Asian dramas like
The Asayama Family

Wang Xiao Feng's tranquil existence was disrupted by a sudden and extraordinary journey. This experience lifted him out of his mundane routine and introduced him to a mysterious power that allowed him to traverse different dimensions. The unconventional and innovative "Lele Primary School" captivated Wang Xiao Feng, sparking a newfound sense of joy and wonder within him. As he encountered the eccentric inventions of Dr. Wu Zhi and the unconventional approach of the school's staff, Wang Xiao Feng felt compelled to bridge the gap between his old life and this new, fantastical world. His father, usually preoccupied with work in the "Kuai Kuai World," transformed into a devoted stay-at-home dad in "La La World." Similarly, seemingly ordinary individuals in "La La World" revealed unexpected talents and quirks, such as Ada, who traded her efficient demeanor for a fascination with ants. The once stern principal emerged as a whimsical and optimistic figure in this alternate reality. Amidst these transformations, Wang Xiao Feng's encounter with the enigmatic Xu Wen Wen in Lele World sparked his curiosity and thirst for adventure. This drastic shift from his previous unremarkable existence propelled Wang Xiao Feng into an extraordinary and enchanting journey.

Yakushimaru Hiroko portrays Nanami, a 35-year-old woman who is navigating her desires and needs, such as finding a job, improving her relationship with her mother-in-law, and securing good schools for her children. She resides in a Tokyo suburb with her husband Wataru and their three young kids. When Wataru's father proposes that they move in with him and his wife to save money, Nanami reluctantly agrees, hoping that her mother-in-law can help care for the children while she seeks employment. Unbeknownst to her, this decision will bring about a host of unexpected challenges.

Miyuki, a 34-year-old Japanese homemaker, lives with her husband who works as a salaryman and their son. Despite feeling like her dream has come true, she secretly grapples with the realization that her life depends entirely on her husband. On the other hand, her childhood friend Sumiko, a single woman who was recently promoted to a managerial position at a large company, enjoys a high salary and independence but struggles with loneliness. Meanwhile, Yu, who is approaching thirty, still lives with her father and relies on him for support. Feeling lost and unsure of her aspirations, Yu is uncertain about her future. When Miyuki encounters an elderly woman she is caring for as part of her part-time job, the woman unexpectedly leaves her a beach house upon her passing. It turns out that the elderly woman was Yu's grandmother. Initially unsure of what to do with the property, Miyuki ultimately decides, with encouragement from Sumiko whom she reconnects with after two decades, to turn it into a business venture. As Sumiko and Yu also become involved as partners, tensions arise as each of them has conflicting ideas for the beach house.

Hikari is responsible for looking after her ailing mother and two younger siblings. They receive the news that their father, who had been missing, has passed away and left them with a significant debt of 10 million yen. The family, already struggling financially, is left with no money or food. In order to repay the debt, Hikari secures a job as a cleaner at UBS TV company. Meanwhile, Masako Nagai, a drama producer at UBS TV, faces challenges at work due to sexist colleagues. After a chance encounter at UBS, Masako recognizes Hikari's creative talents and hires her as an assistant producer, despite facing opposition from her coworkers. Hikari is motivated by the opportunity to provide for her family and pay off her father's debt, while Masako aims to earn respect at UBS by excelling in her role as a drama producer.

The Isawas are a typical Japanese family living in Tokyo. Yasuhiko and Yukari are a married couple who run a restaurant called Isawaya in the historic downtown area. Despite their differences, they are a content pair. However, the arrival of Takagi Rui, the girlfriend of their eldest son Haruhiko, and Yukari's long-lost mother Mimatsu Hanae, who has been estranged since divorcing her husband, bring to light a hidden secret within this multi-generational family, putting their family bonds to the test.

After Nagashima Daigo and Aya's three sons got married and moved out, Aya decided to renovate the kitchen and living room to open up Cafe Restaurant Aya. The restaurant has been successful, with Daigo also pitching in whenever he can. As former employees Uchida Yoko, Otake Noboru, and Nakatsu Eri moved on, Aya welcomed Nakano Kyoko, a unemployed graduate with an attitude, and Togawa Tatsu, a customer in need. Despite their challenges, Tatsu proves to be a skilled cook and great with customers, much to Aya's relief. Things take a turn when Noboru shows up with his dropout junior, Okumura Ryo, who is struggling to find his way. Ryo's unconventional appearance and behavior at the restaurant come as a shock to Aya and the rest of the staff. The Nagashima family is once again facing challenges with their new employees.

Located in Kamakura, in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, the story revolves around five siblings, with the eldest being Asa, each dealing with their own challenges. Upon returning to Japan from Italy, their 60-year-old mother Fuko brings her bright and grandiose personality back into their lives. Despite facing disagreements with Fuko, the mother ultimately guides her five children towards a fresh start.

Umeda Mina, a talented pianist, comes from a family with a renowned conductor as her father. Her goal is to win a prestigious international piano competition, despite facing numerous obstacles along the way. At 35 years old, this competition marks her final opportunity to achieve her dream. Mina has been married to her husband, Shinji, for a decade, yet they have been unable to have children. One day, a neglected boy with a stoic demeanor intrudes into their yard. After discovering the boy's abusive past, he is placed in a care facility. However, he reappears in their garden a few days later. Feeling a sense of destiny, Shinji begins researching child adoption in secret, believing the boy's return to be fateful.

The play explores the conflicts and significance within a family as experienced from a child's perspective.

A theatrical piece that delves into the essence of family, examining the unwavering commitment and enduring affection parents hold for their children, who remain perpetually unsatisfied yet continually yearning for additional fulfillment.

The play illustrates the experiences of individuals caring for an abandoned infant collectively in a countryside community located in Paju.

Individuals who have chosen an entirely unique route for forming connections and relationships often develop bonds that can be more profound than those found within family. Two distinct individuals start to share their journeys together as they navigate the final stages of life. (HanCinema)

A three-part drama commemorating the launch of the general service channel, Chosun TV.

This touching family story focuses on individuals facing different life decisions, such as reevaluating goals and careers, tying the knot, or embarking on a new professional path

Eri and her family encounter a fresh challenge when they learn that Keibun, the father of the Kohaguras, has used up their entire savings. Keibun, known for his pleasant demeanor but inconsistent behavior, refuses to disclose the details of his spending, causing his wife Katsuko to leave him in exasperation. At the same time, their grandmother, Obaa, unexpectedly becomes ill.

Nozomi, a Taiwanese woman, is married to Shinji, a Japanese businessman living in Taipei. Their relationship takes a turn when Shinji is required to go back to Japan to manage the family estate. This leads to a conflict between Nozomi and her mother-in-law. (groink)

Every parent dreams of their children growing up and becoming independent, no longer relying on them for support. This was also the case for retired professor Tameyama Kazuo, who had five daughters, both married and single, who were all strong-willed and independent. Despite expectations, Kazuo actually wanted to bring his entire family back together under one roof. Despite his daughters' objections, Kazuo used his retirement savings and money from a cancelled insurance policy to search for the perfect home in a prime location in Tokyo, close to a good school for his grandchildren and with easy access to transportation. Against all odds, he found a beautiful home and moved in with all nine family members. However, as they settled in, they discovered that the house had some costly surprises of its own.

Since relocating to Kohamajima, Eri and Fumiya have been operating a small health center from their home. This endeavor has brought them closer to their goal of establishing a local clinic and has inspired Fumiya to seek further training in the medical field. Despite Eri's initial hesitation, she agrees to move back to Tokyo with Fumiya as he pursues certification. In Tokyo, Eri discovers a new passion for home nursing and decides to return to the nursing field.

Atsushi Yajima, a father of three children and a husband, should be heading home after work to assist with household chores and bond with his kids. However, he chooses to socialize with friends and engage in flirtatious behavior with other women instead. Everything changes when Atsushi's wife unexpectedly passes away, leaving him to take on the role of a single parent. Now faced with all the responsibilities that come with parenting alone, the question remains: will Atsushi rise to the challenge or will he seek to pass on these duties to someone else?

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.

Eri was puzzled by Keitatsu's sudden disappearance before his wife Shoko gave birth. Fumiya's demeanor towards Eri became unexpectedly harsh. In her illness, Mihoko asked Eri for recommendations on a good place to care for her daughter Aiko. Eri made the decision to bring Aiko to Ippukan, where she was warmly received by the residents and enjoyed a meal prepared by Mizue. Aiko suddenly began to cry and rushed out to find her mother.

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.

Following the passing of his father-in-law, Akiyoshi Hiromasa is urged by his wife and mother-in-law to take over his father-in-law's role and run for mayor. Hiromasa accepts the challenge and successfully wins the mayoral election. Despite being a new mayor, he initiates various reforms while also dealing with personal family issues. Throughout this journey, Hiromasa discovers his authentic self.

Thirty-four-year-old Yoshioka Toko was diagnosed with breast cancer two years after giving birth to her second child. Unfortunately, surgery is not an option due to her terminal condition, although her life expectancy remains uncertain. Toko is determined to stay strong for the sake of her son and daughter, despite facing moments of fear and anxiety. Shortly after Toko's diagnosis, her husband Kenichi learns that he has end-stage lung cancer. Despite their limited time left, the Yoshioka family continues to hold onto their dreams, never losing their sense of humor and their love for each other.

Hitomi Ashizawa, also known as Karina, holds the position of team leader at a real estate company. She is currently in a relationship with a doctor and was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor, 100 days before her scheduled wedding. Despite not having been in contact for 28 years, Hitomi's mother suddenly reappears in her life. With her cheerful demeanor, Hitomi's mother provides her with support and motivates her to maintain a positive outlook on life.

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.

Tomikawa Yosuke is wedded to Mizuki. They share a daughter named Shiori and a son named Ko. Yosuke holds the position of general manager in the human resources department of a sizable corporation, whereas his spouse is employed as an educator at a private junior high school. Their daughter is employed as a creator of jewelry and their son is currently seeking employment. Although they may seem like a harmonious family, an unexpected event causes their familial unit to unravel.

Seven years after disappearing, Isoyama Takeshi has returned home and now runs a struggling bakery with his wife Seiko and daughter Nanami. The only bright spot is Nanami's engagement to Shirogane Masaya, the son of a wealthy family. However, Masaya's father disapproves of Isoyama's financial status and wants to end the engagement. One day, Isoyama reconnects with his old friend Kurebayashi, who asks him to deliver something to someone. During a night spent in his car, Isoyama meets Meguro Yuki, who is seeking to escape her father's abuse. To help her, Isoyama pretends they are father and daughter and together they flee Tokyo.

Tenko manages a guesthouse by herself, situated in a wooded area in Nagano abundant with Japanese larch trees

The Tachibana family is at the center of the story, residing in a 2.5-generation household. This unique setup involves parents and their children living together in a two-generation home, with the addition of a single sibling from the younger generation. The decision is made by the Tachibana family to renovate their old residence into a 2.5-generation household. As a result, the 40-year-old protagonist, Masaharu Tachibana, who is unemployed and reclusive, moves in with his sister and her family. Despite being a respected gaming expert in the virtual world, Masaharu encounters difficulties in his new living arrangement. His sister requests his assistance with household tasks, while his teenage niece views him as "weird." Accustomed to living life at his own pace, Masaharu gradually adapts to socializing with others and embracing a more interactive lifestyle in the midst of these changes.

The story unfolds in 1988, centering on Kang Man Ho, a stuntman in his early thirties. After a brief encounter with a pianist named Lee Hyun Jae, Man Ho finds himself faced with the responsibilities of fatherhood as he learns to care for his son and make sacrifices for him.

Using the term 'family', a father gets ready to bid farewell to his loved ones. (TMDb)

The show is a comedic series centered around a family known for their extreme frugality

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.

Residing in a quiet neighborhood in Setagaya, Kadokura Kumiko leads a seemingly ordinary life with her husband Kazuhiko, their two daughters Misaki and Yuzuki, and her mother-in-law Masako. However, everything changes when news of an imminent meteorite strike set to destroy all life on Earth within six months reaches them. Kumiko realizes that she cannot face her final moments without being true to herself, as there is someone else she desires to be with. This revelation shocks her family, leading to a chain of events that unravels long-held secrets and hidden desires among them all.

The play portrays the joyful lives of a cluster of youngsters led by Ma Xiao Tiao, sharing amusing anecdotes involving their parents, teachers, and peers. It mirrors the everyday experiences of modern children with a focus on psychological authenticity, promoting the natural essence of childhood, nurturing innocence and curiosity, examining the disconnect between the adult and child realms, and encouraging empathy and dialogue to cultivate a wholesome, balanced, and idealized childhood.

This tale revolves around the ordinary lives of individuals, exploring the complexities faced by two generations. It delves into their experiences of happiness, sorrow, love, and animosity, as well as common psychological challenges. Wei Na, a psychological counselor, could have enjoyed a harmonious marriage with her tennis coach husband Situ Xia like other newlyweds, but a sudden tragedy alters their lives. In addition to managing her disabled husband's mood swings, Wei Na must navigate the overbearing presence of her mother-in-law, Feng Qiu Xia. Meanwhile, full-time homemaker Fang Xiao Yu grapples with self-doubt, fearing that her esteemed lawyer husband Shao Yong Kang is being unfaithful. Simultaneously, Shao faces scrutiny for accepting a bribe from a client, leading to intense pressure to potentially lose his lawyer's license. To shield his wife from stress, he keeps this information to himself, exacerbating her anxiety.