Asian dramas like
Warotenka

Sumire, a girl born in the affluent area of Kobe during the early Showa era, dedicated herself to creating children's clothing as a means of livelihood following the destruction of war. Eventually, she went on to open the first children's goods store in Japan.

The 99th morning drama series tells the story of Tachibana Fukuko, a young woman facing challenges in Osaka alongside her husband during the post-WWII economic boom. Despite numerous obstacles, they eventually achieve success by inventing instant noodles. This drama is inspired by the real-life experiences of the wife of Ando Momofuku, the entrepreneur behind Nissin Food Products Co. Ltd. and the creator of instant ramen.

Mantaro hails from a wealthy family in Kochi that is involved in the brewery business. Due to his fragile health, he becomes a victim of harassment. Since childhood, he has held a deep interest in flora and chooses to leave school in order to pursue a degree in botany at Teikoku University in Tokyo. He takes on the role of a research assistant with the aspiration of compiling a comprehensive encyclopedia on Japanese plants, dedicating himself to achieving this goal.

The story takes place between the 1920s and 1940s and focuses on Beile Ha Lan, a mischievous and timid individual from the former Qing Dynasty. Ha Lan's life takes a dramatic turn when he comes into possession of a confidential document detailing the treasures hidden in the imperial tombs. Born in a rundown palace in the capital city in 1909, Ha Lan shares a childhood romance with Xiao Yue Lou. While serving as a study companion in the palace, Ha Lan develops a passion for imperial cuisine and befriends the skilled Chef Xie. Despite being engaged to Tong Li Hua, the daughter of Marquis Tong, Ha Lan declines the arrangement and expresses his desire to marry Xiao Yue Lou instead. Elsewhere, Eunuch Wang steals the secret tomb records, but Chef Xie manages to swap it with a meal given to Ha Lan. Additionally, Eunuch Wang's godson, Wang Si Jai, is also on the hunt for the treasures.

In a modern twist of fate, a progressive young woman finds herself in the past inhabiting the body of a mistreated individual. Transported back to the Mingxi Kingdom, a girl accustomed to being an extra on historical TV shows now embodies the role of Pan Tai Fu's eldest daughter. Previously a victim of her sister Pan Miao Luo's cruelty, the new "Pan Miao Shuang" undergoes a dramatic transformation after taking a mysterious 'genius pill'. Seeking revenge on her oppressive father and malicious stepmother, she also navigates a newfound romance with Prince Jun Zhi Chen.

The film is inspired by the real-life tale of Taketsuru Masataka and his spouse Rita Cowen. Masataka holds the distinction of being the inaugural Japanese individual to craft whisky within Japan upon establishing his distillery in Hokkaido in 1934. The film's title is derived from Rita's affectionate moniker for Masataka.

At the onset of the Showa period, a girl named Asada Nobu, also referred to as 'Hachikin Onobu,' was darting through the streets of Kochi with astonishing speed. At the same time, Yanai Takashi, who had lost his father to disease during his childhood, was taken in by his uncle and met Nobu at the new school he attended. As the threat of war loomed, Nobu, who was enrolled in a women’s normal school, had become an ardent militarist like many of her peers. Before long, war broke out, and Takashi was deployed. He faced the devastating loss of his younger brother, Chihiro, in the conflict, while Nobu also suffered the loss of her beloved. After completing her education at the women's school, Nobu's beliefs shifted dramatically due to the war, prompting her to seek her own understanding of what was right. She became the first female reporter at a newspaper in Kochi. Following the war, Takashi left his job as a scrap collector and joined the same newspaper, where they both worked on the same magazine. Although Takashi aspired to become a manga artist in Tokyo, he was concerned about his ability to sustain himself. Nobu encouraged him, saying, "You can come later. I’ll head to Tokyo first and wait for you," after which she resigned from the newspaper and relocated to Tokyo. Takashi followed her there, and they began sharing a cramped six-tatami apartment that lacked a bath, had a communal toilet, and a hole in the ceiling requiring them to use an umbrella on rainy days, but on clear nights, they could gaze at the stars. Nobu found their circumstances intriguing, and the couple decided to marry, expressing, "I want to be with someone who can appreciate any situation."

The narrative focuses on the experiences of a married couple, as narrated by Mura. (Tokyograph) Based on the memoir "Gegege no Nyobo" penned by Mura Nunoe, the spouse of manga artist Mizuki Shigeru. Presented as the 82nd NHK Asadora.

An individual experiences two deaths throughout their life. The first occurs when their physical form ceases to exist, and the second happens when they are forgotten by those around them.

Princess Sheng Ping is a determined royal who has a strong affection for Jiju. She escapes the palace to watch her favorite Jiju player, Chen Shao Tang, and amusingly crosses paths with Guo Ai, the sixth son of the Prince of Fenyang. Despite a rocky start, they eventually become close friends by helping each other and making valuable connections. Their bond deepens after failed romances lead them to marriage, although challenges arise due to Sheng Ping's royal status. Trouble brews when Guo Ai's ex-lover, Luo Xia, returns to cause discord. A drunken Guo Ai lashes out at Sheng Ping after she misses a family celebration, leading to a strained relationship between them. (DramaWiki; adapted from the Chinese folk tale "Zui Da Jin Zhi")

Yatabe Mineko, a 17-year-old girl, was raised in a family of seven in a mountain village located in northeastern Ibaraki Prefecture. Her father, Minoru, left for Tokyo to seek employment and earn extra income, but failed to return for the New Year. Determined to find him, Mineko convinces her family to allow her to go to Tokyo and promises to send money back home. In the autumn of 1964, Mineko, along with her childhood friends Tokiko and Mitsuo, secures jobs at a small factory in a working-class neighborhood of Tokyo. Despite facing challenges and moments of disappointment in her search for her father, Mineko starts to build a life in Tokyo through various encounters with locals, friends, and colleagues. The question remains: will she succeed in reuniting with her father?

Yun Luo Li, the eldest daughter of the Yun family, experiences memory loss following a car accident. While in the hospital, she encounters Du Si Tang, the president of the Du Group. Despite not remembering him, Yun Luo Li feels a connection to Du Si Tang, who also feels a mysterious attraction towards her. As Yun Luo Li tries to uncover the truth behind her memory loss, her relationship with Du Si Tang deepens. However, when the Du family's secret recipe goes missing, Du Si Tang becomes suspicious of Yun Luo Li's actions. Disheartened, Yun Luo Li decides to leave and revitalize the Yunjia wine industry using ancient techniques, establishing the "Datang Style Garden". Eventually, the truth about the missing recipe is revealed, leading to a reunion between Yun and Du.

Yue Fei started his career from humble beginnings and eventually became a renowned military leader who defended Southern Song against northern Jin invaders. Unfortunately, he was unjustly executed by his own government. General Yue Fei's name continues to be associated with the virtue of "loyalty" in Chinese culture.

Wong Fei Hung, a renowned figure of his era, is both a skilled martial artist and a revered hero. As a doctor at Po Chi Lam, a clinic in Canton, he has rescued numerous individuals, yet he is compelled to utilize his combat skills to protect the community.

After losing her parents at a young age, Liu E journeys to the capital city of Kaifeng where she attracts the attention of Zhao Heng. Despite being a concubine, Liu E displays a keen understanding of political matters and frequently engages in discussions with Zhao Heng. This dynamic persists even after Zhao Heng ascends to the throne in 997. Following the adoption of a concubine's son (who later becomes Emperor Renzong), Liu E is named empress and assumes the role of regent for the Song Dynasty during the final two years of her husband's rule. Liu E continues to govern until her passing in 1033, twelve years later. This account draws inspiration from the remarkable life of Empress Zhangxian Mingsu, also known as Liu E of the Song Dynasty.

A young woman aspires to become the top entrepreneur during the Song Dynasty, yearning to break free from the constraints of marriage and pursue a life of independence. (Douban)

Mo Xiao Xiao is portrayed as a conceited killer in the modern era. After waking up one day, she discovers that she has been transported to an ancient realm and is chosen as a sacrifice. Luckily, King Jing rescues her. In this new world, Mo Xiao Xiao transforms her demeanor from aloofness to a playful and cheeky consort who eventually falls in love with King Jing.

A variety of complex relationships, cunning plots, and intense romantic connections can be found in this story. (Weibo)

In order to seek justice for her family, the stunning and elegant Wen Yu Nong decided to become a spy known for her skill in disguises. To achieve her goal of revenge, she must utilize her talents to impersonate another person as she reconnects with the man she once had feelings for.

Lin Sui Sui finds herself in the fragmented narrative of My Fair Princess, where she takes on the role of a maid in the Empress’s palace. In order to go back to her own world, she is tasked with mending the storyline, but unforeseen challenges posed by an enigmatic guard jeopardize her efforts.

Kawahara Kimiko, the oldest of three sisters, was born in Osaka in 1937. When she was nine years old, her family relocated to Shigaraki in Shiga Prefecture. Surrounded by the local Shigaraki pottery, Kimiko developed a passion for ceramics and aspired to become a ceramics artist. Despite the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry, she persevered and built a groundbreaking career in ceramic arts, from her early years to her marriage.

During the early years of the Republic of China, Su Man Li, a substitute dancer at the XianYuess Club, meets Chen Bi, a lady from a prominent family who has lost her loved ones tragically, as she seeks justice for her father's murder. Assuming Chen Bi's identity, Su Man Li approaches Yang Zi Qin, a member of the Haitang Society, to investigate the truth behind the massacre of the Chen family. Upon discovering Yang Zi Qin's real identity, the trio teams up to confront the mastermind responsible for the tragedy.

In Tokyo in 1935, Yanagi Etsuko, a 10-year-old girl with a passion for music, is concerned for her father Kantaro. Kantaro, a struggling songwriter still grieving for his late wife, is not living life to the fullest. Etsuko decides to help her father find a new partner and mother figure. She initially tries to set him up with her teacher, Muraoka Masako, but the plan does not work out. Etsuko then meets a salesgirl named Ikebe Kyoko and is captivated by her simple nature, growing to see her as a mother figure. However, Kantaro's sister, Tsuruyo, intervenes by arranging a meeting with Kusakabe Kaoru, the daughter of a bank owner who has ties to the family business. (jdramas.wordpress)

Set during the Meiji period in Matsue, Toki is an unconventional girl hailing from a once-respected samurai lineage that now faces financial hardship due to her father's unsuccessful venture. In order to support herself, she takes a job as a maid for a foreign English instructor of Greek-Irish heritage, who has always felt like an outsider after being left alone as a child. Despite their cultural disparities and the challenges of language, Toki and her employer connect through their mutual passion for ghost stories and their similar life challenges. Together, they embark on a unique adventure filled with odd characters and, naturally, an abundance of supernatural narratives. This tale is inspired by the real-life story of Koizumi Setsuko, the spouse of Koizumi Yakumo, originally known as Patrick Lafcadio Hearn.

Uno Meiko, the protagonist of a food-centric series, hails from a family that owns a western-style eatery in Tokyo. After tying the knot, she relocates to Osaka with her spouse, where she grapples with the contrasting cultures of the two cities while navigating her roles as a mother and wife.

The tale of the individual who transforms from a salt pirate into the ruler of Wuyue.

Sup Yee Moo is a laid-back police officer with a mother who used to be the infamous 'Chivalrous Flying Hawk'. Despite her past, Sup Yee Ma now keeps her former identity hidden from the martial arts community. She takes care of Sup Yee Moo, who has a knack for getting into trouble. When Sui Dong Lau arrives and becomes the honorable magistrate in their town, they team up with Si Kei Wong to solve amusing mysteries together.

In 1929, Japan saw the establishment of its inaugural law school specifically for women. Among the students was Inotsume Tomoko, who went against societal norms. By 1938, the first female lawyers, such as Torako, began to emerge, earning admiration nationwide. However, with the outbreak of war, opportunities for their legal expertise decreased. Fast forward seven years, Torako, who had lost everything during the war, utilized her legal knowledge to survive. With a goal of becoming a judge, she dedicated herself to creating a family court to aid children orphaned by the war and women facing difficulties, aiming to assist those facing challenges beyond politics and finance.

Oshima Goro, a janitor at a primary school, transforms into an exceptional teacher who helps students struggling academically despite lacking official certification. Akasaka Chiaki, a single mother, challenges traditional schooling during wartime and envisions a school providing comprehensive education through personalized coaching. Their relationship blossoms into both a professional partnership and a romantic one as they embark on a journey spanning 50 years, against the backdrop of the Showa to Heisei era, reshaping the landscape of education. This narrative is inspired by the 2016 novel "Mikazuki" by Mori Eto.

The plot revolves around a sinister scheme to wipe out Xiangdu during the Anti-Japanese War. The Wang and Mei families set aside their longstanding feud to unite against the common threat and protect Xiangdu.

In a fantastical twist of fate, a contemporary young woman finds herself transported back in time and transformed into a stunning beauty. She fearlessly sets her sights on Childe Xie Xun, the proprietor of a wine shop. Mingling with the past, Meng Xiao Fan stumbles into Xie Xun's establishment, realizing she may have crossed over into a game-like realm where she has morphed into the captivating Meng Yu Fan, whose allure is said to have the power to bring about the downfall of nations. In a bold move, she decides to pursue Xie Xun, marking one of the most daring choices of her young life. But their happiness is short-lived as a life-threatening crisis emerges. Faced with the ultimate decision of choosing between love and the welfare of all, Meng Yu Fan must make a choice that will shape their fate. (ChineseDrama.info)

Jin Shu finds herself unexpectedly transported back to the era of the Chinese Republic, where she must assume the role of Shen Yu's partner to maintain appearances

The 67th NHK Asadora Drama follows the story of Manten, a young woman who grew up on a small island in southern Japan surrounded by nature. Inspired by her father, who disappeared at sea when she was eight years old, Manten holds onto his dream of space exploration. At eighteen, Manten faces pressure from her mother to decide on a career path or start paying rent, while also dealing with a declaration of love from a childhood friend. Despite these challenges, Manten remains determined to pursue her dream of joining Japan's National Space Development Agency, NASDA. However, she realizes that achieving this goal will require hard work and dedication, including obtaining a college education and gaining three years of experience in the field. As Manten navigates the complexities of life and love, she remains steadfast in her pursuit of space travel, making unlikely friendships along the way.

The narrative revolves around the experiences of Koshino Ayako, a renowned fashion designer who died in 2006 at 92 years old. In addition to her thriving career in Japan, she also managed to raise three daughters who went on to achieve global recognition as designers themselves. These daughters are Hiroko, Junko, and Michiko.

Tsuneko Kohashi, the oldest daughter in the Kohashi family, was just 11 years old when her father, Takezo, passed away from tuberculosis. Embracing her father's belief in the value of everyday life, she took on the role of a parental figure for her mother, Kimiko, and her two younger sisters, Mariko and Yoshiko, earning her the nickname "Toto One-chan." Leading her family through challenging times, Tsuneko worked hard to support them as the head of the household. In the aftermath of the war, Tsuneko, Mariko, and Yoshiko collaborated to launch a lifestyle magazine in a war-torn Tokyo, catering to female readers. Named "Your Life," the magazine featured practical articles and quickly gained popularity. Thanks to the expertise of editor Hanayama Isaji, "Your Life" became an indispensable resource for women during the era of rapid economic growth.

The narrative takes place in the era of rapid economic growth in the Showa period. After losing her parents in the war, Natsu relocates to the Tokachi region in Hokkaido with her foster father, a dairy farmer. During her childhood, Natsu befriends a classmate who impresses her with a stunning horse drawing, sparking her interest in animated films. Following her graduation from high school, Natsu makes the move to Tokyo to pursue her ambition of working as an animator in the emerging animation industry.

During the period of significant economic expansion in the 1990s, the story revolves around A Bao, a successful entrepreneur who rises from a challenging upbringing to amass great riches in Shanghai. His interactions with four different women symbolize his quests for adventure, respect, love, and purity. (Reference: Screen Daily) Inspired by JinYu Cheng's book "Fan Hua."

During the early 1900s in China, Xiao Yue Gui, a young girl from the countryside, moves to Shanghai to avoid starvation. By rescuing Yu Qi Yang, a member of the Pujiang Association, the most powerful gang in Shanghai, she gains access to the leaders of the organization. This leads her to start working at their brothel, which alters the course of her life. Xiao Yue Gui is now on a journey to become the next "King of Shanghai," following in the footsteps of three previous generations, as depicted in Hong Ying's novel.

Due to financial difficulties, Wen Yu He's father agreed to have her marry into the Gu family as the wife of Madam Gu's third son. With Madam Gu's first son missing and her second son deceased, all hope was placed on Yu He and her remaining brother-in-law. The third son, Shao Tang, is known for his reckless behavior, spending time in brothels and gambling away his money. Madam Gu believed that Yu He could positively influence her son. Yun Kai, a school teacher, disguised himself as a groundskeeper to work in the Gu household, assisting with accounting and the family's lantern business. Despite facing mistreatment from her older sister-in-law, Yu He remains devoted to Shao Tang. As tensions rise and hidden agendas come to light, the Gu family's secrets begin to unravel, revealing a web of deceit and betrayal.