Asian dramas like
Platinum Town

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%.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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

Nozaki Shuhei holds the position of branch manager at Oozora Bank. Despite being well-liked for his fairness and compassion, he hasn't achieved much success in his career. When the branch he works at shuts down, Nozaki Shuhei is promoted to the role of auditor. In this new position, he uncovers corruption within the bank and is determined to bring about change. However, he faces resistance from the company's top executives, including CEO Kyogoku Masahiko, and his colleagues Takeda Shingo and Tachikawa Sachiko.

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."

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.

Yang Da Qi is currently seeking investors to bring his vision of establishing his own coffee maker business to life. Additionally, he hosts a live stream focusing on financial management. As a content creator on YouTube, he maintains a positive and optimistic image. Zhou Yong Qing holds a managerial position in the creditor's rights division at a bank. She is dedicated to her job and often puts in extra hours. During holidays, she also works part-time as a food delivery driver. Her sole purpose for working tirelessly is to purchase a home for her mother, sacrificing any time for leisure or relaxation. Ah Liang is known for his kind-hearted nature. After facing financial hardships for many years, he eventually started his own business, got married, and started a family. However, his seemingly smooth life takes a tragic turn when he unexpectedly decides to take his own life, leaving loved ones in shock and confusion. Da Qi, Yong Qing, and Ah Liang were once close friends during their high school days. Despite their childhood pact to achieve their dreams as adults, they reunite under tragic circumstances at Ah Liang's funeral. Yong Qing and Da Qi grow closer following Ah Liang's passing. As they reconnect, Yong Qing uncovers the financial burden hidden behind Da Qi's carefree facade. Yong Qing, on the other hand, faces immense pressure due to her goal of buying a home for her mother, as well as dealing with the repercussions of her subordinate's mistakes. This story sheds light on a harsh reality: in a society where everyone is weighed down by debt, where even the act of breathing comes at a cost, where do individuals find the strength to keep going?

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.

The secondary branch of the main office "Sasima Construction" represents a medium-sized construction firm. It vividly portrays the dynamics between the main character known as "hyper OL mask" and those around her.

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.

In a run-down shopping district, Shinoda Mariko stars as the owner of a clothing store with a unique talent for instantly knowing a customer's clothing size. The narrative will revolve around her interactions with various patrons. (Credit: JapanBullet)

Kurotani Nanami was raised in a low-income farming family that did not receive enough support from the government after the earthquake. While attending university, she works at a club and sends money to her family regularly. One day, Shioda Yusuke, the young CEO of Naguri Construction, and his colleague Miyazato Kazuki visit the club where Nanami works. Intrigued by their involvement in ODA (official development assistance) work and the questionable money associated with it, Nanami becomes curious about the financial side of international aid. She forms a connection with Miyazato, who has connections to powerful politicians and is a key figure in his company. In exchange for a job at an ODA-related company, Nanami agrees to a relationship with Miyazato, fully aware of the corrupt nature of this world. Despite the risks, she is determined to leave poverty behind and explore this murky realm. Miyazato introduces Nanami to Gohongi Consultants, a company closely linked to his own, opening the door to a world of international aid filled with kickbacks, bribes, concessions, and political games.

Isoyama Takeshi, a temporary worker at a company, receives news from his employer that he will remain on a fixed-term contract with no possibility of becoming a permanent staff member. At home, his wife Seiko and 12-year-old daughter Nanami often criticize him. Adding to his troubles, a real estate investment he made secretly ends up with unexpected consequences, leaving him struggling to keep up with mounting interest payments. Encountering a mysterious elderly woman, he hatches a plan to vanish for 7 years in order to be legally declared dead and start anew.

Arimoto Hikari, a 32-year-old woman who is married with a son, visits her father Taizo after he collapses from overworking. The doctor informs Hikari that her father only has 4 days to live. Despite her initial resistance, Hikari decides to take over her father's company as he had originally intended for her. However, she encounters challenges such as her husband traveling to America for work and facing opposition from some employees like Katsumata and Junzo. This story is inspired by Suwa Takako's novel "Machi Koba no Musume."

Taking place during a time of fierce competition in the hotel industry, the story portrays the downfall and struggles faced by Hotel Platon. (Wowow in Japan)

Komukai Riko embarks on the "Dream Crazy" project with her university peers Shinji and Asai. She presents her service idea to Inuzuka from the startup support program "Dog Run", but faces a setback when her proposal receives a critical evaluation. Additionally, she questions the term "mass production type" used by Nakano Kyoko, a member of Dog Run. Riko is encouraged to explore new ideas and stumbles upon a model shop while taking a different route than usual. With the encouragement of the shop owner, Yassan, she decides to try her hand at creating plastic models.

The global situation is often likened to a game of poker, where Taiwan finds itself unable to secure a seat at the table. Despite not being the focal point of world affairs, Taiwan serves as a battleground for various countries. "Island Nation" is a political drama set against a backdrop of historical events, following the stories of six young individuals who become entangled in Taiwan's political landscape. As they navigate through power struggles and make difficult choices regarding faith, life, and love, they use their ideals and youth to navigate through a turbulent era, showcasing the evolution of Taiwan's democracy during the presidency of its first elected leader from 1990 to 1994.

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)

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.

Kimijima Hayato is employed by a large manufacturing corporation and strives for success in his career. Despite being considered for a promotion, he objects to a project led by his superior, resulting in his demotion to the role of general affairs chief at a factory in a rural area. Additionally, he is tasked with managing the company's rugby team, the Astros. Once a strong team, the Astros have faced a series of defeats recently. Kimijima Hayato aims to improve his reputation within the company by transforming the Astros into a competitive force, despite his lack of rugby knowledge.

Emiru Yoshitsune, a 22-year-old newcomer in the field of social work, is tasked with assisting individuals in need of public aid

The head of the Corporate Social Responsibility department at Kadokura Trading, 53-year-old Miyama Asako, is enthusiastic about a new project to establish schools in villages across Asia. However, she receives unexpected news from the senior managing director that she will be reassigned to the foods business as an advisor due to the company's policy of rotating managers at a certain age. Despite not having the freedom to choose her new role, Asako is fully occupied with various responsibilities and neglects her personal appearance. Through this process, she gradually recognizes the actions she needs to take to benefit society.

Harashima Hiromi started her career at Yotsuba Bank's main office right after finishing college. Due to her strong sense of justice and a past incident, she was transferred to a subsidiary company three years ago. Now, as part of a project highlighting successful women, Hiromi has been appointed as the head of the Corporate Sales Division at the Taito branch. Tasked with revitalizing the struggling branch, she is using her customer-centric approach to implement innovative changes with vigor and determination.

Shindo Tatsuya has dedicated himself to his role as a game designer at Dynamic Dream, a company specializing in game development. This position has been his aspiration since his early school years. After nine years with the company, Tatsuya is promoted to a managerial role, overseeing a new game project. Despite his excitement, he faces challenges with his team members, each with their own unique quirks, causing delays in the project. As the release date approaches, Tatsuya investigates and discovers that someone is sabotaging the project. Can he and his team overcome these obstacles to successfully finish the game?

The narrative follows Cheng Xin as she completes her university studies and moves to Beijing in search of employment despite lacking any prior work experience

The advertising industry can be highly competitive, but it is where Long Tian Jue thrives with his exceptional creativity. He had never faced a major obstacle until he clashed with Ruan Xin Li. When she took the client list to their rival company, Long had to step up and collaborate with his team to navigate through the crisis.

Jiang Yuan, a diligent businessman with promising prospects, saw his life take a turn for the worse when a rival falsely accused him, resulting in a fifteen-year prison sentence. Now released, he sets out on a path of revenge with unwavering determination. (DramaWiki)

A young man uncovers the origins of his transplanted heart.

Created through a collaboration between the Buildings Department of The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), these stories are based on actual cases faced by the Buildings Department

Jiang He takes on the role of harbor master at Dongjiang Port as well as the position of party committee secretary. Just one day after starting his new job, a transport emergency occurs with the sinking of the Yutai passenger liner. A key associate of Dongjiang Port disappears in the wake of the incident, leading to a series of questionable challenges. Through all the difficulties faced, Jiang He oversees the port operations and strives for its improvement.

The plot revolves around a group of creators striving to keep producing their series "Gilgamesh Battle", recognized for its provocative themes and nudity

In the plot, we witness the journey of Yukari Ichiko, a young woman working as an announcer, as she faces a significant setback in her career

A clandestine tale of intrigue unfolds within the hidden gambling dens of Roppongi, Tokyo

Connected to traffic signs on the road, this piece explores the journey of an individual who takes on the role of a substitute driver following a job loss.

Now in their twenties, Hong Cheng Yi and Wang Ding Zhu continue to grapple with the repercussions of their past experiences and are facing challenges in finding their purpose in the world

The story showcases the changes in state-owned companies following China's economic restructuring. A subsidiary of Huafu in Jingzhou encounters challenges due to shifts in the market and internal issues. Huafu Company, established in the 1930s, was among the initial state-owned enterprises in China. Approaching its 80th anniversary, Jingzhou Huafu, a branch of the company, faces a significant crisis. Lin Manjiang, the Chairman of Huafu, appoints Qi Ben'an to tackle the situation in Jingzhou. Qi Ben'an, upon taking on his new role, discovers numerous obstacles. He must reconcile conflicts between the staff and the community, which includes individuals like Shi Hongxing. Additionally, he needs to secure the backing of the local party committee secretary and skillfully manage the company's rapport with the government. Throughout the journey, Qi Ben'an stays true to his objectives, navigating the path towards productivity and growth while gaining valuable insights for the reform of state-owned enterprises.

Following the May 4th Movement, Li Da Zhao, Chen Du Xiu, and other intellectuals deliberated on China's crisis and proposed the idea of utilizing Marxism to save the country. The Communist Party of China convened its National Congress on a ship in Nanhu Lake, where thirteen representatives, including Mao Ze Dong, gathered with the aim of bringing about change in China. Post-meeting, they dispersed to different regions, sowing the seeds of revolution. Subsequently, Zhou En Lai, Cai He Sen, Xiang Jing Yu, Qu Qiu Bai, and others emerged as key figures in the party's leadership.