Asian dramas like
Kirin Ga Kuru

NHK's 56th historical drama series follows the Ii family's rule over the Totomi region during the Sengoku period. With no male heirs left due to previous conflicts, Naotora Ii, the lord's sole daughter, is set to inherit the title. Despite the challenges ahead, the unwavering support of her long-time betrothed provides Naotora with the strength to persevere.

The 48th NHK Taiga drama, titled Tenchijin, follows the life of Naoe Kanetsugu, a dedicated samurai in Echigo Province during the 16th century. Kanetsugu received training from Uesugi Kenshin in his youth and later served Kenshin's adopted son Kagekatsu with unwavering loyalty. Known for his strong sense of justice and compassion towards the common people, Kanetsugu worked tirelessly to protect the residents of Echigo. (NHK)

The 45th NHK Taiga Drama, titled Komyo ga Tsuji, follows the story of Kazutoyo who lived during the final years of the Sengoku period (1546-1605). He was the inaugural feudal lord of the Tosa domain located on Shikoku Island, and served under Nobunaga Oda, Hideyoshi Toyotomi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. His wife, Chiyo (1557-1617), was renowned for her loyalty and commitment to her husband, much like Matsu was to Toshiie in Toshiie to Matsu. Chiyo was the daughter of a samurai who was in the service of the feudal lord Asai.

NHK's 55th taiga drama series focuses on the life of Sanada Yukimura, who was born into a family of modest means in Shinsu (now Nagano Prefecture). Despite facing challenges during the Sengoku period, he used his intelligence, bravery, and hard work to become a highly respected samurai. During The Siege of Osaka, Sanada Yukimura built the fortress known as "Sanada Maru" near Osaka Castle, successfully defending against the larger army of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

The 39th NHK Taiga Drama is titled Aoi Tokugawa Sandai. This series, written by James Miki, follows the story of three generations of the Tokugawa family, starting from its founder Ieyasu to Iemitsu, the third Shogun who strengthened the Tokugawa dynasty. (DramaWiki)

Kyutaro, once a feared swordsman, now lives in poverty and solitude. Struggling to make ends meet without resorting to his sword, Kyutaro is approached by Sakichi with a job offer. Sakichi wants Kyutaro to eliminate a white cat named "Tamanojoh", which has caused his boss Yozaemon to undergo a transformation into a more childlike demeanor. Initially hesitant, Kyutaro ultimately agrees to the task for the financial reward. Upon encountering the white cat, Kyutaro is struck by its beauty. ~

The 46th Historical Drama follows the life of Yamamoto Kansuke, a brilliant strategist during the Civil War era in the 16th century. Kansuke serves Takeda Shingen and strives to unite the country by assisting the ruler of Kai. Additionally, Kansuke supports Shingen's mistress, Yu, showing unwavering love to a woman who initially despises the warlord responsible for her father and family's deaths. Through Kansuke's tactics, Shingen extends his influence to the north, setting the stage for a clash with Kenshin Uesugi, the ruler of Echigo. The series depicts the struggles of individuals pursuing their aspirations in a tumultuous historical period.

The narrative unfolds in Kyoto, Japan, in 1878, a decade following the peak of the samurai era. With their identities and social standing diminished, and prohibited from carrying swords, the samurai face the challenges of adapting to a transformed society. As disparities in wealth grow and a lethal cholera epidemic takes hold, a glimmer of hope emerges: an invitation to join a tournament offering a staggering prize of 100 billion yen. A total of 292 warriors assemble at Tenryuji Temple, each receiving a wooden token and thrust into a fierce competition. To secure victory, they must seize their opponents' tokens and make their way to Tokyo to claim the enormous cash reward, with the grim stipulation that only one participant will emerge alive. As the contest commences, the warriors employ a variety of tactics: some shoot arrows from a distance, others navigate the turmoil with daggers, some swing heavy swords with force, while others depend on clever strategies. With so many combat styles in play, the race for survival escalates rapidly. Who will withstand the harrowing ordeal, and who orchestrates this enigmatic and deadly competition?

The series follows the life of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was born as Takechiyo on January 31, 1543 and passed away on June 1, 1616

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)

At the age of 18, Urano Suzu ties the knot with Hojo Shusaku and relocates from Eba City to Kure City in Hiroshima Prefecture during the midst of the Pacific War. As Japan becomes deeply entrenched in the conflict, the local residents continue on with their daily routines. Resources are scarce, and loved ones are called to serve on the front lines. Suzu and the Hojo family face these challenges with a sense of optimism as they strive to persevere. (jdramas.wordpress) Derived from the manga Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni by Fumiyo Kouno.

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

The narrative follows the individuals residing at the base of the mountains in North-eastern China, who, guided by the Communist Party of China and the Anti-Japanese Allied Forces, stood up against the Japanese invaders to protect their country

In ancient China during the Spring and Autumn period, the four prominent families in the Qi state were engaged in fierce competition for political power. Despite their fathers' rivalry, Sun Wu and Guo Wujiu formed a strong friendship and received military training from the renowned strategist Tian Rangju. In the Chu state, Wu Zixu became a fugitive after his father was falsely accused of treason and his family was wiped out by King Ping of Chu. With the help of Sun Wu and Wujiu, Wu Zixu found refuge in the Wu state. The situation in Qi worsened when the Sun clan launched a surprise attack on the Guo and Gao clans, leading to a violent conflict. Wujiu managed to escape from Qi and viewed Sun Wu as his bitter rival from then on. He settled in Chu and became a general. Meanwhile, Sun Wu, devastated by the events, roamed until he settled in Wu state. Through Wu Zixu's introduction, Sun Wu was appointed as the military leader by King Hel of Wu. Sun Wu began his successful career by writing The Art of War and showcasing his strategic brilliance in leading the Wu army to victory in battles against rival states.

The story follows the journey of CCP operative Zhao Wen Zhong, known as "Mountain Leopard", as he resists Japanese occupation and successfully safeguards China's territory and valuables. In 1941, various factions in Zhao Cheng targeted China's national treasures. Zhao Wen Zhong, a member of the Communist resistance, takes it upon himself to protect these treasures. As the Japanese military intervenes, Wen Zhong's former lover, Li Xiao Wan, reappears, sparking jealousy in Juan Zi, who harbors feelings for Wen Zhong. Meanwhile, bandit Yao San He tries to win Juan Zi's affection by joining the conflict. The Japanese army devastates villages in search of a treasure map, with Wen Zhong's father becoming a crucial figure in the struggle. (ChineseDrama.info)

The 50th NHK Taiga drama is titled Gou, which centers around the life of Gou, who was married to the second Tokugawa shogun Hidetada. Gou was the third daughter of the daimyo Azai Nagamasa and was related to Oda Nobunaga through marriage. Her sisters were married to Toyotomi Hideyoshi and daimyo Kyogoku Takatsugu. (Tokyograph)

The plot revolves around Bai Wen Huan, who is the head of the Northern Shaanxi Brothers Association

During the 1930s in Shanghai, Peng Yu Tian, a National Army officer, bravely fought against the Japanese forces and was gravely wounded. He was saved by Lei Jin Yi, a field nurse, and the two developed a deep bond. Just as they were preparing to wed, Peng was called back to the battlefield. Tragically, Peng's family was targeted and bombed by the Japanese. Lei managed to escape with Peng's child and later assumed a new identity as Shen Han Bing, working as a dancer to support her family. Meanwhile, Peng, believing Lei had perished in the bombing, went on to marry a wealthy businessman named Wu Jiang. However, fate brought Peng and Lei back together when they crossed paths at a party hosted by Wujiang. As a member of the Communist underground, Peng was tasked with investigating Wu Jiang, and sought Lei's help in uncovering the truth. It was ultimately revealed that Wu Jiang was a Japanese spy posing as a Chinese. After the Anti-Japanese War, Wu Jiang attempted to flee with Lei, but was apprehended and met his end at the hands of Peng and Lei.

During the late 1930s in northern China, a rebel named Jie Zhen Guo must use Western sorcery to outwit his Japanese adversary.

In 1942, in the northern region of Fujian, Qian Wei Min, a member of the underground CCP party, was tasked with retrieving the "Wuyi Cadre School List" from the leader of the Sun Mountain known as "Balchangcao", as well as collecting military funds for the New Fourth Army. Meanwhile, Xue Zi Qi, the head of the Kuomintang's Special Intelligence Bureau, had devised the "Zhong Kui Operation" to capture the "Cruise officinalis" with the help of Qian Wei Min. The Japanese espionage leader Toshiro Tanaka aimed to exploit this situation to further their plans for invading China. However, Qian Wei Min uncovered the Japanese spies' scheme just as he was about to carry out his mission. He joined forces with Xue Zi Qi to thwart the Japanese plot and successfully put an end to their plans, leading to a victorious outcome.

Following a violent attack on China by the Imperial Japanese Army, a Chinese academic residing in Boston, Wu Ming Tai, chooses to go back to Beijing to translate a crucial document for the UN. This document provided evidence of the Japanese army's atrocities in China. Nevertheless, the Japanese military leader was informed of the professor's journey back to his homeland. The army was willing to go to extreme lengths to stop Wu Ming Tai from returning, such as kidnapping his sibling and coercing him to become a Japanese national.

After the Republic of China (1912-1949) was established in 1912, a group of young students witnessed China being invaded by Imperialist countries. In response, Li Shi Zeng, Wu Yu Zhang, Wu Zhi Hui, and Zhang Ji formed the "Work-Study Program in France" organization. Through this program, individuals such as Zhou En Lai, Deng Xiao Ping, Chen Yi, Nie Rong Zhen, Li Fu Chun, Li Wei Han, Li Li San, Cai Chang, Fu Zhong, He Chang Gong, Xiao San, Zhao Shi Yan, Cai He Sen, Wang Ruo Fei, Chen Yan Nian, Chen Qiao Nian, Xiang Jing Yu, and others were able to study abroad in France. Witnessing the advancements of the European Industrial Revolution and the Second Industrial Revolution, they recognized the importance of science and democracy in saving China, setting the foundation for their future revolutionary efforts.

A biographical series depicting the life of the renowned poet and statesman Su Dongpo, also known as Su Shi. The show will follow Su Shi's journey over six decades, starting from his early days traveling to the capital of the Song Dynasty to participate in the civil service exam alongside his younger brother, up until his passing.

In ancient times, the legend tells of the Zhaotong Youth River Blade, commanded by Xiao Heng, as they battled the Japanese forces from Yunnan.

The presence of Sima Yi's swords and Zhuge Liang's fan suggested an upcoming conflict. Part 2 will explore the dynamics between Sima Yi and Emperor Wei Cao Rui. Sima Yi's position as a key figure persists through the reigns of Cao Rui and Cao Fang, during which he faces his most formidable opponent.

In a time of military expansionism, He Tao Hua's father, a highly respected military official, was killed. Adopting a new persona, Tao Hua embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind her father's murder. By 1925, the He Family had been wiped out, leaving only He Tao Hua alive. She ventures to a different city and finds employment as a servant for the Liao Family. Her quick wit and charm win over Old Master Liao, while she also forms a romantic relationship with Young Master Liao Chun Feng. However, just before their wedding, Liao Chun Feng learns of her true identity and, unable to bear the burden, confesses before leaving to join the war effort. Recognizing her feelings for him, He Tao Hua decides to pursue him despite the challenges that lie ahead.

This tale follows a skilled swordsman who faces challenges with a firm commitment to justice and sincere compassion for ordinary people. Despite residing in Edo for four years, Iwane continues to live in a row house next to a masterless samurai and his family, who often cause trouble for him. Commoners seek Iwane's assistance with various issues, and he happily resolves them while engaging in friendly interactions with them, including his former fiancée and a girl from the neighborhood who looks up to him. (NHK)

Taking place during the era of conflict in ancient China known as the Warring States period, the show follows the narrative of Sun Bin, a relative of Sun Tzu, as he faces off against his adversary Pang Juan. (Wikipedia)

The 41st NHK Taiga Drama, titled Toshiie to Matsu, explores the life of Maeda Toshiie during the chaotic Warring States Era. His journey intersects with the renowned generals of Japanese history- Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, and Ieyasu. Through his political acumen and the unwavering support of his devoted wife, Toshiie managed to climb to the second-highest position in the shogunate. He also expanded his territory to include Echizen, Noto, and Kaga.

"The Book of Five Rings" by Miyamoto Musashi, a renowned 17th-century work on strategy and leadership, gained popularity among business executives centuries later. Musashi, orphaned at a young age, honed his martial arts skills and fought on the losing side during the Battle of Sekigahara. Evading capture, he spent years traveling and mastering the sword. His reputation attracted challengers, including Sasaki Kojiro, with whom he engaged in a legendary duel at Ganryujima.

Shibusawa Eiichi, born in 1840 into a farming family, assisted with indigo production and silk farming as a child. At 23, he left home to work for the government before traveling to Paris to study banking. Upon his return to Japan, he played a key role in establishing the country's first modern bank. Over time, he helped establish or support around 500 companies and was involved in approximately 600 public services, including initiatives for women's education.

The tale of Yagyu Jubei, a skilled swordsman hailing from the renowned Yagyu-Shinkage school during the Edo era. Despite the Tokugawa shogunate being firmly established for many years, there were still individuals scheming to undermine its political structure. Yagyu Munemori, the head of the Yagyu-Shinkage school and loyal to the third Tokugawa shogun Iemitsu, is tasked with monitoring the Daimyo lords across Japan. Jubei, Munemori's eldest son, embarks on a covert journey to combat those involved in clandestine activities. Witness the intense sword battles between Jubei and his adversaries.

The second installment of the Yagyu Jubei Nanaban Shoubu series deviates from the first season, which was adapted from Yo Tsumoto's novel

A continuation of the tale of Jubei Yagyu, a skilled swordsman hailing from the famous Yagyu-Shinkage school during the Edo era. Following the rebellion against the Tokugawa shogunate in Shimabara twelve years prior, Jubei embarks on a new journey to thwart military strategist Shosetsu Yui's scheme to overthrow the shogunate. (DramaWiki)

The drama narrates the tale of Hong Pei Shan, the Hong family's adopted daughter-in-law, who defied traditional practices and challenged destiny due to her romance with the Hong family's adopted son in the era of the Republic of China

The show centers around Shun Liu, a talented marksman who joins the New Fourth Army as a soldier. His remarkable shooting skills are acknowledged, leading him to play a crucial part in multiple military missions against Japanese troops. The series explores concepts of loyalty to one's country, individual development, and the relationships forged during times of war.

Returning to the Spring and Autumn Period two thousand years ago, Qi Sun Wu was not born to be a military commander like his grandfather, but rather a man seeking adventure in foreign lands. After facing family tragedies and being forced to leave his hometown, Wu Tai General started his remarkable career. His love and struggles with the extraordinary woman Yi Luo brought him fame as a General, before he devoted himself to learning from soldiers and becoming a mountain hermit. Sun Wu's life was filled with ups and downs, but with Yi Luo by his side, he never felt lonely.

The series depicts the sequence of significant occurrences during Sun Yat Sen's lifetime. It covers key events such as the creation of the Tongmenghui, the Wuchang Uprising, the downfall of the Qing dynasty, the founding of the Republic of China, Yuan Shi Kai's ascent and decline in authority, and the National Protection War.