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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.

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

The 77th NHK Asadora, titled Chiritotechin, is set in Fukui prefecture. The story follows Wada Kiyomi, also known as Kiyomi-B, a young woman from Fukui who relocates to Osaka in pursuit of her true calling. In Osaka, Kiyomi-B discovers the art of rakugo, a traditional Japanese comedic storytelling style, and decides to pursue a career in it. In the summer of 1982, Kiyomi-B and her family move back to Obama in Fukui, her father's hometown. While her grandmother and uncle embrace the family's return, her grandfather Shotaro opposes Masanori taking over the family business of making Wakasa lacquer chopsticks. Kiyomi-B develops a love for rakugo after listening to it at Shotaro's factory, which brings her closer to her grandfather.

Mizuki is an aspiring actress who is still striving to achieve her dream. Despite facing the challenges of her ordinary life, she holds onto her passion for the spotlight. Despite her family's warnings, she manages to land a role with a film company in Tokyo. She goes through the ups and downs of starting out in the industry, but is devastated when the company shuts down. Mizuki returns home, but her determination to succeed remains strong.

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.

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)

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 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.

The Luo household, a mixed family residing on Good Fortune Lane, is made up of a widowed father raising twins, a divorced mother with a daughter, and their young daughter from their union

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.

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

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.

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

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

A courageous woman who confidently navigates the challenges of the Heisei and Reiwa periods. Embracing a positive outlook on life, she lives authentically and fully, unbothered by the opinions of others. Identified as a 'gal', she discovered the joy of aiding others through a particular event. Her aspiration is to pursue a career as a 'nutritionist', believing in the transformative power of food. Initially motivated by her close-knit family, she later extends her passion to benefit those she encounters, including children and patients. Her ambition leads her to spread happiness nationwide, embodying her 'gal spirit' by cherishing her uniqueness and relishing life amidst the turbulent times. Despite occasional concerns, she approaches the world with brightness, happiness, and strength, determined to overcome any challenges.

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.

A community resides close to park number 8, each person with their own unique narrative. The tale follows five individuals navigating life in their fifties. (ChineseDrama.info)

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.

The narrative takes place in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture during the time period of the Second World War. At the start of the story in 1928, the protagonist, Sakurako, is a lively seven-year-old girl with a passion for becoming a jazz pianist, with music playing a significant role throughout the storyline.

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.

The patriarch of the Su family has passed away, leaving the youngest daughter Su Su grieving deeply. The Su family's relatives expressed sympathy for the young girl who had lost her father so early in life. However, one individual stood out for their unusual lack of emotion - the widow of the deceased and Su Su's stepmother. Could there be a hidden motive behind this apparent indifference, or is there more to this story than meets the eye?

Song Jiao Yang, a talented student in the field of fashion design, unexpectedly finds herself thrust into the world of supermodeling. As she navigates this new industry, she forms connections with Li Zhen (played by Godfrey Gao) and Zhao Yu Tian (portrayed by Jed Lee). Zhao Yu Tian, an established model, takes a tough-love approach with Jiao Yang but harbors hidden feelings for her. On the other hand, Li Zhen is kind and supportive towards Jiao Yang, though he conceals his past and origins. Feeling rejected by his family, Li Zhen's demeanor changes, leading him down a path of vengeance where he will go to great lengths, including manipulating his relationship with Song Jiao Yang.

Fukumaru Daikichi, the proprietor of Fukumaru Inn, confronts guests with personal issues and disruptive behavior at his establishment. Despite facing criticism for his actions, he continues to intervene in the lives of his guests. Each episode of the new series is designed to blend comedy with emotional moments, offering viewers a touching and humorous viewing experience. (TBS)

After her father's unexpected passing, a woman decides to quit her job at a hotel and transform her father's warehouse into an inn

Born into a privileged family, Zhang Zheng, a successful entrepreneur and young CEO, encountered challenges when he decided to pursue a career in music. Despite eventually taking over his family's business, he also established an artist management firm to help nurture aspiring talents. While his company flourished, he found himself in a fierce rivalry with competitor Li Zhen Feng. Along the way, Zhang crossed paths with Yan Xiao Bei, a talented young woman working in one of his companies. Despite their blossoming romance, Zhang's business struggles posed obstacles to their relationship.

As the successor of the influential Jin Hai Group, Zhao Jia Di decides to forge his own path instead of following his father's strict guidance. He chooses to forego a prestigious university offer in favor of attending a less recognized college. With a strong determination to show his capabilities, he takes a risky gamble to establish his own corporate domain. However, his achievements draw the ire of competitor Chen Hong Xiong, sparking a intense rivalry in the business realm.

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.

According to legend, a bride who wears a gown created by the renowned designer Madam Mari on her wedding day will discover genuine happiness. Reiko, a young advertising professional who is engaged to marry a colleague, decides to have her wedding dress made by Madam Mari after hearing about the legend. However, her initial meeting with the dressmaker doesn't go as planned, leading to unexpected changes in her life. Soon, Reiko finds herself working as an assistant to Madam Mari, who designs unique dresses for clients seeking happiness in their love lives. The series showcases different clients coming to Madam Mari with romantic challenges and receiving one-of-a-kind dresses that help them find true love. The story revolves around the pragmatic and sometimes skeptical Mari and the optimistic Reiko, who believes in love and dreams of marital bliss. This tale is not just for women in search of happiness, but for anyone facing difficulties in life. The show also highlights the diverse wedding dresses created by the legendary dressmaker, ranging from simple and elegant to extravagant. (YTV)

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.

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

Tsukuda Kohei, a former scientist at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, now manages his late father's factory. He is involved in the Stardust project for developing domestic rockets, which is led by a major Japanese company. One day, Kohei learns that the company's CEO will be replaced and the Stardust project will be terminated. Naohiro, an employee at Kohei's factory, cares for his sick father and tends to his farm every weekend. When Kohei and Mitsuhiko visit Naohiro, Kohei is inspired by seeing him drive a tractor, sparking a new aspiration within him.

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

Gong Ji Hoon, the Chief Executive Officer of a startup specializing in AI art collections, is set to take part in the final event for the company called "Constar IR Day." Meanwhile, Kim Jae Hee, the youngest director at Constar, forms both professional and personal connections with Gong Ji Hoon. As time goes on, their professional collaboration evolves into a romantic relationship.

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.

Fang Le and Yuan Yuan's relationship is facing challenges due to their lack of children. Fang Le is eager to expand their family, while Yuan Yuan is prioritizing her career over starting a family.

Sakura follows the journey of Matsushita Sakura, a fourth-generation Japanese American woman from Hawaii, who relocates to a quaint town in Gifu, Japan to work as a language teacher for middle school students

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 tale follows a family of five as they come to understand the true essence of family amidst a string of disputes. When Father Zheng unexpectedly falls ill and later wakes from a coma, he takes the opportunity to reflect on his actions and mend old wounds. In doing so, he aids his four children - a dedicated surgeon, a manager of a housekeeping company, an owner of an auto repair shop, and a spoiled youngest daughter - in discovering themselves, appreciating life, and embracing their true selves.

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.

Ding Ren Jian, a man who is married and has a child, experiences a sudden job loss. He then begins working for Zhai Zhi Wei, a young IT prodigy. Zhai Zhi Wei becomes interested in An Qing Huan, an older woman employed at his father's restaurant chain. Initially meeting with conflict, Ding Ren Jian and An Qing Huan quickly form a close friendship. As Ding Ren Jian faces the loss of his wife and his life falls apart, An Qing Huan offers support, strengthening their bond.

The story revolves around Cheung Yee Fai, a cautious and observant salesman, who is tasked with supervising Ng Sin Yu, his confident secretary. Unbeknownst to him, Sin Yu is actually the daughter of the company's owner. As they spend more time together, their relationship evolves into a doomed romance between a man of modest means and a wealthy woman. Meanwhile, Dr. Geung Sum Yu, a dedicated professional, rediscovers her compassion and emotions as she falls in love with Yee Fai.

The series follows the story of Dai Siu Leung, played by Bobby Au Yeung, and the residents of Apliu Street in Hong Kong, known for their collection of valuable secondhand items referred to as "Hidden Treasures." Leung is a seller of electronic goods and also serves as the leader of the community. However, his leadership is challenged when a rival convinces the townspeople to elect him instead by spreading negative rumors about Leung. As a result, Leung faces financial difficulties and struggles to manage his electronics store, especially with his competitor opening a similar store right next to his.

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.

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...