Asian dramas like
Nihon Chinbotsu Kibo No Hito

Japan's economy is currently facing a severe crisis, with a national debt exceeding 1 quadrillion yen. In response, Prime Minister Takamori Ejima has tasked a group of 4 top finance officials with the challenge of cutting the country's annual expenses in half. Operating under the codename Operation Z, these elite bureaucrats are working diligently to achieve the seemingly impossible goal of reducing Japan's yearly spending by 50%.

Known by her stage name, Oka Erika is both an entertainer and a program reporter. She is in her thirties and her birth name is Okabayashi Eriko. Erika has a passion for exploring new destinations. Her show "Chobit Tabi" revolves around travel, but unfortunately, it was put on hold after a mishap involving Erika. During this time, her management company receives a letter requesting Erika to take a trip in place of her unwell daughter.

Kotoha Ninomiya is employed in the general affairs division of a sweets company. Unexpectedly, she is instructed to switch to the public relations department, where she struggles. To add to her troubles, Kotoha Ninomiya discovers that Atsushi Imagawa, whom she has hidden feelings for, is preparing to wed another woman. The two have been close friends since childhood. Devastated, she attends Atsushi's wedding ceremony. During the event, she is touched by Kumi Kuon's congratulatory speech. Kotoha Ninomiya is renowned for her exceptional skills as a speechwriter.

Shun is a cosmic civil engineer tasked with an unusual job: to destroy Earth in order to create a new intergalactic expressway. Unsurprisingly, the inhabitants of Earth are completely unaware of their looming fate. On his initial day on the planet, Chondan, the proprietor of a charming Thai eatery, captivates Shun with his delectable home-cooked meals. As a result, Shun discreetly delays his apocalyptic plans, seduced by the allure of more scrumptious dishes from Chondan. If he ever finds himself weary of the cuisine, he can always revert to his original objective.

Shimazaki Akira finds himself dissatisfied with his new employer after the private security company he worked for is acquired by a larger corporation solely focused on profits. Remaining committed to his belief in protecting the vulnerable, Akira decides to leave the company and becomes an independent private bodyguard. Meanwhile, Takanashi Masaya, a fellow bodyguard with a strong sense of duty, is curious about Akira's decision to resign from their former workplace. In order to understand Akira's motives, Masaya pays him a visit.

As a young girl, Natsuki Aizawa experienced a traumatic kidnapping incident that deeply affected her. Throughout her upbringing, she leaned on her close friend Kentaro Yuki for support. Currently, she is pursuing a degree in physics at a college. Unexpectedly, she crosses paths with the newly hired professor Shuya Tatsumi, leading to a series of mysterious occurrences in her life. It is revealed that Shuya is a time traveler who moves between different points in time.

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

In the continent of Xichuan, which is torn by warfare, four influential clans - Bei, Zichuan, Liufeng, and Lin - are vying for control. The ambitious Bei clan is targeting the Zichuan clan, jeopardizing the delicate power balance. In the midst of escalating tensions, the talented young commander Zichuan Xiu emerges to protect his people, rallying his loyal soldiers and sworn brothers to the battlefield. Despite facing betrayal, exile, and daunting challenges, Zichuan Xiu refuses to succumb to his fate. He forges a new path for himself in the face of adversity, transforming from a carefree youth into a formidable leader. His journey reshapes the future of Xichuan, with tales of his bravery spreading far and wide.

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.

Sonoko, a journalist at JBS TV, is losing interest in her work until she learns from a previous contact that Shindou, a man who committed a double murder in the U.S, has returned to Japan with plans for another killing. Sonoko teams up with her coworker Nomura to keep an eye on Shindou's home. Despite Shindou's seemingly normal behavior, Nomura discovers a hidden listening device in his house. Meanwhile, the local news reports an unusual increase in young girls not experiencing their first menstruation, possibly due to a dioxin leak from a nearby garbage incinerator.

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

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.

Based on the manga "Love Love Alien" created by Okamura Hoshi.

In the year 202X, Japan is facing a period of stagnation and is seen globally as a nation in decline. In an effort to break free from this situation, Prime Minister Washida initiates a unique project called Utopi-AI. Referred to as the UA concept, individuals are chosen by AI from various regions of Japan to govern cities that have fallen into disrepair. The belief is that young people lack the necessary experience to lead in politics, which is where AI can fill the gaps with its vast amount of data. As a demonstration of this, AI selects Maki Aran, a 17-year-old idealistic individual, to serve as Prime Minister, along with a group of young adults around the age of 20. Together, they utilize AI to implement reforms aimed at revitalizing the struggling regional cities as part of the experimental city UA.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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)

Childhood friends Ota Noe and Sakurai Natsuko, who grew up in a housing complex, eventually got married and lived happily together. Despite experiencing various challenges in their youth, they found themselves back in the Showa-era housing complex. With a deep understanding of each other, they openly share their feelings of shame and pride, reminiscing about their first love. Spending their days eating meals together and engaging in light-hearted conversations, they find solace in each other's company. Even in their 50s, they feel youthful as they assist the elderly residents in the housing complex and sell vintage items online. Amidst the changes brought by new residents, a sense of community persists, with everyone supporting each other in their own unique ways.

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.

Hitotsubashi Kiriko is engulfed in despair when her closest friend, with whom she shared a home for three years, passes away from an illness. Struggling to make ends meet on a limited income, the idea of dying alone fills her with dread. One day, she is captivated by the words of a criminal being interviewed on television, sparking a desire to commit a crime and be incarcerated. And so, Kiriko embarks on her "Life in Prison" scheme. As she carries out her plan, Kiriko encounters new challenges and experiences.

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.

Taking place three months after the conclusion of the initial season of "Justice in a Balance," the story unfolds following the mysterious disappearance of Takano Kazuya from the Shidanzaka Law Office. Despite Saeki Mei's attempts to reach out to Takano Kazuya, he remains elusive. During this period, the lawyers in room 1 are confronted with challenging cases, such as Kiryu Miyuki's pursuit of a retrial for a case in which she previously served as the judge and delivered a guilty verdict.

Matsuoka Naoki, a journalist at Yamato Newspaper's business desk, is reassigned to the political desk. During a press conference with Chief Cabinet Secretary Kondo, Matsuoka catches Kondo's attention by asking about a safe discovered in Minato, Tokyo. As a result, Matsuoka is tasked with covering Kondo and joins the exclusive "top league" group of reporters who investigate high-ranking government officials. Meanwhile, Matsuoka's former colleague, Sakai Yuji, now works for a weekly magazine and also delves into the mystery of the safe in Minato. A robbery occurs involving someone Sakai had previously reported on regarding the safe. This event leads to Matsuoka and Sakai reuniting after a decade and uncovering a government scandal. This story is based on the novel "Top League" by Hideo Aiba.

Innovative banker Hanzawa Naoki has successfully uncovered many irregularities within his bank, Tokyo Chuo Banking Corporation. As a result, he is transferred to Tokyo Central Securities (TCS) to lead their Corporate Development Department. Shortly after, TCS becomes the target of a hostile takeover by a large IT company. With the share purchase price expected to exceed 100 billion yen, it is a deal of unprecedented value for TCS. Unbeknownst to Hanzawa, the bid will spark a rivalry with a new bank. Can he resolve the challenges facing TCS and deliver twice the blow to those making unreasonable demands? (jdramas.wordpress)

Taking place in the tumultuous region of Zichuan, the clans of Zichuan and Sairong are currently embroiled in a fierce conflict

Miyazawa Koichi is the head of a well-established small business specializing in producing tabi, a type of traditional Japanese socks. As the CEO of a company that has been passed down through four generations, he oversees around 20 employees. With a decline in demand for tabi, the business is facing financial challenges. To adapt to the changing market, Miyazawa is considering diversifying their product offerings by introducing a new line of running shoes. In order to ensure the company's survival, he is utilizing their expertise in crafting tabi to develop high-quality running shoes.

Ren Ru Yi, a skilled female killer who used to serve as the left-hand envoy of the Scarlet Guards, joins the escort team from Wu State in an attempt to rescue the kidnapped King of Wu, held captive by the State of An. Alongside Ning Yuan Zhou, the chief of Wu State's Six Realms Hall, the adventurous Yu Shi San, Princess Yang Ying, intelligent youth Yuan Lu, and the imperial guard Qian Zhao, they navigate through themes of love, life, death, and personal growth.

Goro Zaizen is a skilled surgeon who is well-known for his expertise in laparoscopy surgery. Despite coming from a humble background, he has worked hard to achieve his current position as an associate professor in the surgery department of a university hospital. While he is admired by his students, his ambitious and confident nature has also led to some people feeling animosity towards him. Goro Zaizen is determined to eventually become a professor within the surgery department.

After being released from prison, 47-year-old Marukawa Ryohei is wandering towards a riverbank with thoughts of ending his life when he gets hit by a rugby ball. A group of men, mostly in their 40s, are playing rugby nearby. An older man named Utatsu Sadao chases after the ball and brings Marukawa to join their team, Yanchars. The following day, Marukawa watches a Yanchars match from the stands. When Utatsu is unable to continue playing due to an injury, Marukawa is asked by the team captain, Kaneda Junzo, to take his place.

In their younger days, Ino, the daughter of a restaurant owner, Shika, the elegant wife of a samurai, and Chou, the owner of a sundries shop, formed a close trio in Bakurocho in Edo. Now in their thirties, each woman is feeling disheartened by their current situations, unable to confide in anyone. Suddenly, they decide to leave behind their responsibilities and families to embark on the Nuke Mairi pilgrimage to the Ise Grand Shrine, a popular journey during the Edo Period. Setting out on foot along the Tokaido, the main road connecting Kyoto and Edo, the three women aim to start afresh at Ise.

Derived from the tale of Okuni.

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.

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 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)