Asian dramas like
Heat 2015

In Headhunter, the narrative explores the shifting landscape of job security, moving away from the concept of lifelong employment. The film delves into the contemporary labor market, following Kurosawa (played by Eguchi Yosuke) as he navigates the world of talent scouting in the headhunting industry.

Set in the late 1990s and early 2000s, this business drama unfolds during a time when the Japanese economy faced a downturn post the bubble burst. Traditional Japanese companies were now vulnerable to takeovers by foreign investors. Masahiko Washizu, a former Japanese bank employee turned New York-trained fund manager, returns to Tokyo with a mission to acquire Japanese businesses. Over the span of eight years, the story follows the journey of this relentless businessman, known as the "vulture," as well as the ambitions, challenges, and dreams of those involved in corporate acquisitions.

Detective Mizunuma, along with his younger sister Rie who works at a document office, and psychiatrist Kamijo who manages a psychiatric clinic, collaborate to carry out a fraudulent scheme in order to repay their individual debts of 200 million yen each. Their first target is Inokuma Real Estate, a company that has profited from Social Security Agency regulations. Upon discovering that the company owns unsold land in Atami, the trio devises a plan to create a fictitious Elderly Housing with Care business to deceive Inokuma Real Estate into selling them the land.

Due to the impact of a robust yen, the worldwide financial downturn, and the competitive challenge posed by emerging economies, the Japanese manufacturing sector finds itself in a delicate position. A major electronics manufacturer is teetering on the edge of insolvency, with only a 3-month financial buffer remaining. In a covert initiative, three employees from the company - representing sales, finance, and production departments - collaborate to establish a reconstruction team and diligently strive to rejuvenate the company.

Ryo Ichinose is employed as a sales representative at a branch of Hashiba Electronics, a medium-sized electronics manufacturer known for its extensive history. Unexpectedly, he is instructed to relocate to the main office. Despite his lack of standout qualities, the newly appointed company president, Matsumoto, recognizes Ichinose's persistence as a salesperson and assigns him to a five-person team tasked with devising strategies to enhance Hashiba Group's management. Together, Ichinose and his colleagues travel to Vietnam to explore opportunities for reducing costs. During their time in Vietnam, Ichinose uncovers a bribery scheme linked to the contract work between the main office and the subsidiary, stemming from a new business initiative known as a licensing program, which has greatly impacted Hashiba Group. Determined to bring about change and align the company with ethical practices, Ichinose is committed to realizing not only his own aspirations but also those of his fellow team members.

In a period of economic instability in Japan, Masahiko Washizu heads a foreign investment firm and faces backlash for his aggressive investment strategies. He endeavors to acquire a struggling bank and another company during their financial downturn.

Murakami Shinsuke is an expert in corporate consulting specializing in personnel restructuring. He strategically guides employees towards voluntary retirement through one-on-one interviews. The storyline revolves around workers who are compelled to reflect on the significance of their jobs in the midst of impending layoffs. -- NHK

Taeko is employed at a financial institution that is affiliated with a foreign country. She is tasked with reviving a small company that has recently been acquired. Taeko faces challenges from the employees of the company, who are focused on advancing geothermal power as a potential energy solution. Initially seeing her new role as a step down, Taeko commits herself to turning the small company into a successful venture. This story is adapted from Jin Mayama's novel "Maguma."

The narrative follows Cheng Xin as she completes her university studies and moves to Beijing in search of employment despite lacking any prior work experience

The advertising industry can be highly competitive, but it is where Long Tian Jue thrives with his exceptional creativity. He had never faced a major obstacle until he clashed with Ruan Xin Li. When she took the client list to their rival company, Long had to step up and collaborate with his team to navigate through the crisis.

Jiang Yuan, a diligent businessman with promising prospects, saw his life take a turn for the worse when a rival falsely accused him, resulting in a fifteen-year prison sentence. Now released, he sets out on a path of revenge with unwavering determination. (DramaWiki)

A young man uncovers the origins of his transplanted heart.

Created through a collaboration between the Buildings Department of The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), these stories are based on actual cases faced by the Buildings Department

Jiang He takes on the role of harbor master at Dongjiang Port as well as the position of party committee secretary. Just one day after starting his new job, a transport emergency occurs with the sinking of the Yutai passenger liner. A key associate of Dongjiang Port disappears in the wake of the incident, leading to a series of questionable challenges. Through all the difficulties faced, Jiang He oversees the port operations and strives for its improvement.

The plot revolves around a group of creators striving to keep producing their series "Gilgamesh Battle", recognized for its provocative themes and nudity

In the plot, we witness the journey of Yukari Ichiko, a young woman working as an announcer, as she faces a significant setback in her career

A clandestine tale of intrigue unfolds within the hidden gambling dens of Roppongi, Tokyo

Connected to traffic signs on the road, this piece explores the journey of an individual who takes on the role of a substitute driver following a job loss.

Mutsumi is a new designer working for a small design firm called Lemon Design. She is currently focused on preparing for magazine photo shoots, such as finding suitable locations and collaborating with photographers. Despite her role, Mutsumi feels uncertain about her abilities as a designer. Tetsuko picks up on Mutsumi's emotions and reassures her by stating that she is a valuable employee. Mutsumi is puzzled by Tetsuko's comment.

A theatrical piece centered around the romantic relationships of two couples.

In a lingerie boutique, a woman assists customers of all ages, ranging from young girls to women in their forties, in this collection of five stories. Each individual finds herself at a pivotal moment in her life as a woman.

Chiang Yuen is determined to start his own business and outdo his father, Chiang Shing Tin, in order to seek revenge for being tightly controlled for so long. With the help of Chung Hiu Yeung, Ding Man Chi, Yuen Siu Tin, and others, Chiang Yuen overcomes several obstacles to establish a mobile application development company and declares a trade war against his father. Meanwhile, Chiang Yuen's younger brother, Chiang Sing, is neglected by their father, allowing their stepmother, Lee Tsau Ping, to push her son, Chiang Tsun, as the heir and plot to take over the family business. Despite facing attacks from Tsau Ping, Chiang Yuen receives support from his ex-girlfriend, Kwan Fa La, and her autistic son, Ko Hing, leading him to reassess his relationship with his father. In response to Tsau Ping's betrayal and power grab, Chiang Yuen teams up with his younger brother and uncle, Lee Tsau Kan, to fight back. Unexpectedly, his best friend betrays him, while his rival joins forces with him, blurring the lines between friend and foe.

The setting of the story is the Meiji era, where Matsuzaka Kurenai lives as a typical wife and mother. While her husband is at work, she stays home to care for her son and manage the household. However, Kurenai has a dark past - her father was a mercenary who carried out killings for justice and profit. Witnessing her father commit a murder when she was young, she harbored resentment towards him. Over time, she honed her skills in short knife fighting. In the first episode, Kurenai becomes entangled in a troubling situation involving a female friend who hired mercenaries to eliminate a target. Tragically, the friend and her family were killed by the mercenaries before they could carry out the job. The leader of the mercenaries is Ebisuya Bunzo, along with members Oaki, Kagenosuke, Akane, and Ryuji. When Kurenai offers to assist, Bunzo, who was once her father's partner, insists she either take a share of the payment or leave. Ultimately, Kurenai decides to accept the money and follows in her father's footsteps as a hired mercenary.

The story takes place in the heart of Tokyo, where Tamayo, a determined wife in the Aramaki family, resides with her mother-in-law Yoshie. Their relationship is marked by constant clashes and disagreements, creating a tense atmosphere in the household. Despite being caught in the middle of their disputes, Ryosuke, the family's provider, strives to unite the two women. However, their dynamic is put to the test when the man they both care for suddenly goes missing. Forced to coexist under one roof, these two women, who are vastly different from each other, embark on a journey to understand and bond with each other. This heartfelt drama is filled with moments of laughter and tears.

Fuji-TV dedicates its late-night time slot for innovative projects, providing opportunities for aspiring young writers, filmmakers, and directors to showcase their talents. Each series runs for a duration of four weeks, featuring a cast of emerging talents from the entertainment industry. The themes explored in these dramas are tailored to appeal to a younger audience. (DramaWiki)

A story unfolds around a teacher who educates children in hospitals. Junpei, a physics educator aged 32 working at a secondary school, is reassigned to a facility for children with disabilities. One of his responsibilities is to provide individualized instruction to children in hospitals. Through interacting with children battling life-threatening illnesses, he gains insights into the essence of education and life.

The story revolves around a female protagonist who transitions to a new career path and rises to the position of president at a car dealership in the male-dominated society of the 1970s. Hisako Makino decides to leave her position at a prominent textile company before the age of 25, the designated retirement age for women during that era, and embarks on a career as a saleswoman in the automotive industry. The narrative unfolds her journey to success, intertwined with the experiences of her peers from high school who belong to the baby-boom generation.

A story unfolds around an auditor torn between his obligations and his empathy. Miyazaki Kenji is employed at an auditing company, where he challenges his colleagues who overlook deceitful practices to help struggling businesses. While striving to adhere to regulations, he starts to question his stance as he witnesses clients being pushed to their limits by stringent policies.

Kanzaki Shimako, a 31-year-old single office worker, has been employed in the General Affairs division of a well-known company for 9 years. Known for her competence, reliability, strong sense of duty, and competitive nature, Shimako is tasked with training three Chinese individuals after her company decides to outsource some of its operations.

Amano Yoshihiko is employed at the large Mizunami Bank where he is entrusted by the president to handle the concealment of 700 million yen in bad debt. Despite facing numerous challenges such as a determined politician, the president's ex-mistress running a hostess club, and opposition from his coworkers, Amano dedicates himself to resolving the issue for the benefit of the bank and its president. As he becomes increasingly entangled in the situation, his personal life begins to unravel.

A tale of a woman who discovers a fresh start after a chance meeting with an American man and their eventual parting ways. Rika Kudo leaves her job at a bank to join UNHCR in Tokyo, where she crosses paths with Ed, who eventually becomes her spouse. Following their wedding, Ed departs for Sudan to work on a refugee aid mission, causing strain on their relationship. Following their separation, Rika discovers that Ed was tragically killed in Afghanistan, leaving a profound impact on her life.