Asian dramas like
Ooku 2023

Based on Yoshinaga Fumi's manga "Ooku" ( ).

Illustrates the fierce conflicts among the female figures connected to Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, the fifth shogun.

Taking place during the early 1800s in Edo Period Japan, the people are facing hardships under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate

Denshichi from Kuromoncho works under a police officer and uses a special purple truncheon to combat crime in the alleys of Edo. This truncheon was given to him by Inspector Toyama Saemon, who oversees Kitamachi. Denshichi focuses on punishing wrongdoing rather than the wrongdoers themselves and shows compassion and kindness. Despite his cheerful demeanor, he carries the burden of accidentally causing a person's death while trying to help another. This is why he emphasizes the importance of preserving life no matter the circumstances.

Ooka Echizen was a magistrate in the Edo period who backed the Kyoho Reforms proposed by the eighth shogun, Tokugawa Yoshimune. In addition to overseeing Edo, Ooka served on the judicial council and handled local government matters, as well as the management of temples and shrines. He dispensed justice with compassion and impartiality, earning a reputation for his fair and humane rulings known as Ooka Sabaki.

Taking place in the Bakumatsu era, which marked the end of the Edo period, the story follows Sakai Banshiro, a samurai of humble origins. He decides to leave his family and serve at the lord's castle. By preparing dishes based on recipes from his wife, Banshiro brings comfort and solutions to the troubles of the people around him.

The fourth installment of the Ooku series focuses on the time of the 3rd Shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, and the establishment of the Ooku. Iemitsu was raised by his nanny, O-fuku, while his younger brother Tadanaga was raised by their biological mother, who was the Shogun's wife. Throughout his upbringing, there was tension between his mother and nanny, both vying for his success as the future Shogun. The series recounts various events from Iemitsu's childhood to adulthood, detailing his journey to power.

Set in the Yoshiwara red-light district of Edo, this period drama follows four women from different professions who are proud of their community. They band together to seek retribution against men who mistreat the district's prostitutes.

This tale follows a talented sword fighter who faces challenges with a firm commitment to fairness and a sincere compassion for the common people. Iwane, betrothed to Okon, is tasked with protecting the Shogun's heir apparent, who is poised to become the next ruler. Iwane endeavors to shield the Shogun's son from hired killers sent by the influential advisor aiming to increase his own political influence. (NHK)

The narrative revolves around the women connected to the Tokugawa shogun lineage, with a spotlight on Isonomiya Tomoko and her strategic marriage to the 10th shogun, Tokugawa Ieharu

Isobe Isobee is a student at a samurai school who aspires to become a renowned samurai, yet he constantly attempts to avoid putting in effort on a daily basis

During the late Edo period, Futaboshi Hikoma, the astronomer of the Hirado domain, is known for his unique passion for the stars and the sea. When a lovely bride named Orie enters his life, Hikoma promises to cherish her forever. Sadly, Orie mysteriously disappears after only a short time of marriage. Little does Hikoma know, Orie is a skilled female ninja sent by the shogunate to investigate the Hirado domain for suspected illegal activities. The shogunate plans to punish the domain as a warning to others in the western regions. Unaware of this, Hikoma travels to Edo in search of his missing wife. Through a friend named Senemon, he meets Matsuura Seizan, the former feudal lord of Hirado, who warns Hikoma that he will harm Orie if she is found. Hikoma vows to protect his wife at all costs. To locate Orie, Hikoma takes on a role as an instructor at a local school and befriends a boy named Tarokichi. Meanwhile, strange occurrences, such as festival music playing at Seizan's residence at night, lead Hikoma and the children on a journey to uncover the truth. However, their investigation unknowingly brings them closer to the shogunate's hidden agenda.

During the Edo period under the rule of the third shogun, a mysterious outbreak of smallpox targets only males, leading to a drastic decrease in the male population. Gender roles are reversed, with women now taking charge of businesses and politics. A young girl named Tokugawa Iemitsu inherits the shogunate and becomes the first female shogun. At the age of 16, Iemitsu forces MadenokojiArikoto, a temple leader, to leave his spiritual life and join the shogun's inner palace as one of the 3,000 attractive concubines, along with his disciple Gyokuei.

Based on Morimura Seiichi's book series "Assassin Contractor Series" ( ).

Based on Yasuhide Saeki's novel "Secret Life Revealed: The Enigma of Kasumi Kanzuki".

During the Bunka-Bunsei era, the culture of the townspeople thrives as the 11th Tokugawa shogun Ienari's close advisers engage in corrupt administration, leading to a decline in public morals in Edo. Discontent among samurai families and local businessmen grows due to the increasing hardships faced by ordinary town residents. In the dead of night, a whistle suddenly pierces the air. Nezumi Kozo, a heroic thief, effortlessly escapes across rooftops with a box containing 1,000 ryo, which he then scatters over a sleeping, rundown tenement house. Nezumi Kozo's true identity is that of Jirokichi, a playboy with a strong sense of justice who interferes in cases purely out of his desire to see the people of Edo happy. This narrative is inspired by the novel series "Nezumi, Edo wo Hashiru" by Akagawa Jiro.

Based on Morimura Seiichi's "Assassin Contractor Series," a collection of novels.

In 1868, discussions between the shogunate and the new government lead to the agreement to hand over Edo Castle. Kakurai Hayato, a hesitant warrior from Owari supporting the government forces, is tasked with overseeing the smooth surrender of the castle. The only issue is a retainer named Matooya Rokubei who refuses to leave. Rokubei, a former guard of the shogun, remains seated and only moves to attend to personal needs. Due to promises made to Saigo Takamori and Katsu Kaishu, disputes within the castle are prohibited, making it impossible to remove Rokubei by force. As Kakurai spends more time with the man, he begins to develop a strange understanding and respect for Rokubei's traditional demeanor.

The air around Edo Castle holds a tense vibe. A childless general falls gravely ill during a power struggle for succession. In order to protect a man who resembles Unokichi, the shogun summons Amari Bizen no Kami and his younger brother Yukichiyo. However, an immediate attempt on Yukichiyo's life forces him to flee and go into hiding. To ensure Yukichiyo's safety, Amari Bizen switches their identities, making Yukichiyo pose as Unokichi and vice versa.

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)

The Tenpo era marks the conclusion of the Edo period. Despite facing financial challenges on a daily basis, Nobu, the humble wife of Katsuie, maintains a cheerful demeanor. In this period, social status does not dictate relationships, and Nobu's kind heart is truly commendable. Katsukichi, my husband, is a skilled marksman with robust arms that are hard to dislike. I cannot help but adore Koiyoshi. Kokichi is supported by his radiance, carefree attitude, wisdom, and drive in facing life's challenges. Meanwhile, their son Rintaro observes his parents with a calm and intelligent demeanor. Inheriting righteousness from his father, Katsu Kaifune, Rintaro is determined to protect the people of Edo, displaying a love that transcends his mother's social standing.

During the Tenpo era at the end of the Edo period, there was a strong focus on reform. Katsuya Kokichi is known for his powerful arms, while his wife Onobu admires them when questioned. Despite facing financial struggles, she maintains a cheerful demeanor. Their son Rintaro is intelligent and ambitious, aiming to study Dutch in order to one day help the people of Edo as "Katsu Kaishu." Interestingly, he has recently developed feelings for a geisha from Fukagawa.

The tale humorously depicts ghosts who are unable to depart our realm due to their strong connection to the living

Benzo and Soji are colleagues at a delivery service that is actually a group of thieves known as Akame. They target corrupt individuals and steal their ill-gotten gains. The leader of Akame, Tatsugoro, is highly respected by both Benzo and Soji. When Tatsugoro unexpectedly passes away, he leaves a conflicting message about who should take over Akame. Despite their confusion, Benzo and Soji decide to part ways with Akame and embark on a significant mission.

Commander Norizuki Gennojo, a member of the Shogunate's army, embarks on a journey to improve his swordsmanship skills. Meanwhile, Koka Yoami, the father of his fiancée Chie, is given a special task to locate the hidden records of Naruto, containing a plot to overthrow the shogunate. Yoami disappears during this mission, never to be seen again. A decade later, Gennojo returns to Edo as a wandering monk, feeling disheartened about his abilities with the sword. He is attacked by Sekiya Magobei, but is saved by a cunning female thief named Mikaeri Otsuna. Gennojo becomes involved in the search for the secret records of Naruto, facing numerous challenges and threats along with Otsuna as they attempt to retrieve the valuable documents in Awa Tokushima.

Onodera Ichiro, a 19-year-old who grew up in an Edo household, is urgently called back to his hometown following the accidental death of his father, who served as the head attendant for feudal lord processions. Ichiro belongs to the Makisaka family from West Mino, who, despite being vassals of the shogun with 7,500 koku, hold the esteemed status of feudal lords. Despite facing potential punishment for the fire caused by neglect, Ichiro is appointed as the head attendant due to the imminent departure of the procession. With no experience in this role, Ichiro risks the future of his family line. Feeling overwhelmed and without support, Ichiro decides to rely on the ancestral records of the processions, which his father protected at all costs, as he sets out for Edo. Unbeknownst to him, the procession has been manipulated to bring down the feudal lord and potentially destroy his family.

Niidekyo Jo oversees the operations at Koishikawa Yojosho, a medical facility situated in Koishikawa, Edo. He provides medical treatment to patients and shows concern for their personal issues. Known as "Red Beard," Niidekyo often clashes with the young doctor Yasumoto Noboru. As Yasumoto tends to a diverse range of patients, he gains insight into what it takes to embody the role of a true physician. This information is adapted from Yamamoto Shugoro's novel "Akahige Shinryotan."

During the Bunsei era (1818-1830), samurai families faced financial constraints. To alleviate their burden, households would hand over their finances to a traveling steward, who acted as a modern accountant and consultant. Karaki Ichibei specialized in managing the budgets of families in dire financial straits. Skilled in both the abacus and sword, Ichibei visited various homes to assist those struggling financially and facing adversity. This drama is divided into three parts: "Spring Wind" (Episodes 1-3), "Thunder God" (Episodes 4-6), and "Return Ship" (Episodes 7-9). (Jdramas Weblog)

Following a brief reunion with his wife, Orie, Hikoma is now on a frantic search to find out where she is before he leaves. Feeling the absence of her husband, Orie makes the decision to step down from her role as a ninja.

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.

Unokichi, the descendant of the wealthiest trader in Edo, Mikuniya Tokuemon, finds himself working as a constable unexpectedly. Despite his vast riches and aloof demeanor, his coworkers are impressed by him. Unokichi, however, remains indifferent to their opinion. Lacking skill with a sword, unable to run, and fearful of the dark, he is ill-suited for the role. Nevertheless, he continues to inadvertently create misunderstandings with those around him as he collaborates with them to solve numerous cases in Edo. (Jdramas Wordpress)

A detective with a wealthy grandfather but lacking in combat skills, agility, and having a fear of darkness, makes a comeback to work on a case involving a gang of robbers.

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.

In the 1930s, the setting for this tale is in the southern region of Fujian

Shen Xin Ci escapes from her dangerous fiance, Liang Yong Chang, after discovering the truth. Along the way, she encounters Zhao Shi Jun, who shows compassion by giving her money to settle her father's medical bills. Following her father's passing, Xin Ci resolves to find Shi Jun and repay his kindness, regardless of the request. To resolve conflicts between Shahe Town and Wan Jia Village and secure the water supply, Zhao Shi Jun is compelled to marry Mayor Wan's daughter, Wan Qiu Ling. On their journey to Qiu Ling's new home, she falls ill due to a lifelong condition but is saved by a mysterious doctor, Liang Yong Chang. He offers a cure for her illness but warns that she will be unable to conceive in the future. Determined to continue her family line, Qiu Ling follows Yong Chang's advice and switches places with another girl to ensure pregnancy. Unbeknownst to Yong Chang, the other girl happens to be his former fiance, Shen Xin Ci. Now, Yong Chang seeks revenge on Zhao Shi Jun and anyone else in his path.

"The Tale of Qin Cheng" narrates the renowned saga of Meng's Household and Lin's Household near the Yellow River. In the past, Meng Xiang He, the heir of Meng's clan, wedded Lin Xiang Yu, the offspring of Lin's Household, in an arranged marriage. However, he absconded shortly after the ceremony. Consequently, Meng's Household agreed to a settlement: if Meng Xiang He did not return within six years, they would compensate Lin's Household with ten thousand silver dollars and over sixty thousand square meters of land. After six years, Meng Xiang He reappeared with his newfound lover as his wife. This led to a complex web of emotions involving both families and wives. Leveraging his business acumen, he amassed a fortune through trading hookahs and rose to become the wealthiest individual in Qingcheng, earning himself the status of a legendary figure. As the prolonged feud neared its conclusion, the true identity of the main antagonist was finally revealed. (Q1Q2)

Taking place in Shanghai during the 1930s, this famous story follows the journey of Zhang Lian Xin, a former maid who defies her predetermined fate during China's conflict with Japan. In her pursuit of liberty and affection, Lian Xin becomes entangled in Zhang Wen Jin's plot to overthrow his father, leading to her and Chong Yang being falsely accused of a crime. As they face numerous challenges while battling against Wen Jin and the Japanese forces, Lian Xin and Chong Yang develop a romantic relationship. In an attempt to protect Chong Yang, Lian Xin chooses to turn down He Tian, a wealthy admirer who is deeply in love with her, and instead weds Ma Kun, the influential leader of Shanghai Bund's underworld. Upon uncovering Ma Kun's true nature and facing the wrath of the Japanese, Lian Xin and Chong Yang make the ultimate sacrifice by relinquishing their love and lives in the name of freedom and justice.

Consort Shun expressed her discontent with her elder sister Consort Yu by spreading rumors about her within the palace. The nanny, Sheung Ling, had ulterior motives as she pretended to help uncover the truth for others, when in reality she was scheming for personal gain. She managed to earn Consort Yu's trust and they became close friends. The arrival of Kunqu Opera artist Ko Lau Fei and FaDan Wan Chau Yin stirred up emotions among the women in the palace. Feeling threatened by Consort Yu interfering with her plans, Shun devised a cunning scheme. Unexpectedly, she found herself entangled in a complicated relationship with Ling and Fei. To further manipulate her sister, Shun enlisted the help of fortune-teller Tung Kat Hoi, who was seen as eccentric by the public but was privy to the true madness within the Forbidden City.

Based on the manga "Sakura 2-go" (2) created by Takeo Takeyama.

This tale follows a skilled swordsman who faces challenges with a firm commitment to justice and sincere compassion for ordinary people. Despite residing in Edo for four years, Iwane continues to live in a row house next to a masterless samurai and his family, who often cause trouble for him. Commoners seek Iwane's assistance with various issues, and he happily resolves them while engaging in friendly interactions with them, including his former fiancée and a girl from the neighborhood who looks up to him. (NHK)

In "Happy Negative Marriage," the protagonist is Keitaro Sato, a socially awkward 30-year-old factory worker who has never been in a serious relationship. When his parents set up an Omiai meeting with Shimako Akio, a strikingly beautiful woman who appears to be out of his league, Keitaro is taken aback. Despite their differences, Keitaro falls for Shimako instantly, and she seems open to the idea of marrying him. However, there may be a hidden secret that could jeopardize their relationship. Directed by Kenji Yokoi, this 2014 Japanese film is based on a manga by Ryuta Amazume.

During Tokugawa Yoshimune's rule in Edo, Sachi from Tsutomura loses her father and brother to illness and starts working at the Isuzuya kimono shop in Tenma, Osaka. The shopkeeper Jihei imparts business knowledge to the apprentices using "business traffic" as a teaching tool at night. Intrigued, Sachi pays close attention and finds herself drawn to the world of business. Two years later, the fourth-generation owner of the shop, Tokubei, marries Kikuei, the daughter of a prominent merchant, but Tokubei encounters a problem...