Asian dramas like
Manten

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.

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.

In the city of Xing Hai, Meng Hao is a prosperous young billionaire who leads Kun Peng Real Estate. Despite being admired by many women, he has never shown any interest in romantic relationships. However, everything changes when he unexpectedly falls in love with Lin Yu Xin, who happens to be the girlfriend of his brother Meng Wei's best friend. Meng Hao's pursuit of Yu Xin causes tension with her boyfriend, Hao Liang, ultimately strengthening their bond. Tragically, Hao Liang suffers a severe injury at work and slips into a coma. Desperate to cover the medical expenses, Yu Xin turns to Meng Hao for assistance after exhausting all other options. He agrees to foot the bill on one condition: Yu Xin must be his partner or spouse for a year.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

The narrative follows Tenka, a 17-year-old girl born and raised in Sendai, Miyagi prefecture. When her father changes jobs, her family relocates to Tokyo. Tenka stays briefly with her grandfather, a passionate rice farmer residing at Igune, a forest surrounded by vast rice fields in the Sendai plains. Upon completing high school, she moves to Kichijyoji in Tokyo to live with her family in a residence situated on the grounds of a temple owned by her grandfather's longtime friend, Suzuki Shozo. Also on the property is a small nursery school operated by Shozo's wife, Yoshiko. Tenka begins to contemplate a career as a pediatric nurse. Over time, it is revealed that Tenka's family and the Suzuki Shozo family have a deep-rooted connection spanning generations. Tenka discovers that she is betrothed to Shozo's grandson, Ryunosuke, as per an agreement between her grandfather and Shozo. (DramaWiki) Notable locations in the story include Sendai, Miyagi and Musashino, Tokyo.

Divided into two sections, the initial segment is known as Ai Shan Liang with 33 episodes, while the latter part is titled Shan Liang Ai with 37 episodes. Pearl, also known as Zhen Zhu, was brought up by her grandmother after her mother abandoned her to marry a prosperous doctor. Her aspiration is to excel as a clothing designer, and she puts in a great deal of effort to make her dream come true. She falls in love with wealthy "Fu Er Dai" He Zhi Wei, and after overcoming numerous challenges posed by their families, they tie the knot. Zhen Zhu becomes pregnant, but tragically, Zhi Wei is involved in an accident, leaving her widowed and pregnant. Five years later, Zhen Zhu is looking after her child and her late husband's family. To support them, she secures a position at a clothing design firm. Through her determination and kindness, Zhen Zhu touches the lives of those around her and gradually moves closer to realizing her dream as a clothing designer.

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.

After years of constant arguments and dissatisfaction, Tian Lan and Zhan Peng decided to end their marriage and pursue separate paths. They both found new partners and began to enjoy the happiness of being in a loving relationship. However, the well-being of their daughter has posed a challenge for their new partners. Will they reconcile to fulfill their daughter's desire for a united family or work together to address the issue appropriately?

The narrative centers on the emotions of the artist.

A contemporary family saga unfolds, portraying the individual struggles and concerns of each household member

A theatrical piece that explores the diverse individuals connected to a rural agricultural community.

Wu Lik Wung, a prominent financial expert, was given 240 hours of community service as punishment for drug-related charges. During this time, he crossed paths with children from troubled backgrounds, which led to a transformative experience. It was here that he encountered Lam Siu Mun, a compassionate social worker at the Children's Home who approached each child as a precious gift and every task as a sacred duty.

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 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.

Na Young is a woman in her thirties who succumbs to the pressure from her family to tie the knot. In a bid to secure a husband, she turns to a matchmaking service. At the same time, Jae Won is a man nearing forty who finds himself without any financial resources. He also registers with the matchmaking service, and by chance, this improbable pair is matched and ends up getting married.

Atop a Pescadores Island, surrounded by a deep blue sea, salty breezes, and glistening sunlight, 21-year-old Xia Ri and his friends are facing new challenges. Grandpa's Ba Li Mi Wei Lan business is in financial trouble, putting everything at risk. Xia Ri and Xia En live with Grandpa, assisting with the business while waiting for their mother to return. The arrival of Pin Hui and Jia Jun brings unexpected complications, including a love triangle that stirs up animosity between the Xia and Wu families. As tensions rise, a mysterious figure purchases the lodge, setting off a new wave of events.

Born in Xi Luo Qi Kan, known for its various kung fu sects, Liao Yong Qi works as an Accounting Executive at an advertising agency. Despite her father's strong desire for her to return to her hometown and take over the family martial arts center to promote the "Golden Eagle Fist," Liao Yong Qi has always been plagued by bad luck. However, her luck takes a turn when she crosses paths with He Shao Ran, a naturally lucky individual, and the two exchange their fortunes.

Huang Jin Fa is nearing retirement and is generally accepting of most things, except for his daughters' future partners. His eldest daughter, Huang Tian Lan, is dating Jin Fa's new supervisor, while his middle daughter, Huang Tian Long, was deceived by her spouse. The youngest daughter, Huang Tian Zhen, took a risk by engaging in a relationship on campus.

The most aromatic perfume in the world is believed to be crafted from roses that flourish on a perilous mountain in the Balkans, harvested during the chilliest nights. Exquisite pearls are extracted from clams through the painful process of prying them open. Han Seung Ri finds her life unraveling after her father's passing, which devastates the family’s finances. The man she cherished betrays her, and not long after, she suffers a miscarriage. After reaching her lowest point, she rises from her despair to take charge of the family business her father once managed and pushes forward to achieve her aspirations. With the hope that each new day will surpass the last, she perseveres through the suffering and hardship, ultimately attaining a result that is more rewarding due to the challenges she faced along the way. (MBC)

This drama illustrates the aspirations of individuals residing in agricultural communities, shedding light on the challenges encountered by contemporary rural inhabitants, including an increasing population of biracial children resulting from international unions and fierce competition for survival. The captivating images of idyllic rural scenery throughout the seasons enchant viewers, alongside touching narratives that highlight the resilience of those in farming villages. While focusing on families that have called these farming areas home for generations, the drama also depicts the experiences of newcomers who have relocated from major urban centers and from overseas.

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.

The narrative revolves around a lovely yet impoverished woman named Pearls and the wealthy Ge family's affectionate son, Renjie, who are unable to be together. Due to a mix-up, Pearls ends up marrying her beloved "foolish" young master, Lu Tianzhi. Caught in a love triangle, Pearls and Renjie struggle between feelings and obligations. In the end, Lu Tianzhi chooses to protect Pearls' heart, showing his true emotions.

A luxury hotel faced competition from a rival named Li Rong Hao, prompting the president to bring back Lin Chong Guang for assistance. Despite leaving three years ago due to false rumors, Lin Chong Guang returns to boost the hotel's success. Li Rong Hao once again tries to take control of the hotel by hiring an expert in hotel acquisitions, Wen Ze Kai. As time passes, Wen Ze Kai undermines Lin Chong Guang by taking away his girlfriend, Tong Xin. The hotel becomes a battleground testing the boundaries between greed and morality.

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.

Liu Mei Li (Jiang Meng Jie) is a young and determined girl with aspirations of becoming a well-known designer. She sets off on her journey by participating in China's "Dream" fashion show. Although faced with challenges, Mei Li also seeks to reunite with her long-lost sister. Along the way, she meets Zhou Xuan (Yao Yuan Hao), the general manager of a company, and the two become entangled in a complex relationship. Mei Li's childhood friend, Xie Jing Hua (Liu Yi Han), works for a rival company called Tian Yi and harbors feelings for the president's son, Ye Guang Yi (Chi Shuai). Mei Li finds herself caught in the midst of conflicts between her professional and personal lives. Despite the turmoil, she remains optimistic, holding onto her dreams and spreading warmth to those around her like a beacon of hope.

Mo Fan and Jian Dan, a married couple, are living a comfortable city life thanks to the support of their parents. However, their world is suddenly shaken when they learn that Jian Dan's mother has been diagnosed with cancer. How will they navigate this new challenge in their lives? (ChineseDrama.info)

Throughout the 1990s, the Lu siblings spent their formative years together in a Shanghai longtang. Their journey unfolds over two decades, illustrating their transformation from humble beginnings to success amidst the tumultuous and unpredictable Shanghai economy and capital markets. Lu Jiang Tao's accumulation of wealth coincides with a loss of self, leading him down a destructive path due to his indifference towards ethical boundaries. Meanwhile, Lu Hai Bo, the eldest brother, maintains a strong moral compass, prioritizing family, faith, and ethical business practices. Despite their differences, the siblings navigate the competitive business world together to achieve prosperity.

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.

Nireno Suzume was born in 1971 in Gifu Prefecture to parents who operated a small eatery in a rural town

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 plot centers around Ko Hoi (Paul Chun) and his four daughters, whom he cherishes dearly. Following the loss of their mother when they were young, Ko Hoi not only looks after his daughters but also frets about their future happiness and love lives. The eldest daughter, Wasabi, tends to be unreasonable and hot-tempered, often clashing with her husband Kit Lo, who may not be wealthy but loves her deeply. Tracy, the second daughter, has been in a long-term relationship with her boyfriend Ken and even works with him at a company they co-own. Bobo, the third sister, has high standards for men and is quite selective, leading to frequent changes in her partner. Meanwhile, Polly, the youngest sister and a university student, attracts a lot of attention from admirers due to her beauty and charm. The arrival of Kelvin and Ming, two best friends with contrasting personalities, is set to shake things up for the Ko family. Kelvin, a charismatic sales manager, excels in interpersonal skills, while Ming, a humble office worker, is sincere and ambitious but has faced setbacks in his career. These two young men are about to make a significant impact on the lives of the Ko women.

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.

Yuko Amano, employed at a food company and the daughter of rice shop owners, does not have much luck in her life. At the same time, the group of men that Sachiko instantly fell for began appearing weekly, each one trying to establish a romantic connection.

When Haruka was nine years old, she moved from Osaka to Yufuin with her father, Yosuke, and younger sister, Asuka. Yosuke wanted to start a restaurant in the town. Haruka's mother, Yuko, stayed in Osaka, leading to her parents getting a divorce shortly after. Yosuke opened a restaurant but had to close it down not long after. Fast forward ten years, Haruka is working part-time while attending junior college to support her family. Yuko, concerned about Haruka, invites her to Osaka and offers her a job. Despite not forgiving her mother, Haruka decides to work in Osaka to help Yosuke reopen the restaurant. Haruka's experiences in Osaka help her to better understand her mother and she excels as a tour planner, utilizing her knack for pleasing people.

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)

Rika Ikeda, aged 34, engages in a relationship with Sota Kashiwagi, aged 54. Sota, who is married to Mitsuko and has a daughter, is also the director at the company where Rika works. Despite Rika's deep affection for Sota, he ultimately deceives and ends the relationship. Rika encounters Keiichi Ochiai through a blind date, who happens to be a close friend and almost like a younger brother to Sota Kashiwagi. Subsequently, Rika decides to seek revenge.

Yatabe Mineko, a 17-year-old girl, was raised in a family of seven in a mountain village located in northeastern Ibaraki Prefecture. Her father, Minoru, left for Tokyo to seek employment and earn extra income, but failed to return for the New Year. Determined to find him, Mineko convinces her family to allow her to go to Tokyo and promises to send money back home. In the autumn of 1964, Mineko, along with her childhood friends Tokiko and Mitsuo, secures jobs at a small factory in a working-class neighborhood of Tokyo. Despite facing challenges and moments of disappointment in her search for her father, Mineko starts to build a life in Tokyo through various encounters with locals, friends, and colleagues. The question remains: will she succeed in reuniting with her father?

Isoyama Takeshi, a temporary worker at a company, receives news from his employer that he will remain on a fixed-term contract with no possibility of becoming a permanent staff member. At home, his wife Seiko and 12-year-old daughter Nanami often criticize him. Adding to his troubles, a real estate investment he made secretly ends up with unexpected consequences, leaving him struggling to keep up with mounting interest payments. Encountering a mysterious elderly woman, he hatches a plan to vanish for 7 years in order to be legally declared dead and start anew.

Arimoto Hikari, a 32-year-old woman who is married with a son, visits her father Taizo after he collapses from overworking. The doctor informs Hikari that her father only has 4 days to live. Despite her initial resistance, Hikari decides to take over her father's company as he had originally intended for her. However, she encounters challenges such as her husband traveling to America for work and facing opposition from some employees like Katsumata and Junzo. This story is inspired by Suwa Takako's novel "Machi Koba no Musume."