Asian dramas like
Father Dean

After dedicating many years to his career as a civil engineer, Toyohara Kotaro (60) has decided to retire. In appreciation of his wife Yoko's support throughout his career, he buys a ring as a gift to surprise her during dinner. However, before he can present it to her, she unexpectedly requests a divorce. This dramatic story delves into the complexities of married life through the eyes of both husband and wife, highlighting the increasing trend of divorces among older couples.

The narrative centers around three sisters portrayed by Yoshitaka. The eldest sister is a solemn individual dealing with relationship issues, the middle sister is a charismatic hostess, and the youngest sister is a well-known actress. Each sister has her own unique challenges and lives a distinct lifestyle.

Takeuchi Miharu, a skilled attorney working at a law firm in Nagoya, is handed a divorce case involving a client company by Mizuno Toyohiko, the firm's leader. The company's president, Gohara Naoki (Yoshizawa Hisashi), seeks to divorce his wife Nobue (Kone Hana), who left their young son and moved out. Despite facing her own past divorce struggles, Miharu decides to take on the challenging case. As she delves deeper into the situation, Miharu's approach to the case aligns more with Nobue's emotions, leading to the termination of the firm's advisory contract. Mizuno, who holds a soft spot for Miharu, tries to convince her not to leave but she takes responsibility and resigns. Feeling disheartened, Miharu seeks solace in a drink at Ankake Spaghetti, a restaurant beneath her home, where she confides in the owner, Mitsuya Tetsu. Nobue later turns up at the restaurant with her distressed twin sisters, seeking Miharu's help in navigating their parents' impending divorce. Touched by their plight, Miharu goes above and beyond to assist the twins in reuniting their broken family. Witnessing Miharu's dedication, Tetsu and Nobue propose the idea of starting a divorce counseling center, which ultimately leads to the establishment of the Takeuchi Harumi Divorce Counseling Centre. On the day of the center's opening, a young lady stares at the signboard with a mix of emotions - it is revealed to be Miharu's long-lost daughter, Kanae, now a grown adult.

Comprised of 4 episodes adapted from a collection of short stories. Episode 1 follows Minako (Mizukawa) as she becomes concerned about her husband's (Koizumi) mental well-being after he excitedly recounts seeing a UFO in the park. In Episode 2, Megumi (Mizukawa) worries about her husband's (Otani) job when she witnesses him being taunted by his coworkers at a company baseball game. Episode 3 revolves around Sayo (Mizukawa), a career woman, who struggles with declining her father-in-law's request to move in with her and her husband (Katsuji) during her first visit to their home since their marriage. Lastly, in Episode 4, Masami (Mizukawa) attempts to please her husband (Koike) by sending him frequent emails and preparing his favorite meals, only to discover that he may prefer his single lifestyle. Based on short stories by Okuda Hideo.

In her later years, Auntie Hung Mang, who had endured poverty for much of her life, now creates paintings that depict her past struggles and the joy she finds in her grandchildren. She often advises her elders to prioritize environmental protection in the mornings and indulge in painting in the afternoons to avoid confusion in old age.

Young and Tung, two high school girls, have a strong friendship despite their contrasting personalities and diverse upbringings. They face challenges such as typical teenage issues, unreciprocated affection, family conflicts, and the chaos of high school life. In addition to the usual struggles of adolescence, they must also navigate the complexities of being second-generation immigrants in a cultural landscape.

Jian Zhong harbors bitterness towards education as he navigates challenges following his family's factory closure and his father's disappearance, which resulted in significant debts. Raised by his hardworking mother, he returns from military duty only to face her passing. At 41 years old, he attends her bone collecting ceremony and finds himself transported back to the pivotal year of 1989, which altered the course of his family's life.

Wang Xiao Feng's tranquil existence was disrupted by a sudden and extraordinary journey. This experience lifted him out of his mundane routine and introduced him to a mysterious power that allowed him to traverse different dimensions. The unconventional and innovative "Lele Primary School" captivated Wang Xiao Feng, sparking a newfound sense of joy and wonder within him. As he encountered the eccentric inventions of Dr. Wu Zhi and the unconventional approach of the school's staff, Wang Xiao Feng felt compelled to bridge the gap between his old life and this new, fantastical world. His father, usually preoccupied with work in the "Kuai Kuai World," transformed into a devoted stay-at-home dad in "La La World." Similarly, seemingly ordinary individuals in "La La World" revealed unexpected talents and quirks, such as Ada, who traded her efficient demeanor for a fascination with ants. The once stern principal emerged as a whimsical and optimistic figure in this alternate reality. Amidst these transformations, Wang Xiao Feng's encounter with the enigmatic Xu Wen Wen in Lele World sparked his curiosity and thirst for adventure. This drastic shift from his previous unremarkable existence propelled Wang Xiao Feng into an extraordinary and enchanting journey.

In the spring of 1992, the Makioka family, a prominent family from Osaka Senba, hands over control of their company, bringing an end to a legacy that began almost 300 years ago in the Genroku period. Following this change, the four sisters who had lived a life of luxury must now navigate new paths. The eldest sister, Tsuruko, strives to maintain her pride by cherishing memories of the family's former glory, but faces the harsh realities of the present. Sachiko, the second sister, finds contentment in her kind husband, yet struggles with the unpredictable behaviors of her younger siblings. Yukiko, the third sister, is pressured to find a suitable marriage partner despite her tendency to focus on people's flaws during matchmaking sessions. Taeko, the youngest sister, rebels against the family's rules and embraces her free-spirited nature, engaging in numerous romantic relationships. One fateful night, Taeko is caught in a typhoon that strikes the Kansai region, setting in motion a series of events that will shape the destinies of the four sisters. This narrative is based on Tanizaki Junichiro's novel "Sasameyuki."

The television series aims to explore the themes of primary care and family doctors by presenting interactive stories. These include: an elderly individual at risk of falling due to social and health issues, a woman experiencing psycho-somatic symptoms and doctor shopping, a taxi driver with uncontrolled diabetes and his friend battling colorectal cancer, a teenager struggling with internet addiction, and a young woman dealing with side effects from cosmetic procedures.

Yuko, Mayumi, and Sakiko have each been married for a while and are content with their lives. They confide in each other about their challenges, aspirations, and desires during their gatherings at Mayumi's beauty salon. This narrative sheds light on the experiences of modern women, specifically housewives.

Yakushimaru Hiroko portrays Nanami, a 35-year-old woman who is navigating her desires and needs, such as finding a job, improving her relationship with her mother-in-law, and securing good schools for her children. She resides in a Tokyo suburb with her husband Wataru and their three young kids. When Wataru's father proposes that they move in with him and his wife to save money, Nanami reluctantly agrees, hoping that her mother-in-law can help care for the children while she seeks employment. Unbeknownst to her, this decision will bring about a host of unexpected challenges.

A fresh melodramatic story unfolds, focusing on a man yearning for children, yet unable to conceive with his spouse, and a single woman desiring to become a mother. The narrative also delves into the significance of children to both genders. (DramaWiki)

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 series takes place in a rice store located in Kamakura, Kanagawa. It follows the story of Kasugai Ryuhei, a stubborn yet kind-hearted elderly man who manages the traditional rice shop, along with his cheerful daughter-in-law Tae and his eldest son Shinpei. When Shinpei discovers his father's illness, he decides to join the family business to support his father, who has been worn down by his own stubbornness for years. The show highlights how the family comes together in the face of Kasugai's diagnosis.

Miyuki, a 34-year-old Japanese homemaker, lives with her husband who works as a salaryman and their son. Despite feeling like her dream has come true, she secretly grapples with the realization that her life depends entirely on her husband. On the other hand, her childhood friend Sumiko, a single woman who was recently promoted to a managerial position at a large company, enjoys a high salary and independence but struggles with loneliness. Meanwhile, Yu, who is approaching thirty, still lives with her father and relies on him for support. Feeling lost and unsure of her aspirations, Yu is uncertain about her future. When Miyuki encounters an elderly woman she is caring for as part of her part-time job, the woman unexpectedly leaves her a beach house upon her passing. It turns out that the elderly woman was Yu's grandmother. Initially unsure of what to do with the property, Miyuki ultimately decides, with encouragement from Sumiko whom she reconnects with after two decades, to turn it into a business venture. As Sumiko and Yu also become involved as partners, tensions arise as each of them has conflicting ideas for the beach house.

Hikari is responsible for looking after her ailing mother and two younger siblings. They receive the news that their father, who had been missing, has passed away and left them with a significant debt of 10 million yen. The family, already struggling financially, is left with no money or food. In order to repay the debt, Hikari secures a job as a cleaner at UBS TV company. Meanwhile, Masako Nagai, a drama producer at UBS TV, faces challenges at work due to sexist colleagues. After a chance encounter at UBS, Masako recognizes Hikari's creative talents and hires her as an assistant producer, despite facing opposition from her coworkers. Hikari is motivated by the opportunity to provide for her family and pay off her father's debt, while Masako aims to earn respect at UBS by excelling in her role as a drama producer.

Kagura Akane is the single child of a family that operates a teppanyaki restaurant in the heart of Tokyo. Akane has always admired her father Tetsuma, known as the top teppanyaki chef in Japan. Growing up in this environment, she naturally developed her own teppanyaki skills. However, after her mother passed away, her father lost his motivation and disappeared. Akane has since taken on the responsibility of running and safeguarding the restaurant on her own. Unexpectedly, she is confronted by Erena, the daughter of a wealthy food company owner, who demands that Akane vacate the premises immediately due to her father's debts. Despite feeling disheartened, Akane decides to shut down the restaurant. But when her father's friend, Kurogane, presents her with "Ittetsu", a special grilling plate treasured by Akane's father, her passion for teppanyaki is reignited. Determined to save the restaurant, she sets off on a journey with Shinta to locate her missing father, only to find herself entangled in culinary competitions wherever she goes.

Tachibana Makoto, the manager of a rice ball cafe, crossed paths with Sanshiro, a secretary at a document destruction company. After just six months, they made the decision to tie the knot. However, tensions arose when Makoto met Sanshiro's family, leading to clashes between her, a dedicated career woman and wife, and her mother-in-law, a traditional homemaker. Their differences in values and pride sparked a conflict between the two women.

Taking place five years after the events of "Saito San," Masako Saitou is now a mother to a fourth-grade son. She relocates to a different town where she encounters new individuals. Masako Saitou encounters various challenges at her son's elementary school, navigating interactions with other parents and teachers.

The Isawas are a typical Japanese family living in Tokyo. Yasuhiko and Yukari are a married couple who run a restaurant called Isawaya in the historic downtown area. Despite their differences, they are a content pair. However, the arrival of Takagi Rui, the girlfriend of their eldest son Haruhiko, and Yukari's long-lost mother Mimatsu Hanae, who has been estranged since divorcing her husband, bring to light a hidden secret within this multi-generational family, putting their family bonds to the test.

After Nagashima Daigo and Aya's three sons got married and moved out, Aya decided to renovate the kitchen and living room to open up Cafe Restaurant Aya. The restaurant has been successful, with Daigo also pitching in whenever he can. As former employees Uchida Yoko, Otake Noboru, and Nakatsu Eri moved on, Aya welcomed Nakano Kyoko, a unemployed graduate with an attitude, and Togawa Tatsu, a customer in need. Despite their challenges, Tatsu proves to be a skilled cook and great with customers, much to Aya's relief. Things take a turn when Noboru shows up with his dropout junior, Okumura Ryo, who is struggling to find his way. Ryo's unconventional appearance and behavior at the restaurant come as a shock to Aya and the rest of the staff. The Nagashima family is once again facing challenges with their new employees.

Located in Kamakura, in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, the story revolves around five siblings, with the eldest being Asa, each dealing with their own challenges. Upon returning to Japan from Italy, their 60-year-old mother Fuko brings her bright and grandiose personality back into their lives. Despite facing disagreements with Fuko, the mother ultimately guides her five children towards a fresh start.

Umeda Mina, a talented pianist, comes from a family with a renowned conductor as her father. Her goal is to win a prestigious international piano competition, despite facing numerous obstacles along the way. At 35 years old, this competition marks her final opportunity to achieve her dream. Mina has been married to her husband, Shinji, for a decade, yet they have been unable to have children. One day, a neglected boy with a stoic demeanor intrudes into their yard. After discovering the boy's abusive past, he is placed in a care facility. However, he reappears in their garden a few days later. Feeling a sense of destiny, Shinji begins researching child adoption in secret, believing the boy's return to be fateful.

The play explores the conflicts and significance within a family as experienced from a child's perspective.

A theatrical piece that delves into the essence of family, examining the unwavering commitment and enduring affection parents hold for their children, who remain perpetually unsatisfied yet continually yearning for additional fulfillment.

The play illustrates the experiences of individuals caring for an abandoned infant collectively in a countryside community located in Paju.

A car accident on their 20th wedding anniversary alters the course of their lives. A mysterious key raises questions about which door it opens. A mischievous boy brings unexpected challenges. The protagonist's best friend offers help, but her involvement may complicate matters. Navigating between the realms of the living and the deceased, the protagonist helps lost souls with their love dilemmas. With only 49 days to meet a deadline, will love prevail in the end? (pavilion.taicca.tw)

Individuals who have chosen an entirely unique route for forming connections and relationships often develop bonds that can be more profound than those found within family. Two distinct individuals start to share their journeys together as they navigate the final stages of life. (HanCinema)

A three-part drama commemorating the launch of the general service channel, Chosun TV.

This two-part drama highlights the issue of gender inequality in Korea. Can We Love Again portrays Kang Young Sook, a middle-class housewife who feels stifled and overlooked by her self-centered husband and children, despite her unwavering dedication to their care for two decades. Eventually, Young Sook resolves that she can no longer endure this neglect, and she is determined to break free, allowing them to manage on their own while she seeks independence.

Mei Lian and her spouse Jian He share a deep bond, but three years ago, Jian He fell into a vegetative state following an accident. To manage the significant medical costs associated with their son’s ongoing care, the Xu family has been dependent on various government assistance programs for their survival. One day, they were preparing to undergo an evaluation for a new subsidy when, tragically, their son Jian He passed away! In their desperation to secure the financial aid, Jian He’s parents, Ying Gui and Fu Qiang, pressured Mei Lian into fabricating a scenario where Jian He was still alive, resulting in a sequence of ridiculous and humorous situations.

Single mother Yi An is solely responsible for raising her fraternal twin daughters, Cassy and Lily. Cassy is charming and well-liked, serving as the primary catalyst for Yi An’s thriving influencer career. In contrast, Lily is introverted and often overlooked. As Yi An's fame starts to decline, she chooses to orchestrate a scheme where “Cassy goes missing” to recapture public interest, much to Lily’s dismay. This situation presents the most significant challenge to the dynamics between the mother and her daughters…

This touching family story focuses on individuals facing different life decisions, such as reevaluating goals and careers, tying the knot, or embarking on a new professional path

Eri and her family encounter a fresh challenge when they learn that Keibun, the father of the Kohaguras, has used up their entire savings. Keibun, known for his pleasant demeanor but inconsistent behavior, refuses to disclose the details of his spending, causing his wife Katsuko to leave him in exasperation. At the same time, their grandmother, Obaa, unexpectedly becomes ill.

Kyoko Koyanagi, who took over as manager of the late predecessor's apartment complex "Yanagisou," faced pressure from the tenants to fulfill the predecessor's vision of digitizing the building.

The art of noodle making has been passed down to the current generation with Man Shui, Man Ni, and Man Sai learning from their father and opening their own noodle shops. The competition between the three shops on the same street has escalated, causing tension among their wives - Lung Kau, Fok Siu Yuk, and Kam Chi. Madam Man Ji ChinHung, the mother of the siblings, has refrained from getting involved in the rivalry as she faces a dilemma. Just before Chinese New Year's Eve, Chin Hung has a dream of her late husband advising her to restore order among her sons. She decides to use the legend of the Golden Bowl, a gift from the Emperor, to bring her sons together by having them stay at their old home from the first to the seventh of January. Through observing their behavior and participation in traditional Chinese New Year activities, she aims to unite the three families.