Asian dramas like
Tenchijin

The 45th NHK Taiga Drama, titled Komyo ga Tsuji, follows the story of Kazutoyo who lived during the final years of the Sengoku period (1546-1605). He was the inaugural feudal lord of the Tosa domain located on Shikoku Island, and served under Nobunaga Oda, Hideyoshi Toyotomi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. His wife, Chiyo (1557-1617), was renowned for her loyalty and commitment to her husband, much like Matsu was to Toshiie in Toshiie to Matsu. Chiyo was the daughter of a samurai who was in the service of the feudal lord Asai.

NHK's 55th taiga drama series focuses on the life of Sanada Yukimura, who was born into a family of modest means in Shinsu (now Nagano Prefecture). Despite facing challenges during the Sengoku period, he used his intelligence, bravery, and hard work to become a highly respected samurai. During The Siege of Osaka, Sanada Yukimura built the fortress known as "Sanada Maru" near Osaka Castle, successfully defending against the larger army of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

The 46th Historical Drama follows the life of Yamamoto Kansuke, a brilliant strategist during the Civil War era in the 16th century. Kansuke serves Takeda Shingen and strives to unite the country by assisting the ruler of Kai. Additionally, Kansuke supports Shingen's mistress, Yu, showing unwavering love to a woman who initially despises the warlord responsible for her father and family's deaths. Through Kansuke's tactics, Shingen extends his influence to the north, setting the stage for a clash with Kenshin Uesugi, the ruler of Echigo. The series depicts the struggles of individuals pursuing their aspirations in a tumultuous historical period.

Fumi marries Genzui Kusaka and remains resilient during the tumultuous final days of the Tokugawa shogunate, striving to uphold the ideals of her older brother and intellectual, Shoin Yoshida.

The 50th NHK Taiga drama is titled Gou, which centers around the life of Gou, who was married to the second Tokugawa shogun Hidetada. Gou was the third daughter of the daimyo Azai Nagamasa and was related to Oda Nobunaga through marriage. Her sisters were married to Toyotomi Hideyoshi and daimyo Kyogoku Takatsugu. (Tokyograph)

The 39th NHK Taiga Drama is titled Aoi Tokugawa Sandai. This series, written by James Miki, follows the story of three generations of the Tokugawa family, starting from its founder Ieyasu to Iemitsu, the third Shogun who strengthened the Tokugawa dynasty. (DramaWiki)

In July of 1590 in Odawara, Toyotomi Hideyoshi's army besieged Odawara Castle for more than three months in an effort to overcome the final barrier to unifying the country. A lone figure stood before the castle gates, urging the defenders not to sacrifice their lives and to cherish life. Soon after, the castle surrendered, with the man known as Kuroda Kanbee at the forefront. Kanbee, a skilled military strategist, collaborated closely with Hideyoshi in the campaign for unification. Born into a modest family that had relocated to Harima, Kanbee earned the trust and reliance of his mentor, Kodera Masamoto. At the age of 22, Kanbee assumed leadership of the Kuroda clan, marrying Masamoto's daughter, Teru, in the process. Although they had a son together, Kanbee, seeing that Teru was unable to conceive again, decided to adopt young children of his vassals as his proteges, forming the "Kuroda's warriors". By the time Kanbee turned 30, a rising lord was making strides towards unifying Japan, setting the stage for a showdown between Oda and Mori Terumoto in Harima. Kanbee was drawn to Oda's vision for unification and traveled to Gifu Castle to meet him, where he crossed paths with Toyotomi Hideyoshi. This encounter led to Kanbee becoming Hideyoshi's right-hand man, marking the inception of Gunshi Kanbee.

NHK's 56th historical drama series follows the Ii family's rule over the Totomi region during the Sengoku period. With no male heirs left due to previous conflicts, Naotora Ii, the lord's sole daughter, is set to inherit the title. Despite the challenges ahead, the unwavering support of her long-time betrothed provides Naotora with the strength to persevere.

The 44th NHK Taiga Drama revolves around the story of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, a military leader from the Minamoto clan of Japan during the late Heian and early Kamakura periods. Born in 1159, Yoshitsune was the ninth son of Minamoto no Yoshitomo, with his older brother Minamoto no Yoritomo being the founder of the Kamakura shogunate.

The 40th NHK Taiga Drama revolves around the life of Hojo Tokimune, a young shikken who played a pivotal role in defending Japan from Mongolian invasion during the 13th century. This gripping tale delves into themes of betrayal, clan conflicts, and the personal turmoil faced by Hojo Tokimune. The narrative primarily focuses on the dynamics between Tokimune and his brother Tokisuke, highlighting their differing perspectives and actions in response to Kublai Khan's invasion attempts. Political tensions drive a wedge between the two siblings, leading to a dramatic exploration of loyalty and power struggles.

"The Book of Five Rings" by Miyamoto Musashi, a renowned 17th-century work on strategy and leadership, gained popularity among business executives centuries later. Musashi, orphaned at a young age, honed his martial arts skills and fought on the losing side during the Battle of Sekigahara. Evading capture, he spent years traveling and mastering the sword. His reputation attracted challengers, including Sasaki Kojiro, with whom he engaged in a legendary duel at Ganryujima.

Akame Kotoji, a wandering samurai seeking revenge for his lord's stolen lances, settles in a tenement house owned by Kujiya Shouemon in Edo. Tajiri Tojiro, the chief retainer of the Mitsushima family, holds a grudge against Akame for the humiliation caused by the lance incident and sends Sudo Heihachiro to assassinate him. Akame meets Oryo, a lady-in-waiting at the Mizushima family mansion, through Shouemon, and initially rejects her request for help. However, he eventually decides to take up his sword again after being promised employment as the Mitsushima domain's fencing instructor if he defeats Akame. After a fierce battle with Sudo, Akame emerges victorious but is left with Sudo's infant son to care for. With the support of the tenement house residents and Oryo, who aspires to be a poet, Akame finds solace and begins to discover the true meaning of life as he navigates love and parenthood for the first time.

The series follows the life of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was born as Takechiyo on January 31, 1543 and passed away on June 1, 1616

The 47th NHK Taiga Drama follows the life of Atsuhime, born in Kagoshima Prefecture, which was known as Satsuma at the time. She married Tokugawa Iesada, the 13th shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate, and rose to the highest rank in Ooku, the inner palace of Edo castle where shogun's relatives lived. After Iesada's death shortly after their wedding, Atsuhime took on the name Tenshoin at 23. She dedicated herself to the Tokugawa clan and the nation during the tumultuous Meiji Restoration, led by individuals from Satsuma. In 1835, Shimazu Tadatake and Oyuki, of the Imaizumi-Shimazu family in the Satsuma clan, welcomed a daughter named Okatsu, who would later become Atsuhime. Growing up as a spirited and compassionate young girl, Okatsu watched as the Satsuma clan underwent financial reforms led by chief retainer Zusho and her father faced consequences for his kindness towards farmers. Unable to understand why her father was punished, Okatsu confronted Zusho.

The narrative takes place in 1946 and follows the conflict between a faction of PLA troops and illegal criminals in the Northeastern region

Taking place in Beijing during the early 1900s, three apprentice friends experience tumultuous lives

Based on Morimura Seiichi's book series "Assassin Contractor Series" ( ).

Based on Yasuhide Saeki's novel "Secret Life Revealed: The Enigma of Kasumi Kanzuki".

During the Bunka-Bunsei era, the culture of the townspeople thrives as the 11th Tokugawa shogun Ienari's close advisers engage in corrupt administration, leading to a decline in public morals in Edo. Discontent among samurai families and local businessmen grows due to the increasing hardships faced by ordinary town residents. In the dead of night, a whistle suddenly pierces the air. Nezumi Kozo, a heroic thief, effortlessly escapes across rooftops with a box containing 1,000 ryo, which he then scatters over a sleeping, rundown tenement house. Nezumi Kozo's true identity is that of Jirokichi, a playboy with a strong sense of justice who interferes in cases purely out of his desire to see the people of Edo happy. This narrative is inspired by the novel series "Nezumi, Edo wo Hashiru" by Akagawa Jiro.

The 63rd installment of NHK Taiga Drama focuses on the story of Murasaki Shikibu, a renowned Japanese poet known for her work "Tale of Hikaru Genji"

Derived from Wang An Yi's book "The Song of Eternal Regret."

The series explores the efforts of Communist Party of China members to rebuild Shanghai and revitalize its economy following the city's liberation in May 1949. It showcases how the Party utilized its knowledge, conviction, and solidarity to address various political, economic, and social challenges. Their effective leadership led Shanghai into a new era of peace, stability, and progress. Drawing from real historical events, the drama highlights the obstacles encountered by city officials during the first year post-liberation. Party members had to combat criminals and enemy spies in order to restore social order, political stability, and economic activities in the city.

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

In 1868, discussions between the shogunate and the new government lead to the agreement to hand over Edo Castle. Kakurai Hayato, a hesitant warrior from Owari supporting the government forces, is tasked with overseeing the smooth surrender of the castle. The only issue is a retainer named Matooya Rokubei who refuses to leave. Rokubei, a former guard of the shogun, remains seated and only moves to attend to personal needs. Due to promises made to Saigo Takamori and Katsu Kaishu, disputes within the castle are prohibited, making it impossible to remove Rokubei by force. As Kakurai spends more time with the man, he begins to develop a strange understanding and respect for Rokubei's traditional demeanor.

The narrative primarily focuses on the events surrounding the chase and elimination of the Chinese Expeditionary Forces Northeast Camp by the Japanese Army within the jungle spanning China and Burma

During the Edo period, Nagasaki grew into a cosmopolitan hub frequented by Westerners engaging in trade. Interpreters played a crucial role in facilitating negotiations and gathering information. In the 2nd year of Kaei (1849), a young man named Ijima Sota journeyed from Edo to Nagasaki in search of his missing father. Sota, known for his inquisitive nature, was learning English at a private school when he stumbled upon a revelation about his father. With the support of his friends, he devised a plan to uncover the truth.

The 41st NHK Taiga Drama, titled Toshiie to Matsu, explores the life of Maeda Toshiie during the chaotic Warring States Era. His journey intersects with the renowned generals of Japanese history- Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, and Ieyasu. Through his political acumen and the unwavering support of his devoted wife, Toshiie managed to climb to the second-highest position in the shogunate. He also expanded his territory to include Echizen, Noto, and Kaga.

Based on the book "Four Generations Living Together" by the author Lao She.

A detailed account of the life of Xiang Jing Yu, the lone woman among the founders of the Communist Party of China, is truly remarkable. She was the initial female to join the CCP Central Committee and served as the inaugural secretary of the Women's Movement Committee. Regarded as an exceptional leader, she was a shining example and a courageous figure. Xiang Jing Yu enrolled at the First Provincial Women's Normal School of Hunan in 1912. Following her graduation, she established the Xupu Women's School in her hometown. Subsequently, she embarked on a study program in France where she co-founded the "Xiang Cai Alliance" with Cai He Sen, who later became her spouse. Upon her return to China in 1921, Xiang Jing Yu was elected as a Central Committee member. She played a pivotal role in leading and organizing the May Thirtieth Movement in 1925. Despite the setbacks of the Great Revolution, she remained resolute in Wuhan. Unfortunately, she was apprehended and executed in 1928 at the age of 32.

This story revolves around Lady Kim, a cunning concubine, and the turbulent events that occurred during the reign of King Seon Jo to Prince Gwang Hae, marked by immoral acts and violence all in the name of safeguarding the throne. Prince Gwang Hae's immoral actions were not unique to the Joseon dynasty. In the pursuit of protecting the throne, a parent murdered their offspring, a brother killed another brother, and a wife assassinated her husband. However, their deeds were not simply immoral acts. It is conceivable that other kings would have behaved similarly to Prince Gwang Hae if faced with the same imminent threat to their rule.

Yae no Sakura recounts the tale of Niijima Yae, also recognized as Yamamoto Yaeko, who was born in the Aizu Domain in the final years of the Edo era. Proficient in artillery, she played a crucial role in defending Aizu during the Boshin War, leading to her being dubbed the Bakumatsu Joan of Arc. Following the war, she wed educator Joseph Hardy Neesima and embraced Christianity, aiding Neesima in establishing Doshisha University.

A youthful woman from Japan resides with a Chinese household following the conclusion of the Second Sino-Japanese War.

The 43rd NHK Taiga Drama is titled Shinsengumi!. Japan was abruptly awakened from centuries of isolation by the arrival of Commodore Perry's "Black Ships." This event sparked a desire for societal change among men who looked beyond Japan. As old traditions clashed with new ideas, an era of turmoil began. In the midst of this chaos, a group known as the Shinsengumi remained loyal to the traditional shogunate system, led by the charismatic captain Kondo Isami. Upholding the samurai code of honor, Kondo and his comrades such as Hijikata Toshizo, Saito Hajime, and Okita Soji are remembered for their courageous deeds. The NHK taiga drama vividly portrays the passion and valor of these men who lived through Japan's most tumultuous period in history.

The 49th NHK Taiga drama, titled Ryoma den, is set during the Bakumatsu era and centers around Sakamoto Ryoma, a prominent figure from 1835 to 1867. Ryoma played a crucial role in the efforts to dismantle the Tokugawa Bakufu, leading to the Meiji Restoration. Additionally, he was instrumental in modernizing the Japanese navy by adopting western technology, which greatly contributed to the success of the revolution.

Taking place in the Bakumatsu era, which marked the end of the Edo period, the story follows Sakai Banshiro, a samurai of humble origins. He decides to leave his family and serve at the lord's castle. By preparing dishes based on recipes from his wife, Banshiro brings comfort and solutions to the troubles of the people around him.

Based on Ba Jin's novel "Cold Nights," ( ) was the inspiration for this adaptation.

"A Leaf in the Storm" portrays the tale of two households and youthful romantics at the onset of the Sino-Japanese Conflict. Derived from Lin Yu Tang's book "Feng Sheng He Li."

Zhang Ming Tang, the son of the Zhang family, was a skilled soldier based in Tongren, Guizhou, during the era of the Republic of China. This information is sourced from DramaWiki and was inspired by the novel "Qinglang Street" written by Tang Yu Lin.

Following the conclusion of the First World War, a cohort of international students delved into the realm of mathematics at Princeton University in the tranquil nation of America. Among them were Chinese scholar Wen Wei Jun and Japanese student Shan Ben Kang Fu, who not only shared a dormitory but also a profound friendship. Their bond was tested when they found themselves entangled in a romantic triangle with their classmate Qing Tian Xiu, a Japanese young woman of exquisite beauty, intelligence, and noble lineage. However, as the shadows of World War II loomed over the horizon and tensions escalated between China and Japan, the former comrades, now seasoned code-breakers, were destined to become bitter rivals.

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

Onodera Ichiro, a 19-year-old who grew up in an Edo household, is urgently called back to his hometown following the accidental death of his father, who served as the head attendant for feudal lord processions. Ichiro belongs to the Makisaka family from West Mino, who, despite being vassals of the shogun with 7,500 koku, hold the esteemed status of feudal lords. Despite facing potential punishment for the fire caused by neglect, Ichiro is appointed as the head attendant due to the imminent departure of the procession. With no experience in this role, Ichiro risks the future of his family line. Feeling overwhelmed and without support, Ichiro decides to rely on the ancestral records of the processions, which his father protected at all costs, as he sets out for Edo. Unbeknownst to him, the procession has been manipulated to bring down the feudal lord and potentially destroy his family.

Niidekyo Jo oversees the operations at Koishikawa Yojosho, a medical facility situated in Koishikawa, Edo. He provides medical treatment to patients and shows concern for their personal issues. Known as "Red Beard," Niidekyo often clashes with the young doctor Yasumoto Noboru. As Yasumoto tends to a diverse range of patients, he gains insight into what it takes to embody the role of a true physician. This information is adapted from Yamamoto Shugoro's novel "Akahige Shinryotan."

During the Bunsei era (1818-1830), samurai families faced financial constraints. To alleviate their burden, households would hand over their finances to a traveling steward, who acted as a modern accountant and consultant. Karaki Ichibei specialized in managing the budgets of families in dire financial straits. Skilled in both the abacus and sword, Ichibei visited various homes to assist those struggling financially and facing adversity. This drama is divided into three parts: "Spring Wind" (Episodes 1-3), "Thunder God" (Episodes 4-6), and "Return Ship" (Episodes 7-9). (Jdramas Weblog)

During the 1930s in Chengdu, the Gao family held significant power and influence as a feudalistic household. Jue Xin, the eldest grandson, faced pressure to abandon his love for cousin Mei Fen and marry Rui Jue, a woman chosen by his parents. Following his father's passing, Jue Xin was tasked with continuing the family business as per tradition, a challenging responsibility that stirred up jealousy and deceit among other family members. Despite his grandfather's attempts to arrange a marriage with Mr. Feng's granddaughter, Jue Min defied expectations by running away. Meanwhile, Jue Hui and servant girl Ming Feng, who shared a deep connection from childhood, found themselves torn apart when Grandfather decided to give Ming Feng to Mr. Feng as a concubine.