the autumn of 1964, Mineko, along with her childhood friends Tokiko and Mitsuo, secures jobs at a small factory in a working-class neighborhood of Tokyo. Despite facing challenges and moments of disappointment in her search for her father, Mineko starts to build a life in Tokyo through various encounters with locals, friends, and colleagues. The question remains: will she succeed in reuniting with her father?

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.

The 62nd NHK Asadora Drama titled Watashi no Aozora is set in Oma-cho, Aomori and Chuo-ku, Tokyo. The series follows the journey of Kitayama Nazuna, a young mother, and her son Taiyo from Ohma, a small town in Aomori. Taiyo's father, Murai Kento, had dreams of becoming a professional boxer but had to give up due to a detached retina. Unaware of Nazuna's pregnancy, Kento left for America with another woman for eye treatment. After a successful operation, he returned to boxing but faced challenges in achieving success. Meanwhile, Nazuna gave birth to Taiyo and moved to Tokyo in search of Kento. Their paths cross by chance, leading Kento to try to reconnect with his newfound family. The series delves into their journey as they navigate the complexities of forming a family together.

In 1929, Japan saw the establishment of its inaugural law school specifically for women. Among the students was Inotsume Tomoko, who went against societal norms. By 1938, the first female lawyers, such as Torako, began to emerge, earning admiration nationwide. However, with the outbreak of war, opportunities for their legal expertise decreased. Fast forward seven years, Torako, who had lost everything during the war, utilized her legal knowledge to survive. With a goal of becoming a judge, she dedicated herself to creating a family court to aid children orphaned by the war and women facing difficulties, aiming to assist those facing challenges beyond politics and finance.

Taking place in the war-torn neighborhood of Kamata, Tokyo in 1945, the narrative revolves around Shimomura Umeko, the youngest of three siblings. Her father works as a doctor at a university hospital. Despite her siblings' notable achievements, Umeko struggles with self-assurance. A particular event inspires her to pursue a career as a community doctor, yet she encounters numerous setbacks along the way.

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.

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?

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.

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.

Taking place in 1947, the story revolves around a trio consisting of a shop owner, his spouse, and a young lady on a mission to heal her father. Yan Zheng Sheng manages a pickle shop in Beijing and assumes the responsibility of caring for his uncle after his brother and nephew tragically pass away. To fulfill his duties as a son and ensure the family legacy, Yan Zheng Sheng marries Mu Chun Hua as his second wife while already being wed to Lin Cui Qing. Their relationship blossoms over time, but in 1950, they are compelled to divorce due to the implementation of the New Marriage Law. Despite this, Yan Zheng Sheng, Mu Chun Hua, and Lin Cui Qing navigate the following decades as a united family. This narrative sheds light on the lives of everyday individuals residing in Sesame Alley.

Yamanaka Konoha, an 18-year-old girl from the rural Kumano area of Wakayama prefecture, comes from a family that relies on forestry for their livelihood. Konoha's mother, Senri, is a teacher of traditional farming methods and local history to tourists, while her father, Ichiro, dreams of opening a restaurant in Osaka. Konoha was raised in the forested hills by her grandfather, Sadamichi, who taught her ranger skills and meditation techniques. With a natural talent for tasting food, Konoha decides to pursue a career as a chef after her grandmother's passing. She joins her father in leaving Kumano for Osaka, where she plans to learn the art of cooking while Ichiro works towards opening his own restaurant.

Former college friends, now grown adults with varying paths in life, find themselves at a crossroads when their friendship is put to the test. Du Jian Feng, born into a humble family, excels in mathematics and is known for his reserved nature and strong principles. Zhao Hai Peng, on the other hand, is a wealthy and charming business elite with a romantic side. Lastly, High, a dreamer with a realistic outlook, is a self-centered egoist and the owner of a trading company.

The sitcom portrays the weddings of the three daughters from the Takanabe family involved in tea cultivation, the challenges of passing down the family's tea business through generations, and the conflicts that arise between the couples. It captures the human drama within the family, showcasing moments of both joy and sorrow.

Shu, Kotomi, and Keiko are former classmates from junior high school who are now navigating different challenges in their lives. Shu is a senior at a university with a low ranking, Kotomi is trying to make it as a model, and Keiko works a desk job at a small company. Despite their efforts, they are all unsatisfied with their current situations and are searching for something better. Facing the common struggles and uncertainties of today's youth, the three friends lean on each other for support as they try to discover the meaning they are seeking in their lives.

The Ideal Journey for a Pair revisits the ordinary challenges faced by a married couple as they work to raise children and manage a small tea farm. It vividly portrays the various difficulties that arise between spouses, parents and kids, siblings, and community members. The storyline continues two years after three daughters left one after the other to get married. They have now come back home with a range of marital problems to address.

Kang Jae was raised by a father who was both unemployed and involved in gang activities. When he unexpectedly encounters Lee Dae Hae and his son Sun Mo, he finds himself more drawn to Dae Hae than to his own parent. Through his interactions with Dae Hae and Sun Mo, Kang Jae discovers the fundamentals of magic and the true essence of paternal affection. Conversely, Sun Mo experiences a complicated relationship with his father, who prioritizes magic above all else. Additionally, Sun Mo faces heartbreak when Dan Young, who develops feelings for Kang Jae, enters the picture. Prior to this, Dan Young had been living with Sun Mo, under the false impression that he was her long-lost sibling before her adoption. Meanwhile, Yeon Jin, Dan Young's stepsister, quickly falls for Kang Jae, prompting him to consider marrying her—not out of love, but to advance his own ambitions, ultimately leading him to reject Dan Young.

The story of Wang Li Fa, who runs a teahouse in Beijing during the 20th century, and the various customers who frequent the establishment.

Based on Ba Jin's novel "Cold Nights," ( ) was the inspiration for this adaptation.

In 1930s Yuncheng, estranged half-sisters Song Jia Yu and Huo Ran, connected by their differing backgrounds and familial intrigues, transition from adversaries to partners. Utilizing their business savvy and underworld strategies, they work together to expose their father's deceit, restore their mother's heritage, and convert the oppressive Huo estate into a haven for women’s education and healthcare, ultimately carving out their own future as a new era begins.

Zhu Kai Shan's family migrated to Baishan Heishui from Shandong due to the impacts of war and famine. They engaged in various activities such as gold panning, logging, and ginseng collection, while also facing challenges from bandits, officials, and feudal systems. Despite numerous close calls with death, they eventually acquired their own farmland. However, they were considered outsiders by local tycoons who made their lives difficult. Through several conflicts, the Zhu family shared their advanced farming techniques from Shandong with the locals, forming strong bonds with them. Seeking further opportunities, Zhu Kai Shan led his family back to the city, determined not to fall prey to any threats.

Set against the backdrop of the Republic of China, the narrative unfolds the tale of two children, Xiao Jun and Xiao Jie, who were raised in Taiwan. Orphaned at a young age, they embarked on a journey across the sea to locate Xia Men. Despite facing numerous challenges, Father Zheng Shi Xian, the siblings were eventually reunited with their father and assimilated into their new family dynamic.

The narrative follows the daily lives of three households residing in a small courtyard residence in Beijing: the carpenter Wang Man Tang, the widow Liu Cui Lan, and Doctor Zhou

The narrative revolves around a lovely yet impoverished woman named Pearls and the wealthy Ge family's affectionate son, Renjie, who are unable to be together. Due to a mix-up, Pearls ends up marrying her beloved "foolish" young master, Lu Tianzhi. Caught in a love triangle, Pearls and Renjie struggle between feelings and obligations. In the end, Lu Tianzhi chooses to protect Pearls' heart, showing his true emotions.

Pu Tao is a resilient young woman who learned to be self-reliant from a young age. Her father abandoned the family, and her mother left her at a boarding school to care for her autistic brother. After 17 years of no communication, her mother reappears, leaving Pu Tao to care for two autistic children and dealing with her father's sudden return. She must navigate the challenges of her parents' betrayal while also managing her own family issues.

A tale of the Zhou family from Wenzhou, China, depicts their rise from destitution to prosperity following a series of challenges and triumphs.

A biographical series depicting the life of the renowned poet and statesman Su Dongpo, also known as Su Shi. The show will follow Su Shi's journey over six decades, starting from his early days traveling to the capital of the Song Dynasty to participate in the civil service exam alongside his younger brother, up until his passing.

This narrative recounts the tragic events of the Tangshan earthquake in 1976, where a mother and her daughter were torn apart only to be reunited 32 years later. Throughout the years, they navigate life's ups and downs, carrying with them the pain, regret, and resentment from that fateful moment of separation. This story is based on the Zhang Ling novel that served as the inspiration for Feng Xiao Gang's successful film in 2010.

The plot revolves around a sinister scheme to wipe out Xiangdu during the Anti-Japanese War. The Wang and Mei families set aside their longstanding feud to unite against the common threat and protect Xiangdu.

The tale of Charles Song, a key figure in the establishment of the inaugural Chinese Republic

The narrative revolves around retired soldiers finding new employment opportunities. Specifically, it follows a former member of the cooking squad who reunites with fellow veterans to establish and manage an inn, embarking on a fresh journey in his life.

The drama portrays the journey of entrepreneurs Xiang Cheng Hui, Lin Yi Shan, Yang Bu Zhen, and their successors as they navigate the challenges of reform and opening up in the era of the "new normal." They engage in a conflict over the location of a new base but eventually reach a peaceful resolution. Zhang Lu, a Tsinghua University student, visits Wenzhou and learns about Xiang Cheng Hui and Lin Yi Shan's advancements in the new energy industry. She ends up marrying Lin Yi Shan. Yang Bu Zhen's fashion city project garners attention online, despite facing a cold war with his celebrity wife. Xiang Cheng Hui's son, along with Pan Xiao Yong and Ireland, establish the e-commerce platform "Pin Shanggu." Meanwhile, Yang Tian Zhen and Lin Dan Feng found the "Red Wine Castle" and encounter numerous challenges. Their internet philanthropy initiatives attract a wide audience, while their personal lives are filled with drama. The three entrepreneurs venture into private banking, creating ripples in the industry. Their descendants, including Xiang Xiang, benefit from the government's strong backing of the internet sector, propelling the new generation of Wenzhou residents to the forefront of the modern era.

The heir of a struggling hotel owner endeavors to rejuvenate his family's legacy by renovating a derelict theater. Zhu Yi Qun and his loyal servant Shen Mo Ren seek refuge in Fengtian City, where they cross paths with Ma Hu Lu, Yang Si Rui, Gu De Bai, Da Xi, Liu San Yuan, and others, leading to a series of comical mishaps as Zhu Yi Qun embarks on his hotel industry venture. Just as things are looking up for the hotel's occupants, a major conspiracy begins to unravel.

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.

Crafted in honor of the 10th commemoration of Hong Kong's handover to China, this series delves into the intertwined past of these regions. The storyline will center on the expansion of China's automotive sector, a prominent car production corporation, and the family at its helm.

The evolving connection between China and Hong Kong over the last three decades is explored through the reunion of two sisters and the conflicts that arise between them. Despite their disagreements, the undeniable bond of blood ties them together. As China's influence grows stronger, the narrative raises questions about the identity of Hong Kongers and their place in society. Will individuals choose to remain loyal to Hong Kong in future lifetimes? Can monetary solutions resolve the current social tensions? In the face of increasing integration between China and Hong Kong, what fundamental values can the people of Hong Kong uphold?

The NHK Asadora Renzoku Drama titled Churasan tells the story of Kohagura Eri, a young woman born on Kohamajima Island in Okinawa on May 15, 1972, the day Okinawa was returned to Japan from the U.S. When Kamimura Shizuko and her two sons, Kazuya and Fumiya, visit Eri's family's small inn, they are warmly welcomed by her fun-loving yet quirky family. Eri is surprised to learn that Kazuya is terminally ill, prompting Shizuko and her sons to spend their final days together in the beautiful Okinawan nature. After Kazuya's passing, Fumiya and Eri make a promise to marry in the future. Eventually, Fumiya and his mother leave the island to return to Tokyo. Years later, Eri works as a nurse and Fumiya as a doctor at the same hospital in Tokyo, where they are reunited.

When Haruka was nine years old, she moved from Osaka to Yufuin with her father, Yosuke, and younger sister, Asuka. Yosuke wanted to start a restaurant in the town. Haruka's mother, Yuko, stayed in Osaka, leading to her parents getting a divorce shortly after. Yosuke opened a restaurant but had to close it down not long after. Fast forward ten years, Haruka is working part-time while attending junior college to support her family. Yuko, concerned about Haruka, invites her to Osaka and offers her a job. Despite not forgiving her mother, Haruka decides to work in Osaka to help Yosuke reopen the restaurant. Haruka's experiences in Osaka help her to better understand her mother and she excels as a tour planner, utilizing her knack for pleasing people.

In a run-down shopping district, Shinoda Mariko stars as the owner of a clothing store with a unique talent for instantly knowing a customer's clothing size. The narrative will revolve around her interactions with various patrons. (Credit: JapanBullet)

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.