Asian dramas like
Gochisosan

In the novel "Tenno no Ryoriban" by Sugimori Hisahide, the protagonist, Tokuzo Akiyama, hails from a rural area and is married with a child on the way. After tasting a delectable breaded cutlet, he is inspired to pursue a career as a Parisian cuisine chef. Despite encountering discrimination, he embarks on a journey to Tokyo and eventually to Paris, France, to hone his culinary skills. Eventually, he secures a position as a chef at the prestigious Hotel Ritz in Paris and later becomes the personal chef to the Emperor of Japan at the age of 26.

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.

During the final years of the Tokugawa Shogunate, Asa was born into a prosperous merchant family in Kyoto, Japan as their second daughter. As she moved to Osaka, Asa ventured into different industries such as coal mines, banks, and life insurance. Additionally, she established Japan's inaugural women's university.

Mantaro hails from a wealthy family in Kochi that is involved in the brewery business. Due to his fragile health, he becomes a victim of harassment. Since childhood, he has held a deep interest in flora and chooses to leave school in order to pursue a degree in botany at Teikoku University in Tokyo. He takes on the role of a research assistant with the aspiration of compiling a comprehensive encyclopedia on Japanese plants, dedicating himself to achieving this goal.

In 1929, Japan saw the establishment of its inaugural law school specifically for women. Among the students was Inotsume Tomoko, who went against societal norms. By 1938, the first female lawyers, such as Torako, began to emerge, earning admiration nationwide. However, with the outbreak of war, opportunities for their legal expertise decreased. Fast forward seven years, Torako, who had lost everything during the war, utilized her legal knowledge to survive. With a goal of becoming a judge, she dedicated herself to creating a family court to aid children orphaned by the war and women facing difficulties, aiming to assist those facing challenges beyond politics and finance.

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 film is inspired by the real-life tale of Taketsuru Masataka and his spouse Rita Cowen. Masataka holds the distinction of being the inaugural Japanese individual to craft whisky within Japan upon establishing his distillery in Hokkaido in 1934. The film's title is derived from Rita's affectionate moniker for Masataka.

Taking place from the late Meiji era to the post-World War II period in Osaka, the story follows Fujioka Ten, inspired by Yoshimoto Sei, the founder of Yoshimoto Kogyo and a female comedy show promoter. Ten comes from a family involved in the drug wholesale business in Kyoto and falls in love with Kitamura Tokichi, the son of a family in the rice industry. Despite her parents' disapproval, Ten marries Tokichi, a passionate comedy enthusiast. Together, they manage a vaudeville theater, with Ten becoming the first woman in Japan to turn comedy into a profitable venture, turning Osaka into a hub for comedy.

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 story revolves around Hanako Muraoka, a translator who lived through the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa periods. Muraoka later translated the novel "Anne of Green Gables" by Canadian writer Lucy Maud Montgomery. This information was derived from the book "An no Yurikago Muraoka Hanako no Shogai" authored by Eri Muraoka, Hanako Muraoka's granddaughter. The English version of the book is titled "Anne's Cradle: The Life and Works of Hanako Muraoka."

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?

Iwakura Mai resides with her parents Kota and Megumi, as well as her older brother Haruto. Kota, her father, manages a small factory in Higashi Osaka, a region renowned for its skilled artisans. Despite being reserved and introverted, Mai becomes captivated by the Baramon kites soaring high in the sky when she visits her grandmother Shoko on Nagasaki's Goto Islands, known for their lush natural surroundings. Inspired by these kites, Mai develops a strong desire to become a pilot and soar high in the sky. Although she faces unexpected challenges along the way, Mai forges deeper connections with the residents of both Higashi Osaka and Goto, ultimately transforming her dream. She rallies her enthusiastic friends to construct a small electric plane capable of flying to and from the islands, turning her dream into a shared aspiration that takes flight.

Set during the Meiji period in Matsue, Toki is an unconventional girl hailing from a once-respected samurai lineage that now faces financial hardship due to her father's unsuccessful venture. In order to support herself, she takes a job as a maid for a foreign English instructor of Greek-Irish heritage, who has always felt like an outsider after being left alone as a child. Despite their cultural disparities and the challenges of language, Toki and her employer connect through their mutual passion for ghost stories and their similar life challenges. Together, they embark on a unique adventure filled with odd characters and, naturally, an abundance of supernatural narratives. This tale is inspired by the real-life story of Koizumi Setsuko, the spouse of Koizumi Yakumo, originally known as Patrick Lafcadio Hearn.

Takei Chiyo was born into a low-income family in Osaka Prefecture's Minamikawachi region during the Meiji era. Her mother passed away when she was young, leaving her to live with her father Teruo and younger brother. Despite not being able to attend elementary school, Chiyo possessed a natural talent for speaking and quick thinking. At the age of 9, she found work as a servant in Dotonbori where she was introduced to the world of theater, sparking a deep interest in becoming an actress. Chiyo's passion for acting continued to grow, leading her to run away to Kyoto where she immersed herself in the art of performance.

Mashiba Kurumi is a publicist for "el Arco Iris," a rising interior design company popular among the younger generation through social media. She is a fashion enthusiast who is conscious of her image and seeks approval from her colleagues and boss, Hayama Shogo. Kurumi becomes so engrossed in her work that she forgets to renew her apartment lease, leading her friend Koko to help her find a new place. They discover a shared residence with three strangers: Fujino Shun, a simplistic chef aspiring for a minimalist lifestyle; Terai Haruto, Shun's cousin who works as an online counselor; and Hase Ayaka, an up-and-coming artist who creates contemporary art while working part-time as a delivery driver at a luxury supermarket. Despite their differing ages, professions, and beliefs, these individuals come together to share a home. As their personalities clash, Kurumi experiences love, deepens friendships, and learns to embrace her true self by shedding her "armor."

Taking place in the war-torn neighborhood of Kamata, Tokyo in 1945, the narrative revolves around Shimomura Umeko, the youngest of three siblings. Her father works as a doctor at a university hospital. Despite her siblings' notable achievements, Umeko struggles with self-assurance. A particular event inspires her to pursue a career as a community doctor, yet she encounters numerous setbacks along the way.

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.

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.

Continue the narrative spanning over five decades, which includes the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, 1936 Berlin Olympics, and 1964 Tokyo Olympics. The story highlights Kanakuri Shisou, the first Japanese man to compete in the Stockholm Olympics and set a world record, as well as Tabata Masaji, who is recognized for bringing the Olympics to Japan.

The 99th morning drama series tells the story of Tachibana Fukuko, a young woman facing challenges in Osaka alongside her husband during the post-WWII economic boom. Despite numerous obstacles, they eventually achieve success by inventing instant noodles. This drama is inspired by the real-life experiences of the wife of Ando Momofuku, the entrepreneur behind Nissin Food Products Co. Ltd. and the creator of instant ramen.

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.

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.

Ikeda Sakiko, a newcomer in the professional world, is finding it challenging to stay on top of her workload. To treat herself for her efforts throughout the week, Sakiko enjoys preparing intricate meals at home or dining at unique restaurants. (DoramaWorld.blogspot.com)

Each evening, individuals with minor concerns enter through the doors of Occhan Kitchen, a well-liked eatery known for its "Tonight's Omakase" (chef's selection) skillfully crafted by its reserved proprietor. As patrons enjoy the "Omakase," they indulge in drinks and vent their frustrations. However, the owner merely offers brief replies... or rather, he is unable to respond. This is due to his uncertainty about the appropriate level of closeness to maintain with the younger crowd. Yet, after listening to their grievances daily, he unexpectedly discovers the solution. The owner is discreetly "updating his 'Occhan' on a daily basis. This initiative aims to foster warm communication between middle-aged men and young individuals from varying generations, all while providing simple and delectable recipes.

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.

At the onset of the Showa period, a girl named Asada Nobu, also referred to as 'Hachikin Onobu,' was darting through the streets of Kochi with astonishing speed. At the same time, Yanai Takashi, who had lost his father to disease during his childhood, was taken in by his uncle and met Nobu at the new school he attended. As the threat of war loomed, Nobu, who was enrolled in a women’s normal school, had become an ardent militarist like many of her peers. Before long, war broke out, and Takashi was deployed. He faced the devastating loss of his younger brother, Chihiro, in the conflict, while Nobu also suffered the loss of her beloved. After completing her education at the women's school, Nobu's beliefs shifted dramatically due to the war, prompting her to seek her own understanding of what was right. She became the first female reporter at a newspaper in Kochi. Following the war, Takashi left his job as a scrap collector and joined the same newspaper, where they both worked on the same magazine. Although Takashi aspired to become a manga artist in Tokyo, he was concerned about his ability to sustain himself. Nobu encouraged him, saying, "You can come later. I’ll head to Tokyo first and wait for you," after which she resigned from the newspaper and relocated to Tokyo. Takashi followed her there, and they began sharing a cramped six-tatami apartment that lacked a bath, had a communal toilet, and a hole in the ceiling requiring them to use an umbrella on rainy days, but on clear nights, they could gaze at the stars. Nobu found their circumstances intriguing, and the couple decided to marry, expressing, "I want to be with someone who can appreciate any situation."

The narrative is split into four segments: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. It delves into the common dilemmas faced by present-day youth, utilizing traditional cuisine and Chinese customs to narrate a love story. The plot follows six modern young individuals who escape the hustle and bustle of the city to immerse themselves in rural life, embarking on a spiritual journey back to nature. The focus is on a psychiatrist named FangYuan, who returns to his late mother's seaside residence following her passing. Here, he encounters a diverse group of friends and together they find solace in the simplicity of country living, ultimately discovering the true essence of life.

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.

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 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.

In 1802, a young girl named Mio faced tragedy when she lost her parents in a flood in Osaka. Feeling alone after being separated from her friend Noe, she was rescued by Yoshi, the owner of Tenman Icchoan, a renowned restaurant in Osaka. Despite being forbidden from the kitchen due to her gender, Mio began learning to cook under Yoshi's guidance. When the restaurant was destroyed in a fire, Mio traveled to Edo with Yoshi and her husband Kahei. Through a stroke of luck, they were offered a job at Tsurya, a soba shop owned by Taneichi. Mio struggled with the different culinary styles of Kansai and Edo, as well as facing challenges from rival shops and societal barriers in her romance with the samurai Komatsubara. Despite these obstacles, she persevered and became a successful female chef.

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

A brief play featuring a somewhat intricate family of four engaging in conversation at the dining table. (Hokuo Kurashino Douguten Youtube)

Ah Chim is a young woman in her twenties embarking on her professional journey. "Poetry Story" captures her relatable experiences and struggles, alongside her social and personal life, encompassing everything from shopping to dating. Ha Sang Wook's poetry illustrates scenarios that any newcomer in an office might encounter throughout this drama. (HanCinema)

A pair of individuals recall historical cuisine in their kitchen, a tale that illustrates the intersection of relationships and history

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.

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.

Yoshida Shigeru was a determined individual who remained steadfast in his beliefs, even when he was imprisoned during a time of war. He also stood his ground when dealing with General MacArthur, the top commander of the allied forces. As a result, they worked together to help rebuild Japan. (DramaWiki)

Takamura Misono is employed at a company that specializes in producing tsukemono, or pickled vegetable dishes. She takes pleasure in tuning in to podcasts and having meals by herself at home, opting for food from chain restaurants on her way back from work. Though she struggles with socializing, she exhibits great enthusiasm when discussing her interests. At the suggestion of her colleague Sudo Arisa, Takamura Misono decides to launch her own podcast, Omimi ni Aimashitara. Sasaki Ryohei, another colleague, also becomes a part of the podcast. Through this endeavor, Takamura Misono undergoes personal growth and development.

Shirai Aoi fulfilled her lifelong dream by starting a bakery in Osaka, but unfortunately, the business struggled and eventually had to close down. Following the closure, a quirky culinary researcher named Sadoya Manami emerged. She began hosting solo pastry-making classes in the kitchen of the shuttered shop. Despite initial hesitations, Shirai agreed to collaborate. The participants in the enigmatic confectionery classes each carried their own emotional burdens. As they spent time creating and savoring sweets, their wounded hearts found solace.

The story takes place in Tenma, Osaka, where Matsukichi, the son of a samurai, faces danger after his father is killed due to a grudge. Luckily, Wasuke, the owner of Ikawa store, comes to his rescue and saves his life. Matsukichi decides to work at the store instead of pursuing his dream of becoming a samurai like his father. While working at Ikawa, Matsukichi successfully handles various issues related to store credit. This narrative is inspired by Takada Kaoru's novel "Gin Nikan."

In 1921, Miyazawa Kenji decided to leave his affluent family behind and venture to Tokyo to live independently for a period of 8 months. During late summer, Kenji received a telegram from his family expressing concern for his younger sister Toshi. This prompted Kenji to return home, where he was greeted by his father, Masajiro. His father had misled Kenji about his sister's health out of concern for his well-being. Despite still searching for his true calling, Kenji found joy in making korokke (potato croquettes) that he had enjoyed in Tokyo and sharing them with his family. This experience led him to realize that spreading happiness through sharing was his true passion. Honoring Toshi's wish, Kenji embarked on a new path as a teacher at a recently established agricultural school.

A heartwarming short story showcasing the journey of a young bear who resides independently and holds a job at a seafood processing plant! Inspired by Qrais' manga "Higuma."

Taking place in the 1910s, this follows the tale of Hanada Suzuko, a girl raised in a household that operated a bathhouse in the heart of Osaka. Suzuko developed a passion for singing and dancing early on and became a member of the Umemaru Girls Opera Company (USK) in Dotonbori. Through her exceptional singing abilities, Suzuko rose to fame during the postwar period.

The empress and emperor are currently relishing a blissful marriage, only to find themselves entangled in a sinister plot that jeopardizes their love

A culinary enthusiast has journeyed back in time to help the emperor who is uninterested in food. Renowned as an experienced food content creator in present times, she amazes all in the royal court with her delicious dishes.

Tong Yan unexpectedly ends up in an unfamiliar realm where she becomes a female antagonist, with her spouse Gao Peng Fei holding the position of a factory manager. As Tong Yan navigates her new persona, she starts unraveling her husband's concealed truths and real identity, leading to a transformation in their relationship.