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Q Series What She Put On The Table

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.

In 1802, a young girl named Mio faced tragedy when she lost her parents in a flood in Osaka. Feeling alone after being separated from her friend Noe, she was rescued by Yoshi, the owner of Tenman Icchoan, a renowned restaurant in Osaka. Despite being forbidden from the kitchen due to her gender, Mio began learning to cook under Yoshi's guidance. When the restaurant was destroyed in a fire, Mio traveled to Edo with Yoshi and her husband Kahei. Through a stroke of luck, they were offered a job at Tsurya, a soba shop owned by Taneichi. Mio struggled with the different culinary styles of Kansai and Edo, as well as facing challenges from rival shops and societal barriers in her romance with the samurai Komatsubara. Despite these obstacles, she persevered and became a successful female chef.

"Daybreak" narrates the multi-generational tale of a shop and its owners. Beginning as a modest stand managed by Lao Hsv, his wife Ya Ling, and friend Lao Chiang in Fucheng town, Tainan, Yongsheng Soy Milk has evolved into a cherished establishment within the community. Despite outward appearances, the Hsv family faces internal struggles. Li I, the eldest daughter, assumed a maternal role following her mother's passing, sacrificing her youth in the process. Meanwhile, Li Hsin, the seemingly carefree youngest daughter, harbors a childhood trauma. Lao Hsv silently cares for his family, fostering a household of individuals with emotional wounds. However, amidst their shared pain, they also hold onto precious memories. As they navigate their roles within the soy milk shop, the characters confront their pasts and find solace in one another.

“Jo Mi Ryo” is a television series focusing on Mi Ryo, who leaves behind urban life to spend a month on Anbin Island in search of solace from her reality. While on the island, she establishes a restaurant named Mi Ryo’s Kitchen. The series will showcase various aspects of island living, which are not entirely carefree and laid-back. (Soompi)

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.

Hako received a 7-year prison sentence for a robbery related to a beloved host

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

Kitada Gaku, with a natural talent for mathematics, once aspired to be a mathematician but eventually abandoned his dream. Feeling aimless, he crosses paths with the brilliant chef Asakura Kai, who introduces him to the world of cuisine. Gaku joins Asakura Kai's prestigious two-star restaurant K, where chefs from various backgrounds collaborate and learn together. Immersed in this environment, Gaku not only hones his culinary skills but also creates unique recipes inspired by mathematical concepts.

Takubo Yuta is employed as a television station drama director, having realized his aspirations. Despite this, his schedule is hectic, causing him to lose interest in his work and live a turbulent life filled with frustration. On the other hand, Sato Kosuke, who had a successful career as a chef, abruptly left his job and is now leading a NEET lifestyle. Their paths cross once more when their mutual friend from high school, Makita Aoi, goes through a divorce. Subsequently, they begin having dinner together after a particular event. These "dinner activities" (bankatsu) help Yuta and Kosuke rediscover themselves and regain their true identities.

Formerly excelling at a prestigious university, Lin Shuang found herself as a stay-at-home parent after facing betrayal. Forced to reenter the workforce to regain custody of her child, she crossed paths with Gu Xu, a former classmate who had become successful abroad. Together with Jiang Xi, they tackled obstacles and Lin Shuang transitioned from homemaker to professional, while also developing feelings for Gu Xu. Through their journey, Lin Shuang and Jiang Xi underwent personal growth and embraced a new chapter in their lives. (WeTV)

The novel depicts a year in the life of Giddens Ko that felt more like a dramatic film than reality. Within this year, he experienced both extreme joy and profound sadness. This was the same year he received the prestigious Best Writer award, but it was also the year his mother was diagnosed with a serious illness, acute myeloid leukemia. As the men in the family navigated the complexities of the healthcare system, endured the grueling chemotherapy treatments, and faced overwhelming medical bills, they also dealt with significant developments in their personal lives. His older brother got married, his younger brother started a new relationship, and his own long-term girlfriend ended their romance.

Childhood friends Kaede, Kaoru, Michiru, and Emi reunite on Emi's wedding day. However, Kaede faces challenges as her company goes bankrupt and her boyfriend breaks up with her, just as she nears her 30th birthday. Determined to pursue her childhood passion, Kaede decides to become a baker and lands a job at a bakery. But baking proves to be difficult, especially under the strict guidance of the senior baker. Meanwhile, Kaoru works at a high-end massage salon, Michiru struggles financially as she makes handbags, and Emi navigates the ups and downs of newlywed life. The future holds uncertainty for these women as they embark on their respective journeys.

Based on the book series "The Incredible Grandmother" by Mariko Hayashi.

University student Wakamizu Ryota, in the midst of searching for a job, becomes involved in a sudden conflict between rival gangs

Koizumi, a captivating high school student, holds a hidden talent as a skilled ramen connoisseur. She spends her days seeking out top-notch ramen establishments to indulge in the savory noodles. Watching Koizumi effortlessly devour a hearty bowl of ramen with finesse rivals even the heartiest of eaters. (Viki)

The story follows Takano, a short man who works as a professional locksmith, and a tall woman he meets in Bangkok named Eiko Kosaka. Despite being a foot taller than him, Takano falls for Eiko but keeps his feelings hidden due to his height insecurities. Their paths cross again in Tokyo, leading to the development of mutual feelings between them. The plot is adapted from the newspaper novel "Kimi wo Miagete" by Yamada Taichi.

Emi works as a lighting technician at a company that specializes in lighting. Due to her predominantly male colleagues, she has adopted a more tomboyish behavior. Emi is not interested in typical girly things like fashion and has a cynical view on love. Despite this, she harbors feelings for her ex-boyfriend, who is also her coworker. Mako is a diligent office worker who is somewhat clumsy and hesitant to pursue romantic relationships. She had never been intimate with anyone until she developed feelings for a colleague. Saki is a stunning and confident young woman with aspirations of becoming a journalist. However, she ends up working as a hostess in a bar to support her family. Saki fabricates stories about working at a prestigious publishing company to her family. She becomes romantically involved with a married man who is kind and supportive.

In the novel "Akumu no Drive" by Kinoshita Hanta, a retired professional boxer and a failed comedian join forces to establish a transportation company. Initially, they acquire a vehicle and employ it to outsmart their adversaries.

Kinami has been chosen to portray the role of Hita Nanase, a housemaid who possesses the supernatural gift of telepathy, enabling her to unveil the hidden truths within the households she serves. The character was formerly portrayed by Takigawa Yumi and Hori Chiemi.

Drawing inspiration from Hideo Aiba's novel "Chi no Wadachi."

Yayoi, a licensed nurse at Hoshimigaoka Hospital, harbors a hidden past that she keeps to herself. Abandoned by her parents at a young age, she grew up in foster care, cherishing the hospital as her home. Despite her loneliness, she remains kind-hearted, avoiding conflict and immersing herself in her work. When Todo joins as the new head nurse, Yayoi initially resists her strong-willed approach but eventually finds herself drawn to Todo's presence. With Todo's influence, Yayoi is able to let go of her past and embrace a new beginning on her own terms.

Fujishima Ryo, aspiring to become an Italian chef, falls victim to a scam and finds herself in significant financial trouble. She is welcomed to Makanai-sou by her sister Kyoko, where they will live together for the first time in 15 years. Makanai-sou, a boarding house in Nagoya with a communal bath, provides meals for all residents.

Natsuko Kotani seemed destined for deceit, while Tetsuko Ishida was a distant family member known for her integrity as a lawyer. Whenever Natsuko caused problems, Tetsuko was always called upon to resolve the situations. Feeling exploited by Natsuko, Tetsuko, who led a mundane life, started to undergo a transformation.

The manga depicts a touching tale of the relationship between dietary assistance robots and the individuals they serve. Customers at the Food Company franchise can redeem points for a 25-centimeter robot at the chain store to help them with their dietary requirements.

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.

Haru is employed at a university library and has a casual approach to meals, preferring to stay updated on her favorite manga using her smartphone. Feeling disheartened by the constant expressions of sympathy she receives, Haru seeks solace at her usual drinking spot one evening. There, she meets Ao-kun, a gender-neutral individual, and they quickly form a strong connection. Spontaneously, they decide to live together, but the condition is that they must prepare lunch boxes for each other.

Amamiya, Nakauchi, and Kobayashi were former classmates in high school. Amamiya was the class president and excelled academically, while Nakauchi was known for his love of cooking and reserved nature. Kobayashi, on the other hand, was a charming ladies' man. A decade later, fate brings them back together. Nakauchi, now a promising chef, had to leave his job due to losing his sense of taste. He meets Amamiya, who now works as a bartender at the Three Star Bar in Tokyo's Nishi Ogikubo District. Kobayashi, who initially found success as a writer but is now struggling, inherited the bar from his grandfather under the condition that he and Amamiya finish all the canned food in the pantry. Together, they convince Nakauchi to join them as their chef. The trio proves to be a hit with customers, with Amamiya mixing cocktails, Kobayashi offering advice, and Nakauchi showcasing his culinary skills. As the stocked canned food starts to dwindle, what challenges will they face?

Satoshi Shirata has been instructed by his company to relocate to Nagoya. His wife, who remains in Tokyo by herself, is unhappy about her husband's new assignment. Knowing that her favorite food is rice balls, Satoshi sets out to discover a specialty rice ball from the Tokai region that will please his wife.

Aging does not automatically equate to achieving greater success in life. For the single woman Je Gal Jae Yeong, navigating love, work, friendships, and family dynamics remains a challenge. Relocating to a different neighborhood, forming connections with new and eccentric individuals, starting a new job, and facing her boyfriend’s new partner has proven to be quite difficult. To compound her struggles, she has recently developed a health condition. Let us share in the comfort of her daily warm meals that provide her with solace amidst her challenging existence. She prepares meals with whatever ingredients she has on hand, eating somewhat haphazardly.

During the Kuomintang-Communist War, 12-year-old Gao Bing Han followed his mother's advice and moved to Taiwan with the National Army to start a new life. Over the course of 80 years, he has faced challenging cases involving Mama Hong, who endured abuse from her son, Jiang Mei En, a daughter-in-law who was not accepted by her father-in-law in other regions, and Xie Shu Yuan, who seemed sophisticated but was actually troubled. As he works to resolve conflicts among these three women, Lawyer Gao ponders whether the war has truly come to an end.

The story follows the challenges faced by a feudal family in China as the country undergoes significant transformations in the past century. Lu Tian En, born into a noble family during the late Qing Dynasty, recalls his grandmother Lady Lu with admiration as a princess. As the sole male heir, Tian En carried the weight of restoring his family's former prestige from a young age. Despite his desire to explore opportunities abroad and pursue a career as a bureaucrat, he was restricted by his family. The Lus eventually relocated to Shanghai, where Tian En struggled to adapt to the shifting societal norms. Witnessing the Japanese invasion and civil unrest, Tian En sought refuge in Taiwan in 1949 in search of solace for his troubled heart and a better future for his loved ones.

Set in 1955, a decade after the end of World War II, the story follows government officials at the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (now known as the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) as they work towards making Japan as prosperous as the western world. The plot centers on Kazakoshi Shingo, also known as "Mr. Ministry of International Trade and Industry", and explores the conflict between the "industry supporters" advocating for the protection of national industry, and the "trade supporters" pushing for free trade to globalize the country. The drama received accolades at the 62nd Television Drama Academy Awards, with Sakai Masato winning Best Supporting Actor and Hirano Shunichi, Oka Susumu, and Matsuda Ayato winning Best Directors. (source: d-addicts)

After her adoptive mother, Atsuta Otomi, passed away, Endo Yuriko decides to return to her family home. She is not coming back out of concern for her father, Ryohei, who has been struggling since his wife's death. Yuriko has made the difficult decision to divorce her husband, Hiroyuki. However, upon her return, a young woman named Imoto Sachie appears at the house, claiming to have been sent by Otomi to assist with household chores until the 49th day. Sachie also reveals Otomi's wish for a celebratory feast rather than a traditional Buddhist memorial service on her 49th day. Initially hesitant, father and daughter eventually warm up to the idea after discovering a recipe left behind by Otomi.

Harashima Manji holds a typical position as a section chief at a small to medium-sized business that serves as a subcontractor for a prominent electronics company. Upon stumbling upon irregularities in a string of personnel shifts, he becomes entangled in a battle against a formidable adversary.

One day, Fujimaki Daisuke, a mundane middle-aged office worker at a trading company, is instructed to temporarily join the cheering squad at Asunaro University instead of facing a layoff. The company president's alma mater's cheering squad is at risk of disbandment. During a meeting with alumni, Fujimaki is appointed as the head of the cheering squad. He is thrust into this new role, learning the traditional customs such as always wearing the school uniform, saying "Ossu" in response, and following the seniors' instructions. Under the guidance of old boy Saito Yuichi, Fujimaki becomes captivated by the profound philosophy of providing support in a tangible way.

Akiko resides with her mother until her mother's unexpected passing. Following this, she resigns from her editing position to manage her mother's cozy restaurant. The restaurant offers a simple menu consisting of sandwiches and soup. This story is adapted from the novel "Bread And Soup And Cat Weather" by Mure Yoko.

In Kabukicho, Tokyo, a hit-and-run incident takes place. Hamamoto Junpei, a bartender who witnessed the accident, discovers that the man arrested is not the same person he saw at the scene. It appears that the true culprit is internationally renowned cellist Minato Keiji, with his brother taking the blame. Seeking a quick profit, Junpei and Tomoki, a host he considers a younger brother, decide to extort Minato. However, Minato's manager Yuko intervenes, causing Junpei to back down in the face of her authority. On the flip side, Yuko becomes intrigued by Junpei's personality. Junpei is someone universally liked and impossible to despise. Soon, a formidable adversary of Yuko's appears unexpectedly. This chance encounter between individuals from different worlds draws in those around them: Minato; Mizuki, a hostess who followed Tomoki to Tokyo; Miki, the owner of the Korean club where Junpei is employed; Kosaka, Miki's former gangster boyfriend; and Tomoka, Minato's niece who is studying art at university. An upheaval that will reverberate throughout Japan is on the horizon.

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."

Kanoko Saho loses her job at her father's company, Fawn, despite her dedication to the manufacturing industry. The dismissal appears to be influenced by a mysterious figure known as a "headhunter". Watari Kaori, who identifies as a headhunter, approaches Saho with an opportunity. Consequently, Saho joins the headhunting firm "Forteflows" alongside Watari. Saho now faces clients directly as a dark cloud looms over Fawn.

Kano Teppei, a medical sales representative, has been leading a simple life. However, his world is turned upside down when he discovers that his wife has been concealing a 4.8 billion yen (~45.7M USD) inheritance from her grandmother that she received 24 years ago. As Teppei navigates challenges at work, he reflects on their marriage. This story is inspired by Shiraishi Kazufumi's novel with the same title.

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)

Shimura Eriko, a successful professional, is employed by a large trading company where she holds a position equal to that of her male colleagues. Despite her beauty and impressive education, Eriko's only major concern is her lack of female friends. She finds solace in reading a popular journal written by a housewife influencer her age on social media. One day, Eriko crosses paths with Maruo Shoko, the author of the diary, who also resides nearby and shares her struggle of not having female friends. Their commonality leads to a quick and close friendship, but a certain incident causes their relationship to take an unexpected turn. (Jdramas.wordpress.com)

Childhood friends Ota Noe and Sakurai Natsuko, who grew up in a housing complex, eventually got married and lived happily together. Despite experiencing various challenges in their youth, they found themselves back in the Showa-era housing complex. With a deep understanding of each other, they openly share their feelings of shame and pride, reminiscing about their first love. Spending their days eating meals together and engaging in light-hearted conversations, they find solace in each other's company. Even in their 50s, they feel youthful as they assist the elderly residents in the housing complex and sell vintage items online. Amidst the changes brought by new residents, a sense of community persists, with everyone supporting each other in their own unique ways.

Kikuchi Izumi is a 38-year-old editor and food writer who is employed at a small publishing house. She has not been in contact with her long-term partner for the past 5 months, ever since lending him 2 million yen. One day, out of the blue, she receives a phone call from an elderly woman who proceeds to berate her. To Izumi's surprise, the same woman ends up sharing a cab with her, and they are both headed to the same destination. Through their conversation, Izumi discovers that the woman is Nakajima Haruko, the esteemed owner of a renowned beauty clinic in Tokyo.

Hitotsubashi Kiriko is engulfed in despair when her closest friend, with whom she shared a home for three years, passes away from an illness. Struggling to make ends meet on a limited income, the idea of dying alone fills her with dread. One day, she is captivated by the words of a criminal being interviewed on television, sparking a desire to commit a crime and be incarcerated. And so, Kiriko embarks on her "Life in Prison" scheme. As she carries out her plan, Kiriko encounters new challenges and experiences.