Asian dramas like
The Black Company

University student Wakamizu Ryota, in the midst of searching for a job, becomes involved in a sudden conflict between rival gangs

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.

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.

In Hong Kong, Lam Mei Lan is determined to keep her grandfather's noodle shop despite redevelopment plans in the area. She crosses paths with Tao Tetsuya, a visitor from Tokyo tasked with caring for a friend's cats in the neighboring apartment. Together, they embark on a quest to uncover the secret to the perfect fish ball noodle soup. This collaboration between TVB and NHK was broadcasted in Hong Kong on TVB on September 6 and 13, 2008, and later on ATV on November 2, 2008.

In the drama "Tenshi no Wakemae," Arisa Mizuki portrays Kurumi, a 35-year-old woman who faces a sudden loss of everything in her life when her fiance absconds with all her belongings. With only 15,000 yen and some boxes of ohagi, a type of rice ball, Kurumi encounters a construction site where she decides to share the ohagi with the workers. Through the theme of food, the series follows Kurumi's transformation as she rebuilds her life.

Clients who depend on a solitary advertisement about a restaurant named Kamogawa Shokudo, end up there after remembering a particular dish. Located near Higashi Honganji in Kyoto, this unassuming eatery attracts individuals dealing with various troubles in their lives such as work, family, relationships, and more. The restaurant's waitress, Kamogawa Koishi, listens to customers' problems with genuine concern, while her father Nagare, a former detective, uses his keen observation skills to understand and fulfill their culinary desires. After enjoying the "food with memories" crafted by Koishi and Nagare, patrons leave Kamogawa Shokudo feeling inspired and rejuvenated, ready to face life's challenges with newfound courage and joy. This narrative is inspired by the book "Kamogawa Shokudo" written by Kashiwai Hisashi.

Sugiyama was once the top copywriter at a major advertising firm before leaving to start his own agency. Despite facing challenges, his new company in a struggling port town attracts clients with modest requests. This marks the beginning of Sugiyama's journey as a small advertising agency, as depicted in the novel "Hana no Sakura Doori" from the "Unibasaru Koukokusha Series" by Ogiwara Hiroshi.

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."

Sakuragi Ryota is a fresh online content creator who takes pleasure in exploring the world of ramen

Sakura Meme is a manga artist who wears a mask

The narrative delves into the distinctive occupation of food procurers who earn a living by sourcing items for a trade show, presenting a new viewpoint on regional specialty delicacies

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...

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.

Taking place in a secretive bakery that operates only during the late hours, the story will feature a cheerful proprietor, a pastry chef, and a skilled yet outspoken student. Working together, they will strive to achieve prosperity for their establishment.

Shimeshi tells the story of a special restaurant named "Le Bon Vivre" which caters to only one customer per day. Located in a hidden corner of a busy city, this restaurant specializes in serving "forgotten food." Securing a reservation at "Le Bon Vivre" is not easy, as the customer must be facing a pivotal moment in their life and request a dish that holds personal significance and is now only a memory. The team at "Le Bon Vivre" includes chef Terayashiki Renichi, renowned for his ability to recreate lost dishes, second chef Oze Kiyoi, who specializes in researching recipes, and owner and hostess Ikeyama Juri. Together, they work tirelessly to recreate the requested lost dish and present it to their guest.

In November 1997, Yamaichi Securities, one of Japan's major brokerage firms, made the decision to shut down voluntarily. The company's leadership was unaware of around 260 billion yen in undisclosed debt until shortly before the closure. This hidden debt was in violation of regulations. Due to its size and lack of financial stability and support from banks, the Finance Ministry decided that instead of filing for bankruptcy, Yamaichi Securities should opt for a voluntary shutdown. Employees from certain departments, known as "outliers" within the company, remained dedicated to uncovering the truth and repaying customers even as the company faced collapse. These individuals were considered the last line of defense for the troubled brokerage.

Yamashita Kanta unexpectedly loses his job at a gaming company, leading to tension with his wife Saori, who works at the Labour Standards Supervision Office and can be intimidating when upset. In response, Kanta decides to venture into the popular trend of starting a bed and breakfast business. However, the new venture encounters numerous challenges initially. To make matters worse, Kanta's layoff is revealed at a particularly difficult moment, putting his marriage at risk. The question remains: will the bed and breakfast succeed?

Tozai Teito EFG Bank was established as a large financial institution through the amalgamation of Tozai Bank, EFG Bank, and Teito Bank under the supervision of the Financial Services Agency. Following the merger, former members of Teito Bank have assumed leadership roles, maintaining a hierarchical structure within the organization. Despite not originating from Teito Bank, Katsura Mitsuyoshi, a skilled trader, has risen to the position of Managing Director of the forex department due to his expertise. Conversely, Nihei Shohei, hailing from the general affairs department of Meikyo Bank (the predecessor of EFG Bank), strives diligently in his role, refusing to succumb to the established hierarchy. Unexpectedly, Tozai Teito EFG Bank faces a crisis of bankruptcy after engaging in clandestine discussions with government officials and experiencing a sharp decline in Japanese government bonds. Collaborating with Nihei, Katsura battles against foreign investors seeking to acquire the bank and conniving bureaucrats to ensure the company's survival. The outcome of their efforts remains uncertain.

Located near the Tsukiji Market in Tokyo, Japan, the story follows Yassan (Tsuyoshi Ihara), a homeless man with a keen sense of taste and extensive knowledge of food. Despite his lack of money, he earns meals by sharing his insights with restaurants. Takao (Tasuku Emoto), a young man who idolizes Tokyo, lands an IT job in the city and joins Yassan on his food adventures.

Employed at a financial institution, Tetsuo Kashimura leads a comfortable life. However, his situation takes a turn for the worse when his bank merges with another one, leading to challenges at work. Witnessing his colleagues resign, Tetsuo decides to follow suit and leave his job. In his search for new opportunities, he crosses paths with Tomoya Yamamoto, the head of an investment firm, who discusses the possibility of reviving a chain of restaurants.

Located in a quiet neighborhood, a weathered shed with a sign that reads "Prince Shotoku's Restaurant" stands empty of customers. This unique establishment operates solely through delivery, with one chef skillfully managing a diverse menu featuring Japanese, Western, Chinese, and international cuisines. Despite the lack of dine-in patrons, the chef diligently crafts dishes ranging from rice bowls to desserts, catering to a wide array of tastes. The kitchen is run by a talented young man who not only cooks up delicious meals but also lends a sympathetic ear to the delivery drivers who pick up orders. This heartwarming tale mirrors the compassion and multitasking abilities of Prince Shotoku, as well as the personal struggles faced by the chef.

The narrative revolves around Yeo Moon Joon, a chef specializing in Korean cuisine, who operates a restaurant in Vietnam. This drama features a range of recipes that mirror the sweetness of the romantic tale between the skilled young chef and his enchanting female customer, who possesses an exceptionally refined sense of taste.

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)

In 2015, during a period of growth in the internet economy and uncertainty in the capital market, Xie Lin Hui, an editor at a financial magazine, released a daring report that stirred up the investment industry and had consequences for investment manager Jiang Yi Di's professional life. Both individuals find themselves embroiled in a larger crisis as market conditions become unpredictable, shedding light on the challenges faced by middle-aged women and young professionals in their careers. (TMDb) Based on the novel "Cheng Se Guang Mang" by Gao Da Guo.

Kohei Tsukuda used to work for the Aerospace and Science Exploration Agency before taking over his father's small factory, Tsukuda Industries. Despite facing challenges in his relationship with his daughter Rina, Tsukuda Industries has seen some improvement in its operations. However, Tsukuda's focus on developing a rocket engine has led to a decline in business. The situation worsens when a major client suddenly decides to stop working with Tsukuda Industries and the company gets sued by a competitor, Nakashima Industries, for patent infringement. This results in damage to Tsukuda Industries' reputation and financial struggles with banks. In the midst of these difficulties, Teikoku Heavy Industries offers to purchase a patent held by Tsukuda Industries for 2 billion yen.

Kodera Masao, the head of Japan's largest newspaper, has made a decision to sell the publication to a foreign investor due to a decrease in readership and advertising revenue. The buyer, Aoi Sota, is the CEO of a major US online retailer named AMC. After Kodera's sudden passing, Shinzato Akira takes over and negotiations commence. Aoi, who has a background in journalism and a close relationship with Shinzato, presents challenging demands during the process. The true intentions behind Aoi's acquisition of the newspaper are questioned, raising concerns about potential changes to the established system that has long influenced Japan's media and politics.

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.

You have the opportunity to indulge in snack time and dessert-making with Shinobu and Eva, characters featured in the main storyline. (Serializd)

Overcome with regret and hopelessness, Oikawa Shimon roams in search of a place to take his own life. He stumbles upon a quaint eatery named "Magudaraya," perched on a cliff in a locale called "Jinkage." There, he enjoys a comforting meal prepared by the owner, Arima Ria (affectionately known as Maria), and before long, he finds himself asking for a second helping of rice due to its delectable taste. Subsequently, Shimon opts to lend a hand at the restaurant for a time. Through his interactions with Maria, the proprietress Reiko, the fisherman Katsuo, and the young man Maruka, who shares his own desire for an end, Shimon gradually starts to rediscover his will to live. However, one day, Maria mysteriously vanishes from "Jinkage." Though she runs "Magudaraya" with a cheerful demeanor, she harbors a significant secret.

The narrative follows three generations of families coming together for a ritual aimed at resolving the conflicts and challenges they are facing in regards to food and love.

Hiroshi Bando is employed as a credit officer at a prominent bank. There is a debate within the bank regarding whether to grant an additional loan to a large supermarket chain. Hiroshi is against the loan because the supermarket has not shown any effort to restructure. On the other hand, Tetsuya Ninohe, the Vice President of the Planning Department, insists on approving the loan to prevent any negative impact on the bank in case the supermarket goes bankrupt. Tetsuya also harbors a strong animosity towards Hiroshi and comes up with a plan to incriminate him. During this time, a store belonging to the supermarket chain is bombed and a message is sent by the perpetrator demanding the resignation of the CEO, Kozo Kazama, who runs the supermarket in an authoritarian manner. The bomber threatens more attacks if the demand is not met, but the supermarket tries to keep this information hidden to avoid a drop in their company's stock value. Despite this, Hiroshi strongly advocates for the public disclosure of the bomber's message. Detective Hiromitsu Yaen starts to suspect a young man named Ko Inunaki as the perpetrator, as he was present at the crime scene.

Pegasus Bookstore is facing challenges as a result of the competition from online book retailers. Aki Kitamura and Riko Nishioka work at Pegasus Bookstore. Kitamura, 23, is determined and has a carefree nature. She prioritizes her career and aspirations over marriage. Nishioka, 40, is a single woman who serves as the assistant manager at the bookstore. She takes pride in her work. Despite their contrasting personalities, the two women work together at the bookstore.

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

Set out on an adventure throughout China to discover the unique regional hot pot dishes and how this comforting meal unites individuals. (Netflix)

The documentary showcases the tales of individuals from Shunde and their traditional dishes, as well as delves into their past

This documentary explores the traditional Cantonese cuisine in Guangdong, China, known as "Old Guang". Through the lens of food, we delve into the origins of ingredients and uncover the authentic charm of daily meals enjoyed by the old Cantonese. The beauty of nature, rural life, harvest traditions, and culinary creativity are all showcased in this immersive exploration.

A sequel to Kudoki Monku showcasing Kou's imagined partners preparing breakfast for her and the pair enjoying a meal together

Satsuki, a working woman, has a habit of visiting snack bars regularly

Explore the world of rice noodles in this comprehensive documentary series consisting of five parts, shedding light on this humble yet influential ingredient in Chinese culinary tradition. (Netflix)

In the spring of 1992, the Makioka family, a prominent family from Osaka Senba, hands over control of their company, bringing an end to a legacy that began almost 300 years ago in the Genroku period. Following this change, the four sisters who had lived a life of luxury must now navigate new paths. The eldest sister, Tsuruko, strives to maintain her pride by cherishing memories of the family's former glory, but faces the harsh realities of the present. Sachiko, the second sister, finds contentment in her kind husband, yet struggles with the unpredictable behaviors of her younger siblings. Yukiko, the third sister, is pressured to find a suitable marriage partner despite her tendency to focus on people's flaws during matchmaking sessions. Taeko, the youngest sister, rebels against the family's rules and embraces her free-spirited nature, engaging in numerous romantic relationships. One fateful night, Taeko is caught in a typhoon that strikes the Kansai region, setting in motion a series of events that will shape the destinies of the four sisters. This narrative is based on Tanizaki Junichiro's novel "Sasameyuki."

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.