Asian dramas like
For The First Time In My Life 2023

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

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

Haruka is a regular homemaker residing in a typical suburban community who has become close friends with two other housewives in the neighborhood. Their shared lottery ticket ends up being worth a million dollars, leading to unexpected consequences as they each pursue their dreams with the newfound wealth. Money may seem like a solution to their desires, but it ends up causing chaos and tension among the friends.

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

The tale of Shanghai residents is narrated through the eyes of Feng Xiao Qin and Gu Qing Yu, who are sisters-in-law that overcome their differences to form a stronger bond amidst life's challenges. Feng Xiao Qin has been a part of the Gu family for a decade, joining them while pregnant to become their daughter-in-law. Gu Qing Yu, the eldest daughter in the family, has always been cautious of her, feeling that Feng Xiao Qin is driven by ambition. When Feng Xiao Qin asks her husband, Gu Lei, to borrow money from Gu Qing Yu for a house, Gu Qing Yu skillfully avoids the request by revealing her own plans to purchase a luxury home. After Gu Lei's sudden passing, the tensions between the two sisters-in-law only intensify. As a single mother, Feng Xiao Qin is in dire straits, but she discovers her inner strength through the trials she faces. At the same time, Gu Qing Yu experiences personal growth that alters her perspective on life. Despite their initial conflicts, the two women eventually come to a place of mutual understanding, standing united to shoulder the family's burdens regardless of what challenges lie ahead.

The narrative follows Qiu Ying Jie, a dedicated and compassionate police officer, and his spouse, Yu Ru Hua, a caring and righteous elementary school educator

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.

A comprehensive drama depicting the lives of four women, one of whom is obsessed with online auctions while the others worry about their husbands constantly switching jobs and launching new businesses.

Two close friends from the post-90s generation have taken divergent paths in life. Following graduation, one friend remained in Shanghai to focus on her career, while the other returned to their hometown to get married. Over time, they both face unprecedented challenges. Yuan Ge has prioritized her career over relationships for many years, leading to a decline in her health and prompting her to make lifestyle changes. On the other hand, Gu Qiao has continuously made sacrifices for her husband, only to be served with divorce papers after eight years. Determined to restart her career, Gu Qiao is now focused on her own growth. Despite their differing personalities, both women demonstrate resilience and courage. In a bustling city full of opportunities, they navigate their struggles together, refusing to give up and embracing the journey of transformation as they enter a new phase of life in their thirties.

In the 21st NHK Yorudora series, Roomshare no Onna tells the story of Usami Usako, a recently divorced woman with a young son named Tarou. Usako leaves Tarou with her mother in Nagano as she starts a new life in Tokyo, working as a nutritionist at a health club. She assures Tarou that she will return for him in 3 months to live together again. Facing difficulties finding a temporary place to stay, Usako turns to "roomsharing" as a last resort, where she shares an apartment with a stranger to split the rent. Unfortunately, the only suitable roommate she can find is a male artist who is not too noisy or demanding. The series follows Usako's challenges as a single mother and highlights the struggles of living with a stranger.

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

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

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

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

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

Following the unexpected death of her husband Shin, Koharu struggles to support her two children, Nozomi and Riku, in the midst of financial difficulties

Haruno Yoichi, a 35-year-old man known for his good looks, personality, and skills, is seen as the perfect spouse. However, he has noticed a change in his wife's behavior since their child was born, leaving him feeling like an unhappy husband at home. On the other hand, Chisato, a 28-year-old woman admired for her traditional virtues, used to show her husband the utmost respect. But after giving birth, her husband's actions and words have started to unsettle her, leading her to become a difficult wife to deal with.

Satoko Kurihara found contentment in her daily life alongside her husband and their son. Although the son was not biologically theirs, they had embraced him as their own after unsuccessful fertility treatments led them to explore adoption. Asato had become an integral part of their family, bringing Satoko immeasurable joy. However, everything changed when Satoko received a surprising call from Hikari Katakura, who claimed to be Asato's biological mother. This unexpected revelation left Satoko feeling overwhelmed by memories of the past.

Lee Jeong Eun, a professional in the beauty industry, manages her career and her 7-year-old daughter's schooling while holding onto deep-seated animosity towards her mother. Her husband, Hong Jae Man, is still developing in his career but places his family above all else. Yun Ji A, a therapist specializing in children's art, has raised Jeong Eun on her own and experiences a new chapter when she accompanies her grandson to an art school. It is there that she encounters Lee Yeong Uk, an English professor who rediscovers a newfound zest for life.

Jiang Xin and Jian Ning are often referred to as the ideal couple. They tied the knot and welcomed their first child before reaching the age of 30. However, they soon realize that they were unprepared for the challenges of parenthood as they are overwhelmed by the new responsibilities that come with caring for a child.

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

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

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

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

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

Yu Yang, a well-respected former school principal, has a strong love for traditional Chinese culture and values family above all else. His oldest child, Jack Wu, earned a degree in journalism and now works as an editor for a magazine. Jack is known for his inquisitive nature and occasionally disagrees with his father on social matters. With a 40-year age gap, Yu Yang and his daughter, Zoie Tam, struggle to connect due to their differing perspectives shaped by different generations. Yu Yang also finds it challenging to adapt to the fast-paced changes brought by modern technology. Luckily, his daughter-in-law, Elaine Yiu, effectively manages the household as a devoted mother and wife. As their son grows, the family faces tough decisions regarding his education, leading to heightened emotions for all involved. The show delves into key issues affecting Hong Kong residents, such as education, housing, an aging population, youth competitiveness, Mainland China relations, and immigration trends. Through each episode, the series realistically portrays these challenges, striking a chord with viewers.

Three women, each at a different point in their lives, are looking to start fresh in a new country for various personal reasons. Faye, who got married young, recently discovered her husband's infidelity. Seeking a change of scenery, she pays a visit to her closest friend in Taipei with the intention of finding a new partner to settle down with. Meanwhile, Lydia and Leo, a married couple who were both successful in their careers, decided to leave their high-paying jobs in Hong Kong and relocate to Green Island to manage a hotel. Despite their initial admiration for the laid-back lifestyle on the island, they face challenges as Lydia's perfectionism clashes with the business setbacks caused by the pandemic, leading to tensions with local partners and conflicts with Leo. Lastly, Yvonne, an art teacher working on a temporary basis in Taipei, receives news that her contract will not be renewed. Worried about readjusting to the fast-paced life in Hong Kong, she is determined to find a way to stay in Taiwan with the help of her colleagues Shun Wan and Yu Shan. However, Yvonne must confront her true motivations for wanting to remain in Taiwan.

After losing her mother, a high school student named Marimo embarks on a journey to meet her estranged father, Shinpei, whom she had never known. To her surprise, Shinpei turns out to be a 38-year-old aspiring private detective, very different from the father she had imagined. Despite initial disbelief, Shinpei eventually accepts Marimo as his daughter after seeing the necessary documents. As they navigate their newfound relationship, Marimo labels Shinpei as "The worst father in the world" while Shinpei mourns the loss of his freedom. Together, they discover the challenges and rewards of building a father-daughter bond.

The central theme of this television series revolves around the connections between parents and children, as well as between spouses. It delves into the complexities of love, the essence of life, and the pursuit of genuine happiness. The protagonist is taken by surprise when his wife suddenly expresses her desire for a divorce, despite his belief that he was a devoted husband. Without providing a reason, she packs her things and leaves, leaving behind their 7-year-old daughter. This leaves the man to navigate life as a single parent to Rin, their daughter, amidst an uncomfortable atmosphere at home. Struggling with unfamiliar household responsibilities and the care of Rin, Tetsuro grapples with feelings of anger and stress, all while being unsure of his daughter's emotional state.

Hiraki Asuka has been given a terminal cancer diagnosis with only three months to live. She decides to reconnect with her daughter and ex-husband, whom she had previously left behind, in order to make the most of her remaining time and rekindle their relationships.

The unique title "Panda" refers to a panda outfit worn by the main character, a 29-year-old woman known for her talent. She was once praised as a child prodigy actress and had successful songs as a singer, but her career took a different path after turning 20. Nowadays, radio DJs and TV show hosts wear panda costumes, while she remains attached to her favorite song. She falls in love with a younger man at a cake shop in her neighborhood and they marry, pledging to pursue their dreams as a singer and pastry chef. However, their newlywed bliss is disrupted when her older sister and three children move in, causing challenges in their relationship. The drama follows the couple as they navigate the early hurdles of marriage, exploring themes of family, love, and life through the eyes of a talented woman married to a bakery owner.

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

Madoka, a pregnant homeless woman, sought assistance from Takako Okada, the leader of "Smile Baby," as she approached her due date. While originally planning to give her baby to a man she met online, Madoka switched to another organization called "Online Adoption" after being offered money in exchange for the baby. Using the funds she received from Nonogaki, the representative of the new organization, Madoka paid for nursing school tuition in hopes of gaining independence. However, she grew concerned about Nonogaki's motives and attempted to cancel the agreement. Nonogaki demanded double the amount of money received in order to terminate the contract and coerced Madoka into signing away parental rights with a lawyer. Nonogaki operated as a middleman profiting from connecting babies with adoptive parents without considering the well-being of the children. Despite her reservations, Madoka ultimately delivered her baby to the elderly adoptive parents at the specified location.

Since the separation of Huang Fei Hong and Shi Shan Yi more than 150 years ago, their families have forbidden any future intermarriage to prevent potential misfortune. However, after a century and a half, their descendants find themselves living together once more. Can their children defy the longstanding family curse, or will this reunion spark yet another generation of conflict between the families?

Liu Han Xiao decided to step away quietly to fulfill her duty as a daughter. At the age of 40, she made the difficult decision to leave her career as a Realty Commissioner and reopen her parents' canteen to start anew. Qiu Luan, aged 60, remained indifferent towards her husband who had left their home years ago for another woman. However, when her father, Liu Gui De, returned home after years of abandonment due to dementia, brought back by the woman he had been involved with, how would Qiu Luan react to his return? How would Han Xiao, her brother, and Xin Hui, who had missed out on 20 years of love, adjust to this new situation?