Asian dramas like
Hanako To Anne

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."

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.

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.

Uno Meiko, the protagonist of a food-centric series, hails from a family that owns a western-style eatery in Tokyo. After tying the knot, she relocates to Osaka with her spouse, where she grapples with the contrasting cultures of the two cities while navigating her roles as a mother and wife.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 of Zheng A Mian, a dedicated volunteer at Tzu Chi, depicts her journey through various challenges in life. From dealing with her father's irresponsible behavior to her husband's financial troubles and the tragic loss of her youngest daughter, A Mian demonstrates that one can handle adversity with a positive attitude.

In June of 1993, there was a strong partnership forming between Donghai Chemical and Luoda Company. Song Yun Hui, the driving force behind Donghai's collaboration, is leading the workers of Pengyang in initiating a reform process. Despite the challenges of bridging the gap between the two companies, Yunhui remains committed to his original vision. Lei Dong Bao is heading DengfengElectric and merging with small factories to create a cluster. He establishes regulations, secures investments, delves into international trade, and confronts the complexities of human interactions, always prioritizing the welfare of the people. Yang Xun and Liang Si Shen are collaborating on the development of a shopping center. Amidst their efforts, Liang Si Shen strives to find a balance between the interests of Luoda and Donghai. As they work together, they gradually build trust and unity to confront future obstacles. Through the challenges and changes, the unwavering dream pursuers persevere with determination.

Based on the book "Zhi Shang Yan Yun" (纸上烟云) authored by Li Yi Dong (李屹东).

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.

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

Based on the book "Master and Me" by Zhang Qi.

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.

Taking place in a pub located in the business district of Nagoya City called "Banzaiya", the story revolves around the daily lives of office workers and OLs (office ladies). It unfolds as a touching drama filled with human emotions, showcasing the relationships between the characters and delving into the past experiences of Etsuko, the bar's owner.

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.

Hitomi Takashiro and Akako Honda form the comedy duo Akako to Hitomi, which they established approximately five years ago. Despite their lack of widespread popularity, they continue to entertain a small, loyal audience with their Manzai performances at a local theater. Their fortunes take a turn when they apprehend a middle school student attempting to steal Hitomi's bicycle, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the female comedy duo. (

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.

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?

Based on the online novel "The Prince and the Master of Cultivation" ( ).

A tale about Sato Hachiro, a poet from the Showa era celebrated for his heartfelt poems and melodies aimed at children. Despite the gentle and emotional nature of his creations, he and his family faced many challenges throughout their lives. The drama, adapted from a novel by his half-sister Sato Aiko, delves into the fascinating life of this poet who left a lasting impact on the popular culture of the Showa period, particularly exploring his complex relationships with his family members. (DramaWiki)

The plot of this series revolves around the novel "Bakabon no Papa yori Bakana Papa," depicting the daily lives of the writer, her father who is a manga illustrator, and other members of their family.

At 25 years old, Kishibe Midori is employed in the editorial division of a fashion magazine under a large publishing corporation. However, due to the cancellation of the fashion magazine, Kishibe Midori is reassigned to the editorial team for a dictionary. In her new workplace, she encounters individuals with unique personalities, including the head of the department, Majime Mitsuya. Initially facing challenges, Kishibe Midori gradually finds motivation in the dedication and passion of her colleagues who have been working on the dictionary for more than ten years. She discovers the beauty in the words she handles and begins to take pride in her work, experiencing a sense of accomplishment.

Inspired by the music of Matsutoya Yumi, the short story collection "Yuming Tribute Stories" features contributions from Wataya Risa, Yuzuki Asako, and Kawakami Hiromi.

Lin Xiao Fan, a newcomer in the contemporary business sector, was murdered by rival businessman Chen Yuan. However, he experienced a surprising rebirth and was transported back to the year 1993. Following this time-travel event, Lin Xiao Fan, along with his wife Jiang Yan and their boss Hong Yan, embarked on a new entrepreneurial journey from the ground up. Ultimately, they navigated the abundant opportunities of that prosperous era, making choices that led to personal growth and establishing themselves as legendary figures in the realm of wealth creation. (DramaWiki) Based on the book "Chong Fan 1990" (1990) by Yong Heng Sen Lin.

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.

The narrative commences with an unforeseen incident at the Shanghai concert in 2008. Deng Chang Fu, the third sibling, lay on a stretcher, reminiscing about the birth of "the girl," the fourth child in the Deng family, in a small village in Taiwan during the early winter of 1953. Despite her innate singing ability, her father, Deng Shu, strongly disapproved. Deng Shu, a retired army officer, transitioned to running a market stall. Witnessing her father's melancholy and longing for his hometown, the girl assisted him in selling steamed buns. Although she did not progress to junior high school after completing primary education, she excelled in radio singing competitions. Deng Shu encountered trouble with thugs at the market stall, resulting in injuries and a legal dispute. Convinced that a permanent store was the solution, the couple worked tirelessly. The girl, out of love for her parents, became a contracted singer, used her earnings to establish a store for her father, who was deeply touched by her actions. Eventually, the girl graced the stage and garnered numerous accolades.

The narrative follows Tenka, a 17-year-old girl born and raised in Sendai, Miyagi prefecture. When her father changes jobs, her family relocates to Tokyo. Tenka stays briefly with her grandfather, a passionate rice farmer residing at Igune, a forest surrounded by vast rice fields in the Sendai plains. Upon completing high school, she moves to Kichijyoji in Tokyo to live with her family in a residence situated on the grounds of a temple owned by her grandfather's longtime friend, Suzuki Shozo. Also on the property is a small nursery school operated by Shozo's wife, Yoshiko. Tenka begins to contemplate a career as a pediatric nurse. Over time, it is revealed that Tenka's family and the Suzuki Shozo family have a deep-rooted connection spanning generations. Tenka discovers that she is betrothed to Shozo's grandson, Ryunosuke, as per an agreement between her grandfather and Shozo. (DramaWiki) Notable locations in the story include Sendai, Miyagi and Musashino, Tokyo.

The narrative centers around Tsubasa, a 20-year-old woman who prioritizes her family and their business. Her world is shaken when her long-lost mother returns home. In order to repay her mother's debts, Tsubasa takes on a job as a DJ at a local radio station.

A courageous woman who confidently navigates the challenges of the Heisei and Reiwa periods. Embracing a positive outlook on life, she lives authentically and fully, unbothered by the opinions of others. Identified as a 'gal', she discovered the joy of aiding others through a particular event. Her aspiration is to pursue a career as a 'nutritionist', believing in the transformative power of food. Initially motivated by her close-knit family, she later extends her passion to benefit those she encounters, including children and patients. Her ambition leads her to spread happiness nationwide, embodying her 'gal spirit' by cherishing her uniqueness and relishing life amidst the turbulent times. Despite occasional concerns, she approaches the world with brightness, happiness, and strength, determined to overcome any challenges.

It comprises of three distinct and comprehensive narratives. Entrepreneurship: Da Sheng Kui emerged three centuries ago. Against all odds, Wang Xiang Qing, Shi Da Xue, Zhang Jie, and three other men from Shanxi joined forces to venture into the world, ultimately becoming creators of immense wealth. Their journey across treacherous terrains, facing harsh weather conditions, unknowingly reconnected the civilizations of Europe and Asia. With the accompaniment of soothing camel bells, business pioneers from various ethnicities traversed thousands of miles on foot, establishing a vital trade route spanning Eurasia - the tea industry road. Societe Generale: Shopkeepers, led by Da Sheng Kui, united against Western powers 160 years later. Through perseverance and sacrifice, they overcame challenges and achieved greater successes amidst trials of bloodshed and adversity. The third segment narrates Da Sheng Kui's fulfillment of his historical duty and eventual closure in the early 20th century, set against a backdrop of global shifts and domestic turmoil.

Qi Yi Bei, the Crown Prince of the Great Jin Dynasty, set out to locate the minister's daughter but was unexpectedly ambushed and robbed by a gang of bandits from Shenfeng Stronghold. Surprisingly, their leader turned out to be a strong-willed female bandit. As tensions escalated, a mix-up caused the Crown Prince to swap souls with the female bandit, Fu You Ran. While the real Crown Prince strives to flee the stronghold, the bandit must masquerade as a gentle prince in order to reverse the soul swap. Forced to travel back to the capital together, they face an uncertain future.

Xiao Qing Ge is the proprietor of the Xiao Manor, a residence where affluent individuals from the Capital city reside. She is a wealthy individual who frequents the "pleasure house" and has encountered numerous male companions. While enjoying a leisurely day on a boat, she crossed paths with Mo Zhi Yin, who had recently returned to the Capital city to select concubines. Despite Mo Zhi Yin's lack of interest in relationships, he agreed to marry Xiao Qing Ge for the purpose of spiritual practice and moved into the Xiao Manor. The journey from Xiao Qing Ge's unrequited love to mutual affection was fraught with challenges. Amidst these trials, Xiao Qing Ge also found herself ensnared by Xiao Man Wu as she sought to uncover the "mystery of male companions"… (WeTV)

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.

Segodon depicts the story of Takamori Saigo, a historical figure who was the eldest son of a samurai from a humble background. Throughout his life, he faced exile on two occasions and was married three times. Takamori Saigo played a significant role in the Meiji Restoration but eventually led a rebellion against the government due to his discontent with the reforms of the Meiji era. (Wikipedia)

The narrative takes place in the era of rapid economic growth in the Showa period. After losing her parents in the war, Natsu relocates to the Tokachi region in Hokkaido with her foster father, a dairy farmer. During her childhood, Natsu befriends a classmate who impresses her with a stunning horse drawing, sparking her interest in animated films. Following her graduation from high school, Natsu makes the move to Tokyo to pursue her ambition of working as an animator in the emerging animation industry.

In 1909, a baby boy was born to a family in Fukushima Prefecture who had been running a dry goods store for generations. This boy would grow up to become the renowned composer Koyama Yuichi, known for his many popular songs. Despite being raised as the heir to the family business, Yuichi was seen as a dreamy child with no outstanding qualities by those around him. However, his passion for music ignited a spark within him and allowed him to discover his talent for composing through self-teaching. As a young man, Yuichi secretly entered an international songwriting competition, where he achieved second place with his entry. This led him to meet a young female student aspiring to become a singer, and despite the distance between them (Fukushima and Toyohashi), the two eventually married. Upon moving to Tokyo, they faced many challenges but managed to create a number of successful songs. However, the outbreak of war forced Yuichi to compose wartime songs for the military, a task that weighed heavily on him as he witnessed young men perish in battle after singing his compositions. In the aftermath of the war, amidst the chaos of recovery, the couple embarked on a new musical journey aimed at uplifting and inspiring those who had suffered. (Jdrama Weblog) Inspired by the life of Japanese composer Yuji Koseki from Fukushima during the Showa Era.

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 follows the Iwata family residing in Ikeda, Osaka City, during the 1950s and 1960s. Fuyuko (16), the youngest daughter, serves as the story's narrator. The family operates a bakery, with the ambitious and energetic mother, Teruko, striving to fulfill her aspirations. In line with Teruko's ambitions, the eldest daughter pursues figure skating while the second daughter achieves fame as a professional singer. In contrast, Fuyuko discovers her passion for baking bread.

Lin Sui Sui finds herself in the fragmented narrative of My Fair Princess, where she takes on the role of a maid in the Empress’s palace. In order to go back to her own world, she is tasked with mending the storyline, but unforeseen challenges posed by an enigmatic guard jeopardize her efforts.

In 1953 (Showa 28), Kuroyanagi Tetsuko made history as NHK's inaugural television actress during the early days of television broadcasting. Since then, she has captivated audiences with her performances, evoking both laughter and tears. From the era of live dramas to the present day, she has garnered unwavering support from a multitude of fans. This information is derived from Kuroyanagi Tetsuko's autobiography "Totto Hitori."

The series effectively narrates the journey of a girl named Hyo Rin, who is perpetually troubled by matters of the heart

Bai Xiao Tang wakes up in the setting of a book, now inhabiting the role of the antagonist's spouse. She requests a separation from her husband, who is currently facing difficulties. Determined to change the anticipated tragic outcome of her demise at the hands of the villain, she decides to cling onto him for survival.