Asian dramas like
Yoshitsune

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.

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.

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 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"

The 40th NHK Taiga Drama revolves around the life of Hojo Tokimune, a young shikken who played a pivotal role in defending Japan from Mongolian invasion during the 13th century. This gripping tale delves into themes of betrayal, clan conflicts, and the personal turmoil faced by Hojo Tokimune. The narrative primarily focuses on the dynamics between Tokimune and his brother Tokisuke, highlighting their differing perspectives and actions in response to Kublai Khan's invasion attempts. Political tensions drive a wedge between the two siblings, leading to a dramatic exploration of loyalty and power struggles.

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)

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)

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)

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.

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 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 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)

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.

The narrative focuses on Tong Jia Ru, an instructor of Mandarin, as it chronicles the transformation of an average individual who evolved from apathy towards the conflict to utilizing his intelligence to resist the adversary throughout the Anti-Japanese War. (Baidu)

In the period of unrest between 1915 and 1921, Chen Du Xiu and Li Da Zhao, along with a group of individuals who shared their beliefs, established the Magazine La Jeunesse, which sparked the New Culture Movement. This publication advocated for science and democracy, reshaping the mindset of the public and urging them to resist the deeply rooted imperialism. The story revolves around a diverse group of individuals, including renowned authors, politicians, and revolutionaries, who each strive to protect their nation in their own unique ways.

The Conquest depicts the struggle between the territories of Wu and Yue in ancient China's Spring and Autumn Period.

In Beijing, during the Qing dynasty, a formidable empress ascended to the throne. The narrative revolves around four distinct households. One of them is the Chai family, led by Chai Hok Yan, who was betrayed by fellow officials resulting in the family being condemned to death. The sole survivor, Chai Pak Chuen, managed to escape thanks to the loyal assistance of a trusted aide who swapped identities with him. Renamed Fan Chi Chai, Pak Chuen relocated to a different city to start afresh. It was there that he crossed paths with the Kiu family, headed by successful business banker Kiu Bun Yip. Despite his prosperity, Bun Yip faced adversaries, including the Cho family. Bun Yip welcomed Pak Chuen to his banking establishment, Ding Fung Shing, to impart knowledge about banking. Simultaneously, Pak Chuen forged a close friendship with Cheung Shung Man.

Yip Yeung is intrigued by the ancient practice of using "tui bei tu" diagrams to glimpse into the future. These diagrams have the power to foresee upcoming events, enabling individuals to either attract good fortune or avoid calamity. Yuen Hei deceives Yip Yeung into purchasing counterfeit diagrams, but his scheme is exposed by Lee Sing Tin. Recognizing potential in both Yip Yeung and Yuen Hei, Lee Sing Tin takes them under his wing as apprentices to impart his knowledge of the mystical diagrams. Yip Yeung later learns of his royal lineage, descending from the last ruler of the kingdom. He endeavors to use his divination skills to seize the throne but is met with visions of tragedy at every turn, foreshadowing the futility of his attempts to alter fate.

Taking place mainly in Canton, China, which is currently referred to as Guangzhou, amidst the Second Sino-Japanese War, the series depicts the activities of Chinese intelligence agents and their involvement with secret criminal organizations and the Japanese Empire.

Si Young, the eldest son of Park Hee Chan, is aware of the reason behind his father's insistence on him succeeding the family business. He is known for his ruthless business tactics and gradually evolves into a formidable leader while managing the guild. On the other hand, Jae Young, his younger brother, forges his own path and refrains from adopting his brother's cutthroat business approach.

In a tale set in the Song Dynasty under Emperor Zhen Zong's rule, Empress Liu, unable to conceive, conspires with eunuch Kwok Wai to switch the newborn prince with a feral cat.

Seoul 1945 is a dramatic narrative set against the backdrop of a tumultuous period in Korea, covering the transition from Japanese rule to the eventual division of the nation into North and South. The plot centers around four young individuals who were raised together. Choi Oon Hyuk, a gifted child from a family of impoverished miners; Kim Hae Kyung, the oldest daughter of tenant farmers; Lee Dong-Woo, the successor to a prosperous and influential family; and Moon Suk Kyung, the sole offspring of a wealthy political ally of Japan. Each character, influenced by their personal decisions and external circumstances, embarks on divergent journeys that mirror the chaotic era and reveal their true natures. As their lives intersect, themes of love, friendship, loyalty, revenge, moral dilemmas, and ideology emerge as powerful forces that irrevocably alter their destinies.

The maxi-series uncovers a group of heroes who played key roles in peasant uprisings throughout history in rich detail. Moreover, the story is intertwined with the real-life aspects of society in order to understand Tseng Guo-fan, a figure who fought for survival, upheld his beliefs, and dedicated himself to the court.

The ancestral temple holds great significance for a family, yet during a time when women are seen as inferior, they are forbidden from approaching it. Men inside the ancestral temple defend the family and the nation, while women outside accept their destiny.

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.

Akame Kotoji, a wandering samurai seeking revenge for his lord's stolen lances, settles in a tenement house owned by Kujiya Shouemon in Edo. Tajiri Tojiro, the chief retainer of the Mitsushima family, holds a grudge against Akame for the humiliation caused by the lance incident and sends Sudo Heihachiro to assassinate him. Akame meets Oryo, a lady-in-waiting at the Mizushima family mansion, through Shouemon, and initially rejects her request for help. However, he eventually decides to take up his sword again after being promised employment as the Mitsushima domain's fencing instructor if he defeats Akame. After a fierce battle with Sudo, Akame emerges victorious but is left with Sudo's infant son to care for. With the support of the tenement house residents and Oryo, who aspires to be a poet, Akame finds solace and begins to discover the true meaning of life as he navigates love and parenthood for the first time.

Yae no Sakura recounts the tale of Niijima Yae, also recognized as Yamamoto Yaeko, who was born in the Aizu Domain in the final years of the Edo era. Proficient in artillery, she played a crucial role in defending Aizu during the Boshin War, leading to her being dubbed the Bakumatsu Joan of Arc. Following the war, she wed educator Joseph Hardy Neesima and embraced Christianity, aiding Neesima in establishing Doshisha University.

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.

The Guo family has a long history of practicing bone setting for more than two centuries, always having male successors to carry on their skilled healing tradition. However, Guo Yi Shan, a fourth-generation descendant, faces a challenge as he is left with only a young daughter following the deaths of his two wives. To ensure the continuity of the family medical practice, Yi Shan chooses to marry again, this time to a rural woman named Yun He Ming. Unfortunately, on their wedding day, Yi Shan is abducted by vengeful bandits orchestrated by Liu Xian Tang, the leader of "Everlasting Life Temple." He Ming learns of the kidnapping and successfully saves her husband, earning the admiration of the entire Guo family. As a result, Yi Shan decides to teach his new wife how to read and practice medicine.

In the 1930s, the setting for this tale is in the southern region of Fujian

Shen Xin Ci escapes from her dangerous fiance, Liang Yong Chang, after discovering the truth. Along the way, she encounters Zhao Shi Jun, who shows compassion by giving her money to settle her father's medical bills. Following her father's passing, Xin Ci resolves to find Shi Jun and repay his kindness, regardless of the request. To resolve conflicts between Shahe Town and Wan Jia Village and secure the water supply, Zhao Shi Jun is compelled to marry Mayor Wan's daughter, Wan Qiu Ling. On their journey to Qiu Ling's new home, she falls ill due to a lifelong condition but is saved by a mysterious doctor, Liang Yong Chang. He offers a cure for her illness but warns that she will be unable to conceive in the future. Determined to continue her family line, Qiu Ling follows Yong Chang's advice and switches places with another girl to ensure pregnancy. Unbeknownst to Yong Chang, the other girl happens to be his former fiance, Shen Xin Ci. Now, Yong Chang seeks revenge on Zhao Shi Jun and anyone else in his path.

Set against the backdrop of the Republic of China, the narrative unfolds the tale of two children, Xiao Jun and Xiao Jie, who were raised in Taiwan. Orphaned at a young age, they embarked on a journey across the sea to locate Xia Men. Despite facing numerous challenges, Father Zheng Shi Xian, the siblings were eventually reunited with their father and assimilated into their new family dynamic.