Asian dramas like
Shijukara

Based on the manga series "Ashita, Who Will I Be Someone's Girlfriend?" by Ano Hinaa.

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

Setsu and Chisato have been close friends since their high school days. Setsu pays a visit to the dining bar where Chisato is employed. Setsu, a shoe designer, is feeling uncertain about a temporary job offer she received from an Italian workshop. Despite Setsu's lover Hirai Tamotsu's wife discovering their relationship, Hirai insists they will continue to be together. Setsu's previous marriage ended due to her pursuit of perfection, and she now finds solace in her relationship with the carefree Hirai. While Chisato listens compassionately to Setsu's situation, she is dealing with her own husband's unfaithfulness. Chisato's husband Mitsuru, a well-known photographer, has a history of extramarital affairs. However, Chisato has a gut feeling that his current affair may be more serious. She is haunted by thoughts of her family being in danger while she is away. Meanwhile, Setsu is faced with an unexpected turn of events.

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.

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)

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.

Since marrying her husband, Jun decided to leave her job and become a homemaker. She has been happily married to Takeyori for the past 8 years, but they have not been intimate for 5 years and do not have any children. Despite expressing her desire to start a family, her husband refuses to discuss the matter. In an attempt to lift her spirits, Jun decides to return to work as a contract worker. One day, she catches a glimpse of her husband, Takeyori, walking with another woman.

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.

When Shiho Nishina became concerned about her intimate relationship with her spouse, he suggested the idea of attending a couples' swap event. Initially hesitant, Shiho eventually agreed after her husband's persistence. She reluctantly agreed, insisting they would only observe. Meanwhile, a couple exchange club called "Aquarium" was managed by a former diplomat, Mr. Kubozuka, and his wife. Initially cautious, Shiho was gradually drawn to the charm of the Kubozuka couple and decided to swap partners with them. Their initial happiness soon turned into a nightmare, revealing unforeseen consequences.

Since childhood, he has harbored feelings for the girl next door, who is a decade his senior. However, despite the years that have passed, he remains trapped in the role of "the younger brother who feels like family." Just when he was ready to relinquish hope, a romantic rival emerges, reigniting his determination. He resolves to pursue her more assertively! After a decade of unreciprocated affection, things finally begin to change!

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.

Wako, a woman in her thirties, finds herself drawn to a high school student named Yumeaki, even though she is unhappy with her current relationship. This story is based on the manga "Koi no Tsuki" by Nitta Akira. (Netflix)

This tale revolves around Akira Kuroiwa, a 15-year-old boy who is unfamiliar with love, and Hijiri Suenaga, his 25-year-old teacher. As the summer unfolds, Akira starts to develop feelings for Hijiri, despite her being engaged to someone living far away. The narrative tracks their journey over the span of multiple years. (animenewsnetwork)

At midnight, Sara logged onto a website and posted a message asking for someone dying to donate their heart to her daughter. In an Internet cafe, a young man responded to her plea by typing slowly on the keyboard. When Sara checked the website again, she was surprised to see a reply saying, "I am willing to donate my heart." This marked the beginning of a mysterious connection between the young man and single mother Sara. As their relationship developed, the young man's life came to an end. Was this the fate that awaited Sara all along?

Katagiri Sayo, an office worker at a prominent IT firm, is a firm believer in the idea that hard work will lead to success. Morimoto Miharu, a nurse, is beginning to lose hope in her long-standing relationship with her boyfriend Ryota. Yamashita Miwa, an office worker at a bank, struggles with low self-esteem and is quick to give herself up when asked. On the other hand, Matsuoka Akane, a confident company secretary with a mysterious past, exudes beauty that turns heads wherever she goes. These four women embark on a journey to find their life partners in pursuit of happiness. The government's covert organization, Peanut Butter Sandwiches, known for its matchmaking support, springs into action. Will these women, each with their own unique perspectives on marriage, find the encounters that will change their lives forever?

Riyo is a college student who has a part-time job at a retail store. One day at work, she meets a young man named Kairi who bears a striking resemblance to her long-lost older brother. Kairi, who struggles with insomnia, finds that his sleep improves when he is around Riyo. As they grow closer, Riyo discovers Kairi's diary and is shocked to read an entry that seems to implicate him in a murder. Determined to uncover the truth, Riyo must figure out if Kairi's confession is genuine or if there has been a misunderstanding. The question remains: has she unknowingly fallen for a killer?

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.

Following their deaths, a collection of individuals discover that they are now involved in the "Love Game," where they have the opportunity to begin their lives anew.

Following the closure of the company where SAKITA was previously employed, he decides to move back to his hometown in a smaller city to establish a new venture as the manager of an escort agency called "Fruits Delivery Service." This series revolves around a group of women who, due to financial struggles and difficult circumstances, find themselves working in this line of business. The show delves into the societal issues and challenges faced by these women, prompting viewers to reflect on how to address inequalities in society.

One afternoon, the intercom rings unexpectedly, catching Tanaka Yuka's attention

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.

Jang Mi Young was a content mother of two and happily married until she discovered that her husband was unfaithful. This revelation led to their divorce, resulting in her ex-husband and his new wife receiving custody of the children. Mi Young now faces the challenge of starting anew and revitalizing her career after spending years as a homemaker. Luckily, she has the support of a charming younger friend, Nam KyungSoo, who feels compassion for her situation and is eager to assist her in regaining her independence.

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.

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)

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.

Ogawa Akira, a student who has not passed the medical school entrance exams twice, is now attempting it for a third time. His parents, who both desire for him to attend medical school, are both doctors. One day, he meets the attractive hostess Kyoko and falls in love with her instantly. As a result, he joins the Ikebukuro nightclub where Kyoko works as the top hostess, taking on a role as a black-suited staff member. Akira, who is inexperienced and innocent, begins to understand the challenges of nightlife and undergoes a transformation.

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.

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.

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.

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

The plot of this television show explores the difficulties faced by couples who are in a long-distance relationship. Fang Zuo, a professor who has recently returned from studying in England, encounters Shi Nan, a 29-year-old woman who defies traditional gender norms. As they spend more time together, Fang Zuo discovers that Shi Nan was the one who rescued him from a car accident in the past. Over time, their relationship evolves from being adversaries to becoming romantic partners. (CdramaBase)

Kenta, a divorced man who recently left his job to work at his family's laundry business, reconnects with his former junior high girlfriend, Akehi, who is now a housewife in an unhappy marriage. Despite their respective situations, they find themselves drawn to each other again after attending an alumni reunion. Meanwhile, Kaoruko, a beautiful and intelligent woman who has lost trust in men due to a past failed relationship, no longer pays much attention to her appearance. Following the reunion, she becomes entangled with Ryosuke, a notorious playboy who has a history of short-lived relationships.

Narita Misao is a new employee at a company and has a dislike for her colleague, Ichikawa Kazuya, due to his straightforward nature. Despite this, a particular event causes Narita Misao to start feeling romantically towards him. Ichikawa Kazuya also begins to develop feelings for her, leading them to start a romantic relationship. However, Narita Misao later discovers that Ichikawa Kazuya is already engaged to his girlfriend, leaving her feeling perplexed and questioning his intentions.

Mayama Chisato, a 29-year-old woman, experienced the loss of her mother at a young age before marrying her college classmate Mayama Yuta, who is heir to a large corporation. Despite her love for Yuta, Chisato's life is far from wonderful as she is often treated like a housekeeper by him and his parents. After catching Yuta with his mistress, Mitsui Runa, Chisato confronts him and ends up getting hit by a car. She then wakes up in the body of Runa, vowing to seek revenge on Yuta in her new identity.

December Fever narrates the perilous romance between a married woman and a man on the brink of death. The plot features a woman who finds herself drawn to another man, along with the young suitor attempting to win her over, and the individuals pursuing them. The story explores themes of hypocrisy and double standards, highlighting those who make sacrifices for their families. Additionally, it delves into the relationship between a father and his ailing son, as well as the tensions involving their mothers-in-law. With its engaging and comedic characters, the narrative reflects the nuances of everyday life. (DramaWiki)

A 20-year-old man, feeling emotionally wounded, unexpectedly finds himself attracted to a 40-year-old woman while at a cafe. (Vigloo)

Even though Aoshima and Yukino are colleagues, they have never interacted before. Their first encounter happens by chance at a bar Yukino often visits, where they end up sitting beside each other. During the meeting, Yukino receives a call from a friend reminding her about a wedding she promised to attend with her supposed boyfriend. Panicking, Yukino reveals that they broke up six months ago. With the wedding approaching, Yukino asks Aoshima to pose as her boyfriend for the event, to which he surprisingly agrees. Little does Yukino know, Aoshima has a hidden agenda. As they act as a couple, Aoshima starts to develop feelings for Yukino, who had previously never caught his attention, while Yukino finds herself caught up with a younger tsundere boy. What will happen to their "contract love"?

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.

Making changes in both personal and professional life requires a great deal of bravery. Luo Xiao Fei is employed as a television commercial director under the supervision of Xiao Ye Shi, who is not only the owner of the advertising agency but also her romantic partner of half a decade. Despite feeling unsatisfied and overlooked in her long-standing relationship with Ye Shi, Xiao Fei struggles to shake things up in her life that could potentially affect her career. When she encounters An Qing Hui, a recent college graduate with a background in design, will he inspire Xiao Fei to listen to her heart and make bold choices?

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.

As a leader in the design department of a top fashion company, Ha Young Eun has established a strong reputation in the industry. While she excels in her work and is admired for her beauty and trendiness, Young Eun is known for her pragmatic approach to relationships, prioritizing stability above all else. Despite being perceived as cold-hearted by some, Young Eun is content with her life. However, everything changes when she meets Yoon Jae Kook, a successful freelance fashion photographer. Jae Kook, who is wealthy, handsome, and intelligent, captivates Young Eun in a way she cannot ignore. Their unexpected romance unfolds like a dream, but the question remains whether their story will have a happy ending or lead to heartbreak. (Viki)

Shuto is a successful and driven husband, while Narumi is an intelligent and attractive wife who excels at both her job and household chores. Despite appearing to be the ideal couple, Narumi desires a child, which Shuto views as a hindrance. To resolve this issue, he enlists the help of his coworker, Mizuki, to orchestrate an affair between Mizuki and Narumi in order to obtain a 1 million yen settlement through a divorce. Mizuki, who has always been interested in Narumi, agrees to the plan, and they quickly put it into action. However, Narumi becomes suspicious of Shuto's behavior and uncovers the scheme, discovering that his mistress is a younger coworker named Ririka. This sets off a chain of deceit between the characters, each with their own hidden agenda. Narumi aims to expose Shuto's affair to damage his reputation, while Shuto seeks to fabricate an affair and divorce Narumi. With the web of lies growing thicker, the ultimate outcome of their story remains uncertain.

An intense romantic tale showcasing the complexities of relationships between a young woman in college who works as a substitute girlfriend and the men who are drawn to them

Hayame's content married life is suddenly disrupted, leaving her without money or a place to live. Just when things seem hopeless, she crosses paths with Issei, a wealthy high school student she had once embarrassed. Watch as these two very different worlds clash in an unexpected Cinderella-like tale! (MyAnimeList) Based on the manga "Tachibana Oreko."

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.

Yuka Misaki, daughter of flower shop owners, starts a relationship with college student Akio Asami. However, they lose contact after an accident. One year later, they unexpectedly reunite. Yuka still works at her father's shop, while Akio is now a high school teacher. On January 7, makeup classes are being held for struggling students, including popular Tadashi Otomo and delinquent leader Sho Takamatsu. Noriko Sekiya, a teacher in debt from buying luxury items, is giving the lectures. Yuka visits the school to collect money from Noriko, leading to a confrontation with Akio and a sudden earthquake.

Mia Kurihara is employed in the public relations division of a corporation. Her feelings develop for the vice president of the company, Kairi Miyoshi, when he assists her in locating her lost engagement ring while on a work trip. Mia is unaware of his identity until he joins the public relations team for training. As his mentor, Mia must collaborate with Miyoshi, who can be strict yet also kind-hearted. Over time, Mia finds herself drawn to him, despite Miyoshi being married.

Hama Shoko, aged 32, is a single woman working as a contract employee. Despite her lack of success in romantic relationships and not currently having a boyfriend, she desires to tie the knot. In her quest for a life partner over the past couple of years, she has been unsuccessful. Frustrated by her lack of success, Shoko decides to embark on a solo journey. While aboard the plane, she encounters a charming younger man. Later on during her trip, she unexpectedly runs into the same man. Shoko fabricates a story about being a married woman when speaking to him. The man suggests they have an affair during their time together.