Asian dramas like
Kumokiri Nizaemon Season 2

Derived from the tale of Okuni.

The samurai lived by the code of duty and honor, with some driven by greed and power while others were guided by friendship, truth, and love. Bunshiro's story is one of tragedy and triumph, as he overcomes adversity to become a skilled swordsman and protector of the vulnerable. His love for Fuku blossoms in their youth, but their paths diverge due to her poverty and his personal loss. When a corrupt official causes Bunshiro's father to take his own life, Bunshiro is shunned by society. However, he ultimately foils the official's plan to harm Fuku, who is now married to a local lord, and exposes the corruption. Years later, Bunshiro and Fuku reunite to reflect on their past and the enduring love between them. This tale is inspired by the jidaigeki novel "Semishigure" penned by Fujisawa Shuhei.

Based on the book series "The Incredible Grandmother" by Mariko Hayashi.

The story follows Takano, a short man who works as a professional locksmith, and a tall woman he meets in Bangkok named Eiko Kosaka. Despite being a foot taller than him, Takano falls for Eiko but keeps his feelings hidden due to his height insecurities. Their paths cross again in Tokyo, leading to the development of mutual feelings between them. The plot is adapted from the newspaper novel "Kimi wo Miagete" by Yamada Taichi.

In the novel "Akumu no Drive" by Kinoshita Hanta, a retired professional boxer and a failed comedian join forces to establish a transportation company. Initially, they acquire a vehicle and employ it to outsmart their adversaries.

Kinami has been chosen to portray the role of Hita Nanase, a housemaid who possesses the supernatural gift of telepathy, enabling her to unveil the hidden truths within the households she serves. The character was formerly portrayed by Takigawa Yumi and Hori Chiemi.

Drawing inspiration from Hideo Aiba's novel "Chi no Wadachi."

In 1906, towards the end of the Meiji era, the government decided to allow the pollutants from the Ashio Copper Mine to be dumped into the pond in Yanaka Village, located downstream of the Watarase River in Tochigi Prefecture. This was done to protect the operations of the mine, but unfortunately, it led to contamination of the fields in the village. Nitta Sachi, the daughter of a poor farming family in Yanaka Village, was approached by politician Tanaka Shozo through her older brother Nobuyoshi. Sachi was asked to go to Tokyo to work as a housekeeper for female social activist Fukuda Hideko, who was in charge of the magazine "Women of the World." With the help of Nobuyoshi, Sachi met Kusakabe Jotaro, who claimed to be a government official. He escorted her to Tokyo and instructed her to observe and report on activities in the Fukuda household. Various social activists like Kotoko Shusui and Osugi Sakae were frequent visitors at the Fukuda residence. Sachi worked diligently, but she felt inadequate for not being able to read like the other intellectuals in the house. Meanwhile, there was a strike by the laborers at the Ashio Copper Mine. This led to social activists like Ishikawa Sanshiro advocating for a wage increase and attempting to incite rebellion against the government. However, the authorities cracked down on the activists, including Ishikawa, who was arrested. Feeling guilty for his arrest, Sachi fled from the Fukuda household and returned to Yanaka Village, only to find her home destroyed due to the government's forced seizure. To her dismay, her brother Nobuyoshi was at the center of this unfortunate event.

Yayoi, a licensed nurse at Hoshimigaoka Hospital, harbors a hidden past that she keeps to herself. Abandoned by her parents at a young age, she grew up in foster care, cherishing the hospital as her home. Despite her loneliness, she remains kind-hearted, avoiding conflict and immersing herself in her work. When Todo joins as the new head nurse, Yayoi initially resists her strong-willed approach but eventually finds herself drawn to Todo's presence. With Todo's influence, Yayoi is able to let go of her past and embrace a new beginning on her own terms.

Natsuko Kotani seemed destined for deceit, while Tetsuko Ishida was a distant family member known for her integrity as a lawyer. Whenever Natsuko caused problems, Tetsuko was always called upon to resolve the situations. Feeling exploited by Natsuko, Tetsuko, who led a mundane life, started to undergo a transformation.

Derived from the book "Kumokiri Nizaemon" by the author Ikenami Shotaro.

Based on Cao Xueqin's novel "Dream of the Red Chamber".

Derived from a publication bearing the identical name.

Based on the book "Kumokiri Nizaemon" by the author Ikenami Shotaro.

Set in 1955, a decade after the end of World War II, the story follows government officials at the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (now known as the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) as they work towards making Japan as prosperous as the western world. The plot centers on Kazakoshi Shingo, also known as "Mr. Ministry of International Trade and Industry", and explores the conflict between the "industry supporters" advocating for the protection of national industry, and the "trade supporters" pushing for free trade to globalize the country. The drama received accolades at the 62nd Television Drama Academy Awards, with Sakai Masato winning Best Supporting Actor and Hirano Shunichi, Oka Susumu, and Matsuda Ayato winning Best Directors. (source: d-addicts)

Based on Yamate Kiichiro's book "Momotaro Samurai" ( ), the following text has been modified.

After her adoptive mother, Atsuta Otomi, passed away, Endo Yuriko decides to return to her family home. She is not coming back out of concern for her father, Ryohei, who has been struggling since his wife's death. Yuriko has made the difficult decision to divorce her husband, Hiroyuki. However, upon her return, a young woman named Imoto Sachie appears at the house, claiming to have been sent by Otomi to assist with household chores until the 49th day. Sachie also reveals Otomi's wish for a celebratory feast rather than a traditional Buddhist memorial service on her 49th day. Initially hesitant, father and daughter eventually warm up to the idea after discovering a recipe left behind by Otomi.

Harashima Manji holds a typical position as a section chief at a small to medium-sized business that serves as a subcontractor for a prominent electronics company. Upon stumbling upon irregularities in a string of personnel shifts, he becomes entangled in a battle against a formidable adversary.

One day, Fujimaki Daisuke, a mundane middle-aged office worker at a trading company, is instructed to temporarily join the cheering squad at Asunaro University instead of facing a layoff. The company president's alma mater's cheering squad is at risk of disbandment. During a meeting with alumni, Fujimaki is appointed as the head of the cheering squad. He is thrust into this new role, learning the traditional customs such as always wearing the school uniform, saying "Ossu" in response, and following the seniors' instructions. Under the guidance of old boy Saito Yuichi, Fujimaki becomes captivated by the profound philosophy of providing support in a tangible way.

During the Kyoho era under the rule of Tokugawa Yoshimune, a group of thieves operated in Edo, as well as along the Tokaido and Nakasendo highways, and throughout the Kansai region. They were skilled at stealing large amounts of money, specifically targeting the wealthy without causing harm. Known for their ability to appear and disappear mysteriously, they executed a well-planned theft from a dry goods dealer on the night of Ochiyo's planned marriage. This gang had been plotting for two years to use Ochiyo to their advantage. Led by the infamous Kumokiri Nizaemon, they were a group of highly skilled thieves including Nanabake no Ochiyo, Kinezumi no Kichigoro, Subashiri no Kumagoro, and Ingakozo Rokunosuke. In response to the gang's activities, the shogunate appointed Abe Shikibu to lead the public security force Hitsuke Tozoku Aratamekata with the task of eliminating the Kumokiri gang. This marked the beginning of a fierce battle of wits and pride between Nizaemon and Shikibu. Despite the continuous threat posed by Hitsuke Tozoku Aratamekata, the Kumokiri gang sought to target a wealthy Owari merchant, only to be met by Shikibu's resistance. As the public security force closed in, the question remained: How would the Kumokiri gang carry out their theft?

In Kabukicho, Tokyo, a hit-and-run incident takes place. Hamamoto Junpei, a bartender who witnessed the accident, discovers that the man arrested is not the same person he saw at the scene. It appears that the true culprit is internationally renowned cellist Minato Keiji, with his brother taking the blame. Seeking a quick profit, Junpei and Tomoki, a host he considers a younger brother, decide to extort Minato. However, Minato's manager Yuko intervenes, causing Junpei to back down in the face of her authority. On the flip side, Yuko becomes intrigued by Junpei's personality. Junpei is someone universally liked and impossible to despise. Soon, a formidable adversary of Yuko's appears unexpectedly. This chance encounter between individuals from different worlds draws in those around them: Minato; Mizuki, a hostess who followed Tomoki to Tokyo; Miki, the owner of the Korean club where Junpei is employed; Kosaka, Miki's former gangster boyfriend; and Tomoka, Minato's niece who is studying art at university. An upheaval that will reverberate throughout Japan is on the horizon.

In Western Japan, specifically in the Tsukigase domain, Kusakabe Gengo receives instructions to carry out the execution of his childhood friend and former chief retainer, Matsuura Shogen. Despite their past bond and shared experiences at a kendo school, their paths diverged after a falling out caused by an undisclosed incident. Speculations suggest that Shogen's actions have drawn disfavor for obstructing the domain lord's advancement. However, as Shogen is recognized by the public as an artist, a public execution would be damaging. Gengo, tasked with settling a personal grudge through a duel, embarks on a search for an appropriate location for Shogen's demise. After two decades, Gengo decides to reunite with Shogen, triggering a fateful reunion as they both age. -

Kanoko Saho loses her job at her father's company, Fawn, despite her dedication to the manufacturing industry. The dismissal appears to be influenced by a mysterious figure known as a "headhunter". Watari Kaori, who identifies as a headhunter, approaches Saho with an opportunity. Consequently, Saho joins the headhunting firm "Forteflows" alongside Watari. Saho now faces clients directly as a dark cloud looms over Fawn.

Kano Teppei, a medical sales representative, has been leading a simple life. However, his world is turned upside down when he discovers that his wife has been concealing a 4.8 billion yen (~45.7M USD) inheritance from her grandmother that she received 24 years ago. As Teppei navigates challenges at work, he reflects on their marriage. This story is inspired by Shiraishi Kazufumi's novel with the same title.

Based on Ikenami Shotaro's book "Kumokiri Nizaemon" ( ), this text has been modified.

Shimura Eriko, a successful professional, is employed by a large trading company where she holds a position equal to that of her male colleagues. Despite her beauty and impressive education, Eriko's only major concern is her lack of female friends. She finds solace in reading a popular journal written by a housewife influencer her age on social media. One day, Eriko crosses paths with Maruo Shoko, the author of the diary, who also resides nearby and shares her struggle of not having female friends. Their commonality leads to a quick and close friendship, but a certain incident causes their relationship to take an unexpected turn. (Jdramas.wordpress.com)

Kikuchi Izumi is a 38-year-old editor and food writer who is employed at a small publishing house. She has not been in contact with her long-term partner for the past 5 months, ever since lending him 2 million yen. One day, out of the blue, she receives a phone call from an elderly woman who proceeds to berate her. To Izumi's surprise, the same woman ends up sharing a cab with her, and they are both headed to the same destination. Through their conversation, Izumi discovers that the woman is Nakajima Haruko, the esteemed owner of a renowned beauty clinic in Tokyo.

Set in the Nagahara branch of Tokyo Daiichi Bank, the narrative unfolds within a small branch catering to small, medium, and micro enterprises. The team comprises Masahiro Nishiki, a demoted assistant manager, a diligent employee supporting his family, a cunning branch manager, a performance-driven assistant manager willing to resort to harassment, and a skilled operations ace, each with their own distinct personalities and challenges. When one million yen mysteriously disappears from the branch, suspicions fall on a female employee, while Nishiki, tasked with investigating the incident, unexpectedly vanishes. As the two mysteries intertwine, the truth behind the cash loss and Nishiki's disappearance gradually come to light. Discover the shocking revelations behind the "fraud" and Nishiki's enigmatic absence in this captivating tale.

In a 2009 novel by Yamasaki Toyoko, a journalist discovers a confidential agreement known as the "Okinawa pact" between the Japanese and American administrations. The deputy director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs plays a crucial role in this revelation.

Based on Morimura Seiichi's book series "Assassin Contractor Series" ( ).

Based on Yasuhide Saeki's novel "Secret Life Revealed: The Enigma of Kasumi Kanzuki".

During the Bunka-Bunsei era, the culture of the townspeople thrives as the 11th Tokugawa shogun Ienari's close advisers engage in corrupt administration, leading to a decline in public morals in Edo. Discontent among samurai families and local businessmen grows due to the increasing hardships faced by ordinary town residents. In the dead of night, a whistle suddenly pierces the air. Nezumi Kozo, a heroic thief, effortlessly escapes across rooftops with a box containing 1,000 ryo, which he then scatters over a sleeping, rundown tenement house. Nezumi Kozo's true identity is that of Jirokichi, a playboy with a strong sense of justice who interferes in cases purely out of his desire to see the people of Edo happy. This narrative is inspired by the novel series "Nezumi, Edo wo Hashiru" by Akagawa Jiro.

In this series, the conflict unfolds between the Kumoichi faction, led by Nizaemon Kumo, and the chief aide of the arsonist, Abe Shikibu. The elusive thief, Nizaemon, sets his sights on the concealed wealth in Ooku, with Takiyama as his target due to his significant influence in Ooku. At the same time, Shikibu delves into the mysterious secret hidden within Takiyama.

Based on Morimura Seiichi's "Assassin Contractor Series," a collection of novels.

A tale of a girl lacking ambition who experiences personal growth while competing in a Japanese card game tournament she was hesitant to join. Koi, envisioning a simple life, finds herself unexpectedly entering a poetry card contest, Hyakunin Isshu, where her success draws unwanted attention. The story follows Koi's journey through the competition and her blossoming romance with Yura, a ronin seeking vengeance for his father.

In a reimagined narrative set in Taiwan between 1995 and 1996 during the country's inaugural direct presidential election, the story unfolds with political conflicts, the emergence of criminal influences in the political sphere, and soldiers battling for survival during the Third Taiwan Strait Crisis. These elements collectively embody Taiwan's ethos of "One island, one destiny."

Based on the book written by Fumio Yamamoto, under the identical name.

Yoshimune Tokugawa serves as the 8th Shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate. He faces ongoing issues with troublemakers causing chaos in Megumi, his city. To investigate these matters firsthand, Lord Tokugawa disguises himself as Tokuda Shinnosuke, an ordinary resident of Megumi, with the help of his trusted companions. Known as Shin-san to the locals, he collaborates with oniwaban (ninjas) and the leader of the Megumi fire brigade. Yoshimune utilizes the fire brigade headquarters as his temporary residence outside of Himeji Castle. While the fire brigade leader and oniwaban are aware of his true identity, the rest of the city remains oblivious to his status as the Shogun. Upon resolving the criminal activities, Yoshimune confronts the culprits, who often draw their samurai swords in an attempt to harm him without realizing his true identity. In most situations, Yoshimune skillfully handles the situation without causing serious harm, opting to use the blunt side of his sword. Only in extreme cases does he resort to using the sharp edge of his blade, demonstrating the severity of the circumstances.

Based on Shibata Renzaburo's novel "Gokenin Zankuro" ( ).

A tale of a young pitcher and catcher forming a strong bond as they work together on the field. Harada Takumi, a reserved middle school student with impressive throwing skills, crosses paths with Nagakura Go, a catcher capable of handling Takumi's fast pitches. Through their teamwork, they cultivate a sense of trust among their fellow teammates. (NHK)

Taking place in the 8th-9th century, Aterui leads the Emishi tribe in the Isawa Prefecture of northern Japan. Despite being outnumbered by the Yamato government's massive military force, Aterui bravely defends his tribe. This story is inspired by Katsuhiko Takahashi's novel "Kaen Kita no Yosei Aterui," published by Kodansha on October 16, 2002.

Following a brief reunion with his wife, Orie, Hikoma is now on a frantic search to find out where she is before he leaves. Feeling the absence of her husband, Orie makes the decision to step down from her role as a ninja.

Denshichi from Kuromoncho works under a police officer and enforces justice in the alleys of Edo using a violet club given to him by Inspector Toyama Saemon, the magistrate of Kitamachi. Denshichi focuses on condemning the wrongful acts instead of the individuals committing them, displaying compassion and kindness in his approach.

Miyaji Nao is a married woman with a husband and a son. She prioritizes taking care of her son over focusing on her appearance. Nao leads a content life until she is approached to become a reader model for the well-known women's fashion magazine, VANiTY. This opportunity marks a turning point in her life.

Taking place in the mid-1970s, the Kaijuu Club is a devoted group of enthusiasts who have a strong passion for special effects series like Ultraman and Ultra Seven. They thoroughly study monsters from all perspectives and gather for editorial meetings to produce a fan magazine dedicated to these creatures. Ryota, a fervent monster lover, finds himself facing competition from Katsuo, the lone high school member of the club. Despite his young age, Katsuo's extensive knowledge of special effects series challenges Ryota's position as the club's top member. Known for his insightful reviews, Katsuo earns the admiration of his fellow members. Meanwhile, Ryota's main rival is Shingo, who prides himself on his lifelong dedication to special effects series. Although he values Ryota's reviews highly, Shingo is determined to surpass them with his own critiques.