Asian dramas like
Through A Lens Darkly

"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)

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.

Following the success of its initial television run, the series Angels with Broken Wings, featuring scripts by Yoshi, garnered over 1,800 messages from viewers praising the show. Now, the series is returning for a second installment! In the latest installment of the popular Deep Love series created by Yoshi, viewers can expect four stories, including one that was not featured in the first installment and three brand new stories. This series is a must-watch for young individuals facing challenges and for their parents' generation. The four nights will feature the following stories: 1st night - Impulse (starring Satomi Ishihara), 2nd night - Confederate (starring Erika Toda), 3rd night - Time (starring Rosa Katoh), and 4th night - Merchandise (starring Karina).

This series follows the lives of four women who are in their forties. Shifumi, an attractive woman, was known for stealing her classmate's boyfriend during high school. Despite facing criticism, she got married and had a child before eventually getting divorced. Currently, she is dating a younger man. The other three women from Shifumi's past include Makiko, a typical housewife, Neri, a doctor focused on her career, and Miwa, another housewife. Miwa is secretly involved with Keishi, Shifumi's ex-husband and the boyfriend she had stolen in the past. As the story unfolds, the hidden secrets and lies of these four women gradually come to light.

Narumi is a tranquil island, inspired by the real-life Hateruma Island, where the demand for medical assistance outweighs the need for law enforcement. Despite the initial reluctance of the inhabitants, Shirase Ryo, a police officer, is assigned to the island. Over time, he forms close bonds with the locals and assists them in resolving their issues and planning for the island's future. --Tokyograph

Married life for Onodera Mariya took an unexpected turn when her husband Tatsuya disappeared suddenly. Feeling lost, she travels to a heart-shaped island in Okinawa that Tatsuya had mentioned before. Meanwhile, Tsuruta Kameko, a midwife in Tokyo, becomes disillusioned with the attitude towards abortion and hospital births among young women. After winning a lottery, she embarks on a trip around the world but ends up in Okinawa where she discovers a need for midwives. Determined to make a difference, she decides to establish a maternity hospital on the island. The paths of these two women from different generations cross in the southern islands, where they are welcomed by the locals with open arms, embodying the Okinawan saying, "If we meet by chance, we're all brothers and sisters."

Takeuchi Ryoma decides to take a break from shooting and decides to spend his leisure time visiting a spice shop. He informs the owner of his desire to prepare an extra spicy curry, prompting her to suggest some of her top spice picks. They collaborate to whip up a delicious curry just as a new customer walks into the shop. (jdramas.wordpress.com)

Sugisaki Hana, a well-known actress with a hectic schedule, finds herself with unexpected free time during a break from filming. Curious creators have taken the opportunity to explore a different side of Sugisaki Hana during her downtime. One day, while on a break from shooting, Sugisaki Hana discovers that her washing machine is out of order. With no other option, she heads to the laundromat, where she realizes she only has 1,000 yen bills and no change. As she steps outside to find some change, she comes across musician Mizuki (played by Kamishiraishi Moka) performing on the street. Intrigued, Hana purchases Mizuki's CD for 1,000 yen, leaving her with no money for the laundromat. She attempts to borrow some change from Gonda, a fellow customer, but...

Seino, a manga creator residing in Tokyo, suddenly becomes aware of numerous towns on the map that he has never encountered

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)

During an attempted bank robbery by handymen Kai Sakazaki and Hayao Morikawa, they encountered Akemi Ikezawa, a female bank clerk. Akemi, who is a single mother, went through a divorce after giving birth to her son, who is now in the custody of his father. The father has demanded 100 million yen in exchange for returning the child.

Toji manages the food section in a medium-sized department store and faces challenges with a difficult boss. However, his luck changes when he meets a charming elevator operator named Nao. Just as Toji begins to find happiness at work, his ex-girlfriend Makoto reappears as an account manager from an advertising agency. Despite Toji's surprise, Makoto acts as if they have never met before. With a demanding job and tension between Nao and Makoto, Toji finds himself in a difficult situation.

NHK's commemorative drama series for its 50th anniversary features multiple short stories showcasing popular Japanese actors and actresses. The narrative follows a ball as it travels from the river's origin to the ocean, revealing six love stories set in different seasons throughout the year.

Yujirou Takasawa spent 3 years working as a male nurse in a predominantly female workplace. After becoming comfortable with the environment and his responsibilities, he was suddenly transferred to a different hospital. Although initially enthusiastic about the change, Yujirou faced challenges in his new role. His female co-workers were not accustomed to working with a male nurse, and the overseeing doctor, a strict woman, constantly gave him orders.

Derived from the 2006 movie Sugar & Spice, this spin-off series consists of four unique narratives. In the first case, Minami, a student at the same university as Yutaka, harbors a secret admiration for him despite his relationship status. As circumstances change, Minami and Yutaka grow closer. The second case follows Madoka and her partner Satoshi as they navigate a long-distance relationship when he is relocated to Sendai for work. The third case revolves around Mika, who, after experiencing betrayal, loses faith in love until a colleague named Yuta challenges her beliefs. Lastly, the fourth case introduces Takuma, responsible for managing fanmail for the popular radio show School of Lock, who falls head over heels for Asuka, a waitress he encounters at a cafe. Wiki/d-addicts

Murakami Shinsuke is an expert in corporate consulting specializing in personnel restructuring. He strategically guides employees towards voluntary retirement through one-on-one interviews. The storyline revolves around workers who are compelled to reflect on the significance of their jobs in the midst of impending layoffs. -- NHK

Taking place in the 8th-9th century, Aterui leads the Emishi tribe in the Isawa Prefecture of northern Japan. Despite being outnumbered by the Yamato government's massive military force, Aterui bravely defends his tribe. This story is inspired by Katsuhiko Takahashi's novel "Kaen Kita no Yosei Aterui," published by Kodansha on October 16, 2002.

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.

Kurosaki Yoriko, aged 32, finds herself without a partner, without companions, and without employment. As she embarks on living independently for the first time, she discovers a whole new world around her. Follow along as this story unfolds, showcasing the minor events that take place within a 7-minute stroll from her apartment.

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.

Is it possible for a once-popular actor to stage a successful comeback? Atsumori Daigoro, formerly hailed as the king of two-hour suspense, faces a career slump as television networks no longer produce two-hour dramas. It has been over a year since he last landed a role. One day, Yoshida Yukari, a former talent agency manager, reappears in his life. Despite being forced out of the industry seven years prior, she is determined to help Atsumori make a comeback. With her unwavering enthusiasm, she secures job opportunities for him, despite his outdated and prejudiced views. Can Atsumori reclaim his throne as the king of suspense? This heartwarming comedy follows his journey of starting anew in life. (FujiTV)

The taste of food can vary depending on the company, location, and emotions involved. An elegant food stall, featuring three colors, operates exclusively on weekday evenings within the temple premises. A new store, set to open this spring, promises a captivating experience for visitors. The stall is managed by Shota, a skilled French chef who has mysteriously lost his ability to taste and smell, and Terumoto, a former monk with a refined palate but lacking cooking skills. Struggling in their respective careers and facing pivotal moments in their lives, the two men unexpectedly join forces.

This story follows three generations of women from the Mikuriya family as they ponder the kind of life they want to live and tackle their challenges through saving money. Mikuriya Miho, the second daughter, recently moved out on her own after securing a well-paying job. She had aspirations of being a successful career woman with a loving partner, but a certain incident prompts her to reevaluate her path.

Shimako, an employee at a Tokyo travel agency, has a strong passion for Scandinavia. She resides in a cozy apartment filled with Scandinavian decor, cuisine, music, and various items that transport her to Finland. Unexpectedly, the company's president declares bankruptcy, prompting Shimako to deepen her affection for Finland.

Illustrates Kamiki Ryunosuke's activities during his days off from shooting. (News Yahoo)

The television series is adapted from a blog authored by Baka Rhythm from 2006 to 2009, in which he assumed the identity of a female office worker named Kakuu Masuno. Masuno, who claimed to be employed at a bank, shared anecdotes about the daily emotions experienced by an office worker and those in her social circle.

Haruno Yoichi, a 35-year-old man known for his good looks, personality, and skills, is seen as the perfect spouse. However, he has noticed a change in his wife's behavior since their child was born, leaving him feeling like an unhappy husband at home. On the other hand, Chisato, a 28-year-old woman admired for her traditional virtues, used to show her husband the utmost respect. But after giving birth, her husband's actions and words have started to unsettle her, leading her to become a difficult wife to deal with.

Jiang Xin and Jian Ning are often referred to as the ideal couple. They tied the knot and welcomed their first child before reaching the age of 30. However, they soon realize that they were unprepared for the challenges of parenthood as they are overwhelmed by the new responsibilities that come with caring for a child.

Kuroe is employed as a delivery driver at the delivery firm "Elephant Express," situated on a quiet shopping street. Each day, she operates a compact truck to transport her parcels, each filled with distinct narratives from the senders and recipients.

The narrative in this five-part series revolves around the challenges encountered by community workers, both young and old, as they tackle issues such as elevator installations in aging structures, demolition of unauthorized buildings, termination of leases, prevention of fraud, and management of noise disturbances. The series highlights the commitment of these workers to assisting the community members in overcoming their daily struggles.

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...

According to the novel Paradise Thirty written by the author Nonami Asa.

Kamikawa Ryohei, a 35-year-old man employed by a multinational corporation, enjoys a content family life with his wife and son. However, when he decides to make a career change and resign from his job, his wife unexpectedly disappears, leaving him to manage the household and raise their son on his own. On the other hand, Saeki Shinichiro, aged 61, chooses to live independently after losing his wife to an illness shortly after retiring from his long-time job.

A tale of transformation unfolds when a dog crosses paths with a middle-aged housewife. Mari Satonaka, once employed at a publishing company, now resides with her husband. Upon encountering an abandoned dog one day, she decides to take it in. Initially resistant, the dog, Dillon, eventually warms up to its new owner. Unexpectedly, Mari begins engaging in animal therapy, visiting the elderly and children alongside Dillon. This experience prompts a change in Mari, who previously shied away from connecting with others, impacting her relationships with her husband and mother-in-law.

In a run-down shopping district, Shinoda Mariko stars as the owner of a clothing store with a unique talent for instantly knowing a customer's clothing size. The narrative will revolve around her interactions with various patrons. (Credit: JapanBullet)

Haneda Airport in Tokyo is the most bustling airport in Japan, witnessing one airplane taking off and landing every two minutes. Annually, the airport sees a staggering 6 billion travelers, averaging around 170,000 individuals passing through daily. Kaori Shinoda, portrayed by Fukada Kyoko, embarks on a challenging new role as an air traffic controller. This position demands unwavering focus and precision, as a split-second error in judgment could lead to a catastrophic event. Despite initially working as ground staff at the airport, Kaori harbored a deep-seated aspiration to become an air traffic controller overseeing flights for various airlines. Motivated by a particular incident, she decides to resign and undergo the national exam. Following intensive training at the air navigation security college, Kaori is appointed to the Air Traffic Control Centre at Haneda Airport just before her thirtieth birthday. Upon entering the control tower, a mix of nerves, excitement, and anxiety washes over her as she encounters a team of composed professionals adept at managing crises and safeguarding lives. Kaori receives guidance from seasoned air controller Hiromi Takeuchi, played by Seto Asaka, during her on-the-job training. A minor oversight on her part leads to a near-miss incident, leaving her disheartened. Despite her feelings of inadequacy, Kaori finds solace in the advice of fellow air traffic controllers Noboru Yuki, portrayed by Tokito Saburo, and Yukihiro Kondo, played by Kaname Jun, gradually regaining her composure and resolve.

To help his son grow into a mature and kind individual, a father embarks on a journey with him. The son quickly discovers his lack of knowledge about life and engages in various new experiences such as fishing, hiking, and gazing at the stars at night. These shared activities will shape their bond for years to come.

Seven years ago, Kazuki passed away when he was only 25 years old, leaving behind his wife Tetsuko and father Gifu. Although they live together as a family, their relationship is unique as Tetsuko is not biologically related to her father-in-law. Tetsuko finds solace in meeting individuals who were connected to her late husband through fate, which helps her overcome the grief of losing a loved one and allows her to move forward in life.