Asian dramas like
Futagashira

Kubota Tamotsu, a struggling university student burdened with debt, finds himself in a dire situation after falling victim to a scam in an attempt to alleviate his financial troubles. Fortunately, he crosses paths with a dealer of criminal tools who offers him a way out. Together, they navigate the criminal underworld of Ikebukuro, where they encounter three dominant groups: the Jinbokai yakuza, Gozugumi yakuza, and the Taiga group specializing in bank transfer scams. Amidst these factions, a mysterious duo emerges, adding another layer of intrigue to their dangerous world.

Produced in Japan in 2005 and released on February 24, 2006, Maid in Akihabara is a 6-episode series set in the cyber city of Tokyo. Each episode has a duration of approximately 15 minutes. The story follows Saki, a woman seeking employment to escape a bar gang she previously had dealings with. She secures a position at a Maid cafe named Meido no myage (Maid's gift) as the third maid on staff. Along with being homeless, she resides in a 24-hour internet cafe.

Taking place in the Bakumatsu era, which marked the end of the Edo period, the story follows Sakai Banshiro, a samurai of humble origins. He decides to leave his family and serve at the lord's castle. By preparing dishes based on recipes from his wife, Banshiro brings comfort and solutions to the troubles of the people around him.

Set in the Yoshiwara red-light district of Edo, this period drama follows four women from different professions who are proud of their community. They band together to seek retribution against men who mistreat the district's prostitutes.

Isobe Isobee is a student at a samurai school who aspires to become a renowned samurai, yet he constantly attempts to avoid putting in effort on a daily basis

Following the violation of a truce by two Washizu yakuza members, their irresponsible behavior leads to a violent and deadly outcome.

Portrays the story of a former member of the yakuza who was recently released after serving a 14-year sentence. (News Yahoo)

Illustrates the fierce conflicts among the female figures connected to Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, the fifth shogun.

Based on Morimura Seiichi's book series "Assassin Contractor Series" ( ).

Based on Yasuhide Saeki's novel "Secret Life Revealed: The Enigma of Kasumi Kanzuki".

During the Bunka-Bunsei era, the culture of the townspeople thrives as the 11th Tokugawa shogun Ienari's close advisers engage in corrupt administration, leading to a decline in public morals in Edo. Discontent among samurai families and local businessmen grows due to the increasing hardships faced by ordinary town residents. In the dead of night, a whistle suddenly pierces the air. Nezumi Kozo, a heroic thief, effortlessly escapes across rooftops with a box containing 1,000 ryo, which he then scatters over a sleeping, rundown tenement house. Nezumi Kozo's true identity is that of Jirokichi, a playboy with a strong sense of justice who interferes in cases purely out of his desire to see the people of Edo happy. This narrative is inspired by the novel series "Nezumi, Edo wo Hashiru" by Akagawa Jiro.

Taking place during the early 1800s in Edo Period Japan, the people are facing hardships under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate

Benzo, a cheerful and generous man, and Soji, a cool and sharp individual, are a duo of thieves who follow the motto of stealing ill-gotten money without resorting to threats or violence. They excel in their work and operate with skill. By day, Benzo works in food catering while Soji engages in gambling activities in the post town of Shinagawa. Together, they lead a group of thieves known as Ichishi and aim to climb to the top of Edo's underworld. One fateful day, Benzo befriends Kurazo, a successful gambler, and later on, they meet Soji in Yoshiwara, who has been pursuing young women. The courtesan Okon approaches them with a request to steal 11 prostitutes.

Denshichi from Kuromoncho works under a police officer and uses a special purple truncheon to combat crime in the alleys of Edo. This truncheon was given to him by Inspector Toyama Saemon, who oversees Kitamachi. Denshichi focuses on punishing wrongdoing rather than the wrongdoers themselves and shows compassion and kindness. Despite his cheerful demeanor, he carries the burden of accidentally causing a person's death while trying to help another. This is why he emphasizes the importance of preserving life no matter the circumstances.

Ooka Echizen was a magistrate in the Edo period who backed the Kyoho Reforms proposed by the eighth shogun, Tokugawa Yoshimune. In addition to overseeing Edo, Ooka served on the judicial council and handled local government matters, as well as the management of temples and shrines. He dispensed justice with compassion and impartiality, earning a reputation for his fair and humane rulings known as Ooka Sabaki.

Ken Kurono, a swindler known for his self-assurance, is under pressure to repay a loan from the yakuza loan shark Deebo within a week. Deebo is notorious for inflicting pain on those who fail to meet their financial obligations.

Based on Morimura Seiichi's "Assassin Contractor Series," a collection of novels.

Hsu rescues a beautiful woman named Feng by chance and develops feelings for her. Feng's father, a prominent leader of Shanghai's triad, helps Hsu and his friend Ding Li rise to power in the Shanghai Bund. However, Hsu eventually uncovers that Feng's father is collaborating with the Japanese to invade China. Driven by patriotism, Hsu turns against his potential father-in-law, who then sends assassins after him. Forced to leave Feng behind, Hsu flees for his life. As Feng prepares to marry Ding Li, Hsu returns to Shanghai seeking to win back Feng's affections and seek revenge on her father.

In the late Edo period in Kyoto, there was a tale of a mysterious samurai wearing a mask who chooses to fight for justice and eliminate wickedness. Amidst the chaos of samurais clashing due to their conflicting loyalties to the Tokugawa shogunate, the common people lived in fear. Kurama Tengu, the masked samurai, emerges as a protector, aiding the innocent in their time of need.

The Tenpo era marks the conclusion of the Edo period. Despite facing financial challenges on a daily basis, Nobu, the humble wife of Katsuie, maintains a cheerful demeanor. In this period, social status does not dictate relationships, and Nobu's kind heart is truly commendable. Katsukichi, my husband, is a skilled marksman with robust arms that are hard to dislike. I cannot help but adore Koiyoshi. Kokichi is supported by his radiance, carefree attitude, wisdom, and drive in facing life's challenges. Meanwhile, their son Rintaro observes his parents with a calm and intelligent demeanor. Inheriting righteousness from his father, Katsu Kaifune, Rintaro is determined to protect the people of Edo, displaying a love that transcends his mother's social standing.

During the Tenpo era at the end of the Edo period, there was a strong focus on reform. Katsuya Kokichi is known for his powerful arms, while his wife Onobu admires them when questioned. Despite facing financial struggles, she maintains a cheerful demeanor. Their son Rintaro is intelligent and ambitious, aiming to study Dutch in order to one day help the people of Edo as "Katsu Kaishu." Interestingly, he has recently developed feelings for a geisha from Fukagawa.

Based on Yoshinaga Fumi's manga "Ooku" ( ).

Ishibashi Ginjiro, a skilled swordsman hailing from Edo, travels to a northern domain in pursuit of the legendary sword Umanohone, as requested by his uncle who serves as a key official in the domain. In order to gather information about the sword, Ginjiro decides to engage in duels with six renowned swordsmen affiliated with the school rumored to possess the sword. Along his journey, facing injuries and engaging in battles on his own, Ginjiro uncovers hidden schemes orchestrated by individuals driven by a thirst for power.

The Yakuza have seen better days and are now just a mere shadow of their former selves. Their traditional customs appear to be outdated and their body art sets them apart from society. A young and unsuspecting student named Ryou accidentally gets involved with the Yakuza, finding himself caught up in dark schemes. He is lured by the allure of power and indulgence, descending further into a world of crime, exploitation, and brutality. Little did Ryou know that once you're part of the Yakuza, there's no turning back! (Japan Film Fest Hamburg)

Following the death of a Kyowakai member, detectives Shima and Hayami begin looking into the case, which appears to be linked to a series of previous unsolved murders

Hajime Aoyama operates a mobile coffee business called Tako Coffee, moving from one location to another in his coffee truck. He provides emotional support to individuals in need while maintaining a laid-back demeanor. Despite his casual attitude, Hajime Aoyama harbors a hidden secret.

The members of the Special Duties Unit (SDU) continue to collaborate effectively, despite facing new challenges such as adapting to the different work methods of their new Chief Inspector. During a hostage rescue mission, Jin Hon Tou encounters Chung Wai Yan, an undercover agent being pursued by the triads. Her courage and ingenuity make a lasting impression on him. Jin Hon Tou assists her in returning to the Criminal Intelligence Bureau (CIB), and they gradually develop romantic feelings for each other. However, he becomes suspicious of her secretive behavior. Furthermore, his leadership is called into question when a team member is disciplined following a failed mission. Seeing the escalating internal conflicts, Jin Hon Tou decides to step down. Meanwhile, Chung Wai Yan goes to great lengths to uncover the traitor who compromised her cover, even at the expense of the SDU team. With various threats looming, Jin Hon Tou and the SDU members unite to address these challenges.

Yoshimune Tokugawa serves as the 8th Shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate. He faces ongoing issues with troublemakers causing chaos in Megumi, his city. To investigate these matters firsthand, Lord Tokugawa disguises himself as Tokuda Shinnosuke, an ordinary resident of Megumi, with the help of his trusted companions. Known as Shin-san to the locals, he collaborates with oniwaban (ninjas) and the leader of the Megumi fire brigade. Yoshimune utilizes the fire brigade headquarters as his temporary residence outside of Himeji Castle. While the fire brigade leader and oniwaban are aware of his true identity, the rest of the city remains oblivious to his status as the Shogun. Upon resolving the criminal activities, Yoshimune confronts the culprits, who often draw their samurai swords in an attempt to harm him without realizing his true identity. In most situations, Yoshimune skillfully handles the situation without causing serious harm, opting to use the blunt side of his sword. Only in extreme cases does he resort to using the sharp edge of his blade, demonstrating the severity of the circumstances.

The 43rd NHK Taiga Drama is titled Shinsengumi!. Japan was abruptly awakened from centuries of isolation by the arrival of Commodore Perry's "Black Ships." This event sparked a desire for societal change among men who looked beyond Japan. As old traditions clashed with new ideas, an era of turmoil began. In the midst of this chaos, a group known as the Shinsengumi remained loyal to the traditional shogunate system, led by the charismatic captain Kondo Isami. Upholding the samurai code of honor, Kondo and his comrades such as Hijikata Toshizo, Saito Hajime, and Okita Soji are remembered for their courageous deeds. The NHK taiga drama vividly portrays the passion and valor of these men who lived through Japan's most tumultuous period in history.

In the era of Edo under the rule of the ninth Shogun Ieshige, Orin's father was wrongly charged with trying to kill the previous Shogun Yoshimune. Following her father's instructions, Orin becomes a member of the covert assassination squad Tegusari-nin, led by Uemura Doetsu. Within the group, Orin bravely faces numerous threats. However, she eventually discovers that Doetsu is manipulating her for his own gain.

The TV show depicts the experiences of individuals in debt who face challenges from Kaoru Ushijima. Additionally, Kaoru Ushijima's business, Kaukau Finance, encounters a crisis.

Mayumi (Mitsumune Kaoru), an employee at a publishing company, crosses paths with a enigmatic individual who goes by the name Shindo (Nakamura Tomoya). Foretold by a fortune teller of a fated encounter, she takes notice. However, instead of the anticipated meeting, she finds herself face to face with Ushijima Kaoru (Yamada Takayuki), the leader of Cowcow Finance, a notorious underground money lender. Operating with an exorbitant interest rate of 5% every 10 days, Cowcow Finance aggressively pursues those in debt.

Denshichi from Kuromoncho works under a police officer and enforces justice in the alleys of Edo using a violet club given to him by Inspector Toyama Saemon, the magistrate of Kitamachi. Denshichi focuses on condemning the wrongful acts instead of the individuals committing them, displaying compassion and kindness in his approach.

Inaba Tokichi, a regular office worker, finds himself unintentionally implicated in the demise of a renowned assassin

Commander Norizuki Gennojo, a member of the Shogunate's army, embarks on a journey to improve his swordsmanship skills. Meanwhile, Koka Yoami, the father of his fiancée Chie, is given a special task to locate the hidden records of Naruto, containing a plot to overthrow the shogunate. Yoami disappears during this mission, never to be seen again. A decade later, Gennojo returns to Edo as a wandering monk, feeling disheartened about his abilities with the sword. He is attacked by Sekiya Magobei, but is saved by a cunning female thief named Mikaeri Otsuna. Gennojo becomes involved in the search for the secret records of Naruto, facing numerous challenges and threats along with Otsuna as they attempt to retrieve the valuable documents in Awa Tokushima.

Niidekyo Jo oversees the operations at Koishikawa Yojosho, a medical facility situated in Koishikawa, Edo. He provides medical treatment to patients and shows concern for their personal issues. Known as "Red Beard," Niidekyo often clashes with the young doctor Yasumoto Noboru. As Yasumoto tends to a diverse range of patients, he gains insight into what it takes to embody the role of a true physician. This information is adapted from Yamamoto Shugoro's novel "Akahige Shinryotan."

During the Bunsei era (1818-1830), samurai families faced financial constraints. To alleviate their burden, households would hand over their finances to a traveling steward, who acted as a modern accountant and consultant. Karaki Ichibei specialized in managing the budgets of families in dire financial straits. Skilled in both the abacus and sword, Ichibei visited various homes to assist those struggling financially and facing adversity. This drama is divided into three parts: "Spring Wind" (Episodes 1-3), "Thunder God" (Episodes 4-6), and "Return Ship" (Episodes 7-9). (Jdramas Weblog)

In defiance of the law, Ice Cold K continues to engage in unauthorized mahjong games to support Amina. However, his focus shifts when he receives an invitation to compete in a prestigious national Mahjong competition, with his sole aim being to excel as a top Japanese mahjong player. (

In a different version of feudal Japan, a peculiar illness that affects only men led to a significant decrease in the population, resulting in women taking over the vacant roles and reshaping the societal hierarchy. Now, 80 years after the initial epidemic, with a male to female ratio of 1:4, Japan has transformed into a fully matriarchal community. Women occupy all key political positions, while men serve as their companions. The most influential woman, the leader of the Tokugawa shogunate, is the only one allowed to maintain a group of attractive but unproductive males, referred to as the "Ooku."

The narrative follows a father who infiltrates an enemy stronghold in search of his missing son amid the Anti-Japanese Conflict

During the late Edo period, Futaboshi Hikoma, the astronomer of the Hirado domain, is known for his unique passion for the stars and the sea. When a lovely bride named Orie enters his life, Hikoma promises to cherish her forever. Sadly, Orie mysteriously disappears after only a short time of marriage. Little does Hikoma know, Orie is a skilled female ninja sent by the shogunate to investigate the Hirado domain for suspected illegal activities. The shogunate plans to punish the domain as a warning to others in the western regions. Unaware of this, Hikoma travels to Edo in search of his missing wife. Through a friend named Senemon, he meets Matsuura Seizan, the former feudal lord of Hirado, who warns Hikoma that he will harm Orie if she is found. Hikoma vows to protect his wife at all costs. To locate Orie, Hikoma takes on a role as an instructor at a local school and befriends a boy named Tarokichi. Meanwhile, strange occurrences, such as festival music playing at Seizan's residence at night, lead Hikoma and the children on a journey to uncover the truth. However, their investigation unknowingly brings them closer to the shogunate's hidden agenda.

Takashi Ten is summoned to a mahjong establishment one evening to face off against Igawa Hiroyuki, a young mahjong enthusiast. After winning a considerable amount of money from Ten's acquaintances during a mahjong game, Ten decides to reclaim his winnings. Throughout the game, Ten's lackluster mahjong skills become more obvious. In the final round, Ten resorts to cheating by executing a move known as the Tsubame Gaeshi and achieving victory with a Tenhou hand. Hiroyuki is infuriated when Ten confesses to cheating post-game. Will Hiroyuki eventually grasp Ten's philosophy of "Tenhou's Way," where Ten deliberately cheats and endures punishment on behalf of his friends? Will Ten realize his full potential in mahjong or continue down the path of deception indefinitely?

In their younger days, Ino, the daughter of a restaurant owner, Shika, the elegant wife of a samurai, and Chou, the owner of a sundries shop, formed a close trio in Bakurocho in Edo. Now in their thirties, each woman is feeling disheartened by their current situations, unable to confide in anyone. Suddenly, they decide to leave behind their responsibilities and families to embark on the Nuke Mairi pilgrimage to the Ise Grand Shrine, a popular journey during the Edo Period. Setting out on foot along the Tokaido, the main road connecting Kyoto and Edo, the three women aim to start afresh at Ise.

Unokichi, the descendant of the wealthiest trader in Edo, Mikuniya Tokuemon, finds himself working as a constable unexpectedly. Despite his vast riches and aloof demeanor, his coworkers are impressed by him. Unokichi, however, remains indifferent to their opinion. Lacking skill with a sword, unable to run, and fearful of the dark, he is ill-suited for the role. Nevertheless, he continues to inadvertently create misunderstandings with those around him as he collaborates with them to solve numerous cases in Edo. (Jdramas Wordpress)

A detective with a wealthy grandfather but lacking in combat skills, agility, and having a fear of darkness, makes a comeback to work on a case involving a gang of robbers.