Asian dramas like
Kokoro 2003

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 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.

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.

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.

Natsumi, a 23-year-old woman from Yokohama, is training with her father, a master baker, to become a pastry chef. She lives with her parents and younger brother. During a trip to Iwate Prefecture with her boyfriend Masaki for his grandmother Katsuno's 77th birthday, Katsuno falls ill and asks Masaki to return to run the ryokan she manages in Morioka City. Natsumi decides to stay in Yokohama while Masaki goes back to Morioka, but surprises him later by expressing her desire to become the ryokan's manager. Will Natsumi's journey be as smooth as the title suggests?

Mizuki is an aspiring actress who is still striving to achieve her dream. Despite facing the challenges of her ordinary life, she holds onto her passion for the spotlight. Despite her family's warnings, she manages to land a role with a film company in Tokyo. She goes through the ups and downs of starting out in the industry, but is devastated when the company shuts down. Mizuki returns home, but her determination to succeed remains strong.

The 67th NHK Asadora Drama follows the story of Manten, a young woman who grew up on a small island in southern Japan surrounded by nature. Inspired by her father, who disappeared at sea when she was eight years old, Manten holds onto his dream of space exploration. At eighteen, Manten faces pressure from her mother to decide on a career path or start paying rent, while also dealing with a declaration of love from a childhood friend. Despite these challenges, Manten remains determined to pursue her dream of joining Japan's National Space Development Agency, NASDA. However, she realizes that achieving this goal will require hard work and dedication, including obtaining a college education and gaining three years of experience in the field. As Manten navigates the complexities of life and love, she remains steadfast in her pursuit of space travel, making unlikely friendships along the way.

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.

In a run-down shopping district, Shinoda Mariko stars as the owner of a clothing store with a unique talent for instantly knowing a customer's clothing size. The narrative will revolve around her interactions with various patrons. (Credit: JapanBullet)

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 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.

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.

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.

A community resides close to park number 8, each person with their own unique narrative. The tale follows five individuals navigating life in their fifties. (ChineseDrama.info)

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.

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.

Jiang Xin and Jian Ning are often referred to as the ideal couple. They tied the knot and welcomed their first child before reaching the age of 30. However, they soon realize that they were unprepared for the challenges of parenthood as they are overwhelmed by the new responsibilities that come with caring for a child.

Song Jiao Yang, a talented student in the field of fashion design, unexpectedly finds herself thrust into the world of supermodeling. As she navigates this new industry, she forms connections with Li Zhen (played by Godfrey Gao) and Zhao Yu Tian (portrayed by Jed Lee). Zhao Yu Tian, an established model, takes a tough-love approach with Jiao Yang but harbors hidden feelings for her. On the other hand, Li Zhen is kind and supportive towards Jiao Yang, though he conceals his past and origins. Feeling rejected by his family, Li Zhen's demeanor changes, leading him down a path of vengeance where he will go to great lengths, including manipulating his relationship with Song Jiao Yang.

Born into a privileged family, Zhang Zheng, a successful entrepreneur and young CEO, encountered challenges when he decided to pursue a career in music. Despite eventually taking over his family's business, he also established an artist management firm to help nurture aspiring talents. While his company flourished, he found himself in a fierce rivalry with competitor Li Zhen Feng. Along the way, Zhang crossed paths with Yan Xiao Bei, a talented young woman working in one of his companies. Despite their blossoming romance, Zhang's business struggles posed obstacles to their relationship.

Lv Sheng Nan, a skilled flight attendant, has been recognized with a gold medal for three years in a row due to her exceptional performance and friendly demeanor. Despite being on the verge of a promotion to deputy director, she decided to resign from her position. It was revealed that Lv Sheng Nan's true passion lies in helping her hometown of Shenxian Village. She aspires to serve as the village's first secretary, aiming to contribute to the overall development of the rural community. The return of the gold medal flight attendant to her village for the purpose of rural revitalization is sure to ignite a unique and promising transformation.

As the successor of the influential Jin Hai Group, Zhao Jia Di decides to forge his own path instead of following his father's strict guidance. He chooses to forego a prestigious university offer in favor of attending a less recognized college. With a strong determination to show his capabilities, he takes a risky gamble to establish his own corporate domain. However, his achievements draw the ire of competitor Chen Hong Xiong, sparking a intense rivalry in the business realm.

The sitcom portrays the weddings of the three daughters from the Takanabe family involved in tea cultivation, the challenges of passing down the family's tea business through generations, and the conflicts that arise between the couples. It captures the human drama within the family, showcasing moments of both joy and sorrow.

The NHK Asadora Renzoku Drama titled Churasan tells the story of Kohagura Eri, a young woman born on Kohamajima Island in Okinawa on May 15, 1972, the day Okinawa was returned to Japan from the U.S. When Kamimura Shizuko and her two sons, Kazuya and Fumiya, visit Eri's family's small inn, they are warmly welcomed by her fun-loving yet quirky family. Eri is surprised to learn that Kazuya is terminally ill, prompting Shizuko and her sons to spend their final days together in the beautiful Okinawan nature. After Kazuya's passing, Fumiya and Eri make a promise to marry in the future. Eventually, Fumiya and his mother leave the island to return to Tokyo. Years later, Eri works as a nurse and Fumiya as a doctor at the same hospital in Tokyo, where they are reunited.

According to legend, a bride who wears a gown created by the renowned designer Madam Mari on her wedding day will discover genuine happiness. Reiko, a young advertising professional who is engaged to marry a colleague, decides to have her wedding dress made by Madam Mari after hearing about the legend. However, her initial meeting with the dressmaker doesn't go as planned, leading to unexpected changes in her life. Soon, Reiko finds herself working as an assistant to Madam Mari, who designs unique dresses for clients seeking happiness in their love lives. The series showcases different clients coming to Madam Mari with romantic challenges and receiving one-of-a-kind dresses that help them find true love. The story revolves around the pragmatic and sometimes skeptical Mari and the optimistic Reiko, who believes in love and dreams of marital bliss. This tale is not just for women in search of happiness, but for anyone facing difficulties in life. The show also highlights the diverse wedding dresses created by the legendary dressmaker, ranging from simple and elegant to extravagant. (YTV)

The Ideal Journey for a Pair revisits the ordinary challenges faced by a married couple as they work to raise children and manage a small tea farm. It vividly portrays the various difficulties that arise between spouses, parents and kids, siblings, and community members. The storyline continues two years after three daughters left one after the other to get married. They have now come back home with a range of marital problems to address.

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

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.

Three women of varying personalities found themselves joining forces to launch a business as a result of unforeseen events. As they navigate the challenging path of entrepreneurship, they will discover how to find humor in setbacks, refuse to surrender, and evolve along the way! (iQiyi)

The narrative revolves around three pairs of individuals in their twenties, thirties, and forties, exploring authentic themes that highlight the challenges faced by young adults in their family and professional lives. Among them are Xu Yao, a Beijing resident who experienced a breakup following a business setback, and Yu Jia En, a single woman from Beijing who has maintained her independence for a decade. Zhang Qing, a girl from a small town, enjoys a vibrant and picturesque life, while Li Nian Huan, who faced a setback during pregnancy, Hao Chen Shi, a rebellious young man, and Zhao Ang also navigate their own personal crises. As these characters confront various obstacles and uncertainties, they redefine the essence of life's "beauty" through their growth and resilience.

Tong Wei, a skilled negotiator, shines as the key figure at the US-China Business Council. Xie Xiao Fei, the leading male character, is the only successor to a prosperous Chinese-American company but has no interest in being part of the family enterprise. Despite initially clashing with Tong Wei, their relationship evolves into a romantic one. Can their love endure the pressures of business and family conflicts? Options include a 43-episode TV version or a 41-episode DVD version.

The narrative unfolds around a middle-aged man who experiences a complete loss of everything he once cherished. Through a lengthy journey, he discovers his authentic self, no longer tethered to his identity as a manager at a large corporation. Kim Nak Su, a seasoned salesman with 25 years under his belt, is recognized for his outstanding skills and consistent sales achievements, having never missed an opportunity for advancement. He resides in a desirable apartment in Seoul, is married with a son, and leads a life that many would envy. However, as time goes on, he starts to falter both professionally and personally. This poignant tale of perseverance and survival stirs a mix of emotions, bringing forth both laughter and tears in the quest for true happiness.

Tsukuda Kohei, a former scientist at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, now manages his late father's factory. He is involved in the Stardust project for developing domestic rockets, which is led by a major Japanese company. One day, Kohei learns that the company's CEO will be replaced and the Stardust project will be terminated. Naohiro, an employee at Kohei's factory, cares for his sick father and tends to his farm every weekend. When Kohei and Mitsuhiko visit Naohiro, Kohei is inspired by seeing him drive a tractor, sparking a new aspiration within him.

The 71st Asadora is called Wakaba, which follows the story of a young woman who fulfills her father's desire by becoming a landscape gardener. Wakaba, originally from Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, enjoyed a happy life with her family until the devastating Great Hanshin Earthquake struck in 1995. After losing her architect father in the disaster, Wakaba, along with her mother and brother, relocates to Obi, an ancient castle town in Nichinan, Miyazaki Prefecture, where her grandmother, uncle, and aunt reside. Surrounded by Obi's lush natural surroundings, Wakaba discovers the healing power of plants and decides to return to Kobe to help rebuild the city with abundant greenery.

Gong Ji Hoon, the Chief Executive Officer of a startup specializing in AI art collections, is set to take part in the final event for the company called "Constar IR Day." Meanwhile, Kim Jae Hee, the youngest director at Constar, forms both professional and personal connections with Gong Ji Hoon. As time goes on, their professional collaboration evolves into a romantic relationship.

Pu Tao is a resilient young woman who learned to be self-reliant from a young age. Her father abandoned the family, and her mother left her at a boarding school to care for her autistic brother. After 17 years of no communication, her mother reappears, leaving Pu Tao to care for two autistic children and dealing with her father's sudden return. She must navigate the challenges of her parents' betrayal while also managing her own family issues.

A tale of the Zhou family from Wenzhou, China, depicts their rise from destitution to prosperity following a series of challenges and triumphs.

Mrs. Lee, a knowledgeable widow, heads the Lee family as a skilled young entrepreneur. Despite the Mi family's attempts to cause problems for the Lees, Mrs. Lee consistently manages to maintain peace within her family.

Fang Le and Yuan Yuan's relationship is facing challenges due to their lack of children. Fang Le is eager to expand their family, while Yuan Yuan is prioritizing her career over starting a family.

A heartfelt story about a family's journey to find their missing child unfolds in this emotional drama. After being married for eight years, a husband and wife discover that the spark in their relationship has dwindled. When their daughter disappears one day, they embark on a desperate search to reunite with her. (Chinesedrama.info)

The tale follows a family of five as they come to understand the true essence of family amidst a string of disputes. When Father Zheng unexpectedly falls ill and later wakes from a coma, he takes the opportunity to reflect on his actions and mend old wounds. In doing so, he aids his four children - a dedicated surgeon, a manager of a housekeeping company, an owner of an auto repair shop, and a spoiled youngest daughter - in discovering themselves, appreciating life, and embracing their true selves.

The drama portrays the journey of entrepreneurs Xiang Cheng Hui, Lin Yi Shan, Yang Bu Zhen, and their successors as they navigate the challenges of reform and opening up in the era of the "new normal." They engage in a conflict over the location of a new base but eventually reach a peaceful resolution. Zhang Lu, a Tsinghua University student, visits Wenzhou and learns about Xiang Cheng Hui and Lin Yi Shan's advancements in the new energy industry. She ends up marrying Lin Yi Shan. Yang Bu Zhen's fashion city project garners attention online, despite facing a cold war with his celebrity wife. Xiang Cheng Hui's son, along with Pan Xiao Yong and Ireland, establish the e-commerce platform "Pin Shanggu." Meanwhile, Yang Tian Zhen and Lin Dan Feng found the "Red Wine Castle" and encounter numerous challenges. Their internet philanthropy initiatives attract a wide audience, while their personal lives are filled with drama. The three entrepreneurs venture into private banking, creating ripples in the industry. Their descendants, including Xiang Xiang, benefit from the government's strong backing of the internet sector, propelling the new generation of Wenzhou residents to the forefront of the modern era.

The story revolves around Cheung Yee Fai, a cautious and observant salesman, who is tasked with supervising Ng Sin Yu, his confident secretary. Unbeknownst to him, Sin Yu is actually the daughter of the company's owner. As they spend more time together, their relationship evolves into a doomed romance between a man of modest means and a wealthy woman. Meanwhile, Dr. Geung Sum Yu, a dedicated professional, rediscovers her compassion and emotions as she falls in love with Yee Fai.

The series follows the story of Dai Siu Leung, played by Bobby Au Yeung, and the residents of Apliu Street in Hong Kong, known for their collection of valuable secondhand items referred to as "Hidden Treasures." Leung is a seller of electronic goods and also serves as the leader of the community. However, his leadership is challenged when a rival convinces the townspeople to elect him instead by spreading negative rumors about Leung. As a result, Leung faces financial difficulties and struggles to manage his electronics store, especially with his competitor opening a similar store right next to his.

Crafted in honor of the 10th commemoration of Hong Kong's handover to China, this series delves into the intertwined past of these regions. The storyline will center on the expansion of China's automotive sector, a prominent car production corporation, and the family at its helm.

Tsukuda Kohei used to lead the development of a space rocket but left the Space and Astronautical Science Agency due to the rocket launch failure. He now manages Tsukuda Manufacturing, a small factory in the historic downtown area. On the other hand, Teikoku Heavy Industries unveiled plans for a homegrown rocket launch during a press event. However, the project hit a snag when Zaizen Michio, the Aerospace Division's chief, discovered that the patent for the crucial engine component technology had already been filed by Tsukuda Manufacturing. In a desperate attempt to secure the patent, Zaizen offered Tsukuda 2 billion yen. But...

In the vicinity of Hasegawa Hair Salon, a quaint shopping street will soon welcome a new establishment owned by emerging hairstylist Tatsuko O'Brien, who received training in the United States. Despite facing a decline in customers, Hasegawa Hair Salon has managed to attract male clients from the neighborhood, ultimately overcoming its challenges. Unbeknownst to many, there is a complicated history between Maya's mother, Haruko, and Tatsuko O'Brien, involving a past rivalry over a man. As Maya unravels the truth, she discovers that her biological mother is none other than Tatsuko O'Brien.