Asian dramas like
Ooku The Inner Chamber

In a different version of feudal Japan, a peculiar illness that affects only men led to a significant decrease in the population, resulting in women taking over the vacant roles and reshaping the societal hierarchy. Now, 80 years after the initial epidemic, with a male to female ratio of 1:4, Japan has transformed into a fully matriarchal community. Women occupy all key political positions, while men serve as their companions. The most influential woman, the leader of the Tokugawa shogunate, is the only one allowed to maintain a group of attractive but unproductive males, referred to as the "Ooku."

Inspired by the order of deep-sea ray-finned fish known as Stomiiformes, the story revolves around Tomioka, a night security guard at a supermarket who is dissatisfied with his dull and solitary life. Yearning for companionship, he makes a wish upon a shooting star for a true friend. His wish seemingly comes true when he meets Azusa, a mysterious woman who moves in next door and quickly develops feelings for him. However, due to his social ineptitude, Tomioka remains oblivious to her affection. As their relationship unfolds, they find themselves facing unexpected challenges, including the arrival of a homeless man claiming to be a "life wanderer" and a cryptic death threat in the form of a letter predicting Tomioka's mental decline and demise within a year. This sudden turn of events shakes their lives to the core.

In order to honor her deceased father's wishes, BIN KWAI WOR established a unique coffee shop where she crossed paths with BAO CHI TAI, known as "Tai Chi Bao" (Raisin Bread). TAI, a single father with an 8-year-old son, dreams of becoming the coffee king of Hong Kong. As TAI learned the art of latte-making from WOR, their feelings for each other blossomed, despite facing numerous obstacles. The biggest challenge they faced was overcoming the disapproval of WOR's two mothers, her biological mother MA SZE NGA and stepmother SO MEI, who were against their relationship. With so many hurdles to overcome, how will TAI and WOR navigate their love story and brew a strong and fragrant cup of coffee together?

Maiko Murakami, a 24-year-old woman who has led a sheltered life without any romantic relationships, is set up for a matchmaking session by her father Genichiro, who is a company owner. The man she meets, Harumi Hanasato, is 20 years older than her and a divorcee. Despite Maiko's initial reluctance, she finds Harumi to be a charming and mature individual when they meet. Harumi had previously declined to meet Maiko upon learning she was the daughter of an important client, but he is pleasantly surprised by her character. Maiko's direct, pure, and dignified demeanor captivates Harumi, leading to their marriage after Maiko initiates a kiss on their third date. Despite their significant age difference, they tie the knot and begin their life together as newlyweds. (jdrama)

During the summer of 1920, there was a devastating flood that affected four counties, including Wenling and Zhejiang. In the midst of this chaos, some individuals sought to profit while others struggled to survive. Lin Bi Jun, a skilled female locksmith, escaped to Suzhou with her adoptive father in order to stay alive. Known for her intelligence and knack for fixing and unlocking things, Lin Bi Jun believed she and her father could build a comfortable life in Suzhou. However, her plans took a drastic turn when she was framed and faced execution. In a twist of fate, Lin Bi Jun found herself awakening in a luxurious room with a wealthy man in the north. As she delved deeper into the situation, she discovered a plot involving her sister and a foreigner to smuggle valuable minerals overseas for profit. Influenced by Marxist ideas from a progressive youth named Qian Zhong Jie, Lin Bi Jun was determined to protect the town's resources from exploitation. Through a series of events, she was able to persuade her sister to change her ways and together they worked to safeguard the town's valuable minerals.

Career-driven woman Takanashi Asuka has a traditional aspiration of getting married and being a homemaker. When her longtime boyfriend ends their relationship to focus on his career, she crosses paths with Nanami Ryu, a well-known news anchor at PTV. Asuka and Ryu hit it off, despite his aversion to marriage. Their conflicting desires in life make a romantic relationship seem unlikely, especially since Nanami believes marriage restricts personal freedom and serves as a mere escape for women. "I have no interest in getting married," he declared. Despite their differing views on marriage, Asuka views Nanami as an ideal partner. Thus, the 'Battle of Values' commences.

Ji Soon Young experiences the heartbreaking loss of her husband, Wang Se Joon, due to a tragic accident. Left to care for their adopted daughter on her own, she encounters Han Kyu Jin and falls in love with him. Unbeknownst to her, Kyu Jin is the father-in-law of her former sister-in-law, Wang Se Bin. Their lives take a significant turn when Soon Young weds Kyu Jin, making her Se Bin's mother-in-law. Now, they must navigate their new family dynamics while striving to get along with one another.

Initially reluctant, Seo Yun Wook and Han Pil Seung eventually develop a strong bond as sister-in-law and brother-in-law. They rely on each other for support, mischief, and companionship. Seo Yun Jung, Pil Seung's spouse, is pleased with their close relationship, but tensions arise when Wook starts to develop romantic feelings for Seung. After Wook confesses her love, their relationship becomes strained. Despite both ending up in the same police department, they make efforts to avoid each other, leading Jung to uncover the truth. Cha Sung Joon, a wealthy hotel owner's son and Wook's friend, is aware of her feelings for her brother-in-law but refuses to give up on his own affections. Wook eventually starts dating Cha in an attempt to move on from Seung, but tragedy strikes when Jung passes away. Wook's complicated feelings for her brother-in-law put her in a difficult predicament, raising questions about the nature of love within a family.

Harumi Junko was a top student in middle and high school, but she faced a setback when she couldn't get into Tokyo University

Min Yeong is employed as a dating agent, and although her profession demands that she pairs clients according to their social statuses, she holds the belief that love should be free of limitations

My uterus found love, but not with my husband. Tomada Maki, a 29-year-old sales clerk at a home manufacturing company, is well-respected by her peers for her effective work ethic. However, she struggles to express her emotions, which causes her distress, particularly because she cannot communicate her true feelings to her husband, whom she has been married to for six years. One day, when her boss asks her an inappropriate question, her coworker Yamate Asahi observes the situation and remarks, "It's frustrating to see him act that way." Despite this, Maki is perplexed by Yamate's behavior; he oscillates between being distant and showing genuine concern for her health, only to suddenly kiss her! Maki finds herself torn between her growing affection for Yamate and her commitment as a married woman. Meanwhile, her husband, Tomada Kyoichi, who is emotionally distant towards Maki, may be involved with Yorishima Miyumi, a senior colleague whom Maki admires. What will happen to Maki's extramarital relationship now that her hormonal balance and perception of an ideal partnership have been disrupted?

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

Daidoji Tamotsu, aged 51, holds the position of department manager at a medium-sized specialized trading firm. He encounters a woman who is 28 years younger than him and they decide to tie the knot. Meanwhile, Hanazawa Kiichiro is a high-ranking office worker at a leading general trading company. He is taken aback when his daughter introduces a man who is the same age as him as her partner. This leads to a series of challenges in what he had previously thought was the perfect family, prompting him to reevaluate his life choices.

A dramatic portrayal that examines the dynamics of age disparities in romantic relationships. Woo Joo Young and Jang Woo Bin navigate the complexities of a relationship involving an older woman and a younger man, while Jang Woo Jin and Joo Young's younger sister, Joo Mi, confront the significant age difference that exists between them.

After the passing of her father, Lee Soon Shin faces numerous challenges. Both she and her mother find it difficult to attain happiness. Amid the highs and lows of her life, her romantic journey unfolds. As the youngest in a prosperous family, Lee Soon Shin appears to lack the talents that her relatives possess, often being viewed as an outsider, even though she is a spirited, vibrant, and brave young woman. Her life takes a transformative turn when she encounters Shin Joon Ho, the head of a talent agency. Initially, Shin Joon Ho is a self-assured, aloof, and competitive individual, but he undergoes a change as he learns the true essence of success through his relationship with Lee Soon Shin.

Li Hong Hai, an unassuming man in his forties with a fortune in the billions, is searching for genuine love. Despite his wealth attracting many women, he desires a connection beyond money. When he meets Xia Ke Ke, a spirited young designer, he is drawn to her and decides to hide his affluent status, pursuing her as a humble entrepreneur instead. Their journey together leads to marriage, but Li discovers that Xia was aware of his riches all along. Feeling deceived, he considers divorce, but is compelled to maintain their facade as a couple for three months to facilitate his company's public offering.

Kohei Kamishiro, portrayed by Masaharu Fukuyama, was once a musician who had a single successful song before his record deal was terminated. This setback led him to abandon his music career and live a mundane life for the next two decades. Despite distancing himself from music, his love for it remains strong. His past experiences have made it challenging for him to form relationships with women. However, his life takes a turn when he encounters a woman with a troubled past who lives a solitary existence. Despite her complexities, she possesses an extraordinary singing voice. This encounter reignites Kohei's passion for music and inspires him to create music once again.

Nobuko Shimura is working her first shift at Gyoda Hospital, with Yosuke Naoe as the attending physician. Later in the evening, Nobuko's childhood friend Jiro Toda is admitted with a forehead injury sustained in a fight. Unfortunately, Naoe is unavailable as he has stepped out for a drink. Toda and the ambulance crew express frustration and demand to know the doctor's whereabouts. Upon Naoe's return, he handles the situation by instructing for Toda to be secluded in a restroom until he calms down. Nobuko is taken aback by Naoe's behavior initially, but becomes impressed by his surgical skills during the treatment of Toda's wound. This encounter marks the beginning of their significant relationship.

In the story, there is a romantic tale unfolding both in the present and the past. Tamura Takuro, a 27-year-old art teacher at a high school, is well-liked by his students. Yayoi, a student in his class, lacks direction in her life. Tamura Takuro suggests she join the art club, and as Yayoi looks through his sketchbook, she discovers numerous drawings of a woman named Yumiko, who was Tamura Takuro's teacher when he was a high school student. Tamura Takuro harbored feelings for Yumiko, his former Japanese language and homeroom teacher.

The unfortunate Princess Zhou Huang from the Cold Palace found herself as the sole surviving member of the royal family following a tragic overthrow. She received the imperial decree and was named Fengjun to act on behalf of the emperor. It is her duty to select a Feng Jun and bear a son who will inherit the throne. The officials, both civil and military, are eager to make their moves, with seven sons-in-law competing to win the favor of the king by showcasing their skills. Zhou Huang navigates through a maze of genuine and deceitful love traps, feeling like she is living in a dream. She is simultaneously the hunter and the hunted, uncertain of who will emerge victorious in the end.

Zhou Ying is bartered to the influential Shen family by her guardian, but manages to flee by hiding in merchant Wu Ping's carriage. Impressed by her exceptional business skills, the Wu family decides to offer her shelter. Shen Xingyi, the spoiled son of the Shen family, eventually develops feelings for Zhou Ying.

In her past life, Yun Lian, the female Emperor, showed favoritism towards the Prime Minister's son, Jiang Gong Zi, by clearing the Harem for him and granting him control of the Three Armies. However, he betrayed her by orchestrating the deaths of those close to her and inflicting serious harm upon her. Jiang Gong Zi resented being treated as her male companion and sought to seize the throne for himself. He revealed that the true hero who saved her was General Ning Bu Yu, whom she strongly disliked. Despite Ning Bu Yu arriving in time to eliminate Jiang Gong Zi, Yun Lian had to witness his death in her arms before her own demise - regretful of causing pain to the man who truly loved her and placing trust in the wrong individual. Fortunately, Yun Lian is reborn on the day of selecting her male concubine. On this occasion, she refuses to select anyone else, desiring only Jiang Gong Zi as her partner. Yet, she resolves to alter her destiny by confronting Jiang Gong Zi and a female official who she recognizes as her adversary. To her surprise, Yun Lian realizes that Ning Bu Yu, unlike in her previous life, also participates in the selection process. Could it be that there is more than one person experiencing rebirth?

Shi Wu Hen, the second sibling, continues to grapple with his feelings for Huan Er. When his brother's long-lost promised partner, Liang Yu Shi, appears in disguise as a man, Shi Wu Hen is the only one who realizes her true gender. In order to protect her secret, they spend time together, and when her identity is eventually revealed, he steps up to fulfill the arranged engagement between their families. What began as a marriage of convenience blossoms into a passionate and risky romance. Meanwhile, the youngest brother, Shi Wu Jie, falls in love with Qin Qiu Yu, a courtesan, and goes against his family's wishes to be with her. With the help of Huan Er, the brothers uncover a family tragedy dating back 20 years.

Following a three-day coma caused by a nearly fatal drowning incident, Emperor Yue Li Zheng of Great Yan regains consciousness, albeit with no recollection of her past. She quickly resumes her duties of reviewing petitions and addressing matters concerning the Royal Court. Despite being told that her consort, Li Shi Hao, saved her from drowning, the empress senses that there is more to the story and suspects that those around her, including her consort, are keeping a secret. As her memories gradually return, she uncovers the shocking truth and navigates a path towards true love amidst the political intrigues of the Royal Court.

To combat the latest terrorist threat, a specialized team of 14 highly skilled young military members is assembled from across the nation. Known as the "Blue Lightning Commandos," the group is under the command of Captain Qin Guan, a tough and no-nonsense leader with a compassionate heart. Despite his tough exterior, Captain Guan deeply cares for his team and strives for them to excel. Through rigorous training focused on safety and teamwork, he pushes his team to reach their full potential. One member, Ning Meng, joins the team with a strong determination to honor her deceased brother and prove herself as an elite soldier. Initially at odds with Captain Guan, Ning Meng earns his trust and the respect of her fellow team members through dedication and hard work. As they navigate dangerous missions against a terrorist organization, Captain Guan and Ning Meng unexpectedly find love amidst the chaos of battle.

Aihara Mei is a single woman who puts in a lot of effort as a medical sales representative for a pharmaceutical company. While she excels at her job, she struggles to keep up with household chores. On her 28th birthday, a stranger named Shigino Nagisa unexpectedly shows up at her door. He claims to be a skilled housekeeper and offers to help clean her messy home. Despite her initial doubts, Mei decides to hire him. Around the same time, another stranger named Tadokoro Yuta enters Mei's life. Yuta works as a medical representative for a competing pharmaceutical company.

Yoo Hye Jeong was known as a fierce bully during her school days, characterized by her abrasive nature and rebellious behavior. With numerous emotional scars from her past, she built walls around her heart as a means of self-protection. Everything shifts for her when she encounters her mentor, Hong Ji Hong, who significantly influences her journey from being a lost delinquent to becoming a caring physician. (iQiyi)

Lie Ru Ge is the daughter of the leader of Lie Huo Manor, the most influential group in the jiang hu world. She is a lively and attractive young woman who is determined to win back the affections of her former senior, who broke his promise to marry her. Seeking advice on how to rekindle their relationship, she visits a renowned brothel where she crosses paths with Yin Xue, the owner and known as the top beauty there. Unbeknownst to her, Yin Xue harbors a secretive past that intertwines with her own, and he will stop at nothing to ensure her safety.

In the kingdom of Liulian, ruled by a queen, the royal advisor warned that the world would face doom if six daughters were born. Strangely enough, General Gu welcomed six daughters. To protect the youngest child, the Gu family pretended to have a son. Their daughter, Gu Rong, who was now eligible for marriage, disguised herself as a man and wedded Princess Yun, along with her childhood friend Shen Meng Chui, under the guise of being a "good friend." Together, this powerful trio united forces and initiated a battle for the throne.

CEO Liu Qing Ying is confronted with a professional dilemma and decides to journey to the historic realm of Xiliang to assist the ruler in overcoming a dangerous situation. To her surprise, she becomes embroiled in court politics and a group of potential romantic interests, all the while discovering concealed intentions and forming unforeseen partnerships. (TMDb)

During the early years of the Republic of China, Su Man Li, a substitute dancer at the XianYuess Club, meets Chen Bi, a lady from a prominent family who has lost her loved ones tragically, as she seeks justice for her father's murder. Assuming Chen Bi's identity, Su Man Li approaches Yang Zi Qin, a member of the Haitang Society, to investigate the truth behind the massacre of the Chen family. Upon discovering Yang Zi Qin's real identity, the trio teams up to confront the mastermind responsible for the tragedy.

Is it possible for a relationship with a significant age gap to succeed? A man develops romantic feelings for a woman who is two decades younger than him. Despite a promising start, the couple eventually decides to part ways. However, could destiny intervene and reunite them? "I Have Your Child" is a Chinese Web series that premiered in 2013. --Viki

During the transition from the Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China, the Lin family, once wealthy, faced sudden destruction. The lone surviving daughter, Lin Meng Chen, was forced into a ghost marriage with the wealthy Huang family's deceased son. Just as Meng Chen was on the brink of being buried alive, Xiao Sheng, the top assassin of the Blood Sacrifice Hall on a mission to eliminate the Huang family, inadvertently saved her. Despite witnessing Xiao Sheng's lethal skills, Meng Chen not only showed no fear but also considered him her savior. From that moment on, Xiao Sheng vowed to protect Meng Chen and they became like siblings. Over the years, Xiao Sheng maintained a dual identity to safeguard Meng Chen's innocence. To her, he was Mr. Ye, a businessman, while secretly he continued his role as the top assassin. Unbeknownst to Xiao Sheng, Meng Chen discovered his true identity and joined the Blood Sacrifice Hall as his disciple under the name Gu Yu. (Youku)

When marriages are arranged within the upper class, it often results in people getting hurt. Zhao An Hua finds himself in a situation where he is compelled to marry a daughter from the Xue family due to Madam Xue's ambitions for power and riches. As a result, An Hua's former lover is heartbroken and seeks vengeance by marrying the infamous gangster, Fu Zhen Jia. Will love be able to triumph over the pain and envy brought on by these strategic unions?

In the novel "The Ninth Widow," we follow the life of Wang Pu-tao, a woman from a remote village in Central China. Wang tragically loses her family in a flood when she is just a child, and is later sold into servitude before being widowed at the young age of 14. Despite her hardships, Wang harbors a fugitive man (her father-in-law) in her cellar for three decades, providing him with care and protection during times of political turmoil, famine, and other disasters.

The play narrates the tale of Chang Hanqing, a youthful technician, and Jin Xing, a heroic fighter, in the aftermath of the establishment of the People's Republic of China. It focuses on the research, design, and progress of the innovative Chinese electric locomotive. (Baike Baidu)

According to a myth, this series revolves around themes of power, love, and betrayal, with characters vying for dominance or affection, while one character simply desires peace and friendship. A complex love triangle forms involving Yan Fuk, Cho Chi Kin, Cho Chi Woon, and Kwok Huen, after Kwok Huen betrays Yan Fuk and pursues her own path to power.

The restaurant's history is deeply connected to the experiences of four women from different generations, showcasing common marital issues and the various stresses faced by women throughout history. In the late Qing Dynasty, Ngai Yu Fung's family falls on hard times and she is forced into marriage with Wong Yuk Lun, who later loses all their money. Fung sells a token of love from her first lover Yu Tsz to start the Phoenix Restaurant. During the May Fourth Movement, Fung's daughter Wong Chi Kwan runs away to Tianjin with her teacher Lee Kat Cheung. After their separation, Kwan returns to Beijing and finds the struggling Phoenix Restaurant.

Ann, a 12-year-old girl, moved in with her maternal grandparents following her parents' divorce. She found solace in the companions she met in the unfamiliar countryside. Tragically, her mother passed away, but with the help of her friends, Ann was able to find joy again. However, her budding romance with one of her friends ended in heartbreak. The story is adapted from the manga series "Sand Chronicles" by Ashihara Hinako.

Walkin' Butterfly explores the uncertainties and discomfort that many young people face as they transition into adulthood. Michiko, the protagonist, stands out due to her height, which is different from that of most Japanese women, and her job as a part-time pizza delivery driver, typically seen as a male-dominated role. It is understandable that she grapples with feelings of insecurity about her identity as a woman and her societal position.

This drama on BeeTV is a live-action adaptation of Youko Nemu's manga "Gozen 3 ji no Muhou Chitai." The story follows Nanase Momoko, a new designer at a busy office that focuses on creating pachinko parlors. Honda Tsubasa stars as Momoko, while Odagiri Joe plays Tagayashi, a salaryman at a trading company in the same building as Momoko's office.

During the chaos of war in mainland China in 1941, Shanghai fell under enemy control. Xue er and her family sought refuge in a concession area. Facing hardships and despair, Xue er's husband Gui Ting abandoned his family to reunite with his wealthy ex-girlfriend Liao Wanzhen. When all seemed lost, Bai Lang rescued Xue er and introduced her to the entertainment industry. A wealthy businessman named Qiao Xiannong pursued Xue er, who sought to leverage his power to regain custody of her son. Tragically, her son died in a fall, devastating Xue er. Seeking revenge against Gui, Xue er entered a relationship with Qiao. Bai, in an effort to win back Xue er, accepted a position in the puppet government's investigation bureau. After many trials, Bai ultimately succeeded in reuniting with Xue er and marrying her. However, Qiao's continued pursuit of Xue er led to his manipulation of her to seek vengeance against Gui. Ultimately, with Bai's guidance, Xue er realized the error of her ways and chose to abandon thoughts of revenge in favor of a happy life with Bai. Regrettably, Bai's involvement with the puppet government led to tragic consequences as Xue er sacrificed herself to save him by selling her body and consuming poison.

Ma Liang is a carefree individual who acts without considering the outcomes. His girlfriend of two years, Xiao Meng, has grown tired of this behavior and suggested they end their relationship. Ye Man Ling, a wealthy woman recently divorced, returns to China to take over her late father's company. During an awards event, Ye Man Ling and Ma Liang accidentally cross paths, sparking an unfortunate connection between them.

In the early 1900s, a thief develops feelings for a Yueju opera singer while looking at a picture.

Following her older sister's refusal to attend a pre-arranged marriage meeting with Takane Saibara, a wealthy heir, high school student Hana Nonomura steps in as a replacement to uphold her family's reputation. However, the encounter between Hana and Takane results in a surprising connection between two individuals who are complete opposites. (Anime News Network via Viz Media) Based on the manga "Takane and Hana" by Shiwasu Yuki.