Asian dramas like
Born To Run

Qiao Haiyun has a tradition where all family members must gather at home every New Year. This rule had never been broken until Li Yijin, the honest third-generation member, decided to spend the holiday at her boyfriend's house. Qiao Haiyun, a mother of three daughters, had a strained relationship with her eldest daughter, Meng Ming Wei, who was not her biological child. The second daughter, Meng Wan Qing, and the third daughter, Meng Yian, had their own unique dynamics with their mother. Despite their differences, the women in the Meng family supported each other like a flock of birds, maintaining a sense of unity and coexistence.

Iijima Yu, a working woman, shares a home with her mother, Iijima Mitsuko. Despite being surrounded by love, Yu has not yet found romance. Meanwhile, her mother finds herself falling for Honnodera Toshihiko. Yu's path crosses with Tanaka Yohei, a new colleague at her workplace, hinting at a promising future for both of them. (DramaWiki)

Being a mother is a challenging task, especially for those who are raising their children alone. Zhou Nan Nan, a single mother, is determined to provide her son Xiao Yang with a happy life without any assistance. However, when the time comes to enroll her son in primary school after he graduates from kindergarten, she realizes that all the mothers in the kindergarten are facing their own struggles. Some successful career women are struggling to balance work and motherhood, while stay-at-home moms who focus solely on their families feel overlooked. For instance, there is a business owner who sacrifices her dreams for her child, only to face the consequences later on; and a young wealthy woman who is suddenly confronted with life's challenges. Children may be naive, but mothers are also learning as they go. No one is born knowing how to be a perfect mom. The mothers in the kindergarten are faced with the dilemma of whether to push their children to succeed at any cost or to let them grow naturally. Should they sacrifice everything for their children or maintain their own identity? Through misunderstandings, conflicts, and eventual resolution, these mothers ultimately help their children transition to primary school and experience personal growth in the process.

In the courtyard of a Beijing siheyuan, a blended family faces difficulties when Grandma becomes ill due to sorrow over her daughter's passing. In an effort to comfort her, the family tells a small untruth, which strengthens their relationship. Meanwhile, the family's traditional store, Meihua Handicrafts, has been struggling in the face of changing times, with son-in-law Jin Man Tang maintaining it through long-standing customer connections. Following his wife's death two years ago, Jin Man Tang is compelled to pretend to "marry" the nanny, Hui Lian, in order to honor Grandma's wishes. When Grandma regains consciousness, she no longer remembers her daughter's death, leading the family to uphold the falsehood.

The story revolves around five elderly women residing on the same street who are brought together by a scam. Through shared experiences of joy and sorrow, they form a deep bond while seeking new purpose in their lives. Each woman, with her own unique background and personality, navigates the challenges of aging. Mei Yi, who runs a cafe, grapples with the loss of her son. The arrival of a new waitress, Xiao Xue, brings unexpected changes to her life. Teacher Song maintains a busy schedule, occasionally causing trouble for her daughter. Liu Da Fu's efforts to improve her son's life backfire, leading to his unhappiness. Hong Jie, a local resident, worries most about her children despite having everything she needs. Ai Lin, admired for her beauty, experiences profound loneliness. Their paths cross at a 'health lecture,' and as they unite to outsmart scammers, they form lasting friendships.

During her childhood, Hiromi endured mistreatment from her mother. As she matures, she is unable to be with the man she loves and is deceived by her close friend, Chikako. Hiromi chooses to raise a girl as her own child after Chikako abandons her, but the peace is disrupted when the daughter discovers Hiromi is not her biological mother.

Ayaka Miyata is employed at a company that produces stationery and is set to marry her coworker, Yuichi Hiyama. Despite this, she is hesitant to share the news with her mother, Harumi. Ayaka and Harumi have been estranged since a major disagreement they had when Ayaka was 20 years old. Harumi has always kept the identity of Ayaka's father a secret since she was a child. One day, Yuichi urges Ayaka to inform her mother, which leads to Harumi visiting the company the following day to evaluate whether Yuichi is a suitable partner. During the meeting, Yuichi and Harumi hit it off and she agrees to attend the wedding dress fitting. Unfortunately, on the day of the fitting, Harumi is rushed to the hospital after suffering from a sudden brain hemorrhage. Despite three months passing, she remains unconscious. Meanwhile, Ayaka discovers her mother's living will from a nurse, revealing that she had been exchanging diaries with her high school classmates. Using the diary as a guide, Ayaka travels to Kaga City in Ishikawa Prefecture, her mother's hometown. The revelations in the diary, filled with both lies and harsh truths, ultimately lead Ayaka to find true happiness.

Season 3 revolves around the theme of autumn, bringing changes to the peaceful lives of Shiro, Yoshi, and Haru. Haru connects with a mysterious man named Keita online, who later becomes a guest at their pension. Keita, a handsome man who works at a record label in Tokyo, keeps his age a secret, captivating Haru with his kind nature while Yoshi remains wary. Meanwhile, Shiro finds himself drawn to Akane, an alluring woman he meets at a local sweet potato shop. As his birthday approaches, Shiro, a middle-aged man, discovers the possibility of a new romance stirring within him.

A heartfelt drama that offers a hopeful perspective on bitterness, suffering, and healing within a family set against the stunning yet remote backdrop of Kangwon Province. After her husband's business fails, Jung Jae In finds herself with no choice but to return to her rural hometown with her two daughters, moving in with her father. [KoreanDramaOrg]

Isayama Kaori and Hayami Chieko have shared a friendship for two decades, able to have open conversations about any topic. Iwamura Kazuko, recently relocated to Shonan with her husband Goro nearing retirement, found common ground with them due to their similar ages. Kaori transitioned smoothly into married life with her children, supported by her kind and loving lawyer husband, Koji. The most relaxing moments for her involved contemplating the renovation of a 70-year-old kitchen in their old house, sparking a new chapter in her life. Chieko, who manages an imported furniture store in Shonan, has led a childless but fulfilling life with her husband Junichi, until his dementia diagnosis caught her off guard. Goro, Kazuko's husband, achieved all his goals as planned, leading a content life that left Kazuko yearning for something extraordinary. This desire led her to seek excitement in the company of a young host club employee. (Tokai TV)

Hikari asks her mother, who is grieving the loss of her husband, to join her on a trip to Kyoto in order to alleviate her mother's feelings of isolation.

Chen Mai Dong, once a rebellious young person, now works as a funeral makeup artist

Mai Cheng Huan, a young woman born in Shanghai in the 1990s to a regular family, is encouraged by her mother, Liu Wan Yu, to consider marriage with her boyfriend, Xin Jia Liang. The differing financial situations between the two families strain their relationship, while Liu Wan Yu's constant meddling only adds to the tension. Balancing duty to her family and her own desires, Mai Cheng Huan faces a difficult decision. She eventually asserts her independence, focusing on her career and earning recognition from her grandmother. Assigned to manage the family's prestigious hotel business, Mai Cheng Huan gains the approval of Yao Zhi Ming, her grandmother's grandson and an experienced hotel manager. They join forces professionally, while Yao Zhi Ming finds himself drawn to Mai Cheng Huan on a personal level. As Mai Cheng Huan evolves from a dependent to a self-sufficient individual, she embarks on a remarkable journey of growth.

Arimura Kasumi takes a sudden break from her filming schedule and decides to visit her hometown after a long time. Her mother, Yumiko, greets her at the train station and they head back to their family house. While chatting casually at home, a man named Ueshima Makoto arrives unexpectedly. He respectfully pays his respects in front of Kasumi's father's memorial tablet before Yumiko asks him to help fix a bicycle. Following Yumiko's invitation, the three of them share a meal together.

The plot revolves around a family navigating complex emotions and their dedication to the world of opera. This drama is inspired by the experiences of a Beijing Opera Troupe in Hebei over the last two decades of reform and opening up. (Baidu)

The tragic death of her closest friend, Cheng Ru Ying, has a profound impact on four mothers - Fang Yuan, Jin Lu, You Xiao Zhu, and Ding Mu Mu - as they strive to uncover the circumstances surrounding her suicide. This incident disrupts the seemingly perfect life of Fang Yuan, a devoted homemaker. Meanwhile, Jin Lu, a career-driven curator, faces unexpected challenges when she becomes pregnant by her temporary boyfriend just as she is on the brink of achieving her professional aspirations. Together, the four mothers courageously navigate through obstacles in pursuit of their original dreams while also joining forces to seek justice for Cheng Ru Ying and uncover the truth behind her untimely demise. (iQiyi)

After many years of dedication, Gu Xiao Meng, a talented high school teacher, and her husband, a designer named Lv Xiang, were able to purchase their own modest home. However, their new living situation became complicated when Lv Xiang's parents arrived in Beijing under the guise of a vacation, seeking medical treatment. Adding to the chaos, Gu Xiao Meng's mother, Liu Meiqin, and her younger brother, Gu Xiao Song, also arrived from Suzhou. Gu Xiao Song had been deceived by an agent in his pursuit to leave the country, resulting in him selling his house and leaving Liu Meiqin in the care of Gu Xiao Meng. With three additional family members now living with them, Gu Xiao Meng discovered she was pregnant, leading the couple to navigate a challenging life with their new responsibilities. Despite facing numerous obstacles in both their personal and professional lives, their unwavering commitment to love and family provided them with the strength to persevere. Through hard work and determination, they continued to strive for their ideal life.

After two years of their lottery win, Sugiura Haruka, Akiyama Keiko, and Kano Yuka have successfully navigated their families' financial crises and embarked on new beginnings. Despite their minimal lottery winnings, the three friends found themselves venting about their luck. When Yuka secured a new apartment, they all pitched in to help with the move.

Scheme to educate a young woman in gardening, environmentally-conscious graduate students are dedicated to uplifting the community of indigenous youth and their ancestors by embodying their values, passion, and struggles.

In a serene coastal town in Chiayi, a well-regarded community figure named A Yu crosses paths with the wayward A Rong, who has returned after a prolonged absence. Their unexpected reunion during the lively temple festival takes a turn for the worse when A Rong, trying to evade his debtors, accidentally drops crucial camera film into the ocean. Forced to redo the lost photographs, A Rong reluctantly agrees to work alongside A Yu.

Chun Mei is experiencing a challenging period in her life, grappling with the stresses of getting older and facing the realities of her situation. Despite outward appearances of success, with her son excelling in school, her husband Wei Qiang thriving as a professor, and a potential promotion on the horizon, Chun Mei is struggling internally. Things take a turn for the worse when Wei Qiang disappears suddenly, leading Chun Mei to suspect him of being unfaithful. Upon his return, he shocks her by requesting a divorce.

The narrative follows three recent mothers who delivered their babies and underwent a month of postnatal recovery at the identical medical facility

The lives of mothers and their connections with their children have been a focal point. The four families have faced significant obstacles in their relationships between spouses, parents and children, and across generations. Enrolling their young children in just one year of preschool education has provided young parents with valuable growth opportunities. They have learned to prioritize supporting their children's development over engaging in competition, guiding them to establish a solid foundation for their future.

Shiomi Eiji works as a florist and is raising his young daughter, Shizuku, on his own. One rainy day, he kindly invites a blind woman seeking refuge under his shop's awning to come inside. As their relationship blossoms, a twist of unexpected events reveals a tangled web of deceit and hidden agendas. Each character carries their own concealed truths and burdens, adding layers of complexity to the unfolding story.

Tsukioka Natsu, aged 28, is employed at a printing company based in Tokyo. Upon learning of the passing of Nagumo Mizuki, Tsukioka Natsu reflects on their past romantic involvement during their time at university. Following Mizuki's sudden decision to end their relationship and subsequent disappearance, Tsukioka Natsu lost contact with her for a period of 7 years. Attending Mizuki's funeral, Tsukioka Natsu encounters a young girl named Umi, who is revealed to be Mizuki's daughter. It is then disclosed by Mizuki's mother that Umi is also Tsukioka Natsu's daughter.

Kanbara Kiko is a single mother who is raising her 5-year-old son on her own. In order to start a lunch box business, she relocates to her grandfather's house. Despite her efforts to enroll her son Haruto in a local nursery school, she is informed by a district office staff member that he cannot start immediately. With the pressure of opening her lunch box business the following month, Kiko faces a dilemma as she struggles to find suitable supervision for her son. During this time, Fune Naraoka, the director of a kindergarten, approaches Kiko. A month later, on Haruto's first day at the kindergarten, Kiko is overwhelmed by the sight of expensive cars and designer handbags among the other mothers. The school is known for its exclusivity. Kiko recognizes Kamiya Yuki, a former classmate from middle and high school, and attempts to engage in conversation, but Yuki dismisses her, stating that the school is not for people like Kiko. Among the other mothers, including Yano Satoko, the doctor's wife, Goto Midori, a former career woman, and Odadera Marie, the most influential mother in the school, each has their own undisclosed issues.

Taking place in the bustling financial hub of Shanghai, this television show follows the lives of three distinct families as they grapple with the emotional toll of sending their children overseas for a superior education.

The narrative revolves around the intricacies of family relationships within a contemporary martial arts clan. Mei Chao Ying, a traditional Kung Fu expert, and Ren Xiao Xuan, her daughter-in-law, are at the center of the story. Xiao Xuan, a dancer with aspirations of being in the spotlight, finds herself content with the simple joy of dancing daily. Despite facing challenges in her career, Xiao Xuan is a hopeful newlywed eager to embark on a new journey. However, her husband disappears during their honeymoon, leading her suspicious mother-in-law to believe she is involved. As they navigate through the ordeal, the mother and daughter duo realize their true adversary is Huang Shu Lang, a returning relative aiming to take over the family's heritage.

In this comedic urban drama, we follow the journey of Jiang Deshun, the head of the "Yishun Baishun" online company. Despite his extensive family and various challenges, including internal conflicts and financial burdens, Jiang strives to revive his struggling business. Through overcoming these obstacles, he realizes the importance of reconnecting with his family and addressing past issues in order to achieve true happiness.

Jiang Xiao Yu and Zhao Zuo Zuo decide to get married before graduating to stay together. However, their rushed marriage faces challenges when Zhao Zuo Zuo becomes pregnant unexpectedly. Tragically, they lose the child, causing them both immense emotional pain and leading to their eventual breakup.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.