Asian dramas like
Onna Joushu Naotora

The 45th NHK Taiga Drama, titled Komyo ga Tsuji, follows the story of Kazutoyo who lived during the final years of the Sengoku period (1546-1605). He was the inaugural feudal lord of the Tosa domain located on Shikoku Island, and served under Nobunaga Oda, Hideyoshi Toyotomi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. His wife, Chiyo (1557-1617), was renowned for her loyalty and commitment to her husband, much like Matsu was to Toshiie in Toshiie to Matsu. Chiyo was the daughter of a samurai who was in the service of the feudal lord Asai.

NHK's 55th taiga drama series focuses on the life of Sanada Yukimura, who was born into a family of modest means in Shinsu (now Nagano Prefecture). Despite facing challenges during the Sengoku period, he used his intelligence, bravery, and hard work to become a highly respected samurai. During The Siege of Osaka, Sanada Yukimura built the fortress known as "Sanada Maru" near Osaka Castle, successfully defending against the larger army of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

The plot revolves around Bai Wen Huan, who is the head of the Northern Shaanxi Brothers Association

During the 1930s in Shanghai, Peng Yu Tian, a National Army officer, bravely fought against the Japanese forces and was gravely wounded. He was saved by Lei Jin Yi, a field nurse, and the two developed a deep bond. Just as they were preparing to wed, Peng was called back to the battlefield. Tragically, Peng's family was targeted and bombed by the Japanese. Lei managed to escape with Peng's child and later assumed a new identity as Shen Han Bing, working as a dancer to support her family. Meanwhile, Peng, believing Lei had perished in the bombing, went on to marry a wealthy businessman named Wu Jiang. However, fate brought Peng and Lei back together when they crossed paths at a party hosted by Wujiang. As a member of the Communist underground, Peng was tasked with investigating Wu Jiang, and sought Lei's help in uncovering the truth. It was ultimately revealed that Wu Jiang was a Japanese spy posing as a Chinese. After the Anti-Japanese War, Wu Jiang attempted to flee with Lei, but was apprehended and met his end at the hands of Peng and Lei.

In a time of military expansionism, He Tao Hua's father, a highly respected military official, was killed. Adopting a new persona, Tao Hua embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind her father's murder. By 1925, the He Family had been wiped out, leaving only He Tao Hua alive. She ventures to a different city and finds employment as a servant for the Liao Family. Her quick wit and charm win over Old Master Liao, while she also forms a romantic relationship with Young Master Liao Chun Feng. However, just before their wedding, Liao Chun Feng learns of her true identity and, unable to bear the burden, confesses before leaving to join the war effort. Recognizing her feelings for him, He Tao Hua decides to pursue him despite the challenges that lie ahead.

The 48th NHK Taiga drama, titled Tenchijin, follows the life of Naoe Kanetsugu, a dedicated samurai in Echigo Province during the 16th century. Kanetsugu received training from Uesugi Kenshin in his youth and later served Kenshin's adopted son Kagekatsu with unwavering loyalty. Known for his strong sense of justice and compassion towards the common people, Kanetsugu worked tirelessly to protect the residents of Echigo. (NHK)

A tale depicting the challenges faced by Huang Xiao Hua, a retired soldier and member of the Communist party, from her youth at 18 to her old age at 80. Following the Chinese victory in the Anti-Japanese Occupation war, Huang Xiao Hua settles down in a peaceful farming village. She attracts the attention of two young men - war hero Wei Shou Gen and party branch secretary Tan Shan Tang - who both vie for her affections. Forced to flee, Huang Xiao Hua disguises herself as a man and relocates to a different village. There, she meets military leader Zhao Jing Song and joins the military as a medical worker. The two develop a romantic relationship, but Huang Xiao Hua is injured in battle and falls into a coma. Upon awakening, she embarks on a quest to find her lover, only to discover that he has passed away. She then dedicates herself to caring for his children until they come of age.

Fumi marries Genzui Kusaka and remains resilient during the tumultuous final days of the Tokugawa shogunate, striving to uphold the ideals of her older brother and intellectual, Shoin Yoshida.

A tale depicting the Hong brothers managing Lou Wai Lou amidst military imperialism, warfare, and the resistance against Japanese occupation throughout a span of two decades. (ChineseDrama.info)

The 50th NHK Taiga drama is titled Gou, which centers around the life of Gou, who was married to the second Tokugawa shogun Hidetada. Gou was the third daughter of the daimyo Azai Nagamasa and was related to Oda Nobunaga through marriage. Her sisters were married to Toyotomi Hideyoshi and daimyo Kyogoku Takatsugu. (Tokyograph)

In 1937, the Japanese imperialists initiated a violent war against China, putting the Chinese nation in a crucial phase. Xu Tian, a color-blind accountant in Shanghai with military training, chose to stay close to his mother following his father's passing. After encountering a group of patriots connected to his late father, he was inspired by their patriotic fervor. Utilizing his keen intellect, he aided the patriots in transporting crucial materials, attracting the attention of the Japanese occupying forces in the city. Amidst these events, he formed bonds with Jin, a former conman now businessman, and Tielin, a police officer in the Shanghai French Concession. Simultaneously, pharmacist Tian Dan sought refuge in Xu's home after losing her parents in a situation he was deeply involved in. Against the backdrop of the national crisis, individuals navigated their interconnected lives driven by motives of revenge, duty, self-interest, or ideology.

The play depicts the experiences of three individuals during a challenging period in history. Diverse characters navigate through a tumultuous time, facing both positive and negative circumstances while resisting Japanese influence.

The Conqueror's Tale recounts the transformation of Liu Bang from a humble commoner to the inaugural Emperor, Emperor Gao, of the Han Dynasty.

The 39th NHK Taiga Drama is titled Aoi Tokugawa Sandai. This series, written by James Miki, follows the story of three generations of the Tokugawa family, starting from its founder Ieyasu to Iemitsu, the third Shogun who strengthened the Tokugawa dynasty. (DramaWiki)

In July of 1590 in Odawara, Toyotomi Hideyoshi's army besieged Odawara Castle for more than three months in an effort to overcome the final barrier to unifying the country. A lone figure stood before the castle gates, urging the defenders not to sacrifice their lives and to cherish life. Soon after, the castle surrendered, with the man known as Kuroda Kanbee at the forefront. Kanbee, a skilled military strategist, collaborated closely with Hideyoshi in the campaign for unification. Born into a modest family that had relocated to Harima, Kanbee earned the trust and reliance of his mentor, Kodera Masamoto. At the age of 22, Kanbee assumed leadership of the Kuroda clan, marrying Masamoto's daughter, Teru, in the process. Although they had a son together, Kanbee, seeing that Teru was unable to conceive again, decided to adopt young children of his vassals as his proteges, forming the "Kuroda's warriors". By the time Kanbee turned 30, a rising lord was making strides towards unifying Japan, setting the stage for a showdown between Oda and Mori Terumoto in Harima. Kanbee was drawn to Oda's vision for unification and traveled to Gifu Castle to meet him, where he crossed paths with Toyotomi Hideyoshi. This encounter led to Kanbee becoming Hideyoshi's right-hand man, marking the inception of Gunshi Kanbee.

The 44th NHK Taiga Drama revolves around the story of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, a military leader from the Minamoto clan of Japan during the late Heian and early Kamakura periods. Born in 1159, Yoshitsune was the ninth son of Minamoto no Yoshitomo, with his older brother Minamoto no Yoritomo being the founder of the Kamakura shogunate.

The 46th Historical Drama follows the life of Yamamoto Kansuke, a brilliant strategist during the Civil War era in the 16th century. Kansuke serves Takeda Shingen and strives to unite the country by assisting the ruler of Kai. Additionally, Kansuke supports Shingen's mistress, Yu, showing unwavering love to a woman who initially despises the warlord responsible for her father and family's deaths. Through Kansuke's tactics, Shingen extends his influence to the north, setting the stage for a clash with Kenshin Uesugi, the ruler of Echigo. The series depicts the struggles of individuals pursuing their aspirations in a tumultuous historical period.

There is no historical figure that captures the hearts and imaginations of people worldwide quite like Zhao Zi Long, also known as Zhao Yun. He was a renowned military general during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and early Three Kingdoms period. Known for his exceptional fighting skills, bravery, and charm, Zhao Yun initially served under the warlord Zan Gong Sun before switching sides to join Liu Bei as one of the esteemed Five Tiger Generals. However, as Zhao Yun finds himself entangled in a romantic rivalry between the lovely Xiaohou Qing Yi and the formidable warrior Gao Ze, he may realize that battles of the heart can be the most perilous of all. This storyline is adapted from Luo Guan Zhong's novel "San Guo Yan Yi." Three versions of the adaptation are available: 49 episodes (TV), 56 episodes (Uncut), and 60 episodes (DVD).

The narrative follows the individuals residing at the base of the mountains in North-eastern China, who, guided by the Communist Party of China and the Anti-Japanese Allied Forces, stood up against the Japanese invaders to protect their country

In ancient China during the Spring and Autumn period, the four prominent families in the Qi state were engaged in fierce competition for political power. Despite their fathers' rivalry, Sun Wu and Guo Wujiu formed a strong friendship and received military training from the renowned strategist Tian Rangju. In the Chu state, Wu Zixu became a fugitive after his father was falsely accused of treason and his family was wiped out by King Ping of Chu. With the help of Sun Wu and Wujiu, Wu Zixu found refuge in the Wu state. The situation in Qi worsened when the Sun clan launched a surprise attack on the Guo and Gao clans, leading to a violent conflict. Wujiu managed to escape from Qi and viewed Sun Wu as his bitter rival from then on. He settled in Chu and became a general. Meanwhile, Sun Wu, devastated by the events, roamed until he settled in Wu state. Through Wu Zixu's introduction, Sun Wu was appointed as the military leader by King Hel of Wu. Sun Wu began his successful career by writing The Art of War and showcasing his strategic brilliance in leading the Wu army to victory in battles against rival states.

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.

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.

Deng Gui Chan, a powerful female entrepreneur nicknamed "Seventh Master", is fiercely competitive and unafraid to take risks

The 40th NHK Taiga Drama revolves around the life of Hojo Tokimune, a young shikken who played a pivotal role in defending Japan from Mongolian invasion during the 13th century. This gripping tale delves into themes of betrayal, clan conflicts, and the personal turmoil faced by Hojo Tokimune. The narrative primarily focuses on the dynamics between Tokimune and his brother Tokisuke, highlighting their differing perspectives and actions in response to Kublai Khan's invasion attempts. Political tensions drive a wedge between the two siblings, leading to a dramatic exploration of loyalty and power struggles.

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.

In the aftermath of World War II in Shanghai in 1945, Tang Teng, a fighter pilot, and Shen Ying, a Qi Pao saleswoman, fell in love. Despite facing consequences such as being court-martialed for desertion, Tang Teng was determined to be with Shen Ying. He was ultimately saved from a death sentence by family friend Ji Wen, who helped him escape to Hong Kong. Meanwhile, Shen Ying, believing Tang Teng to be dead, agreed to marry another man for financial support. However, upon learning that Tang Teng was alive in Hong Kong from expert tailor Lu Xiao Mao, she broke off the engagement and traveled to Hong Kong. Instead of a joyful reunion, Shen Ying discovered that Tang Teng had married Ji Wen.

A historical drama showcases the challenges encountered by Emperor Qin Shi Huang following the unification of the Empire: the ambitious construction of a new highway, growing public dissatisfaction, and political schemes endangering the palace.

Taking place during the Warring States Period, the narrative centers on a remarkable prodigy with a mysterious background. Similar to a chess grandmaster, Wang Chan orchestrates events during turbulent times to suppress rebellion and bolster his nation's power, eventually earning the revered title of Gui Gu Zi. In 390 BC, Wang Cuo aids the Crown Prince of Wei in thwarting a coup, leading to the exile of Wei Huan and the escape of Wu Qi to Chu. Following a momentous victory, Wang Cuo faces retaliation from Wu Qi, who seeks to claim Sun Tzu's The Art of War for himself. Surrounding the manor with five hundred soldiers, Wu Qi massacres all within. Despite the tragedy, Madame Wang gives birth to Wang Chan, who grows up to become a skilled political strategist.

In 1937, Japanese forces took control of Manchuria. Ku Ping On and her close friend Tin Hau Yi traveled to Nanjing with her ill mother to find her father, Ku Man Chai, who owned the largest rice company in the city. To her surprise, she learned that Hau Yi, whom she thought was her fiancé, was in love with Cheng Yuet Fung, her father's fourth wife. Subsequently, Poon Sai Cheung, who collaborated with the Japanese, "acquired" Ping On.

The 49th NHK Taiga drama, titled Ryoma den, is set during the Bakumatsu era and centers around Sakamoto Ryoma, a prominent figure from 1835 to 1867. Ryoma played a crucial role in the efforts to dismantle the Tokugawa Bakufu, leading to the Meiji Restoration. Additionally, he was instrumental in modernizing the Japanese navy by adopting western technology, which greatly contributed to the success of the revolution.

A Chinese TV show that tells the story of King Goujian from the ancient state of Yue during the Spring and Autumn period. (Wikipedia)

"A Leaf in the Storm" portrays the tale of two households and youthful romantics at the onset of the Sino-Japanese Conflict. Derived from Lin Yu Tang's book "Feng Sheng He Li."

Following the conclusion of the First World War, a cohort of international students delved into the realm of mathematics at Princeton University in the tranquil nation of America. Among them were Chinese scholar Wen Wei Jun and Japanese student Shan Ben Kang Fu, who not only shared a dormitory but also a profound friendship. Their bond was tested when they found themselves entangled in a romantic triangle with their classmate Qing Tian Xiu, a Japanese young woman of exquisite beauty, intelligence, and noble lineage. However, as the shadows of World War II loomed over the horizon and tensions escalated between China and Japan, the former comrades, now seasoned code-breakers, were destined to become bitter rivals.

During the early 1900s in China, Xiao Yue Gui, a young girl from the countryside, moves to Shanghai to avoid starvation. By rescuing Yu Qi Yang, a member of the Pujiang Association, the most powerful gang in Shanghai, she gains access to the leaders of the organization. This leads her to start working at their brothel, which alters the course of her life. Xiao Yue Gui is now on a journey to become the next "King of Shanghai," following in the footsteps of three previous generations, as depicted in Hong Ying's novel.

Due to financial difficulties, Wen Yu He's father agreed to have her marry into the Gu family as the wife of Madam Gu's third son. With Madam Gu's first son missing and her second son deceased, all hope was placed on Yu He and her remaining brother-in-law. The third son, Shao Tang, is known for his reckless behavior, spending time in brothels and gambling away his money. Madam Gu believed that Yu He could positively influence her son. Yun Kai, a school teacher, disguised himself as a groundskeeper to work in the Gu household, assisting with accounting and the family's lantern business. Despite facing mistreatment from her older sister-in-law, Yu He remains devoted to Shao Tang. As tensions rise and hidden agendas come to light, the Gu family's secrets begin to unravel, revealing a web of deceit and betrayal.