Asian dramas like
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Set during the Meiji period in Matsue, Toki is an unconventional girl hailing from a once-respected samurai lineage that now faces financial hardship due to her father's unsuccessful venture. In order to support herself, she takes a job as a maid for a foreign English instructor of Greek-Irish heritage, who has always felt like an outsider after being left alone as a child. Despite their cultural disparities and the challenges of language, Toki and her employer connect through their mutual passion for ghost stories and their similar life challenges. Together, they embark on a unique adventure filled with odd characters and, naturally, an abundance of supernatural narratives. This tale is inspired by the real-life story of Koizumi Setsuko, the spouse of Koizumi Yakumo, originally known as Patrick Lafcadio Hearn.

Mantaro hails from a wealthy family in Kochi that is involved in the brewery business. Due to his fragile health, he becomes a victim of harassment. Since childhood, he has held a deep interest in flora and chooses to leave school in order to pursue a degree in botany at Teikoku University in Tokyo. He takes on the role of a research assistant with the aspiration of compiling a comprehensive encyclopedia on Japanese plants, dedicating himself to achieving this goal.

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.

Taking place from the late Meiji era to the post-World War II period in Osaka, the story follows Fujioka Ten, inspired by Yoshimoto Sei, the founder of Yoshimoto Kogyo and a female comedy show promoter. Ten comes from a family involved in the drug wholesale business in Kyoto and falls in love with Kitamura Tokichi, the son of a family in the rice industry. Despite her parents' disapproval, Ten marries Tokichi, a passionate comedy enthusiast. Together, they manage a vaudeville theater, with Ten becoming the first woman in Japan to turn comedy into a profitable venture, turning Osaka into a hub for comedy.

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)

Continue the narrative spanning over five decades, which includes the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, 1936 Berlin Olympics, and 1964 Tokyo Olympics. The story highlights Kanakuri Shisou, the first Japanese man to compete in the Stockholm Olympics and set a world record, as well as Tabata Masaji, who is recognized for bringing the Olympics to Japan.

At the onset of the Showa period, a girl named Asada Nobu, also referred to as 'Hachikin Onobu,' was darting through the streets of Kochi with astonishing speed. At the same time, Yanai Takashi, who had lost his father to disease during his childhood, was taken in by his uncle and met Nobu at the new school he attended. As the threat of war loomed, Nobu, who was enrolled in a women’s normal school, had become an ardent militarist like many of her peers. Before long, war broke out, and Takashi was deployed. He faced the devastating loss of his younger brother, Chihiro, in the conflict, while Nobu also suffered the loss of her beloved. After completing her education at the women's school, Nobu's beliefs shifted dramatically due to the war, prompting her to seek her own understanding of what was right. She became the first female reporter at a newspaper in Kochi. Following the war, Takashi left his job as a scrap collector and joined the same newspaper, where they both worked on the same magazine. Although Takashi aspired to become a manga artist in Tokyo, he was concerned about his ability to sustain himself. Nobu encouraged him, saying, "You can come later. I’ll head to Tokyo first and wait for you," after which she resigned from the newspaper and relocated to Tokyo. Takashi followed her there, and they began sharing a cramped six-tatami apartment that lacked a bath, had a communal toilet, and a hole in the ceiling requiring them to use an umbrella on rainy days, but on clear nights, they could gaze at the stars. Nobu found their circumstances intriguing, and the couple decided to marry, expressing, "I want to be with someone who can appreciate any situation."

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.

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.

During the final years of the Tokugawa Shogunate, Asa was born into a prosperous merchant family in Kyoto, Japan as their second daughter. As she moved to Osaka, Asa ventured into different industries such as coal mines, banks, and life insurance. Additionally, she established Japan's inaugural women's university.

The 99th morning drama series tells the story of Tachibana Fukuko, a young woman facing challenges in Osaka alongside her husband during the post-WWII economic boom. Despite numerous obstacles, they eventually achieve success by inventing instant noodles. This drama is inspired by the real-life experiences of the wife of Ando Momofuku, the entrepreneur behind Nissin Food Products Co. Ltd. and the creator of instant ramen.

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

During the Qing Dynasty, a princess witnesses the downfall of her family. She navigates through challenging circumstances and grows into a successful businesswoman. Tong Yu Wan, despite her royal background, represents a new wave of empowered women in the Republican era. Her affection for Zhou Ting Chen develops after he saves her from danger, but she is ultimately married off to Du Yun Tang, the son of a wealthy businessman, by her parents. Du Yun Tang may seem carefree on the surface, but he proves to be a valuable and strategic business partner for Yu Wan. Meanwhile, Zhou Ting Chen becomes involved in revolutionary activities, while his friend Li Shao Feng poses as the only son of the Li family and offers his sister Li Xue Mei to warlord Shen Zhi Pei. At the same time, Li Shao Feng works for a Japanese company and becomes a fierce competitor to the Du family in the race for development projects. Yu Wan finds herself entangled in complex relationships with various individuals in her life, including her lover Zhou Ting Chen, husband Du Yun Tang, friend Li Xue Mei, foe Li Shao Feng, and twins Qing Ping and Hong Yu.

The melodrama depicts the journey of Han Chun Ming, a once educated young man. Upon his return to the city from a rural village, Han Chun Ming explores various avenues to sustain himself, such as running a street vendor stall. Through his perseverance and dedication, Han Chun Ming manages to save up enough money to start his own business and capture the affection of his desired romantic partner.

Taking place during the Ming dynasty, the story centers on the Zhang family residing in Jing De Town and their successful porcelain production business. (DramaWiki)

For 35 years during the Japanese colonial era, Joseon was shrouded in darkness. Despite this bleakness, Yi Yuk Sa composed poems that conveyed messages of hope to those who had lost faith in Joseon and to those who longed for a renewed Joseon. Today, Korea is free from Japanese rule, and Yi Yuk Sa has passed away, yet his poetry continues to resonate, perpetually sharing his messages. During those dire times, what kind of suffering did he endure, and what depth of love did he possess? (KOCOWA)

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 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 story revolves around Hanako Muraoka, a translator who lived through the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa periods. Muraoka later translated the novel "Anne of Green Gables" by Canadian writer Lucy Maud Montgomery. This information was derived from the book "An no Yurikago Muraoka Hanako no Shogai" authored by Eri Muraoka, Hanako Muraoka's granddaughter. The English version of the book is titled "Anne's Cradle: The Life and Works of Hanako Muraoka."

In 1955, the play begins with Xu Hui Zhen, who became a widow shortly after getting married. She now operates a small tavern that was passed down to her. Despite facing various challenges such as the socialist transformation of businesses, the Great Leap Forward, natural calamities, and the Cultural Revolution, Hui Zhen stays committed to her principles on managing the tavern. As economic reforms are eventually implemented, Hui Zhen and her tavern reap the rewards of her dedication and unwavering belief in her values.

In 1929, Japan saw the establishment of its inaugural law school specifically for women. Among the students was Inotsume Tomoko, who went against societal norms. By 1938, the first female lawyers, such as Torako, began to emerge, earning admiration nationwide. However, with the outbreak of war, opportunities for their legal expertise decreased. Fast forward seven years, Torako, who had lost everything during the war, utilized her legal knowledge to survive. With a goal of becoming a judge, she dedicated herself to creating a family court to aid children orphaned by the war and women facing difficulties, aiming to assist those facing challenges beyond politics and finance.

Taking place in the war-torn neighborhood of Kamata, Tokyo in 1945, the narrative revolves around Shimomura Umeko, the youngest of three siblings. Her father works as a doctor at a university hospital. Despite her siblings' notable achievements, Umeko struggles with self-assurance. A particular event inspires her to pursue a career as a community doctor, yet she encounters numerous setbacks along the way.

In 1999, a trading company based in Tokyo is excited as Japan's Shinkansen secures priority negotiating rights for the Taiwan High-Speed Rail project. Tada Haruka, who has been with the company for 4 years, is chosen to go to Taiwan for work. Back when she was a university student, she had visited Taiwan for the first time during the summer and had a chance encounter with a young Taiwanese man named Eric, who showed her around for a day. After losing touch with him, she buried her memories of him deep within her mind. Fast forward 6 years later, Tada Haruka finds herself back in Taiwan.

Cheng Yue Liang, a man with autism, is saved by his stepmother in a crucial accident after his father dies during the war with Japan in the 1940s. The narrative explores their tumultuous lives and close familial bond. The drama features acclaimed screenwriter Cheung Wah Biu, known for works like 'Moonlight Resonance', 'Rosy Business', 'No Regrets', and the 80s trilogy 'The Legend of the Condor Heroes'.

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.

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)

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.

The narrative takes place in the era of rapid economic growth in the Showa period. After losing her parents in the war, Natsu relocates to the Tokachi region in Hokkaido with her foster father, a dairy farmer. During her childhood, Natsu befriends a classmate who impresses her with a stunning horse drawing, sparking her interest in animated films. Following her graduation from high school, Natsu makes the move to Tokyo to pursue her ambition of working as an animator in the emerging animation industry.

In the Showa period, Yakumo delves into the world of rakugo and develops a competitive yet friendly relationship with the talented yet impulsive Yurakutei. They both become students and their rivalry continues throughout their lifetimes. The situation becomes tense when Yakumo falls in love with Geisha Miyokichi, who Yurakutei ends up marrying. Tragedy strikes when both individuals pass away under mysterious circumstances, possibly by suicide. Yakumo takes in their daughter, Konatsu, while grappling with guilt over their deaths in secret. As Konatsu grows older, she holds a grudge against Yakumo, and with the help of Yakumo's student Yotaro, she discovers the truth behind the tragic incidents.

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.

During their childhood, Huai Yu, Zhi Gao, and Dan Dan made a pact to be as close as siblings and visited a mysterious old eunuch for fortune-telling using divination sticks. However, the sticks were accidentally shuffled by the eunuch's cat before they could be interpreted. One stick mentioned preferring death over birth, another suggested life was better than death, and the third talked about dying and being reborn. The meaning behind these messages remains a mystery.

The biography of Huang Dao Po, a trailblazing woman who transformed the Chinese textile sector amidst the Mongol invasion of the Song dynasty and the rise of the Yuan dynasty.

Qin Yue Xiang, a former housekeeper, unintentionally causes the death of her husband who was a builder while trying to protect her 9-year-old daughter Sang Cai Qing from being forced into marriage with an elderly man. Facing punishment by the local official Xiao Ru Zhang, Yue Xiang arranges for Cai Qing to seek safety with her biological father, wealthy businessman Chen Yuan. However, Chen's envious wife, Yu Ru, forces Cai Qing to work as a servant in their mansion. As Cai Qing grows older, she becomes entangled in a series of romantic entanglements.

During the Three Kingdoms period (220-280 AD), known as one of the most violent in Chinese history, the story unfolds of the love affair between Zhen Fu and Cao Cao, as well as his sons Cao Zhi and Cao Pi.

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.

In ancient times, there was a mystical being known as Hu Xiao Li, who could transform into a human form. She experienced a heartbreaking love story during the Han Dynasty. Originally tasked with protecting the prince, Gong Hao, who was targeted for assassination, Xiao Li's mother intervened and saved him, living in obscurity as a commoner. When the Emperor discovered Gong Hao was his son, he brought him back to the palace. The Emperor's rage towards his consort, Concubine Shu, who had ordered the prince's assassination and killed his mother, the Empress, led to his demise. Gong Hao then assumed the throne, with Xiao Li becoming Empress. However, their love faced challenges when Tang Shi Shi came between them and won Gong Hao's heart, becoming his consort. Tang Shi Shi falsely accused Xiao Li of plotting to harm her, prompting Xiao Li to reveal her true form as a nine-tailed fox. Gong Hao, devastated, sentenced her to death. Just before her execution, he reminisced about their joyful marriage. Tang Shi Shi, fearing Gong Hao's forgiveness, urged her execution. Xiao Li escaped using her powers but was punished by her mother with a thousand years of imprisonment in ice for using her abilities in the mortal realm. Years later, Gong Hao, facing personal turmoil, inadvertently freed Xiao Li while hiking in the mountains. They reunited and married, but Tang Shi Shi's interference threatened their happiness once again. The question remains: will Xiao Li endure another tragic love story or fight for Gong Hao's love?

In the Tang Dynasty, Eunuch Ju murders five government officials to cover up his crimes, but Prime Minister Mu discovers the evidence. When Prime Minister Mu's daughter, Mu Fu Rong, rejects a forced marriage and attempts suicide, she is rescued by a mysterious hero. Eunuch Ju now sees Mu Fu Rong and her family as his enemies due to the rescue incident.

In the late 1950s, a student named Wen Yi Qiu (played by Yin Tao) from the Beijing Broadcasting Institute falls in love with a Soviet announcer named Wei Ka and they get married in Beijing. However, the Soviet Union decides to recall its specialists from Beijing, leading Wei Ka to return to his homeland. Yi Qiu then moves to the border town of Hehei to work as an announcer in order to be closer to her husband. Eventually, Wei Ka is assigned to a post in Blagoveshchensk, a city on the other side of the border. Despite the distance, they find solace in listening to each other's broadcasts and hope for improved relations between China and the Soviet Union.

During the mid-to-late 1980s, Xiao Zhan, Cong Xiao Qing, and several other talented college students with diverse backgrounds and personalities set out to chase the American dream. Initially regarded as stars in China, they faced numerous challenges upon their arrival in the United States. Despite obstacles such as academic struggles, emotional setbacks, financial difficulties, and interpersonal conflicts, they persevered through hardships and eventually achieved success in their respective careers. Eventually, they made the bold decision to return to China and collaborate on a business venture, marking a new chapter in their journey. Over the course of more than three decades, their group transitioned from China to the United States and back again, demonstrating remarkable achievements in fields such as scientific research and finance on a global scale.

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)

In Hong Kong, while many individuals pursue careers in finance, real estate, or commerce, affluent heiress Katy Kung prefers to venture into unconventional endeavors. Together with her close friend Jason Chan, they establish a technology start-up. A cyber attack exposes Katy to the exceptional skills of IT expert Owen Cheung, prompting her to offer him a position in their company. Owen, a reclusive tech whiz, gradually learns to engage with others with the help of nurse MoonLau, and finds himself drawn to her. As Katy and Owen transition from conflicting perspectives to collaborating and compensating for each other's weaknesses, she unknowingly develops romantic feelings for him. Initially believing in the transformative power of technology, Katy's faith is shaken when a series of internet scandals involving her father, brother, and sister unfold.

In 1942, Arisawa Maki and Noshiro Koji are set to be married, but their plans are disrupted when Koji's older brother, Ichiro, passes away during the war. This leads to Koji marrying Ichiro's widow, Asami, while Maki ends up marrying Koji's younger brother, Daisuke. Despite having children with their new spouses, Maki and Koji engage in a secret relationship. Daisuke, suspecting their affair, becomes enraged and sets fire to the mansion, resulting in Koji's death. Years later, Natsuo and Hideaki, the children of Maki and Koji, unknowingly fall in love, brought together by destiny.

The leader of the Huns, Huhanxie Shanyu, made the decision to establish diplomatic ties with the powerful Han Dynasty for the benefit of his tribe. However, his brother Hutuwusi disagreed with this plan due to being influenced by the Qulan family. Despite having exceptional beauty and skills, Wang Zhao Jun was still destined to serve in the palace. Upon entering the court, Wang Zhao Jun used her intelligence and bravery to navigate the dangers of the harem. As Hu Hanxie Shanyu pushed for peace with the Han Dynasty, Wang Zhao Jun, who was reluctant to remain in the palace, took the initiative to visit them. After facing various challenges, she eventually set off on a long journey to the distant lands of the Huns.