Asian dramas like
Rika 2019

Illustrates the early years of the main protagonist Rika from the initial TV show in 2019. Based on the book "Rika".

In the novel "Mirror Image" by Sandra Brown, Hirosawa Nodoka, a freelance journalist, infiltrates a cosmetic surgery clinic by befriending Fuyuko, the wife of the clinic's director Asakura Shuji. Nodoka's investigative mission takes a tragic turn when the plane she is on crashes, leading to her being mistaken for Fuyuko. With the help of plastic surgery, Nodoka's face is reconstructed to resemble Fuyuko's, and she wakes up believing she is Shuji's wife due to amnesia caused by the accident. As Nodoka begins to regain her memories, she faces a difficult choice between revealing the clinic's wrongdoings and returning to her old life, or continuing to live a lie for the sake of love.

In this narrative, the bond between mother Akiko and daughter Mizuki is depicted as that of close friends and romantic partners. Mizuki's father Koji is troubled by the nature of their relationship, but his work commitments prevent him from addressing it. When the family decides to construct a new home, they cross paths with Matsushima, who is tasked with overseeing the project. Initially, both Akiko and Mizuki form a connection with Matsushima, prompting Akiko to encourage Mizuki to pursue a romantic relationship with him. However, as Mizuki becomes involved with Matsushima, she realizes the extent to which her mother has controlled her and seeks to break free from their unhealthy dynamic. Akiko, upon recognizing the situation, takes drastic measures by attempting to seduce Matsushima in a bid to win back her daughter's affection.

Derived from Sidney Sheldon's book "Master of the Game."

This tale of horror and suspense revolves around individuals who blur the boundaries of love. Kimura Mizuho relocates from Shizuoka to Tokyo in an attempt to flee her violent ex-boyfriend, Kurashima Takashi, but he soon discovers her whereabouts. In a moment of desperation, Mizuho murders Takashi, yet her act goes unnoticed, leading to questions such as "Who concealed the body?" and "What was their motive?"

A deceased body is discovered in a storage space. The deceased is a young woman who owned a small eatery. Subsequently, a 19-year-old male is apprehended for the homicide and disposal of the body. Former judge turned attorney, Daisaburo Kikuchi, takes on the young man's legal defense. Initially appearing to be a straightforward case due to the man's confession, the situation takes a turn when he denies the allegations during the trial. Daisaburo Kikuchi delves into the case and uncovers the true circumstances behind it.

In a tragic bus crash, Naoko and her daughter Monami are involved. Sadly, Naoko loses her life, but her spirit somehow transfers into Monami's body. As Monami comes back to her father Heisuke, they both struggle to navigate their new reality. Heisuke also begins to question the circumstances of the accident, leading him to conduct his own investigation. Derived from Higashino Keigo's 1998 book "Himitsu".

A tragic incident occurs when a tire detaches from a truck in motion and strikes a mother and child, resulting in a fatal outcome. The root of the problem lies in the manufacturer's negligence to issue a recall for the vehicle. However, the delivery company is held accountable as they frantically seek proof of the suppressed recall. Along the way, they encounter banks, law enforcement, journalists from a weekly magazine, the victim's family, and other individuals, eventually uncovering the truth behind the situation.

Amidst a dispute between the public relations office of D Prefectural Police and the correspondents club regarding the anonymity of perpetrators, it has been decided that a director from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department will visit the family of the victim in a significant unsolved case from 1989, just a week before the statute of limitations expires. The case involves the kidnapping and murder of Shoko-chan, which remains the most heinous crime in the history of D Prefectural Police. The family of the victim has declined the director's offer to extend condolences. A strict confidentiality order has been issued for all individuals involved in the case, including the investigators from that time. This has created a barrier between the Criminal Investigations Department and the Police Affairs Department. Additionally, a mysterious memo has surfaced, followed by a new kidnapping that bears a striking resemblance to the 1989 case just before the director's scheduled visit.

Rinka Umezawa, a homemaker, seeks out small joys in life. Her husband, Masabumi, is committed to supporting her. The couple does not have any children. Rinka decides to take on a part-time job at a bank, where she visits clients' homes and occasionally assists them with household tasks, earning their trust. During one visit to client Kojo Hirabayashi's home, she encounters his grandson Kota, who asks for money. This interaction has a profound impact on Rinka. Subsequently, she steals one hundred million yen from the bank and disappears. Two years later, Rinka's former classmates Yuko Okazaki and Aki Nakaji uncover her embezzlement scheme and confront their own inner demons.

In 1927, the Kuomintang rebels orchestrated the "April 15th Incident" in Guangzhou. Cheng Yihai, the head of Yihai Shipping, the largest maritime company in Guangzhou, was assassinated by Kuomintang soldier Xiang Guoqiang under the guise of the "Green Party". Xiang Guoqiang then proceeded to hunt down and kill Cheng Yihai's three siblings - Cheng Tao, Cheng Yi, and Cheng Yun - who each fled separately. Cheng Tao, the eldest brother, resolved to enlist in the Huangpu Military Academy to seek vengeance against Xiang Guoqiang. Cheng Yi, the second brother, found work at the docks and secretly joined the underground branch of the Communist Party of China before securing a position at Wanli Shipping. Cheng Yun, the youngest sister, was taken in by a performer during her escape and lived on the streets. Several years later, the three siblings from the Cheng family embarked on a quest for retribution.

According to the novel "Chu Hun" written by Wu Ke Jing.

Prior to his passing, Chen Tian Nuo, the President of Tian Nuo Group, gifted two valuable Dong Qichang paintings worth 200 million to Xia Wei, who is a descendant of the Xia family. At the time, Tian Nuo Group was on the verge of bankruptcy due to financial difficulties. In a desperate attempt to save the company, Chen Jin Yu, the eldest son of the Tian Nuo Group, hatches a plan to bring Xia Wei into the family in order to gain access to the wealth associated with the paintings. (Baidu)

In a quaint museum located in the Suiren region of western China, there is a statue situated next to a well that was sculpted during the Xihan Dynasty over 2200 years ago, making it a priceless treasure. Throughout history, various governments have enacted laws to safeguard the statue, particularly during times of conflict. However, it has been frequently photographed, smuggled abroad, and exploited for profit through unauthorized rubbings.

After receiving guidance from her aunt, Flora discovers that possessing a pair of unique jade stones can bring balance into one's life. Unfortunately, her aunt has misplaced one of the jades and is desperate to reunite them before she passes away. With determination, Flora successfully tracks down the missing jade and reunites the pair. However, after this event, Flora begins experiencing unsettling nightmares that appear to convey a significant message.

Filled with anguish after being wrongfully blamed for a horrific crime, Maki's dear sibling tragically ends his own life. Fast forward to the present, Maki, a promising lawyer, finds herself entangled in a complex love triangle; despite being married to a renowned architect, she discovers herself falling for her 23-year-old stepson, Tatsuya. As forbidden love battles against animosity, Maki uncovers the shocking truth that Tatsuya played a role in her brother's suicide in this gripping romantic thriller. (DramaWiki)

Based on the book written by Fumio Yamamoto, under the identical name.

The older sister faced challenges in Tokyo, while her younger sister dreams of moving there. Raised in a teahouse named Juicchome Chaya on Mt. Takao's slopes near Tokyo, the siblings aim to find happiness amidst nature and romantic entanglements. However, their family, particularly their stubborn father and crafty mother, proves to be a hindrance. The entire village is also invested in the sisters' love lives, gossiping and speculating. Despite feeling frustrated by their surroundings at times, the sisters also experience the warmth and love of those around them, discovering the true meaning of happiness through their romantic escapades.

The convergence of four married women's lives began at a wedding. Despite their varied backgrounds and generations, they seem to be living happy lives. However, beneath the surface, they each face betrayal, sorrow, and dishonesty. This story will track these everyday women as they discover the real significance of family, marriage, and love.

Taking place at a household appliance company in Nagoya, the story unfolds as Meio Electrics, a leading home appliance manufacturer, receives a warning letter from Zestar Research Company in the United States. Accusing Meio of infringing on their solar panel patents, Zestar demands a significant amount in compensation and licensing fees. Hasegawa, a member of the Intellectual Property Department, is suspected of espionage amidst this unexpected turn of events, which occurs just as he embarks on his new life with his wife, Aoi. Zestar Research Company, known as a "Patent Troll," is controlled by a mysterious figure named Sawada. Meanwhile, Hama, responsible for preventing legal disputes within the company, faces criticism and disrespect from his superior, Muraoka. In a fit of rage, Hama ends up assaulting Muraoka and burying him in the mountains, sparking a tense conflict that jeopardizes the "love" and "pride" of the characters involved.

Kitazawa Taro was a key figure in the modern poetry movement in post-war Japan, as he co-founded the poetry magazine "Arechi" with other poets in 1947. Fast forward to 1975, at the age of 53, he worked in a newspaper's proofreading department while still writing poetry and finding joy in everyday life. However, his life takes a drastic turn when he falls in love with Akiko, the wife of his close friend Mitamura Kiichi, leading him to leave his wife and children behind.

Miyaji Nao is a married woman with a husband and a son. She prioritizes taking care of her son over focusing on her appearance. Nao leads a content life until she is approached to become a reader model for the well-known women's fashion magazine, VANiTY. This opportunity marks a turning point in her life.

"I always seem to realize it afterwards... but it's always what she desired from the start!" Have you ever experienced that sensation? The secretive practice of "Dark Shinri-Jutsu" (also known as "Dark Psychology") involves utilizing everyday conversations, hints, words, and actions to influence the thoughts and feelings of others in order to control them according to your wishes, whether for positive and innocent purposes or to fulfill even the most sinister desires of the heart. Kuronosaki, a enigmatic, sharp-tongued, and sadistic individual, resolves numerous psychological issues, enigmas, and cases by employing this prohibited method. She may unexpectedly appear, chuckling, and ask a person struggling with interpersonal relationship problems, "Are you foolish?" before guiding them in using "black psychology" through a range of manipulative tactics such as storytelling, active listening, prompting speculation, interpreting and guiding body language, glances, gestures, and other triggering mechanisms that can be practiced in various settings, such as at home, work, or school, to effectively captivate the heart, instill motivation, guide emotional reactions, or promote communication and self-examination. A suspenseful drama filled with dark humor! Is it a life of manipulation or a life of being manipulated? (Nogizaka46.com)

In the Kitano family, Kikujiro is described as a strict and hot-tempered individual with a comical old-fashioned style. Saki, on the other hand, is a positive, cheerful, and clever woman who often argues with her husband but stands by him through any difficulties. This story allows viewers to reflect on the strong and deep family bonds that existed in Japan during less prosperous times, as depicted in an autobiographical book by actor/director Takeshi Kitano.

This is the unusual tale of two women in the Marunouchi business area of Tokyo: a 34-year-old single woman and a 22-year-old searching for a spouse. Despite being friends, the two end up competing for the affection of one man. Tamako, the 34-year-old, is seen as an accomplished and fashionable woman at work, known as an "old miss." Despite her attractiveness and success, Tamako is still single, feeling frustrated by the young, good-looking new recruits who lack depth. Meanwhile, Chie, a 22-year-old office worker, is focused on finding her ideal partner and getting married, feeling discontent with her current situation. Both women become entangled in a love triangle with a man named Saeki, while still being involved with other partners. Their conflicting desires for love, stability, and success create a complex situation.

Kotoko, a 29-year-old woman employed at a company with foreign ties, finds herself in a predicament when the company goes bankrupt unexpectedly. She must now search for a new job to sustain herself in the bustling city. Despite her high expectations of working in Marunouchi, residing in Daikanyama, and going on dates in Aoyama, Kotoko faces the reality that these aspirations may not come to fruition. At a gathering, she encounters Natsume, an employee at a prominent trading firm, who presents her with another prospect: marriage. However, winning over Natsume proves to be more challenging than she anticipated. Subsequently, Kotoko meets Moriya, a quirky individual who owns a small glass factory in Edogawa. Although this unconventional work environment contrasts with her initial desires, Kotoko finds comfort in its coziness and decides to work there. Balancing a thriving love life with a humble workplace, Kotoko eventually starts a relationship with Natsume. Through her experiences at the glass factory, she learns valuable lessons about the individuals there, which deepens her connection to the idea of marrying Natsume. Fueled by these encounters, Kotoko embarks on a quest to discover her true calling.

Reiko, a 28-year-old employee at a housing company, experiences a sudden breakup with her boyfriend Koichiro after a 5-year relationship. Prior to this, Reiko was content balancing her career and love life, but the breakup leaves her struggling to focus at work and making uncharacteristic mistakes. This jeopardizes her job security and causes her physical appearance to deteriorate. Despite feeling overwhelmed with despair, she realizes there are greater issues in the world such as pollution and economic struggles. While contemplating these larger problems, she acknowledges that her own heartbreak over Koichiro is her current priority. Previously content with her stable job and relationship, the breakup shatters her sense of security. As she navigates through her emotions, she begins to notice other women in her surroundings and reconsiders her approach to work. Ultimately, she decides to immerse herself in a new romantic relationship as a way to move forward from her heartbreak.

The plot revolves around a love affair between a 45-year-old woman going through menopause and a man who is 17 years her junior. However, things take a dark turn when a deranged stalker enters the picture. (YTV)

In the 2003 novel "Hi no Ko" by Shizukui Sh suke, a man named Takeuchi Shingo, who was previously acquitted by retired judge Kajima Isao, moves in next door to Kajima's family. Takeuchi, who had a difficult childhood yearning for his parents' love, goes out of his way to please those he cares about. Despite his charming smile, thoughtful gifts, and care for the elderly, he becomes aggressive if he feels rejected. Although Takeuchi initially wins over the Kajima family with his kindness, strange incidents begin to happen in their neighborhood. Yukimi, the wife of Isao's son Toshir, sees through Takeuchi's facade and tries to expose him, despite being alienated from the family.

Based on Wan Fang's book "Kong Jing Zi" (*title in Chinese characters*).

In Osaka, Sayoko Takeuchi engages in deceitful behavior by preying on elderly wealthy men and marrying them in hopes of inheriting their fortunes. She collaborates with Toru Kashiwagi, who manages a matchmaking service. Sayoko Takeuchi is currently wed to a rich elderly gentleman. When Tomomi Nakase receives news that her father has been hospitalized, she rushes to his side only to discover that he is unconscious and married to Sayoko Takeuchi. Determined to thwart Sayoko Takeuchi's plans to seize her father's wealth, Tomomi Nakase enlists the help of private investigator Yoshinori Honda to look into Sayoko Takeuchi and Toru Kashiwagi.

Sudou Ichiharu, a skilled furniture maker, has been working diligently but has yet to create a piece that surpasses his mentor's work. Despite his efforts, he has not made much progress in his craft. One day, Sudou meets Motohashi Sakurako, an employee at an advertising agency. While she is successful in her career, she has not been lucky in love. The two of them are drawn to each other and share a connection, but both keep their emotional struggles hidden. Sudou is haunted by the loss of a loved one, experiencing a temporary loss of speech every December as a reaction to the anniversary of the death. Meanwhile, Sakurako has been supporting her family since her father's company went bankrupt, yearning to break free from this burden by getting married. Their relationship is not based on pure feelings, but rather on their individual desires and personal struggles.

The series follows the story of the main character "Zegen" as he pursues vengeance following his wife's tragic death. Li Xue Lan arrives in Japan to seek employment to cover her husband's medical expenses back in China. With Zegen's help, she starts working at a massage parlor in Kawasaki. Worried about her situation due to her temporary visa, he suggests a fake marriage with an older man. Inspired by Jou Tomioka's novel.

During a film and television awards ceremony, actress He Xiao Hui once again took home the award for best actress, marking a peak in her career. She quickly rose to fame with the media's coverage and the intense adoration of her loyal fans. However, He Xiao Hui's joy was short-lived as she stumbled upon images of her husband Zhao Zi Jian being unfaithful. Struggling to come to terms with this betrayal, the couple decided to part ways through a divorce. Little did He Xiao Hui know, there were sinister forces at play behind Zhao Zi Jian's decision to end their marriage.

The narrative revolves around three siblings from a typical household, each embarking on distinct life paths

Calvin and Christy, two skilled criminals, find themselves isolated in Wonderful Harbour Hotel for a week following the identification of a guest with H1N1 by the Hong Kong authorities. While at the hotel, the duo interacts with a police officer, a bellhop, a sex worker, a journalist, a notorious thief, and various affluent and less fortunate guests and staff members who form unlikely connections during their time in quarantine.

When Tamaki was young, her father passed away in a tragic accident and her mother disappeared, leaving Tamaki to care for her sick brother Ryota. Upon hearing of her mother's death, Tamaki hurries to the hospital only to discover that her mother had undergone a drastic transformation and had taken her own life. Finding solace in the hospital director's son, Kyosuke, Tamaki falls in love with him, only to later uncover that Kyosuke's father had an affair with her mother, leading to her mother's disappearance and suicide.

Based on Fujita Yoshinaga's book "March of Happiness, March of Sadness."

Shirase Mari and Endo Natsumi are both members of the orchestra, with Mari being a successful solo violinist and Natsumi quitting playing the violin after becoming pregnant and marrying a cellist in the orchestra. After 17 years, they coincidentally meet again and find themselves envious of each other's lives.

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.

Saijo Kinuka, a homemaker, resides in a Western-style house in Kamakura with her husband and two teenage children after inheriting it from her late father-in-law. She fulfills her dream of opening a flower arrangement school in the salon of her new home. However, her past resurfaces when her ex-boyfriend, Seno Itsuki, unexpectedly shows up at her housewarming party. Strange occurrences begin to unfold in the household, such as missing food and clothing, as it is revealed that Seno has been secretly living in the attic. This leads to the unraveling of hidden secrets among those close to Kinuka, ultimately impacting her mental state. The situation escalates when a murder occurs, drastically altering her fate.

Rugawa is an enigmatic individual who manages a video streaming platform known as Joker, where she generates income by uploading videos. She persuades Yanagi, a middle-aged man facing financial struggles after losing his job, to team up with her. Together, they produce videos that delve into controversial topics on Joker, such as the dark truths behind idol culture, fraudulent schemes targeting vulnerable elderly individuals, and matchmaking services disguised as legitimate businesses. Rugawa's audience is captivated by the intricate schemes she orchestrates, as she fearlessly exposes societal issues as a representative of online users. The question remains: what drives Rugawa to create such provocative content?

Tetsuo Tosu was shocked to discover that his daughter, Reika, had become a victim of abuse at the hands of her yakuza boyfriend, Nobuto Matori. Determined to uncover the truth, Tetsuo begins investigating Nobuto and his associates. However, while searching Reika's apartment for evidence, Tetsuo realizes that his daughter is not the only victim and faces a grim future. In a confrontation with Nobuto, Tetsuo ends up killing him in self-defense. With the help of his wife, Tetsuo conceals the body out of fear of retribution from the yakuza. Complicating matters further, Nobuto is the son of the mafia boss, making Tetsuo and his wife prime suspects in his disappearance. In order to protect their daughter from the dangerous yakuza and their relentless pursuit, Tetsuo and his wife must use all their cunning.