Global Granary MasterList

Must-See Japanese Dramas (Dorama)

 

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Japanese dramas have their own niche.  It is as popular as the Korean dramas internationally.  Some say that Japanese dramas are the best among the lot. 🙂

Well having watched various dramas from South Korea, Taiwan, China, Thailand and even the Philippines, Japanese dramas I think are the most cerebral and the artiest and over the top. They are shorter as well.

When you are watching a Japanese drama, you’ll find the ending not as predictable as its counterparts from the above countries.

I say Japanese dramas are quirkier and often have an original and unexpected take on life and love. They also have the most bizarre titles.

Perhaps this is the reason why many Japanese dramas are remade by the other Asian countries.

Anyway, my list is not complete, a work in progress, and not in any order: –

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Business/Occupation

• Can’t Run Away From Love (2021)
• Dokushin Kizoku(Swinging Single)

• Koe Girl (2018)
• Kono Koi Atatamemasuka (A Warm Up Love) 2020
• No Need To Know (Shiranakute Ii Koto) (2020)
• Renai Mangaka (2021)

• Stay Tuned (2019)
• This is Not a Business Expense (2019)
• Tsumari Suki tte iitai n Dakedo (Dorama 2021)

Classic Romance

• Can I Hug You Tonight? (2018)
• Dokushin Kizoku (2013)
• Koi wa Deep ni (2021)
• Love Lasts Forever (2020)
• Love Rerun (2018)

• Rich Man, Poor Woman

Family

• Anata no Koto wa Sorehodo (I Love You Just a Little Bit)
• Holiday Love (2018)
• Kanna-san (Ms. Kanna)
• Mare
• Overprotected Kohoko

Fantasy/Supernatural

• Boku Dake Ga 17 – Sai No Sekai De (2020)
• Tsuma Shogakusei ni Naru (2022)

Food/Restaurant Drama

• Boukyaku no Sachiko (2018)
• Dinner (2013)
• Gohoubi Gohan (2021)
• Hungry!

Forensic/Policing

• Keibuho Daimajin (2023)

• Unnatural (2018)
• Room Laundering 2018
• Sengyou Shufu Tantei 

Historical Costume Drama

• Ashi Girl

Horror

• Kimi to Sekai ga Owaru Hi Ni (2021)

Law/Legal

• Ichikei no Karaso (2021)

Live Action Manga

• 1122: For A Happy Marriage (2024)
• Coffee & Vanilla (2019)
• Good Morning Call (2017 & 2019)
• Ikinari Kon (Sudden Marriage) 2025
• Kekkon Yoteibi (2023)
• Kono Otoko wa Jinsei Saidai no Ayamachidesu (2020)

• Love Lasts Forever (2020)
• Make A Bow And Kiss (2017)
• Peanut Butter Sandwich (2020)

Fake/Contract/Marriage/Relationship

• Business Kon: Suki ni Nattara Rikonshimasu (Business Marriage) 2024
• Cinderella Complex (2024)
• Konin Todoke ni Han wo Oshita dake desu ga (2021)
• Mr. and Mrs. Igarashi Are Strangers in Disguise – Igarashi Fusai wa Giso Tanin (2025)
• Omiai Kekkon (Arranged Marriage) 2000
• Otto wo Shakaiteki ni Massatsu suru 5-tsu no Hoho (Dorama 2023)

• Toshi no Sakon (2020)
• Usokon (2023)

Medical Dramas

• Ameku Takao no Suiri Karte (2025)

• Doctor X
• Good Doctor (2018)
• Nijiiro Karute (2021)
• Ns’ Aoi (2006)

Thriller/Adventure/Action

• Bloody Monday 2008
• Kiss That Kills (2018)
• The House of Ninjas (2024)

Time Travel

• Ashi Girl 2017

School

• Ani ni Aisaresugite Komattemasu.
• Himitsu no ai-chan (2021)
• Puzzle (2008)
• Sixteen Shoukougun (2020)

Slice of Life

• Pension Metsa (2021)

 

 

 

 

Ramen Loving Girl

It is a simple story and comprising of 4 short episodes.  Koizumi is an attractive, quiet high schooler, who is an ace ramen eater.  She would travel for hours to find the best noodle shop.  Koizumi together with schoolmates Yu and Misa ate ramen from restaurant to restaurants.  They tried level 5 spicy ramen, pineapple ramen, creamy ramen, sweet ramen and more.  Along the way, they met the Jirokians, disciples of the Jiro Ramen Restaurant, which apparently was mentioned by a British newspaper, The Guardian, as 50 Restaurants to Eat at.

 

Fragile

I love this medical drama.  It gives you a different perspective about hospital, doctors and the medical profession.

According to the lead character, it is not the doctor but the pathologist that diagnose illnesses.  It is the pathology department that go into what disease a patient is suffering from by looking into the blood and other samples.

Really worth a watch

 

Age of Harassment

This is a very enlightening, provocative and politically correct drama.

If you a gainfully employed, you must watch this drama.  It tackles typical instances that can usually happen in an office that are just sometimes taken for granted but shouldn’t be.

A lot of those “that is true’ moment in this drama.

 

My Boss My Hero

A really funny and engaging school drama.

It is about a 27 years old son of a Yakiza/Mafioso who is rather intellectually challenged.  The Don, father, forced him to return to finish high school at least if wanted to be the next mafia boss.

There are so many hilarious scenes and also there is a heart to this drama.

 

Seigi no Mikata

This is a real gem.  It is a story of a 15 year old girl and her ‘trials and tribulations’ suffered from the hand of her older sister.

Her sister is rather cruel to her and yet despite this the older sister’s actions always end up with a positive effect, which made her more vain and yet popular.