Asian dramas like
Taiwanese Opera Family

Three families from diverse backgrounds encounter difficulties when sending their children overseas for studies

Upon reaching 30 years old, Qi Zhi Fang, a kind and attractive woman, faced the tragedy of losing her husband, a firefighter who died while on duty. Amidst her sorrow, she discovered her husband's unfaithfulness, adding to her emotional turmoil. Struggling to care for her three children and enduring societal judgment, Qi Zhi Fang was faced with difficult decisions. Three men, drawn to her strength and independence, entered her life and impacted her in unexpected ways. Determined to secure a better future for her children and herself, Qi Zhi Fang embarked on a profound journey filled with challenges and growth.

The tale follows a family of five as they come to understand the true essence of family amidst a string of disputes. When Father Zheng unexpectedly falls ill and later wakes from a coma, he takes the opportunity to reflect on his actions and mend old wounds. In doing so, he aids his four children - a dedicated surgeon, a manager of a housekeeping company, an owner of an auto repair shop, and a spoiled youngest daughter - in discovering themselves, appreciating life, and embracing their true selves.

The plot revolves around the emotional and challenging journey of Xie Yu Jin, a widow, and her children during the 1990s. The eldest son, Bai Er Hei, is known for his honesty and integrity, and is married to the determined Chen Xiao Na. Bai Jie, the second son, is a former convict with aspirations for a better future, while the only daughter, Bai Yu, is a kindergarten teacher known for her candid nature.

Chen He Dong was raised as an orphan by Chen Jin Shui, who found him and brought him home. As he grew older, he learned different business tactics from the people around him. As an adult, he continues to develop his business skills by traveling across China. During his journeys, he encounters Lu Yu Zhu, who has a similar background, and Yang Shiu, a wealthy girl recently returned from overseas.

A new version of the 2005 family comedy series Happy Household follows the lives of two blended families navigating the challenges of living together. Siblings Jiang Nan, 25, and Jiang Bei, 22, find themselves in a unique situation when their parents divorce and divide their shared apartment. Jiang Nan and her mother Wu Qiong take the upper level, while Jiang Bei and his father Jiang Guo Li reside downstairs. Jiang Guo Li, 50, marries the 35-year-old gym instructor Dai Ling Ling, who has a son named Tong Tong. Wu Qiong, 49, ties the knot with Du Wei, a longtime idol of hers who is an actor. Du Wei has a daughter named Yang Yang, who is 12 years old. This arrangement leads to the two sets of parents and their four children living together under one roof.

The Luo household, a mixed family residing on Good Fortune Lane, is made up of a widowed father raising twins, a divorced mother with a daughter, and their young daughter from their union

The narrative begins with the unsuccessful rebellion in 1927, where Communist Party members Chen and his spouse sacrificed their lives to protect their fellow revolutionaries. Following their deaths, their three children excelled in the fields of Cantonese medicine, cuisine, and opera, gaining recognition throughout Guangzhou. Despite facing challenges during wartime, the siblings remained committed to their goals. After the crackdown on revolutionaries in Guangzhou on April 15, 1927, Chen and his wife, members of the CCP underground, bravely lost their lives, leaving their three children to be taken in by ordinary citizens. The eldest son, Chen Shan He, trained in medicine, while the second son, Chen Qing Wei, pursued a career as a chef, and the youngest daughter, Chen Li Xia, became an opera singer. Guided by their mentors, they became renowned in their respective fields. As they prepared to avenge their parents' deaths, war erupted in Guangzhou, altering their paths significantly. Chen Shan He fought against Japanese merchants for seven years to safeguard traditional Chinese medicine secrets and combat Japan's biological weapons. Chen Qing Wei, refusing to betray his country, moved to Hong Kong to promote Cantonese cuisine before returning to Guangzhou to assist his brother in aiding the people. Meanwhile, Chen Li Xia led her opera troupe during the war, honing her skills and navigating the challenges of their reality. Despite the hardships of war, the siblings remained steadfast in upholding their values and passing down their expertise.

In the upcoming series, "Love" will be a central theme that deeply impacts the emotions of the Imai family and their close companions

The challenges faced by teenagers are portrayed from the perspective of the protagonist, 15-year-old Yoon Seo. As her family unexpectedly expands with her father marrying Hoo En, who has a daughter from her previous marriage named Ah Ri, Yoon Seo slowly begins to comprehend and embrace the diversity in others.

Taking place in the 1910s, this follows the tale of Hanada Suzuko, a girl raised in a household that operated a bathhouse in the heart of Osaka. Suzuko developed a passion for singing and dancing early on and became a member of the Umemaru Girls Opera Company (USK) in Dotonbori. Through her exceptional singing abilities, Suzuko rose to fame during the postwar period.

The narrative centers around Im Chi Woo and Choi Jin Yoo as they seek their own fulfillment. Im Chi Woo never aspired to be the ideal daughter, daughter-in-law, or wife, yet she selflessly dedicates herself to her family's needs. Married to the immature Park Wan Seung, she juggles multiple part-time jobs to provide for her household. Despite her challenging circumstances, she continues to wear a smile and uphold her optimistic outlook. Choi Jin Yoo, a man who has gone through a divorce, is a father to a daughter. He works diligently and strives to maintain a positive life for her, but he faces a nightmarish situation.

Xia Dong Hai, a children's drama director who has been through a divorce, returns to Beijing from the United States with his young son Xia Yu (often referred to as "Little Yu") and daughter Xiao Xue (also known as "Little Xue"). He plans to settle down with Liu Mei, a divorced woman who has a son named Liu Xing from her previous marriage. Despite the unconventional family dynamics, the five of them live happily together in a modern flat in Beijing. The storyline follows the family members as they navigate through various challenges in life and work together to overcome them. This family structure deviates from the typical one-child policy in modern Chinese families.

Chen Mai Dong, once a rebellious young person, now works as a funeral makeup artist

Several years ago, Yu Xin's mother took in three babies who were born to female inmates on death row. Despite this hidden past, the family has always been very close and loving. After Yu Xin's mother is tragically killed in a homicide-related hit-and-run, Yu Xin sacrifices her opportunity to attend the prestigious Peking University in order to care for her younger siblings. She hopes that Yu Yue, Yu Huan, and Yu Le can overcome the challenges of their family history as they grow up and uncover the sometimes shameful, sometimes painful, and sometimes tragic truth.

The plot revolves around a family navigating complex emotions and their dedication to the world of opera. This drama is inspired by the experiences of a Beijing Opera Troupe in Hebei over the last two decades of reform and opening up. (Baidu)

After many years of dedication, Gu Xiao Meng, a talented high school teacher, and her husband, a designer named Lv Xiang, were able to purchase their own modest home. However, their new living situation became complicated when Lv Xiang's parents arrived in Beijing under the guise of a vacation, seeking medical treatment. Adding to the chaos, Gu Xiao Meng's mother, Liu Meiqin, and her younger brother, Gu Xiao Song, also arrived from Suzhou. Gu Xiao Song had been deceived by an agent in his pursuit to leave the country, resulting in him selling his house and leaving Liu Meiqin in the care of Gu Xiao Meng. With three additional family members now living with them, Gu Xiao Meng discovered she was pregnant, leading the couple to navigate a challenging life with their new responsibilities. Despite facing numerous obstacles in both their personal and professional lives, their unwavering commitment to love and family provided them with the strength to persevere. Through hard work and determination, they continued to strive for their ideal life.

In the second installment of the "Kids War" series, the focus is on the challenges faced by a blended family consisting of Haruko and Daisuke, along with their children Mari, Akane, Kenichi, and Hiroshi. Daisuke decided to leave his job due to company restructuring and is now pursuing a career as a judicial scrivener. Meanwhile, Haruko has returned to carpentry work after taking a break to care for the children. The family dynamics shift as Akane warms up to Daisuke as her stepfather, while Kenichi and Hiroshi gradually accept Haruko as their stepmother. However, tensions arise with Haruko's mother-in-law Tomoe and eldest daughter Rika, who are not pleased with Haruko's lack of experience in household duties.

After two years of their lottery win, Sugiura Haruka, Akiyama Keiko, and Kano Yuka have successfully navigated their families' financial crises and embarked on new beginnings. Despite their minimal lottery winnings, the three friends found themselves venting about their luck. When Yuka secured a new apartment, they all pitched in to help with the move.

In the sequel to "New Kids War," the story revolves around Otsuki Kaori, a teacher who eventually marries Kawai Hana's father. They now reside together with Hana and Yuta in their home. The arrival of Kaori's daughter, Momoko, and Hana's grandmother, Namie, to the Kawai household marks the beginning of a fresh conflict.

Chiharu resides with her younger sibling Junpei. Aged 30, Chiharu is known for her humor and witty remarks. Junpei, on the other hand, is a caring brother who always looks out for Chiharu. When they return home from their respective jobs, they enjoy meals and drinks together while engaging in conversations about love, work, and their hobbies. This dynamic is depicted in the manga "Boku no Neechan" by Masuda Miri.

Scheme to educate a young woman in gardening, environmentally-conscious graduate students are dedicated to uplifting the community of indigenous youth and their ancestors by embodying their values, passion, and struggles.

In a serene coastal town in Chiayi, a well-regarded community figure named A Yu crosses paths with the wayward A Rong, who has returned after a prolonged absence. Their unexpected reunion during the lively temple festival takes a turn for the worse when A Rong, trying to evade his debtors, accidentally drops crucial camera film into the ocean. Forced to redo the lost photographs, A Rong reluctantly agrees to work alongside A Yu.

Chun Mei is experiencing a challenging period in her life, grappling with the stresses of getting older and facing the realities of her situation. Despite outward appearances of success, with her son excelling in school, her husband Wei Qiang thriving as a professor, and a potential promotion on the horizon, Chun Mei is struggling internally. Things take a turn for the worse when Wei Qiang disappears suddenly, leading Chun Mei to suspect him of being unfaithful. Upon his return, he shocks her by requesting a divorce.

The series "New Kids War" follows the story of Otsuki Kaori, a primary school teacher who is transferred to a new school after an incident involving bullying

Tsukioka Natsu, aged 28, is employed at a printing company based in Tokyo. Upon learning of the passing of Nagumo Mizuki, Tsukioka Natsu reflects on their past romantic involvement during their time at university. Following Mizuki's sudden decision to end their relationship and subsequent disappearance, Tsukioka Natsu lost contact with her for a period of 7 years. Attending Mizuki's funeral, Tsukioka Natsu encounters a young girl named Umi, who is revealed to be Mizuki's daughter. It is then disclosed by Mizuki's mother that Umi is also Tsukioka Natsu's daughter.

In order to fulfill her father's request and uncover her heritage, Dai Tian-qing sets off on a trip throughout Taiwan where she encounters love and redemption. (Netflix) Inspired by Taiwan's railway system.

Taking place in the bustling financial hub of Shanghai, this television show follows the lives of three distinct families as they grapple with the emotional toll of sending their children overseas for a superior education.

The narrative revolves around the intricacies of family relationships within a contemporary martial arts clan. Mei Chao Ying, a traditional Kung Fu expert, and Ren Xiao Xuan, her daughter-in-law, are at the center of the story. Xiao Xuan, a dancer with aspirations of being in the spotlight, finds herself content with the simple joy of dancing daily. Despite facing challenges in her career, Xiao Xuan is a hopeful newlywed eager to embark on a new journey. However, her husband disappears during their honeymoon, leading her suspicious mother-in-law to believe she is involved. As they navigate through the ordeal, the mother and daughter duo realize their true adversary is Huang Shu Lang, a returning relative aiming to take over the family's heritage.

In this comedic urban drama, we follow the journey of Jiang Deshun, the head of the "Yishun Baishun" online company. Despite his extensive family and various challenges, including internal conflicts and financial burdens, Jiang strives to revive his struggling business. Through overcoming these obstacles, he realizes the importance of reconnecting with his family and addressing past issues in order to achieve true happiness.

Jiang Xiao Yu and Zhao Zuo Zuo decide to get married before graduating to stay together. However, their rushed marriage faces challenges when Zhao Zuo Zuo becomes pregnant unexpectedly. Tragically, they lose the child, causing them both immense emotional pain and leading to their eventual breakup.

Yu Yang, a well-respected former school principal, has a strong love for traditional Chinese culture and values family above all else. His oldest child, Jack Wu, earned a degree in journalism and now works as an editor for a magazine. Jack is known for his inquisitive nature and occasionally disagrees with his father on social matters. With a 40-year age gap, Yu Yang and his daughter, Zoie Tam, struggle to connect due to their differing perspectives shaped by different generations. Yu Yang also finds it challenging to adapt to the fast-paced changes brought by modern technology. Luckily, his daughter-in-law, Elaine Yiu, effectively manages the household as a devoted mother and wife. As their son grows, the family faces tough decisions regarding his education, leading to heightened emotions for all involved. The show delves into key issues affecting Hong Kong residents, such as education, housing, an aging population, youth competitiveness, Mainland China relations, and immigration trends. Through each episode, the series realistically portrays these challenges, striking a chord with viewers.

Three women, each at a different point in their lives, are looking to start fresh in a new country for various personal reasons. Faye, who got married young, recently discovered her husband's infidelity. Seeking a change of scenery, she pays a visit to her closest friend in Taipei with the intention of finding a new partner to settle down with. Meanwhile, Lydia and Leo, a married couple who were both successful in their careers, decided to leave their high-paying jobs in Hong Kong and relocate to Green Island to manage a hotel. Despite their initial admiration for the laid-back lifestyle on the island, they face challenges as Lydia's perfectionism clashes with the business setbacks caused by the pandemic, leading to tensions with local partners and conflicts with Leo. Lastly, Yvonne, an art teacher working on a temporary basis in Taipei, receives news that her contract will not be renewed. Worried about readjusting to the fast-paced life in Hong Kong, she is determined to find a way to stay in Taiwan with the help of her colleagues Shun Wan and Yu Shan. However, Yvonne must confront her true motivations for wanting to remain in Taiwan.

After losing her mother, a high school student named Marimo embarks on a journey to meet her estranged father, Shinpei, whom she had never known. To her surprise, Shinpei turns out to be a 38-year-old aspiring private detective, very different from the father she had imagined. Despite initial disbelief, Shinpei eventually accepts Marimo as his daughter after seeing the necessary documents. As they navigate their newfound relationship, Marimo labels Shinpei as "The worst father in the world" while Shinpei mourns the loss of his freedom. Together, they discover the challenges and rewards of building a father-daughter bond.

The central theme of this television series revolves around the connections between parents and children, as well as between spouses. It delves into the complexities of love, the essence of life, and the pursuit of genuine happiness. The protagonist is taken by surprise when his wife suddenly expresses her desire for a divorce, despite his belief that he was a devoted husband. Without providing a reason, she packs her things and leaves, leaving behind their 7-year-old daughter. This leaves the man to navigate life as a single parent to Rin, their daughter, amidst an uncomfortable atmosphere at home. Struggling with unfamiliar household responsibilities and the care of Rin, Tetsuro grapples with feelings of anger and stress, all while being unsure of his daughter's emotional state.

Hiraki Asuka has been given a terminal cancer diagnosis with only three months to live. She decides to reconnect with her daughter and ex-husband, whom she had previously left behind, in order to make the most of her remaining time and rekindle their relationships.

The unique title "Panda" refers to a panda outfit worn by the main character, a 29-year-old woman known for her talent. She was once praised as a child prodigy actress and had successful songs as a singer, but her career took a different path after turning 20. Nowadays, radio DJs and TV show hosts wear panda costumes, while she remains attached to her favorite song. She falls in love with a younger man at a cake shop in her neighborhood and they marry, pledging to pursue their dreams as a singer and pastry chef. However, their newlywed bliss is disrupted when her older sister and three children move in, causing challenges in their relationship. The drama follows the couple as they navigate the early hurdles of marriage, exploring themes of family, love, and life through the eyes of a talented woman married to a bakery owner.