Asian dramas like
Fight 2005

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?

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 protagonist, Tatsuya, a reserved individual, lives frugally by working part-time to save money. His life takes a turn when he unexpectedly helps Kotona and Yuta in a mishap caused by a misunderstanding. Yuta, a fashion designer with unique style, Kotona, a model-in-the-making, and Tatsuya, reluctantly roped in as a makeup artist, embark on a journey together. This story explores how new encounters can lead to a transformed life. It emphasizes the idea that with determination and the support of friends, even those without exceptional abilities can pursue their passions and achieve success. The show's unique feature is its integration of real-life events from social media, enhancing the viewer's experience. The official drama social media accounts provide a comprehensive view of the storyline and offer guidance on how to fully enjoy each narrative.

Cheng Miao Miao, 17, and her brother Cheng Ya Ya, 16, were both born in the primary oil production facility of Linqi Oilfield. Their family has worked in the oilfield for three generations. Their father, Cheng Peng Fei, works as an ear, nose, and throat specialist, while their mother, Jia Dai Yu, is in charge of team logistics. The family relocated from the northwest to the coastal base of Heping Town in the late 1990s. Miao Miao, eager to explore the world beyond, convinced her childhood sweetheart Li Si and best friend Hu Qiu Min to join her on a summer adventure to "welcome Hong Kong back to the motherland," but the plan fell through. Meanwhile, Ya Ya ventured into the back mountains for an archaeological expedition, where he was nearly mistaken for a grave robber. Their mother, Jia Dai Yu, fretted constantly as the siblings navigated the tumultuous waters of high school life. Miao Miao found herself embroiled in a friendship dilemma with Li Si, while Ya Ya encountered Yuan Shan Qing, a new transfer student in his class who happened to be the daughter of a wanted criminal. Ya Ya bravely defended Shan Qing against the hostility from their classmates. Through these challenges, the siblings experienced significant personal growth and maturation.

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 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 primary characters in "Searchin' for My Polestar" are a group of 7 friends who first met in college as members of the "Sagittarius" astronomical observation club. While they joined the club as an excuse to spend time at the beach in summer and go skiing in winter, their only real stargazing experience occurred at a summer camp during their senior year. Despite exchanging vows of eternal friendship, their busy schedules over the years have caused them to drift apart. It has now been 3 years since that memorable summer under the stars. Will their friendship continue to weaken, or will they find a way to strengthen their bond once again? (Fuji TV)

A fictionalized account of the journey to success of two comedians who struggled with deep-seated insecurities. Wakabayashi Masayasu and Yamasato Ryota were not always pleasant individuals. They battled shyness, self-doubt, and feelings of inadequacy. Despite facing numerous setbacks, their determination and passion helped them survive the challenges of youth.

Chen Hao Yuan is a diligent student known for his calm demeanor. In contrast, his close friend, Hong Cheng Yi, has a troubled past involving juvenile detention for a bank robbery. Despite their differences, they worked together to support a classmate struggling with addiction, uncover a teacher's hidden secrets, and investigate the disappearance of bees linked to an impending apocalypse in 2012. Their carefree outlook on life shifted to anger when they learned that a dishonest politician was behind the hardships faced by both of their families. (Dramawiki)

What are the desires of women in their thirties? They aspire to maintain their integrity and not settle for less in life

Luo Dan Ni is dissatisfied with her life as a grown-up, which is vastly different from what she had envisioned in her youth. Once a talented student with a bright future, her life did not unfold as expected. After a car accident sends her back to high school, she seizes the opportunity to alter her fate armed with adult wisdom. Determined, she makes new choices in pursuit of the future she once dreamed of.

Yu Ming Xi, a regular girl with a talent for athletics, enrolls in the prestigious Jingcai Academy to fulfill her deceased father's wishes. At the academy, she crosses paths with Jiang Bo Han, a gifted student who conceals his true self with a rebellious facade. Their lives become intertwined as they uncover each other's secrets, address old scars, and embark on a journey of healing through an unforeseen bond. (TMDb)

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.

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 web series "Sugar Coating" is a romantic drama that explores the development of relationships among five young individuals struggling with love, depicting their journey to discover authenticity amidst a web of charming deceptions. (HanCinema)

The narrative follows a varied ensemble of young professionals, comprising an event planner, a chef, a webtoon creator, a fashion designer, an interior decorator, and a classical vocalist, as they pursue their aspirations and seek romantic relationships.

A brief and charming web drama centered on university life, featuring plenty of heavy drinking and a touch of romance

The plot revolves around the emotional and challenging journey of Xie Yu Jin, a widow, and her children during the 1990s. The eldest son, Bai Er Hei, is known for his honesty and integrity, and is married to the determined Chen Xiao Na. Bai Jie, the second son, is a former convict with aspirations for a better future, while the only daughter, Bai Yu, is a kindergarten teacher known for her candid nature.

The show follows the turbulent journey of a girl named Qi Mei, born in the Year of the Sheep. Tragedy strikes when her second sister drowns and her third sister disappears, leading her father to blame Qi Mei for it all. Despite facing abandonment and hardships due to societal norms and emotional betrayals, Qi Mei endures and perseveres in her quest for a fulfilling life and happiness.

The narrative follows Yang Tao, a 30-year-old who is opposed to the idea of marriage. Guo Ran, a civil servant, shares the same sentiment towards marriage. Initially, the two clash due to a misunderstanding but eventually their bond strengthens. Despite their growing relationship, their parents disapprove of each other, posing a significant challenge. Can their love triumph over this obstacle?

Life, the son of a renowned obstetrician and gynecologist, struggles with his career choice and conflicts with his father. He also holds a grudge against his father's female protégé, Zheng Zheng. Meanwhile, the new male director, Dong Su Xian, finds fulfillment in his work of bringing new life into the world, despite facing personal challenges in his marriage with Qian Lei. As the characters navigate the complexities of their personal and professional lives, they learn valuable lessons about love, responsibility, and the miracles of obstetrics and gynecology. Ultimately, they find happiness and fulfillment in their work and relationships.

The narrative centers around Lu Xiao Nan (played by Tina Tang), an independent woman who harbors a fear of marriage due to the complexities involved in merging two lives and families. However, she meets Kevin (portrayed by William Chan), a university professor who is unfettered by familial ties and possesses a warm and adaptable nature. Despite her initial reservations, Xiao Nan marries Kevin and supports him in his quest to reconnect with his estranged family. As they navigate the challenges of blending into his family, Xiao Nan finds solace and purpose with the help of her supportive husband. Meanwhile, Kevin unravels the mysteries surrounding his childhood amnesia. The series is available in two versions: 66 episodes lasting 35-55 minutes each for TV viewing, or 70 episodes of 45 minutes each for DVD watching.

The narrative follows the journey of two elderly friends who find solace in each other as they navigate the challenges of letting go of earthly concerns. Through the eyes of Gu Jia Yi, we gain insight into the lives and hardships faced by her mother and her mother's companions.

In the late 1980s, the focus of the story is on the interactions among five families living in a neighborhood. Situated in a small city in southern China, the community is comprised of individuals spanning various age groups. Within this setting, Gao Xiao Min resides with her three sisters, along with four boys who each possess unique personalities. The parents of these children share moments of concern and joy over the simplest of matters. Gao Xiao Min shoulders the responsibility of her family's financial obligations and her father's lack of employment. Meanwhile, Bao Zi's father navigates through various challenges. The narrative provides a glimpse into the everyday lives of the residents in this special neighborhood.

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

Xiao Qi is enlisted as a member of the search and rescue squad dedicated to rescuing individuals in distress. An Xin organizes a volunteer canine squad, with Xiao Qi as a recruit, under her leadership. An Xin, a former national rescue team member, pairs Xiao Qi with e-sports player Bian Mu. Together, they undergo rigorous training to conquer their vulnerabilities and emerge as a formidable duo prepared to tackle any challenge that comes their way.

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.

Three individuals are brought together unexpectedly when a young child enters their lives, adding to the chaos they are already facing. Gao Han, a caring and devoted man, has recently lost a custody battle with his ex-wife over their daughter. Adding to his troubles, his ex-girlfriend Guan Ling Ling, who passed away in a car accident, has entrusted her son to his care. Gao Han, along with his two roommates Wang Dong Yang and YuBo, find themselves unexpectedly caring for the young child, Du Du. Along with the challenges of looking after Du Du, they also have to navigate the presence of Du Du's aunt, Guan Shan Shan. As they all work together to raise Du Du, they must also confront the question of the child's paternity. This leads to a custody battle, complicated further by the return of Han's ex-wife, Liu Min. Amidst all this, feelings begin to develop between Han and Shan Shan, while Yu Bo also finds himself falling for Shan Shan. With the uncle's gentle nature and the cool guy's charm, Shan Shan must ultimately follow her heart and make a choice between the two men she loves.

The four siblings from the Mo family heeded the country's call and relocated from Nanjing to Inner Mongolia grasslands to study and live among the herders. They faced challenges due to cultural disparities and the harsh environment, but cherished their bonds of love and friendship. Their experiences in this land shaped their growth as individuals, illustrating the impact of living in a new environment.

In the webtoon "Knife in Her Heart" by O Ri, we follow the story of Cai Xiao Ai, a girl fighting a serious illness, and Ju Eun Zhao, a reserved and aloof individual, who form an unexpected bond despite their circumstances. Together, they navigate through various obstacles such as friendship, family, love, and uncertainties about their future, all while uncovering a hidden conspiracy that surrounds them. (WeTV)

Ten episodes featuring a consistent cast, each presenting a unique storyline centered around various types of love relationships such as heterosexual, familial, LGBTQ+, and platonic.

In the upcoming series, "Love" will be a central theme that deeply impacts the emotions of the Imai family and their close companions

"When faced with challenges, Father always offers a comforting smile and a helping hand, reassuring his son that he will be there. Man Tin Chi, a top market research manager known for his expertise in price comparison, lives by the motto of being price-conscious. Despite his desire for early retirement, Chi's dreams are disrupted by the unexpected return of his eight-year-old son. With no experience in caring for children, Chi is at a loss on how to raise his son. Fortunately, his rival Amy Kam Mei-Tsun steps in to support and guide him. As they spend more time together, Chi and Amy develop a strong friendship. Chi reconnects with his godfather Ko Chi Tim and begins to unravel a long-held secret. Meanwhile, Ko Ching, Tim's son, struggles to balance his responsibilities towards his daughter and his neglect towards his father. In the midst of turmoil, Ching finds support from Chi and his girlfriend Joey Law Sei Hei, ultimately uncovering a hidden truth about his father."

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.

Hey, stay away from him... well, he may not be my husband, but he belongs to me! Due to popular demand, the My Blue Sky story continues! What happened to Nazuna, her lively son Taiyo, and Kento, the man who left them to pursue a career in boxing? The last time we saw Nazuna two years ago, she had chosen to keep her child and remain in Tokyo after being abandoned at the wedding altar. Being a single mother was challenging, but she and her son were able to create a comfortable life for themselves. Now, Kento and Nazuna have reunited, and although they are not married, they live in separate apartments nearby, each following their own aspirations. Taiyo, getting ready for fourth grade, receives support from both his parents, and their unconventional family dynamic surprisingly works well. Things take a twist when Kento falls in love with another woman. Koyuki, reserved and timid, is the complete opposite of the outgoing and direct Nazuna. Nazuna and Taiyo are forced to reconsider their unique family setup as a result. Nazuna decides to confront the situation head-on and fight for the family she has built. Get ready, anything can happen!