Asian dramas like
Caseworkers Diary

Seino, a manga creator residing in Tokyo, suddenly becomes aware of numerous towns on the map that he has never encountered

Murakami Shinsuke is an expert in corporate consulting specializing in personnel restructuring. He strategically guides employees towards voluntary retirement through one-on-one interviews. The storyline revolves around workers who are compelled to reflect on the significance of their jobs in the midst of impending layoffs. -- NHK

Derived from the manga series "Office Worker Kintaro" by Motomiya Hiroshi.

Yamato Construction Company merges with Chuo Construction Company. Yajima Kintaro comes back from Africa and puts in great effort to rescue Yamato Construction Company. However, a formidable new adversary emerges.

The secondary branch of the main office "Sasima Construction" represents a medium-sized construction firm. It vividly portrays the dynamics between the main character known as "hyper OL mask" and those around her.

Tsukuda Kohei used to lead the development of a space rocket but left the Space and Astronautical Science Agency due to the rocket launch failure. He now manages Tsukuda Manufacturing, a small factory in the historic downtown area. On the other hand, Teikoku Heavy Industries unveiled plans for a homegrown rocket launch during a press event. However, the project hit a snag when Zaizen Michio, the Aerospace Division's chief, discovered that the patent for the crucial engine component technology had already been filed by Tsukuda Manufacturing. In a desperate attempt to secure the patent, Zaizen offered Tsukuda 2 billion yen. But...

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.

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

Taking place during a time of fierce competition in the hotel industry, the story portrays the downfall and struggles faced by Hotel Platon. (Wowow in Japan)

Komukai Riko embarks on the "Dream Crazy" project with her university peers Shinji and Asai. She presents her service idea to Inuzuka from the startup support program "Dog Run", but faces a setback when her proposal receives a critical evaluation. Additionally, she questions the term "mass production type" used by Nakano Kyoko, a member of Dog Run. Riko is encouraged to explore new ideas and stumbles upon a model shop while taking a different route than usual. With the encouragement of the shop owner, Yassan, she decides to try her hand at creating plastic models.

Kohei Tsukuda used to work for the Aerospace and Science Exploration Agency before taking over his father's small factory, Tsukuda Industries. Despite facing challenges in his relationship with his daughter Rina, Tsukuda Industries has seen some improvement in its operations. However, Tsukuda's focus on developing a rocket engine has led to a decline in business. The situation worsens when a major client suddenly decides to stop working with Tsukuda Industries and the company gets sued by a competitor, Nakashima Industries, for patent infringement. This results in damage to Tsukuda Industries' reputation and financial struggles with banks. In the midst of these difficulties, Teikoku Heavy Industries offers to purchase a patent held by Tsukuda Industries for 2 billion yen.

After the passing of his mentor, Ryunosuke Yamato, Kintaro decides to leave behind the corporate world in Japan. He goes back to his hometown and starts a new life as a fisherman with his wife, Masumi, and their two children. Unexpectedly, Ryunosuke's cousin, Momotaro Shimazu, pays him a visit. Momotaro asks Kintaro to return to Yamato Construction and team up with Ryunosuke's son, Ryuhei, to remove the current management. The current president, Takatsukasa, has succumbed to pressure from ex-bureaucrat Enjoji and is getting involved in shady dealings. Motivated by his sense of honor, Kintaro decides to step back into his role as a salaryman to save Yamato Construction and ensure justice is served!

In Headhunter, the narrative explores the shifting landscape of job security, moving away from the concept of lifelong employment. The film delves into the contemporary labor market, following Kurosawa (played by Eguchi Yosuke) as he navigates the world of talent scouting in the headhunting industry.

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

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

Sakuradamon uses her exceptional makeup skills to conceal her true appearance, while Megurogawa has achieved a flawless face through cosmetic enhancements. Mitsue is dedicated to her work and remains reserved, whereas Chikage is a naturally beautiful woman who excels at socializing with men at drinking gatherings. This drama features a diverse cast of characters, including an elderly woman who undergoes a transformation after being influenced by a lecherous manager and her granddaughter. The story unfolds with unpredictable twists and turns as we follow these individuals' journeys.

Yajima Kintaro arrives in Tokyo and is recruited by Yamato Construction Company after rescuing the CEO. A former motorcycle gang leader, Kintaro is known for his strong principles and direct approach, never hesitating to speak his mind to his superiors. While this may rub some people the wrong way, his integrity proves crucial when the company faces internal corruption.

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

Set in the late 1990s and early 2000s, this business drama unfolds during a time when the Japanese economy faced a downturn post the bubble burst. Traditional Japanese companies were now vulnerable to takeovers by foreign investors. Masahiko Washizu, a former Japanese bank employee turned New York-trained fund manager, returns to Tokyo with a mission to acquire Japanese businesses. Over the span of eight years, the story follows the journey of this relentless businessman, known as the "vulture," as well as the ambitions, challenges, and dreams of those involved in corporate acquisitions.

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

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

Detective Mizunuma, along with his younger sister Rie who works at a document office, and psychiatrist Kamijo who manages a psychiatric clinic, collaborate to carry out a fraudulent scheme in order to repay their individual debts of 200 million yen each. Their first target is Inokuma Real Estate, a company that has profited from Social Security Agency regulations. Upon discovering that the company owns unsold land in Atami, the trio devises a plan to create a fictitious Elderly Housing with Care business to deceive Inokuma Real Estate into selling them the land.

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

Ino Mamako works as an English instructor at Ryuzan High School, known for its challenging environment in Japan. Feeling the need for a fresh start after nearly a decade in education, Ino seeks guidance from Ebisawa Yasuo, a dynamic professional who specializes in career changes. Unexpectedly, Ebisawa offers Ino a position as a career transition consultant. Teaming up with Taguchi Ryota, her colleague, Ino assists individuals in making significant shifts in their careers and improving their lives. (Anime News Network)

In the adaptation from the manga series "Jotei Kaoruko" by Kurashina Ryo and illustrated by Wake Issaku, Kiritani portrays Saya, a young woman who becomes a Ginza hostess after graduating from high school. Saya is on a quest to find her long-lost mother, whom she has never known, while facing off against Miki, another young hostess who is also searching for her father.

Tomura Toshiko (Minami) undergoes remarkable transformations based on her desires. Moving from an actress to a designer, and then to a novelist, she seems to reinvent herself like a caterpillar shedding its skin. However, these talents are not inherently hers, but rather skillfully imitated from those around her. Is she a prodigy crafted by a higher power, or simply a masterful mimic? Described as a femme fatale, she attracts the attention of many men. The duality of her love for others and her constantly evolving self represents a human flaw that must continue to manifest in a world where good and evil are intricately intertwined. -- DramaWiki (Jdrama Weblog)

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

Kashiwagi possesses a unique gift of foreseeing the fates of couples. Despite her own struggles in love, she is able to witness the different outcomes of relationships at the cafe where she works alongside Sano and Konno, who specialize in ending relationships. As Kashiwagi observes the varied endings of these relationships, she gains insight into the true meaning of love and learns valuable lessons that contribute to her personal growth.

Due to the impact of a robust yen, the worldwide financial downturn, and the competitive challenge posed by emerging economies, the Japanese manufacturing sector finds itself in a delicate position. A major electronics manufacturer is teetering on the edge of insolvency, with only a 3-month financial buffer remaining. In a covert initiative, three employees from the company - representing sales, finance, and production departments - collaborate to establish a reconstruction team and diligently strive to rejuvenate the company.

Ryo Ichinose is employed as a sales representative at a branch of Hashiba Electronics, a medium-sized electronics manufacturer known for its extensive history. Unexpectedly, he is instructed to relocate to the main office. Despite his lack of standout qualities, the newly appointed company president, Matsumoto, recognizes Ichinose's persistence as a salesperson and assigns him to a five-person team tasked with devising strategies to enhance Hashiba Group's management. Together, Ichinose and his colleagues travel to Vietnam to explore opportunities for reducing costs. During their time in Vietnam, Ichinose uncovers a bribery scheme linked to the contract work between the main office and the subsidiary, stemming from a new business initiative known as a licensing program, which has greatly impacted Hashiba Group. Determined to bring about change and align the company with ethical practices, Ichinose is committed to realizing not only his own aspirations but also those of his fellow team members.

Tatsuya Ikegami is employed by a real estate firm and is involved in a multi-billion yen urban development endeavor in the city of Sachio. In order to acquire the required land, Tatsuya must identify the landowners. To accomplish this, he conceals his true identity and becomes a member of the Sachio volunteer fire department. Here, he encounters fellow volunteer firefighters such as Sakura Azumi and Atsushi Goda. Initially, Tatsuya, who prioritizes results, struggles to connect with them, but eventually undergoes a change. Meanwhile, the rivalry between Tatsuya and his colleagues at the real estate company, who are advocating for an alternative project site, escalates.

The head of the Corporate Social Responsibility department at Kadokura Trading, 53-year-old Miyama Asako, is enthusiastic about a new project to establish schools in villages across Asia. However, she receives unexpected news from the senior managing director that she will be reassigned to the foods business as an advisor due to the company's policy of rotating managers at a certain age. Despite not having the freedom to choose her new role, Asako is fully occupied with various responsibilities and neglects her personal appearance. Through this process, she gradually recognizes the actions she needs to take to benefit society.

The focus of the story is on a group known as the "committee," consisting of a fighter, a musician, and a business leader, who hear the tales of individuals seeking their advice. These individuals share their experiences related to their romantic relationships, particularly instances where they believed they were close to engaging in sexual activity but ultimately did not. Subsequently, the committee provides their assessment on whether the individuals would have proceeded with sex if circumstances had been altered.

In a period of economic instability in Japan, Masahiko Washizu heads a foreign investment firm and faces backlash for his aggressive investment strategies. He endeavors to acquire a struggling bank and another company during their financial downturn.

Following the closure of the company where SAKITA was previously employed, he decides to move back to his hometown in a smaller city to establish a new venture as the manager of an escort agency called "Fruits Delivery Service." This series revolves around a group of women who, due to financial struggles and difficult circumstances, find themselves working in this line of business. The show delves into the societal issues and challenges faced by these women, prompting viewers to reflect on how to address inequalities in society.

Harashima Hiromi started her career at Yotsuba Bank's main office right after finishing college. Due to her strong sense of justice and a past incident, she was transferred to a subsidiary company three years ago. Now, as part of a project highlighting successful women, Hiromi has been appointed as the head of the Corporate Sales Division at the Taito branch. Tasked with revitalizing the struggling branch, she is using her customer-centric approach to implement innovative changes with vigor and determination.

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

After being taken over by the government three years ago, Ozora Bank continues to struggle without showing any signs of improvement. Nozaki Shuhei, who had revealed the bank's illicit activities while working as an auditor, is appointed as the president in an unorthodox manner. His extensive experience in corporate restructuring with the Industrial Revitalization Corporation of Japan led to his selection for the role due to his innovative approach.

Due to certain circumstances, Koda Sumomo finds herself in a state of limbo, unable to move forward or backward. In search of solace, she visits Auberge Gilda, located just a short distance from Cape Shide, a notorious location for suicide attempts. Under the guidance of the owner, Shiraishi Yuko, Sumomo joins forces with employee Koreeda Ibuki and chef Omori Zen for a period of three months. The auberge attracts a diverse range of guests, each grappling with their own personal struggles, such as an actress embroiled in scandal and a man facing divorce upon reaching retirement age. Witnessing the transformative effect of their stay at Auberge Gilda prompts Sumomo to undergo a change of heart. However, she soon discovers a hidden secret held by Yuko.

Shindo Tatsuya has dedicated himself to his role as a game designer at Dynamic Dream, a company specializing in game development. This position has been his aspiration since his early school years. After nine years with the company, Tatsuya is promoted to a managerial role, overseeing a new game project. Despite his excitement, he faces challenges with his team members, each with their own unique quirks, causing delays in the project. As the release date approaches, Tatsuya investigates and discovers that someone is sabotaging the project. Can he and his team overcome these obstacles to successfully finish the game?

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

An illicit romance blooms between a part-time employee and the manager at the store where she works, leading her to pursue not only the manager but also his son and wife. Desperate for happiness, she becomes entangled in a certain family's dynamics. This story is adapted from the manga series "Nukarumi no Shokutaku" by Inako.

Kitami Yusaku is an actor in his middle years who leads a simple life in a small apartment. His daily routine consists of waking up, cooking breakfast, going to work for small roles, and returning home to watch TV before bed. Occasionally, his routine is disrupted by encounters with different people such as colleagues seeking advice, journalists interviewing him, old friends visiting from out of town, or former partners. These interactions often lead to shared meals and some emotional turmoil. This character is from the manga series "Tasogare Yusaku" by Abe Yaro.

Nanako is employed at an advertising firm, however, her monthly income of around 160,000 is insufficient to cover her expenses. As a result of non-payment, her utilities are disconnected, prompting her to take on a second job as a cabaret club hostess due to the promising pay. She is hired to work three hours each weeknight, but her initial shift proves to be overwhelming. Nanako, who has a reserved demeanor, struggles to connect with her high-energy colleagues, including her supervisor, Mr. Oda, as well as the club's clientele.

According to Xiaomi, a worker at the beauty salon, the movie depicts the struggles for survival faced by three women with varied ages and professions: Anna, an online influencer; Bella, and Gina, a corporate executive. The film, as narrated by the knowledgeable store manager Yilan, exposes numerous deceitful practices in workplaces, gender discrimination, and other societal norms. It utilizes urban micro-dramas to portray the challenges women encounter in the professional world.

In a narrative focusing on targeted poverty reduction efforts in Wanmixi village, a second-generation poverty alleviation official teams up with an urban journalist to help lift the villagers out of poverty despite facing numerous challenges. Wanmixi Village has limited arable land per capita and struggles with scarce resources and transportation issues, trapping its residents in poverty for generations. In 2015, Pu Quansheng, a young man fluent in the local Miao and Tujia dialects, arrives at the village and begins making gradual improvements. However, the process of implementing changes is not without its challenges, and Pu Quansheng faces resistance from village cadres who show favoritism towards their own relatives and friends. Through enforcing new policies and cracking down on laziness, Pu Quansheng aims to inspire the villagers to reclaim their dignity and embrace self-reliance under the guidance of the party. (cdramainfo) Two versions: 31 eps/45 min || 33 eps/45 min.