Asian dramas like
Woman

The drama depicts the life of a woman who is determined and focused, despite facing challenges such as the unexpected death of her husband due to excessive work

Hoshino Akari works as a bartender at the renowned establishment "BAR 1511" located in Ginza. After falling in love with a patron at her previous workplace, she married him. Unfortunately, her husband passed away, leaving her to raise their two children as a single mother. Despite knowing her children may feel lonely, Akari aspires to achieve independence and open her own bar one day. She dedicates herself to learning about different alcohol beverages daily, earning the admiration of bar owner Harada. Akari effortlessly manages customer interactions, using her "cocktail language" to solve their issues, gaining a reputation in Ginza. Customers flock to the bar just to experience Akari's exceptional service.

She is a self-sufficient professional in the workplace but a lone parent dealing with her own challenges in life. Zhao Yue dedicates herself to providing her daughter with a better future while also trying to break free from the constraints of her family. However, her life takes a turn when her mother returns seeking assistance. Initially wary of her mother's motives due to past hurts, especially her preference for her "undesirable" brother, Zhao Yue eventually forms a bond with her mother and helps her come to terms with her past mistakes.

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.

Being a mother is a challenging task, especially for those who are raising their children alone. Zhou Nan Nan, a single mother, is determined to provide her son Xiao Yang with a happy life without any assistance. However, when the time comes to enroll her son in primary school after he graduates from kindergarten, she realizes that all the mothers in the kindergarten are facing their own struggles. Some successful career women are struggling to balance work and motherhood, while stay-at-home moms who focus solely on their families feel overlooked. For instance, there is a business owner who sacrifices her dreams for her child, only to face the consequences later on; and a young wealthy woman who is suddenly confronted with life's challenges. Children may be naive, but mothers are also learning as they go. No one is born knowing how to be a perfect mom. The mothers in the kindergarten are faced with the dilemma of whether to push their children to succeed at any cost or to let them grow naturally. Should they sacrifice everything for their children or maintain their own identity? Through misunderstandings, conflicts, and eventual resolution, these mothers ultimately help their children transition to primary school and experience personal growth in the process.

Based on the manga titled The Most Gentle Melody by Mari Ozawa.

The lives of mothers and their connections with their children have been a focal point. The four families have faced significant obstacles in their relationships between spouses, parents and children, and across generations. Enrolling their young children in just one year of preschool education has provided young parents with valuable growth opportunities. They have learned to prioritize supporting their children's development over engaging in competition, guiding them to establish a solid foundation for their future.

Kanbara Kiko is a single mother who is raising her 5-year-old son on her own. In order to start a lunch box business, she relocates to her grandfather's house. Despite her efforts to enroll her son Haruto in a local nursery school, she is informed by a district office staff member that he cannot start immediately. With the pressure of opening her lunch box business the following month, Kiko faces a dilemma as she struggles to find suitable supervision for her son. During this time, Fune Naraoka, the director of a kindergarten, approaches Kiko. A month later, on Haruto's first day at the kindergarten, Kiko is overwhelmed by the sight of expensive cars and designer handbags among the other mothers. The school is known for its exclusivity. Kiko recognizes Kamiya Yuki, a former classmate from middle and high school, and attempts to engage in conversation, but Yuki dismisses her, stating that the school is not for people like Kiko. Among the other mothers, including Yano Satoko, the doctor's wife, Goto Midori, a former career woman, and Odadera Marie, the most influential mother in the school, each has their own undisclosed issues.

The plot revolves around the emotional and challenging journey of Xie Yu Jin, a widow, and her children during the 1990s. The eldest son, Bai Er Hei, is known for his honesty and integrity, and is married to the determined Chen Xiao Na. Bai Jie, the second son, is a former convict with aspirations for a better future, while the only daughter, Bai Yu, is a kindergarten teacher known for her candid nature.

The story revolves around five elderly women residing on the same street who are brought together by a scam. Through shared experiences of joy and sorrow, they form a deep bond while seeking new purpose in their lives. Each woman, with her own unique background and personality, navigates the challenges of aging. Mei Yi, who runs a cafe, grapples with the loss of her son. The arrival of a new waitress, Xiao Xue, brings unexpected changes to her life. Teacher Song maintains a busy schedule, occasionally causing trouble for her daughter. Liu Da Fu's efforts to improve her son's life backfire, leading to his unhappiness. Hong Jie, a local resident, worries most about her children despite having everything she needs. Ai Lin, admired for her beauty, experiences profound loneliness. Their paths cross at a 'health lecture,' and as they unite to outsmart scammers, they form lasting friendships.

The Luo household, a mixed family residing on Good Fortune Lane, is made up of a widowed father raising twins, a divorced mother with a daughter, and their young daughter from their union

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

In Pak Siu Yau's perspective, her three daughters are as precious as jewels. She strongly believes that a woman's ultimate fortune lies in marrying a man of wealth. To secure a prosperous future for her daughters, she has been grooming them from a young age, hoping they will wed into affluent families as they grow older. Yau's eldest daughter, Hong Nga Yin, initially disagrees with her mother's values. However, upon seeing that Yin's suitor is Ko Cheung Sing, a wealthy man, she allows Yin to pursue her choice. Yau's second daughter, Hong Nga Tung, is a hopeless romantic but struggles in her love life. To make amends, Yau aims to pair her with Ho Chit Nam, the son of Hong Kong's renowned business magnate, Ho Fung. The youngest sister, Hong Nga Sz, understands Yau's worries. Having overcome a divorce, Sz now sets her sights on Fung. Yau's persistence pays off, as her daughters all marry affluent men. Despite this, money fails to bring them joy, and the sisters slowly succumb to vanity.

During her childhood, Hiromi endured mistreatment from her mother. As she matures, she is unable to be with the man she loves and is deceived by her close friend, Chikako. Hiromi chooses to raise a girl as her own child after Chikako abandons her, but the peace is disrupted when the daughter discovers Hiromi is not her biological mother.

Ayaka Miyata is employed at a company that produces stationery and is set to marry her coworker, Yuichi Hiyama. Despite this, she is hesitant to share the news with her mother, Harumi. Ayaka and Harumi have been estranged since a major disagreement they had when Ayaka was 20 years old. Harumi has always kept the identity of Ayaka's father a secret since she was a child. One day, Yuichi urges Ayaka to inform her mother, which leads to Harumi visiting the company the following day to evaluate whether Yuichi is a suitable partner. During the meeting, Yuichi and Harumi hit it off and she agrees to attend the wedding dress fitting. Unfortunately, on the day of the fitting, Harumi is rushed to the hospital after suffering from a sudden brain hemorrhage. Despite three months passing, she remains unconscious. Meanwhile, Ayaka discovers her mother's living will from a nurse, revealing that she had been exchanging diaries with her high school classmates. Using the diary as a guide, Ayaka travels to Kaga City in Ishikawa Prefecture, her mother's hometown. The revelations in the diary, filled with both lies and harsh truths, ultimately lead Ayaka to find true happiness.

A heartfelt drama that offers a hopeful perspective on bitterness, suffering, and healing within a family set against the stunning yet remote backdrop of Kangwon Province. After her husband's business fails, Jung Jae In finds herself with no choice but to return to her rural hometown with her two daughters, moving in with her father. [KoreanDramaOrg]

The tale of Shanghai residents is narrated through the eyes of Feng Xiao Qin and Gu Qing Yu, who are sisters-in-law that overcome their differences to form a stronger bond amidst life's challenges. Feng Xiao Qin has been a part of the Gu family for a decade, joining them while pregnant to become their daughter-in-law. Gu Qing Yu, the eldest daughter in the family, has always been cautious of her, feeling that Feng Xiao Qin is driven by ambition. When Feng Xiao Qin asks her husband, Gu Lei, to borrow money from Gu Qing Yu for a house, Gu Qing Yu skillfully avoids the request by revealing her own plans to purchase a luxury home. After Gu Lei's sudden passing, the tensions between the two sisters-in-law only intensify. As a single mother, Feng Xiao Qin is in dire straits, but she discovers her inner strength through the trials she faces. At the same time, Gu Qing Yu experiences personal growth that alters her perspective on life. Despite their initial conflicts, the two women eventually come to a place of mutual understanding, standing united to shoulder the family's burdens regardless of what challenges lie ahead.

A romance blossoms between a boy who had to mature prematurely and a girl whose illness has limited her life. Natsuo has taken on the responsibility of caring for his siblings after their parents passed away, as well as managing the family's bike shop. Yuki becomes the one person he trusts completely. In turn, Natsuo inspires Yuki to step out of her comfort zone and embrace life more fully.

In the early stages of her cancer diagnosis, a single mother receives care from a doctor who tragically lost his wife to the same disease. The film "87%" follows these two characters as they navigate the challenges of cancer treatment and the power of family love.

Natsuko found herself raising her daughter alone after leaving home following her parents' disapproval. After nine years, she finally returns to her parents' house, showcasing her journey as a mother and aspiring doctor. [TBS]

Matsuura Natsuki is employed at the clothing brand Avril and aspires to become a renowned fashion director on a global scale. After running into her old schoolmate Miura Motoya, they spend a night together which results in Natsuki discovering she is pregnant a few months later. Can Natsuki navigate through the challenges of pregnancy, marriage, giving birth, and raising a child? Will she manage to juggle her career, family responsibilities, and achieve her dream? (DramaWiki)

Satoko Mugimaki suffers from an immune system disorder. Instead of following her doctor's advice to get married, Satoko decides to relocate to an affordable apartment building. There, she befriends her caring landlady, Suzu, and her son, Tsukasa. The tranquil environment of the apartment complex proves to be a healing sanctuary for Satoko, rejuvenating both her body and spirit.

Taking place in 1998, the plot revolves around a circle of friends who unite, experience love, and navigate various facets of life. This drama is yet another creation by Ruby Lin.

After losing her husband at a young age, Young Yi is determined to move forward with her husband's family and work tirelessly for her daughter. She aspires to transition from her part-time role at a convenience store to a full-time position at the company's headquarters. On the other hand, Kyung Jun, the eldest grandson of TS Retail, holds a special place in Young Yi's heart. Thanks to a corneal transplant five years ago, which was made possible by a donation from Young Yi's late husband, Kyung Jun was able to regain his vision and start afresh. As the two navigate their feelings for each other, what will be the outcome of Young Yi's second chance at love with Kyung Jun, who sees the world through her late husband's eyes?

Qiu Dong Na has faced challenges in her post-graduation life. She has struggled in her career, dealing with mistreatment from colleagues and manipulation from her boss. After losing her job, she reluctantly joins an accounting firm co-owned by an old acquaintance, Gu Fei, and her former crush's stepmother, ChengFan Yang. Fei praises Dong Na's skills as a 'useful tool', noting her ability to tackle difficult tasks without hesitation. However, she finds working under Fei's unconventional leadership style to be challenging. Despite facing doubts and inequality due to her background, Dong Na finds support from her mother, Qiu Xiao Xia, as she navigates through work and personal issues.

Du Ru Yu has been a single mother since her husband passed away 18 years ago, caring for her four daughters who each have unique personalities

Former professional wrestler Juichi Miyama, now unable to compete due to a combination of injuries and age, was once destined to take over his father Jusaburo's legacy as a renowned Noh actor and Living National Treasure. However, Juichi chose to go against his father's wishes, leaving home and cutting off all contact with his family. Recently, he discovered that his father, who survived a serious illness, plans to marry his young caregiver and leave his fortune to her. Feeling conflicted, Juichi decides to return home to assist with his father's care, leading to a tense confrontation between his family and the mysterious caregiver.

At midnight, Sara logged onto a website and posted a message asking for someone dying to donate their heart to her daughter. In an Internet cafe, a young man responded to her plea by typing slowly on the keyboard. When Sara checked the website again, she was surprised to see a reply saying, "I am willing to donate my heart." This marked the beginning of a mysterious connection between the young man and single mother Sara. As their relationship developed, the young man's life came to an end. Was this the fate that awaited Sara all along?

Inspired by the memoir of Lily Franky, this novel delves into the author's family life and the moments he shared with his mother.

Arimura Kasumi takes a sudden break from her filming schedule and decides to visit her hometown after a long time. Her mother, Yumiko, greets her at the train station and they head back to their family house. While chatting casually at home, a man named Ueshima Makoto arrives unexpectedly. He respectfully pays his respects in front of Kasumi's father's memorial tablet before Yumiko asks him to help fix a bicycle. Following Yumiko's invitation, the three of them share a meal together.

The Wang family confronts several difficulties: social elitism; prejudice; adult children returning home after having lived independently throughout college; the power dynamics within the family unit, particularly between husband and wife; and the timing of marriage and starting a family amid the economic challenges present in contemporary Korean society. The eldest daughter had joined a wealthy family through marriage, but after their bankruptcy, she and her family were compelled to return to her parents' residence. The second daughter is struggling financially as her husband is currently unemployed, while the youngest daughter unexpectedly chose to resign from her job.

A narrative about an intelligent young girl who, having lost her family during the Korean War, navigates the swift transformations of Korean society in the 1970s. It is a tale that explores themes of ambition, love, grief, forgiveness, and the reconciling of two generations who endured the chaotic times of the first and second Korean Wars, spanning from the 1950s to the 1970s.

Satoko Kurihara found contentment in her daily life alongside her husband and their son. Although the son was not biologically theirs, they had embraced him as their own after unsuccessful fertility treatments led them to explore adoption. Asato had become an integral part of their family, bringing Satoko immeasurable joy. However, everything changed when Satoko received a surprising call from Hikari Katakura, who claimed to be Asato's biological mother. This unexpected revelation left Satoko feeling overwhelmed by memories of the past.

This tale follows a mother, Li Xiao Han, and her daughter who has contracted HIV. Their lives are changed when Dr. An Jie Luo enters the picture. An accomplished doctor who lost his girlfriend to a terminal illness, he seeks out the mother and daughter to fulfill his late girlfriend's final request.

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.

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.

The central theme of this television series revolves around the connections between parents and children, as well as between spouses. It delves into the complexities of love, the essence of life, and the pursuit of genuine happiness. The protagonist is taken by surprise when his wife suddenly expresses her desire for a divorce, despite his belief that he was a devoted husband. Without providing a reason, she packs her things and leaves, leaving behind their 7-year-old daughter. This leaves the man to navigate life as a single parent to Rin, their daughter, amidst an uncomfortable atmosphere at home. Struggling with unfamiliar household responsibilities and the care of Rin, Tetsuro grapples with feelings of anger and stress, all while being unsure of his daughter's emotional state.

Hiraki Asuka has been given a terminal cancer diagnosis with only three months to live. She decides to reconnect with her daughter and ex-husband, whom she had previously left behind, in order to make the most of her remaining time and rekindle their relationships.

The unique title "Panda" refers to a panda outfit worn by the main character, a 29-year-old woman known for her talent. She was once praised as a child prodigy actress and had successful songs as a singer, but her career took a different path after turning 20. Nowadays, radio DJs and TV show hosts wear panda costumes, while she remains attached to her favorite song. She falls in love with a younger man at a cake shop in her neighborhood and they marry, pledging to pursue their dreams as a singer and pastry chef. However, their newlywed bliss is disrupted when her older sister and three children move in, causing challenges in their relationship. The drama follows the couple as they navigate the early hurdles of marriage, exploring themes of family, love, and life through the eyes of a talented woman married to a bakery owner.

The narrative revolves around a pair of individuals with contrasting backgrounds who encounter challenges in their romantic relationship, personal lives, and professional endeavors

Madoka, a pregnant homeless woman, sought assistance from Takako Okada, the leader of "Smile Baby," as she approached her due date. While originally planning to give her baby to a man she met online, Madoka switched to another organization called "Online Adoption" after being offered money in exchange for the baby. Using the funds she received from Nonogaki, the representative of the new organization, Madoka paid for nursing school tuition in hopes of gaining independence. However, she grew concerned about Nonogaki's motives and attempted to cancel the agreement. Nonogaki demanded double the amount of money received in order to terminate the contract and coerced Madoka into signing away parental rights with a lawyer. Nonogaki operated as a middleman profiting from connecting babies with adoptive parents without considering the well-being of the children. Despite her reservations, Madoka ultimately delivered her baby to the elderly adoptive parents at the specified location.

Liu Han Xiao decided to step away quietly to fulfill her duty as a daughter. At the age of 40, she made the difficult decision to leave her career as a Realty Commissioner and reopen her parents' canteen to start anew. Qiu Luan, aged 60, remained indifferent towards her husband who had left their home years ago for another woman. However, when her father, Liu Gui De, returned home after years of abandonment due to dementia, brought back by the woman he had been involved with, how would Qiu Luan react to his return? How would Han Xiao, her brother, and Xin Hui, who had missed out on 20 years of love, adjust to this new situation?