Asian dramas like
The Promise 2013

Created by Shandong TV, this series portrays the experiences and growth of a rural individual.

As a result of the economic changes initiated in 1978 and the subsequent demilitarization, Fang Bang Yan (Lu Yi) and other exceptional soldiers are faced with transitioning to new careers such as entrepreneurship or employment in state-owned companies. Through the story of Bang Yan choosing to venture into entrepreneurship, Entering a New Era illustrates the impact of reforms and rapid economic growth on individuals' daily lives. (CdramaBase)

Set against the backdrop of economic reform in China, this narrative follows the struggles of ordinary individuals during a transformative period. Zhou Xiao Qiang chooses to embrace the changes brought about by economic reform. Initially known for his cunning ways to benefit himself, he establishes a small factory in the 1980s. By the 1990s, he expands his business into a successful garments empire. As the new millennium approaches and e-commerce emerges, he leads his company into international markets. However, the challenges of business growth come with their own set of difficulties. Supported by his wife Liu Li Xia, his trusted friend Xiao Yao, and his younger brother Zhou Da Chao, he confronts these obstacles with determination.

Ren Wenxiu sought employment at the township government due to family conflicts with Han Chunmei's neighbors. During her time there, she encountered several individuals who had previously caused her trouble: veteran Zhang Lin, middle school teacher Yang Zhigang, township government secretary Li Ping, and Wang Li. Despite initially looking down on Zhang Lin, Wenxiu aspired to become an official and work diligently. Zhang Lin, known for his tough and hard-working personality, had conflicting working styles with others. Over time, Zhang Lin developed feelings for Wenxiu as they grew closer. Coincidentally, Wenxiu ended up marrying Yang Zhigang. Wang Li, Yang Zhigang's ex-girlfriend, not only disrupted Wenxiu's family life but also caused issues at work. When Zhang Lin's Weihe River Governance Office faced a shortage of manpower, Wenxiu joined the team out of concern for the villagers at risk of flooding along the river. Together, they successfully averted the threat of floods and worked towards a prosperous and harmonious society where people coexisted peacefully with water. As a result, Ren Wenxiu was able to achieve her goal of joining the party.

An intense family drama unfolds around Date Kanta, a diligent and strong-willed individual, and his circle of acquaintances. This marks the debut original creation by Shimizu Yuki, known for penning scripts for popular morning soap opera novels like "Aguri" and "Suzuran". Set in a newspaper shop situated along the scenic Shonan coastline where Kanta resides, the narrative follows his daily grind as a courier alongside his strict father, concerned mother, and quirky companions. When his respected senior and mentor, Shindo Masahi, vanishes owing a debt, leaving his family in a lurch, Kanta steps up to support his senior's wife, Ayumi, and her four children. Through a heartfelt tale of joy and sorrow, the series portrays the intricate relationships and connections forged by individuals as they navigate life's challenges. (Fuji TV)

Sayaka Kaneko and Nagiko Tono headline a poignant drama penned by Takehiro Nakajima. The story revolves around two girls who form a friendship without realizing they share a father. The show tackles various complex contemporary topics, including sexual assault, abuse, and LGBTQ+ themes.

Kururi Takuzo, the son of the second-generation owner of the traditional Japanese confectionery shop Kururiya in Tokyo's Kototoibashi area, grew up in the city under the strict guidance of his father. Despite his father's old-fashioned beliefs, Takuzo has excelled in making the shop's famous dango, surpassing his father's skills. However, his personal life has been tumultuous, with three divorces and a reputation for being careless with women. Now 55, he lives a carefree life and enjoys leisurely walks around town with an antique camera gifted by his father. He captures the essence of old Tokyo, knowing that it will eventually change. Amidst his routine, Takuzo finds himself drawn to various women, engaging in fleeting romances over good food and drinks. Will he find lasting love amidst these encounters?

The narrative explores three forms of betrayals: emotional, physical, and a combination of both. Lin Xiao Feng and Song Jian Ping have been married for a decade and have a son named Dang Dang. Lin is unhappy with her husband Song, a surgeon, for not earning enough to improve their lifestyle. This leads to frequent arguments as they struggle to afford their son's education. To address this, Song resigns from his position at a State hospital to work at a foreign-funded hospital, while Lin quits her job as a teacher to become a full-time homemaker. Despite Song's career success, the couple's relationship deteriorates due to misunderstandings. The story delves into the challenges faced by couples of different ages and highlights the physical and emotional betrayals that can occur in marriages, emphasizing the importance of tolerance, trust, and responsibilities for a successful and enduring relationship.

One day, Tang Ai Wei and Yan Wei Er were summoned back home to witness their parents' wedding. Upon arrival, they were shocked to learn that their parents had tragically passed away in a car accident, leaving them with a restaurant business. Despite their initial reluctance to work together due to their differences, their aunt and uncle insisted that they collaborate. In an attempt to avoid running the restaurant together, they conspired to sabotage the restaurant's opening so they could pursue their own paths.

Mo Fan and Jian Dan, a married couple, are living a comfortable city life thanks to the support of their parents. However, their world is suddenly shaken when they learn that Jian Dan's mother has been diagnosed with cancer. How will they navigate this new challenge in their lives? (ChineseDrama.info)

The narrative of an urban hospital emergency room and its medical staff, including insights into their personal experiences and interactions with patients.

The plot revolves around Lei Lei and Ye Qing, who initially have a rocky start due to rumors spread by the villagers about Ye Qing's character. However, they bond over their mutual admiration for Teresa Teng's music and eventually form a strong friendship. As they support each other during China's changing times, their bond deepens into a romantic relationship. The title of the drama is inspired by Teresa Teng's iconic song.

The plot centers on Murong Lian, a pioneer in the acting industry in China during the 1930s and 1940s in Shanghai Bund. The story follows her journey, along with other aspiring actresses, as they strive to achieve their dreams through hard work. Despite facing numerous challenges, Murong Lian remains dedicated to her passion for acting.

In just a few weeks, a pair of individuals will be tying the knot. These two youths, who were previously accustomed to receiving necessities with just a simple request, are now confronting the challenges of the real world. They are embarking on the journey of adapting to their new life, beginning from the very foundation. The storyline revolves around the trials and tribulations of married life, pregnancy, and extramarital relationships.

The Xie family resides in the city and includes a grandmother who denies her age, a resilient mother, and three daughters with varying personalities. The youngest daughter, known for her fiery temperament, is in love with the kind-hearted Dai Gu Shun. The oldest daughter is stylish and has a smart son, although her husband struggles with jealousy. The middle daughter longs for a child but blames herself for her recurrent miscarriages.

The plot centers on a young woman who decides to remain in Shanghai following her college graduation. Despite encountering various men, she remains focused on her goal of joining the top 10% of the city's residents. Luo Hai Yan, a student from a rural area, is determined to establish a successful career in Shanghai. The arrival of Zhang Tian Hao, Chen Xiao Wei, and Yan Bing influences her life significantly.

"Residents of Spring Sky" follows the journey of Xu Ying Ying, a doctoral professor from Ningzhou University who ends up becoming the community director during her investigation in the spring community. Through her dedication and exploration in community governance, she evolves from a basic worker to an outstanding community leader. With the help of community policeman Tian Li Jie, fellow social workers, and local residents, the old factory district undergoes a remarkable transformation into a desirable central hub for the community.

Yan Dong Lei, the brave and honest executive deputy director of the Qingjiang Environmental Protection Bureau, took the bold step of issuing a directive to Li Lei, the municipal party committee secretary, in order to ensure effective management of the waters in Jiangnan County. As a result, the Provincial Party Committee appointed Yan Dong Lei as the secretary of the Jiangnan County Party Committee. Despite facing challenges from the county magistrate and local residents, Yan Dong Lei remained committed to his goal of cleaning up pollution and promoting green development in the underdeveloped county. By focusing on environmental improvement, targeted poverty alleviation, efficiency enhancement, and fighting against corruption, Jiangnan County was successfully set on the path towards sustainable development.

"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)

A comedic story revolves around unmarried middle-aged women known as "sing lui." Heung Gwong Lam is a wealthy bachelor who prides himself on being stylish, attractive, and charming. Working as a creative director at a PR firm, he harbors guilt from past experiences and sympathizes with the "sing lui" who have been left by men and are still searching for love. Determined to transform them from "Left Behind Lady" to "My Prime Lady," he sets out to change their mindset. Things take a turn when Sing Fa Lui, who had a brief encounter with Gwong Lam, shows up at the PR company claiming to be romantically involved with the boss. Using this to her advantage, she rises to a director position, posing a threat to Gwong Lam's career. Just as he's dealing with this situation, another troubled "sing lui" enters the scene, seeking help with her love life. Gwong Lam continues to assist these women in getting their lives back on track. Through twists and turns, Fa Lui realizes Gwong Lam isn't as bad as she thought, while he discovers her genuine nature beneath the facade. Despite his own insecurities, he decides to help Fa Lui become the best version of herself and promote her to others for her happiness.

In an effort to expand her business, SIK-SIK, an employee at a travel agency, travels to Malaysia for a meeting with her client. However, her plans are disrupted by a devious local tour guide named KUNG-CHI, leading to a falling-out between them. Suddenly, SIK-SIK's boyfriend CHING CHIN-BOK appears and proposes marriage to her. They begin preparing for their wedding upon returning to Hong Kong. Just as SIK-SIK believes she is the happiest bride, a video is leaked during the ceremony showing CHIN-BOK cheating on her with her best friend. Heartbroken, SIK-SIK returns to Malaysia and changes jobs to work at a local hotel, where she meets KUNG-CHI again. Despite their differing mindsets, they develop subtle yet close feelings for each other. CHIN-BOK's sister CHING CHIN-CHUN supports SIK-SIK's decision to break up with her brother. Through SIK-SIK, she meets the famous chef CHIN TSUN and becomes his apprentice to learn cooking. Over time, CHIN-CHUN develops feelings for her mentor, while CHIN TSUN cannot shake his thoughts of SIK-SIK. Just as he is about to confess his love, CHIN-BOK resumes his pursuit of SIK-SIK, with KUNG-CHI unexpectedly coming to her aid.

Mo Siu Sze lives a typical married life with her husband Wong Kwok Leung, enduring mistreatment from her harsh mother-in-law Wong Chiu Wing Mui. One day, she comes across a flyer from "Cyndi Dance Studio," triggering memories of her high school days. Back then, she enjoyed writing and helped organize "MCLUB" with her peers Chu Lei, Law Fung Sin, Luk Yuen Chau, Chu LeI, and Leung Kam Yin. Despite their vow to stay close forever, over two decades have passed and they have drifted apart. When reality clashes with their dreams, nostalgia remains except for Fung Sin, who continues to pursue dancing. After Fung Sin is hospitalized, her friends reunite to support her and protect the "Cyndi Dance Studio" from their rival, Yung Dan Dan and her "D Fitness." As Siu Sze reconnects with her first love Yiu Chi Lun and Chu Lei confronts her past mistakes and motherhood, a mix of emotions resurface. Through these experiences, their lost vitality, courage, passion, and confidence are rekindled.

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.

Following a tragic accident, magazine photographer Song Tian Chong lost her vision. Despite her passion for beauty and watching TV dramas, Tian Chong remained undeterred by her blindness. Supported by her boyfriend, To Zhen Hang, and her guide dog, Tian Chong stays positive and draws strength from her new mantra, Love Conquers All. While Tian Chong rebuilds her life, her new neighbor, advertising expert Gam Yin Zhong, is going through a midlife crisis. Previously consumed by work, Yin Zhong became isolated from friends and family. Feeling lost and lonely, Yin Zhong decides to go on a long vacation to rediscover himself. After a breakup, Tian Chong meets Yin Zhong and finds solace in their shared loneliness. Despite their initial differences, Tian Chong and Yin Zhong gradually develop feelings for each other and realize they have more in common than they thought.

Prior to their encounter, Margaret and David both had previous relationships. Margaret runs into her former boyfriend on a rainy day while waiting for a bus, while David comes across his ex-girlfriend on his first day at a new job.

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.

A tale concerning companions in Tokyo. (wiki.d-addicts)

Naoko's life takes a turn when a failed project leads to her being demoted from marketing to data management, and her boyfriend and boss, Yanagiba Toshiro, moves to New York. Feeling lost, she encounters Uchimura, a cheerful bus driver who inspires her to reevaluate her goals. However, her world is turned upside down when Toshiro returns to Tokyo, forcing her to choose between two very different men in her life.

The series delves into the connections and friendships among seven individuals who come together unexpectedly, exploring how these relationships evolve over time. It all starts with a gathering of six of them. Each of the seven main characters is named after a different color of the rainbow.

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.