Asian dramas like
Toshiie And Matsu

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)

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.

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 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)

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.

"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.

The Imperial Household Bureau in the Tong Dynasty oversees the management of all household services for the Emperor and the Imperial family. It consists of four departments: Jewels, Attire, Food, and Furnishings. Lan Sam Ho and Yiu Kam Ling are brought into the bureau at a young age and raised in the palace's strict disciplines. Yuen Tsui Wan, the Head of Jewels, and Chung Suet Ha, the Head of Attire, both admire Sam Ho for her kind-hearted nature. They compete for her favor, as Sam Ho always remembers her mother's advice to do good deeds, speak good words, and show goodwill. In contrast, Kam Ling believes in using ruthless tactics to survive in the palace, eventually becoming a concubine through deceit. Despite realizing Sam Ho's love for the chess master Ko Hin Yeung, Kam Ling's jealousy is sparked by Sam Ho's connection with Emperor Lee Yi. In a bid to maintain her power, Kam Ling falsely accuses Sam Ho of murdering the Empress, leading to Sam Ho's wrongful condemnation to death. However, Kam Ling's schemes do not unfold as planned, highlighting the message of the drama that "benevolence" ultimately leads to victory.

The 48th NHK Taiga drama, titled Tenchijin, follows the life of Naoe Kanetsugu, a dedicated samurai in Echigo Province during the 16th century. Kanetsugu received training from Uesugi Kenshin in his youth and later served Kenshin's adopted son Kagekatsu with unwavering loyalty. Known for his strong sense of justice and compassion towards the common people, Kanetsugu worked tirelessly to protect the residents of Echigo. (NHK)

There are four different options to choose from: a DVD set with 42 episodes, a TV version with 53 episodes, an Uncut Version with 45 episodes, and a TV version with 52 episodes.

In 1934, during a conflict, the Shi family in Jingzhen, Shaanxi stumbled upon a bronze dagger believed to have been used by "Jing Qin Qin". The father of the Shi family hid the dagger to keep it safe from the infamous warlord Feng Xiang and his followers. The bronze dagger, which had been dormant for two thousand years after failing to complete an assassination in Jingye, awakened with a thirst for blood. The scramble for the dagger led to tragedy, as the Shi family's father and daughter-in-law, as well as the brothers Mu Shi, were killed by the bandit leader Ke Wen. The brothers, Shi Togo and Shi Youshu, embarked on different paths of revenge. Over the course of ten years, Shi Togo transformed from an angry young man to a skilled assassin, while Shi Youshu attempted to downplay the value of the dagger and fell into addiction. Their differing approaches ultimately led to tragic consequences, with Shi Youshu losing the woman he loved to his brother. Yun Meier, torn between the two brothers, ended up as Shi Youshu's wife due to a twist of fate. In a final act of defiance, she used the bronze dagger to resist her fate and honor her true love for Shi Togo.

Qu Yuan, a gifted child from a respectable family, finds himself in an unexpected romance with Mo Chou Nu, a slave. Their love is hindered by their social differences, leading them to face numerous challenges as they navigate through political intrigues and palace schemes in their quest to be together. The narrative also chronicles Qu Yuan's gradual efforts to protect his nation.

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 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"

In Wangsha Village, Macau, a determined young man named Lin Wei Liang courageously revolted against colonial authority by assassinating Shavard, the Portuguese colonial governor of Macau, thus symbolizing Macau's fight for independence

Lee Lin Yin and On Tak Hoi, who both came from humble backgrounds, were sold into servitude as palace eunuchs when they were young. Under the guidance of senior eunuch Lau Dor San, they formed a strong brotherly bond and rose to prominent positions serving Empress Dowager Ci Xi. However, Tak Hoi's greed strained his relationship with the cautious Lin Yin. As the head eunuch, Chan Fuk felt threatened by their rising influence and began scheming against them. Fortunately, Lin Yin received support from palace maid Sin Yung and eunuch pharmacist Yiu Seung Hei. Meanwhile, tensions rose as Emperor Tong Zi prepared to select his empress, causing concern for Empress Dowager Ci An that Ci Xi would gain more power. To counter this, she allied with the Grand Prince to weaken Ci Xi's position.

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 plot unfolds during a chaotic period in Korean history, when a group of fighters including Jung Joong Bu, Lee Ui Bang, Lee Go, and Chae Won staged a revolt against King Ui Jong of Goryeo and his administration, which was controlled by intellectuals and officials, in order to institute a military-led governance.

To ensure Koryo's independence, Gong Min Wang wed a woman he had no affection for. With Mongolian forces in control of Koryo, he took the Mongolian princess as his wife, believing this alliance might eventually lead to Koryo's liberation. Shin Don, a Buddhist monk, was a key advisor to both Queen Nokuk and King Gong Min in their governance of Koryo.

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 narrative follows Ok Nyeo, a gifted young woman who grows up in prison and acquires remarkable abilities and insight through her interactions with exceptional individuals from diverse backgrounds. She emerges as an advocate for the downtrodden peasant class and sets out on a quest to discover her rightful place within the caste hierarchy. Through Ok Nyeo's experiences, this television miniseries highlights Joseon’s esteemed tradition of human rights legislation, which she strives to implement across the realm. (MBC)

The series follows the journey of Comrade Chen Pi Xian as he navigates the reform and opening up period in Hubei Province while serving as the provincial party secretary

Summary required.

"Severe Winter" takes place during the Second Sino-Japanese War and follows Deng Zi Hua, a spy undercover for a resistance group against the Japanese. His loyalties are tested when he finds himself falling for two women from contrasting backgrounds: a stunning Russian woman and Luo Hai Qiong.

Taking place during the Warring States Period, the narrative centers on a remarkable prodigy with a mysterious background. Similar to a chess grandmaster, Wang Chan orchestrates events during turbulent times to suppress rebellion and bolster his nation's power, eventually earning the revered title of Gui Gu Zi. In 390 BC, Wang Cuo aids the Crown Prince of Wei in thwarting a coup, leading to the exile of Wei Huan and the escape of Wu Qi to Chu. Following a momentous victory, Wang Cuo faces retaliation from Wu Qi, who seeks to claim Sun Tzu's The Art of War for himself. Surrounding the manor with five hundred soldiers, Wu Qi massacres all within. Despite the tragedy, Madame Wang gives birth to Wang Chan, who grows up to become a skilled political strategist.

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.

The drama will portray significant historical occurrences with a scholar at its core. Ryu Seong Ryong was a government official who served during the late 16th century under King Seon Jo. A distinguished Confucian scholar, he was appointed to oversee military efforts during the Imjin War and had a considerable impact on Admiral Lee Soon Shin. The narrative begins prior to the onset of the Imjin War and will track the characters through to the Battle of Noryang and the demise of Lee Soon Shin.

After Taira no Kiyomori rose to power, the Minamoto clan was banished. Minamoto no Yoritomo encounters Masako, who is the sibling of Hojo Yoshitoki, and they eventually wed. This union sets in motion the fate of Yoshitoki.

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 Han Triumph, also referred to as Wind Ode, is a Chinese TV show that depicts events from the early Han dynasty, starting with Liu Bang (Emperor Gao) establishing the dynasty after defeating Xiang Yu. The series also covers the events that led to the rule of Liu Heng (Emperor Wen).

The drama portrays the story of Zhang Ju Zheng, a renowned figure during the Ming Dynasty. In the hierarchical society of ancient China, few prime ministers rise to power from modest beginnings like Zhang Ju Zheng. He mentors the young emperor in implementing important changes, but faces opposition to his reforms. As a consequence of his decisions, his family suffers the consequences. His tragic fate serves as a precursor to the decline of the Ming Dynasty.

The narrative revolves around a collection of individuals who unite at Anshan Steel and Iron Company, triumphing over challenges to establish the company. This journey highlights the historical significance of the company's growth during the early years of New China. The central characters, Shang Tie Long and Yang Shou Shan, share a complex relationship as "frenemies" who rely on each other, enduring hardships from pre-liberation to post-liberation.

The narrative of the peculiar medical literature evolving alongside the motherland during the period spanning from the early years of the Republic of China to the triumph of the Anti-Japanese War. (DramaWiki)

Lord Xin Ling, a prominent figure among the 4 gentlemen in the Warring States Period, develops feelings for the lovely Ru Ji. However, Ru Ji chooses to marry his brother, King An Xi of the Wei state, instead. Refusing to be just a concubine in the palace, Ru Ji seeks to utilize her intelligence and skills. Little does she know, her actions will play a crucial role in rescuing the state of Zhao and altering the course of history.

The storyline follows the Shandong family through three different eras, spanning from 1923 to 1976. The protagonist shares the challenges faced by his family, initially as producers of sorghum wine and later as fighters against the Japanese invasion during World War II. In the upcoming drama adaptation, there will be a stronger focus on the female characters' viewpoints. Inspired by the book Red Sorghum ( ) written by Mo Yan ( ).

Follows the journey of the Flying Bros Team members amidst the Anti-Japanese Conflict

In the midst of the Second Sino-Japanese War, Qin Chuan bravely stood up against oppressors and corrupt officials to protect his homeland, undergoing a transformation from a scholarly young man to a formidable warrior

Sin Yun Bok is a skilled artist who masquerades as a male in order to track down her father's killer

In the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, the counties of Yellow River and Chaocheng experienced devastating floods, leading to widespread poverty and illegal salt trading. Despite the challenges, the court appointed Zheng Ban Qiao, a 50-year-old veteran, as the county magistrate of Fang County. Zheng Ban Qiao took swift action to address the issues, including cracking down on illegal salt trade, repairing dikes, and aiding disaster relief efforts. His dedication to serving the people and upholding justice earned him a reputation for diligence, honesty, and compassion.