Asian dramas like
Platonic

Hashimoto Tomoko, aged 42, leads a mundane life as a typical homemaker. One fateful day, she crosses paths with Sugawara Yuichi, a part-time worker 15 years her junior. Yuichi is in a relationship with Suzuki Satomi, who lives with him, while Tomoko is married to Koji. Despite being fully aware of their respective partners, Tomoko and Yuichi engage in frequent encounters in a narrow street near the Chuo train line without any clear intentions, ultimately leading to a physical relationship. These rendezvous serve as a temporary escape from the relentless monotony of their lives, filling the emotional void within them. However, an unforeseen event begins to shake Tomoko and Yuichi, unraveling an incredibly harsh reality that lies ahead for them.

Inspired by the Japanese manga "Ai No Memai Ai No Kizu" (Love Scar) by Ichijo Yukari, this story introduces a family reunion with an unexpected twist: your brother-in-law is actually your former lover. Four years prior, she met Zi Lin while traveling in Japan with her college friends. Their romance was unforeseen, but their age difference posed a challenge. They surrendered to their feelings and stayed together until his mother intervened, leading to their separation. Zi Lin considered her his first love, and after believing she had betrayed him, he turned into a womanizer, seeking revenge on all women, yet she never left his heart. Determined to win her back, he was willing to hurt his brother, particularly after learning the truth about his brother's breakup with Gen Sa. Zi Lian was devastated to find out that her past was tied to her brother. Overwhelmed with guilt for the situation, Gen Sha chose to step away from both of them, but the brothers remain hopeful for her return when she's ready… (D-wiki)

In the film, Kusanagi portrays a kind glass artisan in Yamagata who has never been in love before. Imai takes on the role of a mature housewife with a family, embarking on a solo journey to Yamagata to witness cherry blossoms blooming in the winter. After getting into an accident during her trip, she is rescued by Kusanagi. As he cares for her, a connection forms between them.

Ayaka Miyata is employed at a company that produces stationery and is set to marry her coworker, Yuichi Hiyama. Despite this, she is hesitant to share the news with her mother, Harumi. Ayaka and Harumi have been estranged since a major disagreement they had when Ayaka was 20 years old. Harumi has always kept the identity of Ayaka's father a secret since she was a child. One day, Yuichi urges Ayaka to inform her mother, which leads to Harumi visiting the company the following day to evaluate whether Yuichi is a suitable partner. During the meeting, Yuichi and Harumi hit it off and she agrees to attend the wedding dress fitting. Unfortunately, on the day of the fitting, Harumi is rushed to the hospital after suffering from a sudden brain hemorrhage. Despite three months passing, she remains unconscious. Meanwhile, Ayaka discovers her mother's living will from a nurse, revealing that she had been exchanging diaries with her high school classmates. Using the diary as a guide, Ayaka travels to Kaga City in Ishikawa Prefecture, her mother's hometown. The revelations in the diary, filled with both lies and harsh truths, ultimately lead Ayaka to find true happiness.

Yao Lan, a serious and mature woman of 33, falls deeply in love with the lively and romantic Lu Xiao Bei, who is nine years her junior. Can they navigate the obstacles in their path and find happiness together? (Viki)

Chinami Aizawa, a 46-year-old homemaker, left her position at a bank after getting married. When her husband decides he wants a divorce to be with his first love from Facebook, Chinami takes a job at an upscale hotel to secure custody of her son and start anew. At the hotel, she crosses paths with Yusuke Takaoka, the young and attractive heir to the chain known as "The Prince" by staff. However, beneath Yusuke's perfect facade lies a hidden side that few see. Together, Chinami and Yusuke support each other through their struggles and discover themselves in the process.

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.

When he was 17 years old, his private tutor Ozawa Maria, who was a university student at the time, left him with a final message: "I will be your girlfriend once you are accepted into university and reach adulthood." She then disappeared from his life abruptly. He still occasionally dreams about her, even a decade later. They meet again after 10 years; she is now a suspect in a series of murders, and he is working as a lawyer. As their relationship is rekindled, a tumultuous and heartbreaking love story unfolds. The protagonist's emotions fluctuate between affection and disdain as he questions whether Maria is a malevolent figure or a virtuous one.

The plot centers on Ryo, who enters into a secret marriage with an older single mother. He must keep their union hidden to protect his career as an idol. (Aramatheydidnt.livejournal.com)

Kozue Ogawa has been married to Hideo for seven years and works as a housewife. Despite not having children, she lives with her parents at their flower shop, making each day lively. While content with her life and husband, she occasionally questions if it's fulfilling enough. To address this doubt, Kozue takes on a part-time job in the editing department of a magazine she previously worked for, where her former colleague is now the editor-in-chief. One rainy day, Kozue encounters a young man named Takuma Fukazawa, a high school student and dance teacher. As they practice in the dance studio together, Kozue feels a sense of unexpected closeness that leaves her conflicted. Though she eventually pushes Takuma away and runs home, the feeling in her chest lingers, leaving her pondering its significance.

After a tragic incident, Sakura Hiraga had to let go of her aspirations. She is now wedded to a man who operates a popular hair salon, and they reside in a lavish penthouse. Despite appearing to lead a glamorous life that sparks envy in others, Sakura is actually enduring physical and emotional abuse from her spouse, making it impossible for her to break free from the situation. She compares herself to a goldfish trapped in a bowl. Eventually, Sakura crosses paths with a man who changes her life, all thanks to a goldfish encounter.

Ueda Itsuki, a 39-year-old pharmacist who is single, had finally secured her dream job, found love, and was content with her peaceful life. Unfortunately, her longtime boyfriend, Sawada Masakazu, decided to marry another woman. Despite loving Sawada deeply, Itsuki struggled to express her emotions truthfully and refrained from blaming him to avoid being disliked. One evening, after a work gathering, Itsuki encountered a younger man named Matsushige Eito on her way home, leading to them unexpectedly moving in together. Along the way, she also crossed paths with Sato Kohei, a medical representative who offered her comfort through his genuine love and kindness. Through these encounters, Itsuki began to understand the true essence of happiness and the significance of being cherished by someone, sparking a transformation within her.

Rika Ikeda, aged 34, engages in a relationship with Sota Kashiwagi, aged 54. Sota, who is married to Mitsuko and has a daughter, is also the director at the company where Rika works. Despite Rika's deep affection for Sota, he ultimately deceives and ends the relationship. Rika encounters Keiichi Ochiai through a blind date, who happens to be a close friend and almost like a younger brother to Sota Kashiwagi. Subsequently, Rika decides to seek revenge.

Xia Tian, a young woman who is currently single, discovers that her mother is willing to pay for her sister's wedding if she attends with a boyfriend. Determined to prove her mother wrong and ensure her sister's dream wedding, Xia Tian sets out to find a boyfriend within 258 days. This storyline is a remake of the Argentinian TV series "Blind to Dating" (Ciega a Citas) [2019]. (Viki)

In "Love of the Heavens," the story revolves around a romance between a woman in her forties and men in their twenties. Itsuki Hanyu, a 41-year-old housewife, runs a used bookstore and is stuck in a troubled marriage, with her 14-year-old daughter being the only reason it hasn't fallen apart. One day, Itsuki's dormant desires are awakened when she catches Shida Motoharu trying to steal an erotic novel from her shop. Fueled by her newfound desires, Itsuki embarks on a love affair with the young man. Later on, she encounters Kunimoto Satoshi/Komato Shio, who bears a striking resemblance to a past love and brings back dark secrets from the past.

Wang Hee Ji will portray a public prosecutor who encounters and develops a romantic relationship with a fellow prosecutor who is 12 years her junior.

Bank executive Takizawa Kanji is dedicated solely to his career, achieving the position of branch manager through his unwavering determination during a period of financial industry restructuring. Recently, his communication with his wife Mariko has decreased, and he has drifted apart from his daughter Misaki, who is now of marriageable age. Despite this, he embraces his work-centric lifestyle. Unexpectedly, Kanji is reassigned to a client company for an unclear reason, causing him to question his life choices. Overwhelmed by this sudden change, he decides to escape to Switzerland under the guise of a business trip. While in the Swiss Alps, he meets Meguro Shiori during a snowstorm on a gondola ride to the Matterhorn, sparking a connection between them. Meanwhile, Mariko suspects her husband may be unfaithful but struggles to confront her suspicions. She finds herself entangled in a forbidden romance with her daughter's fiancé, Hino Haruki.

Ten episodes featuring a consistent cast, each presenting a unique storyline centered around various types of love relationships such as heterosexual, familial, LGBTQ+, and platonic.

This tale revolves around the boundless and forgiving love shared among four brothers who, after years of animosity and conflict, come together to mend their ties and revitalize their father's business. Each brother embodies a different generation, reflecting the lives of ordinary individuals in contemporary society: Han Sung Jae, the eldest in his 50s, is kind-hearted but struggles with the responsibilities of being the family leader; Han Sang Kyu, the second brother in his 40s, is successful yet self-centered, focused solely on escaping his familial obligations; Han Sung Min, the third brother in his 30s, finds himself unemployed after a corporate downsizing; and lastly, Han Jung Woo, the youngest sibling, recently graduated from college and currently seeking work. The experiences of these four brothers illustrate the challenges faced by the jobless across various generations. Additionally, this series explores the true essence of marriage, showcasing how couples of different ages strive to maintain their relationships and prevent divorce.

Kim Kyung Sook, Kyung Ku, and Kyung Min's father, a widowed farmer, wed Keum Shil's mother when Keum Shil was just six years old. The union was far from joyful, as Keum Shil's mother maintained an affair with Park Byung Sam, a wealthy landlord in the village who was campaigning for a parliamentary seat. Following the election, her body was found in the river, and Kyung Sook's father was falsely accused of her murder. The police coerced him into confessing, and he tragically died in custody before facing trial. In reality, Park Byung Sam was Keum Shil's biological father and instructed his brother-in-law to adopt her, securing him a position at the Intelligence Office in Seoul. Meanwhile, Kyung Sook relocated to Seoul, dedicating herself to raising her brothers. She promised to exonerate her father and track down the true murderer. Despite her love for Park Jong Kyu, Park Byung Sam's son, he was not the culprit. Who was responsible, and what were their motives?

Moriyama Shino, aged 30, enjoys her job but is lacking a romantic relationship. She desires to find a partner her age to date and eventually marry. Unexpectedly, Sato Mayuki, who is 9 years younger, confesses his feelings to her. Impressed by his honesty, she agrees to date him temporarily while she continues her search for a potential spouse. This story is adapted from a manga with the same title.

Haneda Riku, a 20-year-old university student with dreams of becoming a novelist, is surprised by his older sister Ayaka's sudden marriage. However, his attention is piqued when he comes across a flyer advertising a New Writer Discovery Contest with a grand prize of 1 million yen. Despite his lack of experience in love, Riku decides to participate in the contest. Seeking advice, he turns to his friend Mochizuki Rei, known as the most popular guy at school, who suggests he try a matching app to help him with the theme of love.

A tale of the romance between men and women who came together through the 'Login' dating application.

Sachiko, a 17-year-old girl, is the daughter of Professor Oshima, who works as a radiotherapist. Unfortunately, Sachiko develops leukemia after being exposed to radiation at the hospital. Adding to her troubles, she learns that Oshima is not her biological father and that her boyfriend is actually her half brother.

Momoko Uchida resides in a luxurious apartment in Tokyo where she works as a manga artist. She is currently in her second marriage and has a son who is enrolled in a university. Her friend Mizuki Tomizawa, who is of the same age, also resides in the same apartment complex. Recently, a newly married couple, with the wife named Rumi Kamoi, moved into the building. Interestingly, the husband of the newlywed couple happens to be Momoko Uchida's former spouse, with whom she parted ways two decades ago.

Haruki Kenji, a 36-year-old Winter Sports section manager at a major sporting goods company, embarks on a ski trip to New Zealand with his friend and boss, Shintani Goro, along with Shintani's new secretary, 24-year-old Aoi Yuki. Upon returning to Japan, Haruki discovers that Aoi is his new neighbor in the apartment next door. While observing the movers, he notices a photograph falling from Aoi's luggage. As he examines the photo, he realizes it is of a female bicycle gang, with Aoi featured in the picture. Haruki learns that Aoi presents a different persona at work compared to her true self at home, where she is manipulative and dates multiple men for personal gain. Their dynamic changes when Aoi returns home intoxicated one night without her keys, and Haruki assists her by letting her into her apartment through the connecting door. During this incident, Aoi accidentally drops a video tape into Haruki's apartment. Curious, Haruki watches the tape, which contains a heartfelt message from Aoi to herself. This revelation prompts Haruki to see Aoi in a new and unexpected light.

Nakahara Aki, along with her close companions Osaki Moeko and Sakata Midori, are a trio of women in their forties who are known for their ability to bring luck to the men in their lives, despite their own struggles with happiness. These women often find themselves entangled with unhelpful partners, leading to occasional conflicts and mutual support as they strive to achieve their dreams and find true happiness.

Mineko Kaneko discovers she has a brain tumor, giving her a limited amount of time left. Koji Amane, a freeloader with minimal aspirations, crosses paths with her due to a cat.

For the past two decades, Watanuki Shinobu has worked as a manga artist. Despite being married and a parent, Shinobu feels unfulfilled in her life. Just when she was about to give up on her career dreams, her previous work gained popularity in ebooks. This inspired her to start a new project and hire an assistant. Tachibana Chiaki, a 22-year-old man, applied for the assistant position. With Chiaki's help, Shinobu began to feel her life moving in a positive direction once again after a long period of stagnation.

There are three distinct mothers in this narrative. Park Bok Ae is a self-centered parent willing to go to great lengths for her children’s betterment, even if it causes harm to others. The unfeeling Kim Ja Gyung, an actress, forsakes her own son at birth to chase her acting ambitions. In contrast, Im Eun Hee adopts a boy, embracing motherhood despite never having known what it’s like to belong to a family. This television miniseries centers on a foster mother who fights to safeguard her child from the biological mother, who seeks to reclaim her child upon discovering that he has become a successful child actor, earning significant money. The plot develops as the foster mother contends with the biological mother over custody rights. Meanwhile, Gun Woo's unwavering affection for Eun Hee highlights her worthiness of love. (MBC)

In February of 1681, a significant fire broke out at Hongo Maruyama, eventually spreading to Komagome. Among the buildings destroyed was Yoaya, a vegetable store owned by Kihee. To ensure his daughter Oshichi's safety, Kihee sent her to stay at Daijo-ji Temple until their store and home were rebuilt. Oshichi found herself among other children who had also lost their homes and families. During her time at the temple, Oshichi developed feelings for Kichisaburo, a worker there. When the store and home were finally reconstructed, Oshichi had to return home where her father hoped she would marry Kanzo, a diligent worker at their store. Despite her father's expectations, Oshichi's heart belonged to Kichisaburo.

A narrative centered on the romantic lives and marriages of six couples, each categorized into one of six distinct types of marital dynamics!

Taking place in 1998, the plot revolves around a circle of friends who unite, experience love, and navigate various facets of life. This drama is yet another creation by Ruby Lin.

Following their mother's decision to leave them for another man, Jin Ah and her brother were brought up by their grandmother. To help support her family, Jin Ah dropped out of school and took a job as a welder at a steel mill. Due to her brother's rebellious actions, Jin Ah found herself arrested and imprisoned. As a former convict, she faces challenges in adapting to everyday life and yearns for her mother's return to the family. She starts working for Sae Hyung, who is engaged to Yeon Hee. Over time, Jin Ah and Sae Hyung develop romantic feelings for each other.

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.

Kamijo Natsu resides in accommodation provided by her employer. One day, she overhears gossip from the other women in the neighborhood. The gossip suggests that Komaki Rie, a close friend of Natsu's, has left her spouse and child for another man. Natsu, who values family above all else, is skeptical of the rumor. Shortly after, Rie contacts Natsu and shares that she feels liberated and content in her decision. Meanwhile, a young man named Saeki Ryu moves into the apartment below Natsu's. Ryu happens to work in the same department as Natsu's husband, Yoshiyuki. As time goes on, Natsu begins to develop romantic feelings for Ryu.

Yeo Jin visits Eun Woo, who is dressed in a prison outfit, tears streaming down her face as she confesses her love for him. Ji Heon then assists Yeo Jin in standing up. One year prior, Yeo Jin led a typical life as a devoted wife alongside her husband, Ji Heon, an employee at an orthopedic university hospital, and her boisterous, irritable mother-in-law, Mrs. Shim. Meanwhile, Eun Seo pays a visit to her son, Min Hyung, who is in the hospital, bringing him some encouragement.

Yamaguchi Narumi is flourishing in her life as a single woman—until the unexpected and solitary death of her respected aunt, a successful career woman, profoundly unsettles her. In a state of anxiety, she plunges into matchmaking, but her efforts lead to failure. When her younger coworker Nasuda Yuya candidly remarks, "Believing that marriage offers security? That’s so old-fashioned!" Narumi undergoes a significant transformation—from konkatsu (marriage searching) to shukatsu (preparing for end-of-life). This is the unfiltered, emotional journey of a woman in her late 30s grappling with societal expectations, personal insecurities, and moments of profound appreciation—all aimed at achieving a single, vital objective: to live well in order to die well.

A story unfolds as a man and woman find themselves sharing a living space due to unforeseen events, leading them to discover the true meaning of love. Kataoka Yuji, a compassionate police officer known for helping the vulnerable and promoting peace, is a widower who has been raising three children on his own since his wife passed away four years ago. Matsuda Yoko, initially with a disagreeable demeanor, undergoes personal growth through her interactions with this kind-hearted middle-aged man.

In Hong Kong, Yamada Kenta is currently in charge of a documentary project, accompanied by his assistant Hirakawa Aya, as they embark on a mission to track down Japanese talent Elie. However, their plans are disrupted when Elie is unexpectedly taken away by a local man named Daniel. Amidst the confusion, Kenta crosses paths with Maki, a Japanese woman who had traveled to Hong Kong to meet the person she had been corresponding with on a matchmaking website. Interestingly, they have never met face-to-face before. It turns out that Maki lacks confidence and had been using Elie's photos as her own, which led Daniel to mistake Elie for the person he was supposed to meet. Eventually, Daniel realizes his mistake and the five strangers find themselves brought together by a series of misunderstandings that will result in unforeseen consequences.

There are four sisters in the family. Yasuko, the second daughter, and Miharu, the fourth daughter, are both married. The third daughter, Nao, and the eldest daughter, Moe Edamoto, live together in a house. The mother is in the hospital experiencing hallucinations, and the father has left home. Sakaki is preparing for her wedding, bringing together her four sisters and their husbands under one roof for the first time in a while. However, each sister harbors a hidden secret. Suddenly, two mysterious men show up, leading to the revelation of the women's hidden circumstances one by one.

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.

A clandestine tale of love involving four women unfolds in an omnibus. This love story delves into a night where one woman yearns for a man passionately, driven by primal desire sparked by their shared experiences.

The narrative revolves around a romance between the rebellious student Kang Wook and his teacher Yool Ju, set in a high school located in Chuncheon. Prior to her encounter with Kang Wook, Yool Ju was in a relationship with Tae Hyeon, a public prosecutor. However, as time passes, Yool Ju and Kang Wook develop a profound love for each other, overcoming societal biases, their age difference, and the complexities of a teacher-student dynamic. An unexpected tragedy occurs when Yool Ju accidentally causes the death of Kang Wook's classmate, who had been bullying him. Due to her narcolepsy, Yool Ju cannot recall the events of that day, having fallen asleep during the incident. To shield her from the consequences, Kang Wook takes the blame and serves time in prison for her. After five years, upon his release, Kang Wook reunites with Yool Ju, only to find that she is now engaged to Tae Hyeon. Upon discovering the extent of Kang Wook's sacrifice for her, Yool Ju feels compelled to reconnect with him. However, Kang Wook is not alone this time; he is accompanied by Ja Kyung, a former classmate and current radio host. Their respective situations complicate Yool Ju's ability to pursue her feelings for Kang Wook, yet she is determined to assist him in reclaiming the five years lost and achieving his dream of becoming an exceptional chef.

The key qualities of a skilled bowler include focus, concentration, proper form, and a smooth release. Step into Golden Bowl bowling alley, a slightly worn but cozy spot favored by stockbroker Akutagawa Shu. He enjoys the sound of the ball rolling down the lane and the satisfying crash of the pins falling. When a striking married woman, who coincidentally shares a name with Shu's ex-girlfriend Hitomi, joins him at Golden Bowl, things get interesting as they take on some professional bowlers. Will Shu's luck with Hitomi be as good as his luck with the pins? (NTV)

Yukimiya Suzu, a 35-year-old obstetrician, is feeling drained from her life in a quiet coastal village. The pressures of society have made it difficult for her to connect with others, even though her job involves bringing new life into the world. Her focus on money and status has caused her to lose touch with her aspirations and friends, leaving her exhausted. In search of solace, Suzu decides to go on a camping trip alone, where she meets Hiiragi Issei, a young deaf man who communicates through gestures. This unexpected encounter proves to be a transformative and liberating experience for both of them. Despite their age gap and Issei's unique way of communication, Suzu is captivated by his undeniable charisma.

After a decade away, Minase Alice came back to her native village from Tokyo and met up with her old buddy from childhood, a high schooler named Harumi

During their youth, a young girl and boy made a promise to reunite in the future. Now, at 45 years old, the woman known as Kasumi is a single mother to a teenage son. She works tirelessly at a high-end laundry service to support her family. One day, she crosses paths with a talented young designer named Yuri, who has gained global recognition. Despite her initial suspicions, Kasumi discovers that Yuri is sincere and finds herself drawn to him. As they come from different backgrounds, their unexpected love story unfolds. Kasumi wonders why Yuri has reappeared in her life - could he be the boy from their past pledge?