Asian dramas like
Shitamachi Rocket

Tsukuda Kohei used to lead the development of a space rocket but left the Space and Astronautical Science Agency due to the rocket launch failure. He now manages Tsukuda Manufacturing, a small factory in the historic downtown area. On the other hand, Teikoku Heavy Industries unveiled plans for a homegrown rocket launch during a press event. However, the project hit a snag when Zaizen Michio, the Aerospace Division's chief, discovered that the patent for the crucial engine component technology had already been filed by Tsukuda Manufacturing. In a desperate attempt to secure the patent, Zaizen offered Tsukuda 2 billion yen. But...

Murakami Shinsuke is an expert in corporate consulting specializing in personnel restructuring. He strategically guides employees towards voluntary retirement through one-on-one interviews. The storyline revolves around workers who are compelled to reflect on the significance of their jobs in the midst of impending layoffs. -- NHK

This story follows three generations of women from the Mikuriya family as they ponder the kind of life they want to live and tackle their challenges through saving money. Mikuriya Miho, the second daughter, recently moved out on her own after securing a well-paying job. She had aspirations of being a successful career woman with a loving partner, but a certain incident prompts her to reevaluate her path.

Shimako, an employee at a Tokyo travel agency, has a strong passion for Scandinavia. She resides in a cozy apartment filled with Scandinavian decor, cuisine, music, and various items that transport her to Finland. Unexpectedly, the company's president declares bankruptcy, prompting Shimako to deepen her affection for Finland.

Taeko is employed at a financial institution that is affiliated with a foreign country. She is tasked with reviving a small company that has recently been acquired. Taeko faces challenges from the employees of the company, who are focused on advancing geothermal power as a potential energy solution. Initially seeing her new role as a step down, Taeko commits herself to turning the small company into a successful venture. This story is adapted from Jin Mayama's novel "Maguma."

The television series is adapted from a blog authored by Baka Rhythm from 2006 to 2009, in which he assumed the identity of a female office worker named Kakuu Masuno. Masuno, who claimed to be employed at a bank, shared anecdotes about the daily emotions experienced by an office worker and those in her social circle.

Tsukuda Kohei, a former scientist at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, now manages his late father's factory. He is involved in the Stardust project for developing domestic rockets, which is led by a major Japanese company. One day, Kohei learns that the company's CEO will be replaced and the Stardust project will be terminated. Naohiro, an employee at Kohei's factory, cares for his sick father and tends to his farm every weekend. When Kohei and Mitsuhiko visit Naohiro, Kohei is inspired by seeing him drive a tractor, sparking a new aspiration within him.

Kotoha Ninomiya is employed in the general affairs division of a sweets company. Unexpectedly, she is instructed to switch to the public relations department, where she struggles. To add to her troubles, Kotoha Ninomiya discovers that Atsushi Imagawa, whom she has hidden feelings for, is preparing to wed another woman. The two have been close friends since childhood. Devastated, she attends Atsushi's wedding ceremony. During the event, she is touched by Kumi Kuon's congratulatory speech. Kotoha Ninomiya is renowned for her exceptional skills as a speechwriter.

Tomishima Heita has been employed by a construction firm for three years, initially working on construction sites before being moved to the sales department. He becomes entangled in bid-rigging schemes within the company and learns that his father's death was linked to similar illegal activities. Now faced with the decision of either exposing the wrongdoing as a whistleblower or shielding the company he is employed by.

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

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

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

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

Natsuko Miyamoto, a 48-year-old stay-at-home mother to two children (Hana, 20, and Kotaro, 17), is taken aback when her husband Akira, aged 54, reveals his plans to leave his job and pursue his passion for agriculture. Feeling motivated to find her own employment, Natsuko encounters obstacles due to lack of experience and her age. However, a surprising turn of events leads her to discover potential job opportunities at a disorganized supermarket. (DramaWiki)

At 40 years old, Tachibana Yuzuki has recently started working as a guide for mountain climbing. During her initial solo expedition to Mount Myoko and Mount Hiuchi, she encounters three women in her group: Yumi and Ritsuko, who are employed at a department store, and Mitsuko, who works at a welfare facility. Despite facing various challenges and personal issues, these novice climbers attempt to conquer the mountains under the guidance of Kijima, a younger colleague who is more experienced than Yuzuki. Extracted from the book "Yamaonna Nikki" penned by Minato Kanae.

Tajima resides happily in Tokyo with his wife Keiko, their daughter Mika, and son Ryota. Unfortunately, Keiko is diagnosed with terminal cancer and passes away within three months. Keiko was the light of the family, and her absence creates a void in their hearts. Tajima attempts to continue on as usual, but soon realizes it is futile. Upon his children's suggestion, they visit Kibougaoka, Keiko's hometown, to reminisce about her past. They visit Keiko's old, empty home, and Tajima proposes they move there. Mika and Ryota agree, and the Tajima family begins a new chapter in Kibougaoka.

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

In Ogikubo, Hachimanyama, Chitose Funabashi, Futako Tamagawa, Kaminoge, and Denen Choufu, Loop line 8 passes through these six towns. Despite the close proximity, passengers must transfer trains and take a longer route. In each of these towns, there are women who struggle with unfulfilled love, such as one-sided crushes, domestic abuse, and extramarital affairs. Similar to neighbors taking a detour, their relationships are loosely intertwined. Due to the complex nature of their connections, they only scratch the surface when interacting with each other, leading them to question their personal struggles. Despite their worries and comparisons, they strive to move forward.

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

In Headhunter, the narrative explores the shifting landscape of job security, moving away from the concept of lifelong employment. The film delves into the contemporary labor market, following Kurosawa (played by Eguchi Yosuke) as he navigates the world of talent scouting in the headhunting industry.

"Revitalizing Our Community" is a social drama set in a small town in Osaka, Japan. The local government is facing a financial crisis, with severely limited funds. They must decide which government sectors to reduce funding for and which to prioritize in order to sustain their town.

A noodle shop owner struggling with debt and his incredibly resourceful wife are facing financial difficulties while trying to support their five children. Despite their limited funds, they rely on humor and clever problem-solving to make ends meet. (JDorama)

Kami Daisuke serves as the primary aide to influential parliamentarian Tojo Yuji. His aspiration is to enter politics and bring about change in Japan, with Tojo serving as his role model for an honest politician. Despite his busy schedule, Daisuke's wife Kumiko remains supportive of his ambitions. One day, Daisuke is shocked to discover a memo supposedly signed by him indicating acceptance of a 50 million payment from a construction firm. Tojo, believing Daisuke betrayed him by taking a bribe, distances himself from Daisuke who now faces scrutiny from both law enforcement and the media.

Set in the late 1990s and early 2000s, this business drama unfolds during a time when the Japanese economy faced a downturn post the bubble burst. Traditional Japanese companies were now vulnerable to takeovers by foreign investors. Masahiko Washizu, a former Japanese bank employee turned New York-trained fund manager, returns to Tokyo with a mission to acquire Japanese businesses. Over the span of eight years, the story follows the journey of this relentless businessman, known as the "vulture," as well as the ambitions, challenges, and dreams of those involved in corporate acquisitions.

Following the success of its initial television run, the series Angels with Broken Wings, featuring scripts by Yoshi, garnered over 1,800 messages from viewers praising the show. Now, the series is returning for a second installment! In the latest installment of the popular Deep Love series created by Yoshi, viewers can expect four stories, including one that was not featured in the first installment and three brand new stories. This series is a must-watch for young individuals facing challenges and for their parents' generation. The four nights will feature the following stories: 1st night - Impulse (starring Satomi Ishihara), 2nd night - Confederate (starring Erika Toda), 3rd night - Time (starring Rosa Katoh), and 4th night - Merchandise (starring Karina).

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.

This series follows the lives of four women who are in their forties. Shifumi, an attractive woman, was known for stealing her classmate's boyfriend during high school. Despite facing criticism, she got married and had a child before eventually getting divorced. Currently, she is dating a younger man. The other three women from Shifumi's past include Makiko, a typical housewife, Neri, a doctor focused on her career, and Miwa, another housewife. Miwa is secretly involved with Keishi, Shifumi's ex-husband and the boyfriend she had stolen in the past. As the story unfolds, the hidden secrets and lies of these four women gradually come to light.

Detective Mizunuma, along with his younger sister Rie who works at a document office, and psychiatrist Kamijo who manages a psychiatric clinic, collaborate to carry out a fraudulent scheme in order to repay their individual debts of 200 million yen each. Their first target is Inokuma Real Estate, a company that has profited from Social Security Agency regulations. Upon discovering that the company owns unsold land in Atami, the trio devises a plan to create a fictitious Elderly Housing with Care business to deceive Inokuma Real Estate into selling them the land.

Narumi is a tranquil island, inspired by the real-life Hateruma Island, where the demand for medical assistance outweighs the need for law enforcement. Despite the initial reluctance of the inhabitants, Shirase Ryo, a police officer, is assigned to the island. Over time, he forms close bonds with the locals and assists them in resolving their issues and planning for the island's future. --Tokyograph

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.

Married life for Onodera Mariya took an unexpected turn when her husband Tatsuya disappeared suddenly. Feeling lost, she travels to a heart-shaped island in Okinawa that Tatsuya had mentioned before. Meanwhile, Tsuruta Kameko, a midwife in Tokyo, becomes disillusioned with the attitude towards abortion and hospital births among young women. After winning a lottery, she embarks on a trip around the world but ends up in Okinawa where she discovers a need for midwives. Determined to make a difference, she decides to establish a maternity hospital on the island. The paths of these two women from different generations cross in the southern islands, where they are welcomed by the locals with open arms, embodying the Okinawan saying, "If we meet by chance, we're all brothers and sisters."

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.

Apoyan is a story based on a novel by Shinno Takeshi that focuses on the individuals involved in international travel, including travel agents and airport staff. Endo Keita, an employee at JALPAK, was responsible for overseeing overseas package projects at the Head Office. However, he was unexpectedly reassigned to Narita Airport, where underperforming employees were typically sent to work at the counters assisting travelers. Feeling undervalued and unproductive, Endo contemplated leaving the company as his passion for creating tour packages seemed unappreciated. Despite initial reservations, Endo gradually finds purpose in his new role at Narita Airport, thanks to the support of his colleague Baba Hanae and by assisting customers with their travel concerns before departure.

Due to the impact of a robust yen, the worldwide financial downturn, and the competitive challenge posed by emerging economies, the Japanese manufacturing sector finds itself in a delicate position. A major electronics manufacturer is teetering on the edge of insolvency, with only a 3-month financial buffer remaining. In a covert initiative, three employees from the company - representing sales, finance, and production departments - collaborate to establish a reconstruction team and diligently strive to rejuvenate the company.

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

Ryo Ichinose is employed as a sales representative at a branch of Hashiba Electronics, a medium-sized electronics manufacturer known for its extensive history. Unexpectedly, he is instructed to relocate to the main office. Despite his lack of standout qualities, the newly appointed company president, Matsumoto, recognizes Ichinose's persistence as a salesperson and assigns him to a five-person team tasked with devising strategies to enhance Hashiba Group's management. Together, Ichinose and his colleagues travel to Vietnam to explore opportunities for reducing costs. During their time in Vietnam, Ichinose uncovers a bribery scheme linked to the contract work between the main office and the subsidiary, stemming from a new business initiative known as a licensing program, which has greatly impacted Hashiba Group. Determined to bring about change and align the company with ethical practices, Ichinose is committed to realizing not only his own aspirations but also those of his fellow team members.

Tatsuya Ikegami is employed by a real estate firm and is involved in a multi-billion yen urban development endeavor in the city of Sachio. In order to acquire the required land, Tatsuya must identify the landowners. To accomplish this, he conceals his true identity and becomes a member of the Sachio volunteer fire department. Here, he encounters fellow volunteer firefighters such as Sakura Azumi and Atsushi Goda. Initially, Tatsuya, who prioritizes results, struggles to connect with them, but eventually undergoes a change. Meanwhile, the rivalry between Tatsuya and his colleagues at the real estate company, who are advocating for an alternative project site, escalates.

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.

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.

In a period of economic instability in Japan, Masahiko Washizu heads a foreign investment firm and faces backlash for his aggressive investment strategies. He endeavors to acquire a struggling bank and another company during their financial downturn.

Shibano Takeo is known for his expertise in corporate restructuring. After the unexpected passing of his mentor, the renowned inventor Fujimura Tokio, Shibano transitions from a large electronics company to a struggling metal molding factory named Majitech. Facing the threat of bankruptcy, he is tasked with revitalizing the business. Despite feeling inadequate compared to Fujimura's daughter Asako, Shibano works alongside her younger brother Nozomu, Fujimura's trusted associate Okemoto, and other employees to rescue the factory. Meanwhile, a disgruntled Murao, with a history with Shibano, and an international investment firm called Horizon, make attempts to gain control of Majitech for their own motives.

Takeuchi Ryoma decides to take a break from shooting and decides to spend his leisure time visiting a spice shop. He informs the owner of his desire to prepare an extra spicy curry, prompting her to suggest some of her top spice picks. They collaborate to whip up a delicious curry just as a new customer walks into the shop. (jdramas.wordpress.com)

Sugisaki Hana, a well-known actress with a hectic schedule, finds herself with unexpected free time during a break from filming. Curious creators have taken the opportunity to explore a different side of Sugisaki Hana during her downtime. One day, while on a break from shooting, Sugisaki Hana discovers that her washing machine is out of order. With no other option, she heads to the laundromat, where she realizes she only has 1,000 yen bills and no change. As she steps outside to find some change, she comes across musician Mizuki (played by Kamishiraishi Moka) performing on the street. Intrigued, Hana purchases Mizuki's CD for 1,000 yen, leaving her with no money for the laundromat. She attempts to borrow some change from Gonda, a fellow customer, but...

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)

The Ishihara brothers have led remarkable lives - one serving as the former mayor of Tokyo, while the other has gained fame as a prominent actor. An intricate biography was crafted by the elder sibling as a homage to his younger brother, a revered figure in the Japanese entertainment realm.

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.