Asian dramas like
No Side Game

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)

Taeko is employed at a financial institution that is affiliated with a foreign country. She is tasked with reviving a small company that has recently been acquired. Taeko faces challenges from the employees of the company, who are focused on advancing geothermal power as a potential energy solution. Initially seeing her new role as a step down, Taeko commits herself to turning the small company into a successful venture. This story is adapted from Jin Mayama's novel "Maguma."

Tsukuda Kohei used to lead the development of a space rocket but left the Space and Astronautical Science Agency due to the rocket launch failure. He now manages Tsukuda Manufacturing, a small factory in the historic downtown area. On the other hand, Teikoku Heavy Industries unveiled plans for a homegrown rocket launch during a press event. However, the project hit a snag when Zaizen Michio, the Aerospace Division's chief, discovered that the patent for the crucial engine component technology had already been filed by Tsukuda Manufacturing. In a desperate attempt to secure the patent, Zaizen offered Tsukuda 2 billion yen. But...

Tomishima Heita has been employed by a construction firm for three years, initially working on construction sites before being moved to the sales department. He becomes entangled in bid-rigging schemes within the company and learns that his father's death was linked to similar illegal activities. Now faced with the decision of either exposing the wrongdoing as a whistleblower or shielding the company he is employed by.

Natsuko Miyamoto, a 48-year-old stay-at-home mother to two children (Hana, 20, and Kotaro, 17), is taken aback when her husband Akira, aged 54, reveals his plans to leave his job and pursue his passion for agriculture. Feeling motivated to find her own employment, Natsuko encounters obstacles due to lack of experience and her age. However, a surprising turn of events leads her to discover potential job opportunities at a disorganized supermarket. (DramaWiki)

At 40 years old, Tachibana Yuzuki has recently started working as a guide for mountain climbing. During her initial solo expedition to Mount Myoko and Mount Hiuchi, she encounters three women in her group: Yumi and Ritsuko, who are employed at a department store, and Mitsuko, who works at a welfare facility. Despite facing various challenges and personal issues, these novice climbers attempt to conquer the mountains under the guidance of Kijima, a younger colleague who is more experienced than Yuzuki. Extracted from the book "Yamaonna Nikki" penned by Minato Kanae.

Kohei Tsukuda used to work for the Aerospace and Science Exploration Agency before taking over his father's small factory, Tsukuda Industries. Despite facing challenges in his relationship with his daughter Rina, Tsukuda Industries has seen some improvement in its operations. However, Tsukuda's focus on developing a rocket engine has led to a decline in business. The situation worsens when a major client suddenly decides to stop working with Tsukuda Industries and the company gets sued by a competitor, Nakashima Industries, for patent infringement. This results in damage to Tsukuda Industries' reputation and financial struggles with banks. In the midst of these difficulties, Teikoku Heavy Industries offers to purchase a patent held by Tsukuda Industries for 2 billion yen.

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

In Headhunter, the narrative explores the shifting landscape of job security, moving away from the concept of lifelong employment. The film delves into the contemporary labor market, following Kurosawa (played by Eguchi Yosuke) as he navigates the world of talent scouting in the headhunting industry.

Set in the late 1990s and early 2000s, this business drama unfolds during a time when the Japanese economy faced a downturn post the bubble burst. Traditional Japanese companies were now vulnerable to takeovers by foreign investors. Masahiko Washizu, a former Japanese bank employee turned New York-trained fund manager, returns to Tokyo with a mission to acquire Japanese businesses. Over the span of eight years, the story follows the journey of this relentless businessman, known as the "vulture," as well as the ambitions, challenges, and dreams of those involved in corporate acquisitions.

The main character in this unique series is portrayed by Sorimachi Takashi, who plays the role of Ogi Shunsuke, a professional baseball player whose career is cut short by a shoulder injury. Despite his determination to make a comeback, a tragic accident results in his untimely death. However, he is given a second opportunity by a higher power, who transfers his soul into the body of a wealthy investment company executive. Adapting to this new life proves to be quite challenging for him. --Tokyograph

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.

Detective Mizunuma, along with his younger sister Rie who works at a document office, and psychiatrist Kamijo who manages a psychiatric clinic, collaborate to carry out a fraudulent scheme in order to repay their individual debts of 200 million yen each. Their first target is Inokuma Real Estate, a company that has profited from Social Security Agency regulations. Upon discovering that the company owns unsold land in Atami, the trio devises a plan to create a fictitious Elderly Housing with Care business to deceive Inokuma Real Estate into selling them the land.

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.

Apoyan is a story based on a novel by Shinno Takeshi that focuses on the individuals involved in international travel, including travel agents and airport staff. Endo Keita, an employee at JALPAK, was responsible for overseeing overseas package projects at the Head Office. However, he was unexpectedly reassigned to Narita Airport, where underperforming employees were typically sent to work at the counters assisting travelers. Feeling undervalued and unproductive, Endo contemplated leaving the company as his passion for creating tour packages seemed unappreciated. Despite initial reservations, Endo gradually finds purpose in his new role at Narita Airport, thanks to the support of his colleague Baba Hanae and by assisting customers with their travel concerns before departure.

Due to the impact of a robust yen, the worldwide financial downturn, and the competitive challenge posed by emerging economies, the Japanese manufacturing sector finds itself in a delicate position. A major electronics manufacturer is teetering on the edge of insolvency, with only a 3-month financial buffer remaining. In a covert initiative, three employees from the company - representing sales, finance, and production departments - collaborate to establish a reconstruction team and diligently strive to rejuvenate the company.

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

Ryo Ichinose is employed as a sales representative at a branch of Hashiba Electronics, a medium-sized electronics manufacturer known for its extensive history. Unexpectedly, he is instructed to relocate to the main office. Despite his lack of standout qualities, the newly appointed company president, Matsumoto, recognizes Ichinose's persistence as a salesperson and assigns him to a five-person team tasked with devising strategies to enhance Hashiba Group's management. Together, Ichinose and his colleagues travel to Vietnam to explore opportunities for reducing costs. During their time in Vietnam, Ichinose uncovers a bribery scheme linked to the contract work between the main office and the subsidiary, stemming from a new business initiative known as a licensing program, which has greatly impacted Hashiba Group. Determined to bring about change and align the company with ethical practices, Ichinose is committed to realizing not only his own aspirations but also those of his fellow team members.

Yajima Manufacturing, a small factory located in the Ota district of Tokyo, is operated by Yajima Koichi and his son Kentaro. Unexpectedly, bobsleigh athlete Yanagida Miki visits one day and asks them to create a sleigh for her to use at the Sochi Winter Olympics. Despite Kentaro's initial hesitation due to his lack of experience with bobsleighs, he is inspired by Miki's dedication to her training and decides to take on the challenge. With limited resources and no blueprint, Kentaro struggles to build the sleigh. However, with the help of the factory workers, the project gains momentum and they work together to create the bobsleigh for Miki.

Tatsuya Ikegami is employed by a real estate firm and is involved in a multi-billion yen urban development endeavor in the city of Sachio. In order to acquire the required land, Tatsuya must identify the landowners. To accomplish this, he conceals his true identity and becomes a member of the Sachio volunteer fire department. Here, he encounters fellow volunteer firefighters such as Sakura Azumi and Atsushi Goda. Initially, Tatsuya, who prioritizes results, struggles to connect with them, but eventually undergoes a change. Meanwhile, the rivalry between Tatsuya and his colleagues at the real estate company, who are advocating for an alternative project site, escalates.

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.

In a period of economic instability in Japan, Masahiko Washizu heads a foreign investment firm and faces backlash for his aggressive investment strategies. He endeavors to acquire a struggling bank and another company during their financial downturn.

Shibano Takeo is known for his expertise in corporate restructuring. After the unexpected passing of his mentor, the renowned inventor Fujimura Tokio, Shibano transitions from a large electronics company to a struggling metal molding factory named Majitech. Facing the threat of bankruptcy, he is tasked with revitalizing the business. Despite feeling inadequate compared to Fujimura's daughter Asako, Shibano works alongside her younger brother Nozomu, Fujimura's trusted associate Okemoto, and other employees to rescue the factory. Meanwhile, a disgruntled Murao, with a history with Shibano, and an international investment firm called Horizon, make attempts to gain control of Majitech for their own motives.

At a gathering to bid farewell to Katsuhito Ando, a teacher of the high school basketball club, former female members came together. Three former captains, Kana Enoki, Yuko Tsuruga, and Akane Miyosawa, stood out with an air of melancholy. Each of them had recently experienced unexpected setbacks and joked about how their glory days were in high school. However, everything took a surprising turn when Kae, the teacher's wife, suggested that they all live together in a basketball dormitory. Along with the three former captains, Yuichi, the teacher's son, Tamaki, Kana's daughter, and a total of six individuals from different generations decided to share a living space. Thus, a "pseudo family" life began, with each member striving for personal growth. Will their lives take a dramatic turn as they navigate this new living arrangement?

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)

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.

Mountain climbing expert Tachibana Yuzuki extends an invitation to women seeking companionship on the Yama Onna Nikki website to join her at the Mountain Festival to make new friends. Nishi Manami, attending the festival alone, strikes up a friendship with Kumada Yui and together they embark on a guided tour of Tsubakurodake, known as the Queen of the Northern Alps. A father in his sixties, his son in his thirties, and other women captivated by the guide Kijima also join the group, leading to various interpersonal dynamics for Yuzuki to observe. It is during this time that Yuzuki is surprised by an unexpected comment from Kijima.

Derived from the tale of Okuni.

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" ( ).

After transitioning to a new job, a woman relocated to Tokyo with aspirations of pursuing a career as a professional boxer. Her goal is to achieve championship status through a series of impactful encounters.

The Mammies is a small volleyball team known as "mama-san volleyball" that is supported by a nearby grocery store. The team consists of members who vary in age from their 20s to their 70s. Leading the team is Suzuko, who is 40 years old and seeks guidance from a coach who is like a grandmother to her. However, the team encounters a surprise when a young and attractive man joins them. This unexpected addition motivates the mothers, but causes unease for Suzuko as she is actually newly married to the team's young and good-looking coach, Kotaro.

Murakami Shinsuke is an expert in corporate consulting specializing in personnel restructuring. He strategically guides employees towards voluntary retirement through one-on-one interviews. The storyline revolves around workers who are compelled to reflect on the significance of their jobs in the midst of impending layoffs. -- NHK

Based on Ikenami Shotaro's book "Kumokiri Nizaemon," the following text has been modified.

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.

Sugiyama was once the top copywriter at a major advertising firm before leaving to start his own agency. Despite facing challenges, his new company in a struggling port town attracts clients with modest requests. This marks the beginning of Sugiyama's journey as a small advertising agency, as depicted in the novel "Hana no Sakura Doori" from the "Unibasaru Koukokusha Series" by Ogiwara Hiroshi.

Akitsu Wataru serves as the supervisor of the Toyama location for Maruo Holdings, a well-known supermarket chain. Following a certain incident, he is reassigned and relocates to a rural area with his family. Unexpectedly, Akitsu is summoned back to the main office to lead the compliance department. The CEO and board members harbor undisclosed intentions. The company faces multiple harassment problems, which Akitsu resolves using innovative approaches and strategies.