Asian dramas like
Unbending Will

In a narrative focusing on targeted poverty reduction efforts in Wanmixi village, a second-generation poverty alleviation official teams up with an urban journalist to help lift the villagers out of poverty despite facing numerous challenges. Wanmixi Village has limited arable land per capita and struggles with scarce resources and transportation issues, trapping its residents in poverty for generations. In 2015, Pu Quansheng, a young man fluent in the local Miao and Tujia dialects, arrives at the village and begins making gradual improvements. However, the process of implementing changes is not without its challenges, and Pu Quansheng faces resistance from village cadres who show favoritism towards their own relatives and friends. Through enforcing new policies and cracking down on laziness, Pu Quansheng aims to inspire the villagers to reclaim their dignity and embrace self-reliance under the guidance of the party. (cdramainfo) Two versions: 31 eps/45 min || 33 eps/45 min.

Following the relocation of the villagers, the poverty alleviation team, led by the county head and village leaders, traveled to the remote area. Due to the difficult terrain, vehicles were unable to access the area, so everyone worked together to create a path. Shen Tong worked diligently to develop the lingzhi and tea cultivation industry in the region, while also establishing a tea factory. He later expanded into online sales, helping the villagers overcome poverty.

The narrative follows the journey of villagers from Ningxia who relocated and established Minning Town from the ground up. The government is aiming to develop rural housing land and is encouraging farmers from Xiji Country to move or resettle. Despite the harsh conditions of the desert, most villagers who relocated there ended up leaving after just one day. Ma Defu is determined to convince the villagers to stay and help build Minning Town. In 1996, the Party Central Committee implemented a strategic initiative to foster cooperation between the East and the West, assigning Fujian counterparts to assist with poverty alleviation efforts in Ningxia. Over time, Minning Town experienced a revitalization.

The drama portrays the journey of entrepreneurs Xiang Cheng Hui, Lin Yi Shan, Yang Bu Zhen, and their successors as they navigate the challenges of reform and opening up in the era of the "new normal." They engage in a conflict over the location of a new base but eventually reach a peaceful resolution. Zhang Lu, a Tsinghua University student, visits Wenzhou and learns about Xiang Cheng Hui and Lin Yi Shan's advancements in the new energy industry. She ends up marrying Lin Yi Shan. Yang Bu Zhen's fashion city project garners attention online, despite facing a cold war with his celebrity wife. Xiang Cheng Hui's son, along with Pan Xiao Yong and Ireland, establish the e-commerce platform "Pin Shanggu." Meanwhile, Yang Tian Zhen and Lin Dan Feng found the "Red Wine Castle" and encounter numerous challenges. Their internet philanthropy initiatives attract a wide audience, while their personal lives are filled with drama. The three entrepreneurs venture into private banking, creating ripples in the industry. Their descendants, including Xiang Xiang, benefit from the government's strong backing of the internet sector, propelling the new generation of Wenzhou residents to the forefront of the modern era.

Emiru Yoshitsune, a 22-year-old newcomer in the field of social work, is tasked with assisting individuals in need of public aid

As a young boy, Zhang Nan saw his mother being imprisoned after a dispute with the villagers over water rights. This incident fueled his desire to leave his village and establish himself in the city. After earning a master's degree, Zhang Nan received the news of his mother's cancer diagnosis, prompting him to return to Baiguo to lead the poverty alleviation efforts for three years. This experience helped him confront his past and realize the importance of his work. With the support of his girlfriend, Zhang Nan dedicated himself to improving the lives of rural communities.

According to Xiaomi, a worker at the beauty salon, the movie depicts the struggles for survival faced by three women with varied ages and professions: Anna, an online influencer; Bella, and Gina, a corporate executive. The film, as narrated by the knowledgeable store manager Yilan, exposes numerous deceitful practices in workplaces, gender discrimination, and other societal norms. It utilizes urban micro-dramas to portray the challenges women encounter in the professional world.

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.

Four female friends, Chen Yi Xin, Zhu Dan Ke, Du Shan, and Qiao Xiao Xuan, were nearing the end of their time in university. To celebrate their youth, they decided to create a batch of wine together. As they embarked on this project, their lives took an unexpected turn when they became entangled with a winery and encountered a dubious wine seller. Through wisdom, faith, love, and friendship, they were able to find their true path in life.

Song Jiao Yang, a talented student in the field of fashion design, unexpectedly finds herself thrust into the world of supermodeling. As she navigates this new industry, she forms connections with Li Zhen (played by Godfrey Gao) and Zhao Yu Tian (portrayed by Jed Lee). Zhao Yu Tian, an established model, takes a tough-love approach with Jiao Yang but harbors hidden feelings for her. On the other hand, Li Zhen is kind and supportive towards Jiao Yang, though he conceals his past and origins. Feeling rejected by his family, Li Zhen's demeanor changes, leading him down a path of vengeance where he will go to great lengths, including manipulating his relationship with Song Jiao Yang.

The sitcom portrays the weddings of the three daughters from the Takanabe family involved in tea cultivation, the challenges of passing down the family's tea business through generations, and the conflicts that arise between the couples. It captures the human drama within the family, showcasing moments of both joy and sorrow.

According to legend, a bride who wears a gown created by the renowned designer Madam Mari on her wedding day will discover genuine happiness. Reiko, a young advertising professional who is engaged to marry a colleague, decides to have her wedding dress made by Madam Mari after hearing about the legend. However, her initial meeting with the dressmaker doesn't go as planned, leading to unexpected changes in her life. Soon, Reiko finds herself working as an assistant to Madam Mari, who designs unique dresses for clients seeking happiness in their love lives. The series showcases different clients coming to Madam Mari with romantic challenges and receiving one-of-a-kind dresses that help them find true love. The story revolves around the pragmatic and sometimes skeptical Mari and the optimistic Reiko, who believes in love and dreams of marital bliss. This tale is not just for women in search of happiness, but for anyone facing difficulties in life. The show also highlights the diverse wedding dresses created by the legendary dressmaker, ranging from simple and elegant to extravagant. (YTV)

The Ideal Journey for a Pair revisits the ordinary challenges faced by a married couple as they work to raise children and manage a small tea farm. It vividly portrays the various difficulties that arise between spouses, parents and kids, siblings, and community members. The storyline continues two years after three daughters left one after the other to get married. They have now come back home with a range of marital problems to address.

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

Tsukuda Kohei, a former scientist at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, now manages his late father's factory. He is involved in the Stardust project for developing domestic rockets, which is led by a major Japanese company. One day, Kohei learns that the company's CEO will be replaced and the Stardust project will be terminated. Naohiro, an employee at Kohei's factory, cares for his sick father and tends to his farm every weekend. When Kohei and Mitsuhiko visit Naohiro, Kohei is inspired by seeing him drive a tractor, sparking a new aspiration within him.

Inspired by the real-life journey of Huang Wen Xiu, who completed her doctoral studies but decided to forego a career in the bustling city

Yajima Kintaro arrives in Tokyo and is recruited by Yamato Construction Company after rescuing the CEO. A former motorcycle gang leader, Kintaro is known for his strong principles and direct approach, never hesitating to speak his mind to his superiors. While this may rub some people the wrong way, his integrity proves crucial when the company faces internal corruption.

Pu Tao is a resilient young woman who learned to be self-reliant from a young age. Her father abandoned the family, and her mother left her at a boarding school to care for her autistic brother. After 17 years of no communication, her mother reappears, leaving Pu Tao to care for two autistic children and dealing with her father's sudden return. She must navigate the challenges of her parents' betrayal while also managing her own family issues.

A tale of the Zhou family from Wenzhou, China, depicts their rise from destitution to prosperity following a series of challenges and triumphs.

The tale follows a family of five as they come to understand the true essence of family amidst a string of disputes. When Father Zheng unexpectedly falls ill and later wakes from a coma, he takes the opportunity to reflect on his actions and mend old wounds. In doing so, he aids his four children - a dedicated surgeon, a manager of a housekeeping company, an owner of an auto repair shop, and a spoiled youngest daughter - in discovering themselves, appreciating life, and embracing their true selves.

The story revolves around the residents of Lin County who come together to construct the Red Flag Canal in order to address the longstanding issue of water scarcity. During the summer and fall of 1959, Lin County faced a harsh drought, resulting in the depletion of rivers, ponds, and reservoirs. This led to crop failure and a lack of food and water for both the people and animals. Led by party secretary Yang Gui, a group of committee members from Linxian are determined to find a solution to their water crisis. Thus, the initiative to build the Red Flag Canal was launched.

The story revolves around Cheung Yee Fai, a cautious and observant salesman, who is tasked with supervising Ng Sin Yu, his confident secretary. Unbeknownst to him, Sin Yu is actually the daughter of the company's owner. As they spend more time together, their relationship evolves into a doomed romance between a man of modest means and a wealthy woman. Meanwhile, Dr. Geung Sum Yu, a dedicated professional, rediscovers her compassion and emotions as she falls in love with Yee Fai.

The series follows the story of Dai Siu Leung, played by Bobby Au Yeung, and the residents of Apliu Street in Hong Kong, known for their collection of valuable secondhand items referred to as "Hidden Treasures." Leung is a seller of electronic goods and also serves as the leader of the community. However, his leadership is challenged when a rival convinces the townspeople to elect him instead by spreading negative rumors about Leung. As a result, Leung faces financial difficulties and struggles to manage his electronics store, especially with his competitor opening a similar store right next to his.

Crafted in honor of the 10th commemoration of Hong Kong's handover to China, this series delves into the intertwined past of these regions. The storyline will center on the expansion of China's automotive sector, a prominent car production corporation, and the family at its helm.

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...

In the vicinity of Hasegawa Hair Salon, a quaint shopping street will soon welcome a new establishment owned by emerging hairstylist Tatsuko O'Brien, who received training in the United States. Despite facing a decline in customers, Hasegawa Hair Salon has managed to attract male clients from the neighborhood, ultimately overcoming its challenges. Unbeknownst to many, there is a complicated history between Maya's mother, Haruko, and Tatsuko O'Brien, involving a past rivalry over a man. As Maya unravels the truth, she discovers that her biological mother is none other than Tatsuko O'Brien.

Yuko Amano, employed at a food company and the daughter of rice shop owners, does not have much luck in her life. At the same time, the group of men that Sachiko instantly fell for began appearing weekly, each one trying to establish a romantic connection.

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)

Isoyama Takeshi, a temporary worker at a company, receives news from his employer that he will remain on a fixed-term contract with no possibility of becoming a permanent staff member. At home, his wife Seiko and 12-year-old daughter Nanami often criticize him. Adding to his troubles, a real estate investment he made secretly ends up with unexpected consequences, leaving him struggling to keep up with mounting interest payments. Encountering a mysterious elderly woman, he hatches a plan to vanish for 7 years in order to be legally declared dead and start anew.

Arimoto Hikari, a 32-year-old woman who is married with a son, visits her father Taizo after he collapses from overworking. The doctor informs Hikari that her father only has 4 days to live. Despite her initial resistance, Hikari decides to take over her father's company as he had originally intended for her. However, she encounters challenges such as her husband traveling to America for work and facing opposition from some employees like Katsumata and Junzo. This story is inspired by Suwa Takako's novel "Machi Koba no Musume."

Komukai Riko embarks on the "Dream Crazy" project with her university peers Shinji and Asai. She presents her service idea to Inuzuka from the startup support program "Dog Run", but faces a setback when her proposal receives a critical evaluation. Additionally, she questions the term "mass production type" used by Nakano Kyoko, a member of Dog Run. Riko is encouraged to explore new ideas and stumbles upon a model shop while taking a different route than usual. With the encouragement of the shop owner, Yassan, she decides to try her hand at creating plastic models.

Eun Chae Ryung is a pampered daughter who has always depended entirely on her father. However, when he gets into an accident one day, she is abruptly jolted out of her protected existence and compelled to grow up, facing a series of challenges that ultimately lead her to become self-sufficient.

A man who trades love for financial gain becomes enamored with a gentle and pure flower arranger. Meanwhile, the arranger's close friend has harbored feelings for her for quite some time. Whom will she ultimately pick as her partner?

Inspired by the mobile novel of the same title authored by contemporary storyteller Yoshi, this disjointed narrative chronicles the experiences of several girls. Their stories are rooted in reality. Episode 1 - Celeb Komine Nanako works as a courier. Having grown up in a financially struggling household, she now seeks to change her circumstances. Each week, she engages in relationships with men in exchange for money. With the funds she acquires, she becomes a celebrity, frequenting an exclusive shop that holds significant importance for her. She is willing to do anything for the sake of her weekly visits. However, her perspective on money shifts when she encounters another girl. Episode 2 - Live Chat Live chat serves as a platform for connecting with others, where she goes by the name "Yuna" (Horikita Maki). Communicating with people is her profession (Note: The first five individuals she interacts with are friends of Yamada from Densha Otoko). Two years prior, a traumatic event occurred. Now, she finds herself isolated, rarely leaving her apartment, and working from home. Engaging with others in person is a challenge for her, making live chat her sole means of social interaction. This online realm becomes her entire world, until an unexpected change occurs in her life... Episode 3 - Actress Nao's father is a doll maker, hoping for her to take over his craft. However, Nao aspires to more than a life spent creating dolls, leading to her being kicked out and fleeing to Tokyo two years ago. In the city, she is deceived by someone posing as a talent scout and faces repeated failures at auditions. As she accumulates debt, she struggles to stay afloat by working part-time at a nightclub and taking on various odd jobs. Though she dreams of becoming an actress, her impatience leads her to make a significant mistake that even her boyfriend Riku must never discover. One day, her grandfather, the only family member supportive of her acting ambitions, unexpectedly arrives in Tokyo. However, whether her elderly and forgetful grandfather will even recognize her remains uncertain... Episode 4 - Slot Shimojou Ryoko earns her living by playing slot machines. Abandoned by her parents during her childhood, she has bounced from one relationship to another, always in search of stability but consistently feeling disillusioned. One morning, she awakens to find a young boy named Kentai in her room, accompanied by a note from her boyfriend Kenji. Kenji, a host, has asked Ryoko to look after the boy for a few days. Ryoko, who has longed for love, is on the verge of discovering what it truly means to love someone... DramaWiki

In the city of Xing Hai, Meng Hao is a prosperous young billionaire who leads Kun Peng Real Estate. Despite being admired by many women, he has never shown any interest in romantic relationships. However, everything changes when he unexpectedly falls in love with Lin Yu Xin, who happens to be the girlfriend of his brother Meng Wei's best friend. Meng Hao's pursuit of Yu Xin causes tension with her boyfriend, Hao Liang, ultimately strengthening their bond. Tragically, Hao Liang suffers a severe injury at work and slips into a coma. Desperate to cover the medical expenses, Yu Xin turns to Meng Hao for assistance after exhausting all other options. He agrees to foot the bill on one condition: Yu Xin must be his partner or spouse for a year.

Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the narrative revolves around Wu Xiao Hao and He Cheng Shou, portraying them as township cadres dedicated to implementing the rural revitalization strategy to uplift the impoverished masses. Their efforts aim to transform the rural landscape, showcasing the resolute spirit of grassroots cadres. Wu Xiao Hao, responsible for cultural and historical affairs in her area, seeks a more fulfilling life by applying for the deputy mayor position in Kaipo Town, Jiaodong Peninsula. Upon assuming office, she confronts the stark contrast between her aspirations and reality, encountering unexpected challenges that lead to comical situations. Nevertheless, her sincerity, perseverance, and bravery serve as a source of inspiration for Mayor He Cheng Shou, known for his straightforward yet effective approach to governance.

By the end of the 1980s, a devastating typhoon wreaked havoc on the village, causing the Lei family to face their breaking point. Their cherished cow, the family's most prized possession, was tragically killed. Living in the impoverished Guanfeng Village, the three Lei brothers of the She ethnic group now must confront their challenging circumstances. Following the typhoon, the eldest brother Lei Quan Shui suffered a leg injury, putting his upcoming marriage to Lan Xiang in jeopardy. A proposal of marriage arrives for their capable second brother, Lei Heng Shui, offering a generous sum in exchange for marrying a wealthy but sickly girl. This arrangement would not only allow Quan Shui to proceed with his marriage, but also provide enough money for their youngest brother Lei De Shui to attend school. Despite his reluctance to enter into a marriage of convenience, Heng Shui, known for his sense of duty, agrees to the proposal to secure a better future for his family.

In June of 1993, there was a strong partnership forming between Donghai Chemical and Luoda Company. Song Yun Hui, the driving force behind Donghai's collaboration, is leading the workers of Pengyang in initiating a reform process. Despite the challenges of bridging the gap between the two companies, Yunhui remains committed to his original vision. Lei Dong Bao is heading DengfengElectric and merging with small factories to create a cluster. He establishes regulations, secures investments, delves into international trade, and confronts the complexities of human interactions, always prioritizing the welfare of the people. Yang Xun and Liang Si Shen are collaborating on the development of a shopping center. Amidst their efforts, Liang Si Shen strives to find a balance between the interests of Luoda and Donghai. As they work together, they gradually build trust and unity to confront future obstacles. Through the challenges and changes, the unwavering dream pursuers persevere with determination.

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.

The narrative is described as an authentic portrayal of individuals in their twenties navigating relationships, career challenges, and personal obstacles while residing in Shanghai.

In the upcoming series, "Love" will be a central theme that deeply impacts the emotions of the Imai family and their close companions

This is a tale about a well-known seller of sea products and a large, traditional family. Within the family, there are individuals who persevere until the end, some who have an air of superiority, others who show love and respect towards their siblings, a few who seize every chance to achieve their goals, those who remain faithful to their loved ones, and some who are appreciative of whatever comes their way. When animosity arises within the family, it leads to the family falling apart.

The 81st NHK Asadora introduces a new series titled Welkame. The plot follows Nami, a young woman who grew up in a minshuku. After moving to Tokyo for a job at a magazine company, she unexpectedly loses her position and is forced to return to her hometown, where she must navigate relationships with her family and old friends.

The head of the Corporate Social Responsibility department at Kadokura Trading, 53-year-old Miyama Asako, is enthusiastic about a new project to establish schools in villages across Asia. However, she receives unexpected news from the senior managing director that she will be reassigned to the foods business as an advisor due to the company's policy of rotating managers at a certain age. Despite not having the freedom to choose her new role, Asako is fully occupied with various responsibilities and neglects her personal appearance. Through this process, she gradually recognizes the actions she needs to take to benefit society.