Asian dramas like
Makete Katsu

A four-part drama created to commemorate the centennial of Japan's occupation of Korea. The final entry in this KBS series, titled Freedom Fighter, Lee Hoe Young, will conclude a narrative that highlights the themes of noblesse oblige and the notable figures who made significant sacrifices for their compatriots. Lee Hoe Young, an activist for independence, used his personal savings to establish an educational institution for soldiers and scholars in China, but he was ultimately apprehended and subjected to torture by the Japanese authorities. He encounters Kimura Junpei, a Japanese journalist during his journey.

Oshima Goro, a janitor at a primary school, transforms into an exceptional teacher who helps students struggling academically despite lacking official certification. Akasaka Chiaki, a single mother, challenges traditional schooling during wartime and envisions a school providing comprehensive education through personalized coaching. Their relationship blossoms into both a professional partnership and a romantic one as they embark on a journey spanning 50 years, against the backdrop of the Showa to Heisei era, reshaping the landscape of education. This narrative is inspired by the 2016 novel "Mikazuki" by Mori Eto.

During the early 1940s, the fight against Japanese aggression was intensifying, reaching a crucial point. The ruthless Japanese imperialism wreaked havoc on the strength of the CCP's underground movement, resulting in the sacrifice of many revolutionary comrades. Xia Jia He, a member of the underground party, was tasked with delivering a radio to Dalian by the organization. However, he was intercepted and pursued by Japanese Police Officer Junji Aoki along the way. In a twist of fate, Xia encountered his first love, Wang Da Hua, during this ordeal. Da Hua, along with her current husband Tang Quan Li, became entangled in the events that unfolded. Despite Da Hua's attempts to save her husband, Tang Quan Li's fate remained unchanged. Fueled by resentment towards Xia Jia He for causing her misery and disrupting her peaceful life, Da Hua decided to keep the radio instead of returning it to its rightful owners.

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 narrative follows Zhou Wen, a graduate of Whampoa Military Academy from a wealthy background. After engaging in a confrontation with Japanese forces, he was captured and sentenced to death. However, his father's significant political influence in the region allowed him to evade execution. Zhou Wen then adopted the name Zhou Wei Guo and made the decision to forsake wealth and renown, facing hardships as he enlisted in the military. He achieved great success in combat and established the groundbreaking "Snow Leopard" special operations task force to combat the Japanese during World War II. (DramaWiki)

He Ruo Xian, Feng Bai Chuan, and the Shen brothers confront challenges related to finance, espionage, and the transportation of goods in Macau amidst the turmoil of World War II. Despite being spared from Japanese occupation, Macau emerges as a vital front where they valiantly strive for their country.

The narrative revolves around the camaraderie and unity among four diverse young men. It illustrates the harsh journey of their adolescence and conveys a valuable civilian anti-war tale. (DramaWiki)

In Tokyo in 1935, Yanagi Etsuko, a 10-year-old girl with a passion for music, is concerned for her father Kantaro. Kantaro, a struggling songwriter still grieving for his late wife, is not living life to the fullest. Etsuko decides to help her father find a new partner and mother figure. She initially tries to set him up with her teacher, Muraoka Masako, but the plan does not work out. Etsuko then meets a salesgirl named Ikebe Kyoko and is captivated by her simple nature, growing to see her as a mother figure. However, Kantaro's sister, Tsuruyo, intervenes by arranging a meeting with Kusakabe Kaoru, the daughter of a bank owner who has ties to the family business. (jdramas.wordpress)

Zhu Kai Shan's family migrated to Baishan Heishui from Shandong due to the impacts of war and famine. They engaged in various activities such as gold panning, logging, and ginseng collection, while also facing challenges from bandits, officials, and feudal systems. Despite numerous close calls with death, they eventually acquired their own farmland. However, they were considered outsiders by local tycoons who made their lives difficult. Through several conflicts, the Zhu family shared their advanced farming techniques from Shandong with the locals, forming strong bonds with them. Seeking further opportunities, Zhu Kai Shan led his family back to the city, determined not to fall prey to any threats.

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.

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.

Set in the Yoshiwara red-light district of Edo, this period drama follows four women from different professions who are proud of their community. They band together to seek retribution against men who mistreat the district's prostitutes.

During Tokugawa Yoshimune's rule in Edo, Sachi from Tsutomura loses her father and brother to illness and starts working at the Isuzuya kimono shop in Tenma, Osaka. The shopkeeper Jihei imparts business knowledge to the apprentices using "business traffic" as a teaching tool at night. Intrigued, Sachi pays close attention and finds herself drawn to the world of business. Two years later, the fourth-generation owner of the shop, Tokubei, marries Kikuei, the daughter of a prominent merchant, but Tokubei encounters a problem...

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 series narrates the events of the battle for independence that took place in Yichang between 1938 and 1943. (DramaWiki) Inspired by the historical occurrences of "Yichang Retreat" in 1938 and "Shipai War" in 1943.

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.

This is the tale of a town that relied on its gold mines for economic stability. When the Sino-Japanese war erupted, the townspeople banded together to defend their gold from the invading Japanese army. The narrative centers on two individuals, Lu Jianshan and Guo Lin. Lu, a Communist, is seen as a disappointment in his father's eyes, while Guo, who is adopted, always feels like he is playing second fiddle. Eager to prove himself to his father and the community, Guo takes action. Lu is engaged to Meng Ximei, who presents him with a large gold nugget from the mines as a dowry on their wedding day. Despite marrying her, Lu leaves Meng on their wedding night to join the Communist fighters. As she stays with her father-in-law, Guo develops feelings for Meng. With the outbreak of war, a series of tragic events unfolds, impacting everyone's lives in unforeseen ways. Whether these changes are for the better or worse remains to be seen.

The story unfolds with Comrade Nie Rong Zhen's formative years in France and chronicles his involvement in the Agrarian Revolution and the Anti-Japanese War, showcasing key historical events and personal trials during periods such as the War of Liberation and the founding of New China. By honoring and reviving history, the drama introduces a vivid and emotionally resonant portrayal of Nie Rong Zhen to the viewers.

An upcoming TV series based on Zhang Yimou's movie The Flowers of War from 2011 will feature alterations in character dynamics and plot developments. Additionally, viewers can expect new storylines that explore events leading up to and following the Nanking Massacre.