Asian Drama

When Sendawara Ichika was in the 2nd grade of high school, a doctor told her she only had two years left to live. More than two years has passed since that diagnosis. Sendawara Ichika is now a university student. She spends her days not knowing if this will be her last day. Sendawara Ichika enjoys attending Yurugi Akifumi’s philosophy class. Yurugi Akifumi’s class is popular, but the students don't pay attention to his lectures. Sendawara Ichika though listens attentively. He often talks about the meaning of life and its importance. Sendawara Ichika and Yurugi Akifumi slowly get closer, but Yurugi Akifumi suddenly quits his job at the university and disappears. One day, Sendawara Ichika meets Yurugi Akifumi again and she hopes to continue their relationship, but Yurugi Akifumi tells her something unexpected.

Adapted from the manga "Tsukanoma no Ichika" (束の間の一花) by Tadano Natsu (タダノなつ).

Kinoshita Kazuya is a 20-year-old college student who has a wonderful girlfriend: the bright and sunny Nanami Mami. But suddenly, he doesn't. Without warning, Mami breaks up with him, leaving him utterly heartbroken and lonely. Seeking to soothe the pain, he hires a rental girlfriend through an online app. His partner is Mizuhara Chizuru, who through her unparalleled beauty and cute demeanor, manages to gain Kazuya's affection.

But after reading similar experiences other customers had had with Chizuru, Kazuya believes her warm smile and caring personality were all just an act to toy with his heart, and he rates her poorly. Aggravated, Chizuru lambastes him for his shameless hypocrisy, revealing her true pert and hot-tempered self. This one-sided exchange is cut short, however, when Kazuya finds out that his grandmother has collapsed.

They dash toward the hospital and find Kazuya's grandmother already in good condition. Baffled by Chizuru's presence, she asks who this girl might be. On impulse, Kazuya promptly declares that they are lovers, forcing Chizuru to play the part. But with Kazuya still hung up on his previous relationship with Mami, how long can this difficult client and reluctant rental girlfriend keep up their act?

Adapted from the manga "Kanojo, Okarishimasu" (彼女、お借りします) by Miyajima Reiji (宮島礼吏).

Adapted from the novel of the same name by Minato Kanae (湊かなえ).

A story of a miracle and excitement caused by Tashiro Ryuhei, a milk deliveryman over 60 years old.

~~ Adapted from the novel "Zunzun!" by Yamamoto Ichiriki.

Shibusawa Eiichi was born in 1840 to a farmer’s family. He grew up helping his family with work, which was to manufacture and sell indigo production and also silk farming. He left his hometown at the age of 23 and began working for the government. He later traveled to Paris and learned about banking. Upon his return to Japan, he helped build up the first modern bank in Japan. He eventually became a founder or supporter to about 500 companies and was involved with about 600 public services, including education for women.

"Marriage wasn't supposed to be like this! I want to go back to those days and start my life over!” The story begins when the protagonist suddenly travels back in time and replaces his wife. In the fifth year of marriage, when both the husband and the wife are no longer able to care for one another like the early years, they have only one common way of thought.” Why did I marry this person…? While realistically and comically portraying the frustrations and regrets that everyone has in their marriage, the story is told through the protagonist, who has achieved a miraculous life after his shocking wish ‘to return to that day’ which somehow comes true. "What kind of person is important to you? " "What does it mean to spend a lifetime with someone else?" The story pursues such an universal theme for couples…

A deeply suspenseful drama in which a young lawyer who survived the murder of his family 30 years ago confronts a criminal on death row. Thirty years ago, a family of three was slaughtered. Facing the death row convict accused of the crime is young lawyer Asari Yusuke. Yusuke has been retained by a woman who wants him to request a retrial for the death row convict. The death row convict is none other than Yanase Kozo, who killed Yusuke's parents and grandfather. Yusuke thus finds himself in the difficult position of requesting a retrial for the man who killed his own immediate family... As he goes over the accident, a series of shocking facts come to light one after the other. All these facts are somehow related to Yusuke, and lead him to find the answer to the question: "Who am I?" His sense of duty as a lawyer and his emotions as a lonely man are put to the test. What awaits him once he overcomes bewilderment, conflict, and pain How strong is a person’s love for one’s family and parents? What must we do to honor those we love? What is the final destination of Yusuke Asari’s journey of self-discovery?

Suda Tamio is an ordinary salaryman. He experiences various stress throughout his daily life. His only pleasure is to set out on trips to find "Zetsumeshi." Zetsumeshi refers to endangered meals, that may no longer exist in the future. While his wife Kanae and child go attend concerts by their favourite idol groups, he leaves home on Friday after work and returns home Saturday night.

Onda Kokoro is an oncologist called Dr Onkoro for short by the people around her and teased that she was born for this path. She got married to Takumi, whom she had known since she was a student, and they had a son. Life was going smoothly for her. But three months ago, her husband fell in an accident and remained unconsciousness even though he underwent emergency surgery. Although Kokoro puts on a brave face at work, she still has not been able to accept reality. One day, she meets Kajiyama Kaoru, a competent gastroenterologist who has transferred to work at the hospital. Kaoru understands the need for oncology as a surgeon and gives emotional support with her sunny personality as a colleague. She becomes a dear friend whom Kokoro feels is sudden a ray of light in her personal and professional life…

Hama Shoko is a 32-year-old single woman and a contract worker. She is not good at romance and does not have a boyfriend, but she wants to get married. For the past 2 years, she has been looking for a man to marry. Still unable to find the right guy, Hama Shoko decides to take a solo trip. While on the airplane, she meets a handsome younger man. During her trip, she happens to meet the younger man again. Hama Shoko lies to him and tells him that she is a married woman. The man tells her "let's have an affair during this trip."

One day, a popular YouTuber called Taiga visits ex-prosecutor Iwai after being attacked on the subway station following a death threat. Iwai, who was asked to identify the person behind death threat, discovered that Taiga is the son of a politician who he had been previously investigated for corruption. Who is targeting Taiga? Is it true that once your information is posted online, you are branded with digital tattoo and you can never start over? Iwai, an analog person, wants to change that for his clients.

Sara Fujisaki is a top actress who is getting married soon. The media suddenly falsely claims that she is having an affair. Although she doesn't want to, Sara holds a press conference to discuss the 'scandal'. She receives a sharp backlash from the public and her acting career is ruined. To makes things worse, her mother also passes away.

5 years later, Sara learns that the false affair was a conspiracy to ruin her. Thanks to plastic surgery, she has now changed her appearance. To get revenge, Sara uses the alias of Arisa Yagami and begins working as a manager at the same management company where she was once a client. Sara soon faces the shocking truth behind her scandal.

17-year-old Aoi came to Yui Obstetrics and Gynecology clinic as a part-time nurse apprentice in Summer 1997. Right after her entry, she is shocked after witnessing an abortion surgery. However, she also met staff members like Yui, the head of the clinic who is careful about everything, Sayako, a reliable and experienced nurse, and Sakaki, the gentle head nurse, who face each pregnant patient and support them after surgeries. Fumika, Aoi's mother, is worried about her clumsy nature and poor communication skills, but Aoi's unique compassion and kindness draws patients' hearts. "I wonder what's life..." Aoi matures while looking at the newborn babies' overwhelming life and asking herself that question.

Ayamecho Complex is a public housing complex that was built in the suburbs of Tokyo in the 1970s. Back then, it was a lively place and a desirable address for people. But now the number of residents have declined and both the building and people have steadily aged. One day, 62-year-old Terauchi Seiji and his 6-year-old granddaughter Honoka move to Ayamecho Complex. Terauchi tells residents curious to know why he has relocated here now, that he adopted Honoka after his son and daughter-in-law died in a fire a year ago. He believes it will be good for her to live in the place where he spent a happy childhood. Terauchi’s elderly father Hitoshi also lives with him. The arrival of the family of three stirs the stagnant air of the complex. Terauchi immediately visits housewife Sakurai Eriko and her husband Takashi who live next to him, to give his greetings and enthusiastically declares, “We’re starting a new chapter of our lives in this “dream new town” from today”. He politely goes around to every unit in the complex and even proactively shows up at a gathering of the residents association where he seeks interactions within the place. However, it does not work out as intended with an unmotivated chairman, Kaneda Teppei, and residents who show no regard for rules and greetings. Terauchi gets into action in an attempt to steer Ayamecho Complex back to the good old times for the sake of his granddaughter. However, is he a savior who will save the public housing complex? Or is he a devil?

"Miss Sherlock" is set in modern day Tokyo and both lead characters are Japanese women – Dr. Wato Tachibana, a surgeon recently returned from a volunteer doctors’ mission in Syria and Sara Shelly Futaba, an investigation consultant to the police department who solves bizarre and difficult cases. Throughout the series, the pair solves mystery after mystery with Miss Sherlock’s extraordinary observation and reasoning skills.

(Source: IMDb)

Adapted from a collection of short stories and novels "Sherlock Holmes" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Episodes: 8

Duration: 49 min.

Content Rating: 15+ - Teens 15 or older

Aired On: Friday

Ratings: 8.0

For the past 2 years, Prosecutor Takemura Ririko has worked in the Yokohama District Public Prosecutor’s Office. Ririko, who is a hard worker and has a strong sense of justice, is not good at her job. Ririko grows as a prosecutor and a woman after being in charge of multiple cases.

Yuri Ishikawa and her team try to crack unresolved cold cases in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.

The Japanese version of Warner Bros ‘Cold Case'.

A quiet residential area in Tokyo. Retired judge Kajima Isao and his family have a peaceful life until Takeuchi Shingo, an acquitted suspect in a murder trial that the judge once presided over, moves next door. Takeuchi smiles amiably, gives thoughtful presents, and even helps care for the elderly. He wins the Kajima family’s hearts with his exuberant good will. However, mysterious things keep happening around the Kajima house...

Mai used to live in a messy room, but now has an obsession with decluttering. She wants to live a "Nannimo Nai" Lifestyle. However, when friends visit, they are shocked by her extreme lack of belongings. Her habits also conflict with her mother, Fumi, and her grandmother, Hatsuko, who prefer not to throw anything away. Mai finds emotional support from her husband, Tsutomu, and two cats as she examines the relationship between her possessions and her life.

Based on the manga with the same name Yururi Mai.

Episodes: 6

On December 25, it is Shuko Yoshioka's (Kazue Fukiishi) 34th birthday. She has a good time with her husband Kenichi (Munetaka Aoki), her first child Ai (Konomi Watanabe) and her second child Yu (Hinata Igarashi), but Kenichi notices something different about Shuko. He asks her if something is wrong. She tells him that she might have breast cancer. She also says that she already received a test, but is waiting for the results. Shuko goes to the hospital to find out the results of her test. She hears from the doctor that she has terminal breast cancer and surgery is not an option. That night, her husband tries to comfort her. Meanwhile, Kenichi receives the results of a check-up he received a couple of days ago. He notices that it says "needs reexamination." Kenichi goes in for a reexamination and is diagnosed with lung cancer. Like his wife, he is told surgery is not an option. Kenichi, attempting to protect Shuko, does not tell anyone about his test results.

Nishiuchi Mariya stars as a novice concierge in a luxury hotel who strives to see her customers smile. The heroine with never-give-up attitude who doesn't say "no" to customers tries her very best to solve problems with support from her seniors. The drama brings heart-warming one-off episodes every week to viewers.

Toko has finally got her dream job as concierge at "Hotel Vollmond". One day, fashion designer and customer, Sachi, requests Toko to change the flowers at her party venue, which Toko promises to do without due consideration. With the help of her senior, Honjo, she manages to keep her rash promise, but Honjo starts to question why on earth Washio chose Toko as concierge in the first place. Toko, then, gets enthusiastic about supporting a customer who plans to propose to his girlfriend.

Segawa Kiichi or otherwise known as "Keebou" has recently moved back to his hometown due to a business transfer after years of life in Tokyo. Kiichi is a mediocre salesman for a medical-equipment manufacturer.

One day, when he goes drinking at a hostess pub with one of his colleagues, he is confronted with a former gang member turned yakuza leader, Tagawa. Kiichi used to be a leader of a small gang called "Who Are You" back in his youth himself and the two are familiar faces. Tagawa tells his group that Kiichi let his own team get beaten up ten years ago and that he is the most cowardly living man of the century. Tagawa and his yakuza group have captured a 10-year-old girl for some reason, and although he does not want to get involved at first, Kiichi ends up helping the little girl escape from them. Soon, he pays the price for it. When members of Kiichi's old gang, "Who Are You" learn of their leader's return and the adverse circumstance he is in, they round up to take on the yakuza to save him despite their resentment for their leader's betrayal a decade ago.

The drama is based on the best-selling same-titled novel by Shigematsu Kiyoshi. It tells the story of how a widower brought up his only son, after the death of his beloved wife. Ichikawa Yasuo, or Yasu as he is known, is a baka, with no paper qualifications to his name. However, like all normal parents, he dotes on his only son, Akira. Having grown up without his parents around, Yasu himself knows next to nothing of what parenting is about. With his wife, Misako, by his side, he had spent many happy days together with his little family.

However, when Akira was 3 years old, Misako passed away suddenly from an accident. Heart-broken, and filled with regrets, Yasu pulled himself together, in order to care for his little son. Together with the help of his friends, Yasu overcame it all, and Akira grew up to be a bright and successful young man.

"With nothing but love for his son... that's all there is"

A detective, who has been put on suspension due to a particular incident, unfortunately meets a woman... This woman happens to be able to “see” things, or in other words, has a special ability called a “vision.” She is shaken by her ability that she had suddenly gained one day, as she sees the images of murders... How did she develop this ability called “vision”!? What exactly is hidden in her past!? Strange incidents begin to happen around the two, and as they decide to team up in solving these cases.

The drama has Okada playing the part of Shiba Kengo, a pure-hearted young surgeon who is dedicated to his work. He gets transferred from a prestigious university hospital to a financially troubled hospital, but there he meets a capable and cool-headed chief nurse named Kasugai Yuka (Nakatani), who teaches him the reality of the medical world. The pure Kengo must face various obstacles and challenges as he tears off the “masks” of respected professionals – doctors, nurses, and educators – and uncovers their true natures.

Actor Hasegawa Hiroki plays the manager of a major group that operates schools, while Kato Ai plays his wife and the sister of Yuka.

Esumi's character Tamami is the "bull doctor" of the show's title, which comes from the word "bulldozer." Ignoring any opposition from the people around her, she uses any means necessary to determine the truth behind the deaths of the bodies she examines. Because of her personality, she is constantly at odds with both Ishihara and Inagaki's characters.

Toda and Miura play two teachers, Natsumi Uemura and Shuji Kashiwagi, at the same high school who are set to get married in half a year. However, the night before the school year's opening ceremony, Shuji becomes involved with the young Hikari Saeki (played by Takei), without realizing that she will be a student in his class starting the next day.

As Shuji struggles to help Hikari deal with the mental complex she is suffering from, he is also torn inside by his betrayal of Natsumi. Meanwhile, Hikari attempts to get closer to Natsumi, driven by feelings of jealousy and a desire to destroy the couple's relationship.

Nakamura Rui is a divorced but highly successful producer in publishing. She meets Suzuki Kou, an ambitious buisiness man 17 years her junior, and finds herself getting aggressively persued by him. Eventually they begin a steaming affair. Meanwhile, a young couple moves into the house next to Nakamura's and the wife (Suzuki Marie) begins to confide in her about the frustrations of their conjugal life.

Kano Haruko is a charismatic shop assistant who has such excellent fashion sense that she has been featured in fashion magazines. However, she is unable to give up her dream of being a high school teacher. Haruko is asked by her former teacher to teach Japanese to foreigners for three months on the understanding that he would introduce her for the high school’s Japanese language teaching position. And so, she becomes a trainee teacher at a Japanese language school where she coaches nine foreign students with strong personalities, including an Italian anime enthusiast and a Swede who is in love with ninjas, according to her own convictions, while setting her sights on becoming a high school teacher.

Last Friends tackles issues that afflict the current generation. Michiru's mother has brought a man back to their home and she is bullied at her workplace where she works as a beauty parlour assistant. She starts cohabiting with her boyfriend, a good young man who works at the Child Welfare Division and the only person who can give her emotional support, but ends up the victim of domestic violence and becomes fearful of love. The boyishly charming Ruka was a classmate of Michiru's in junior high school. She has performed brilliantly as a motocross racer and aims to win the national championship, but as the story progresses, a deep worry that she can neither confide in her parents or close friends grows evident. Takeru is a hair and makeup artist acquainted with Ruka. He is a good confidant to females due to his kindness and perceptiveness, and finds himself attracted to Ruka but has a phobia of sex as a result of a past trauma. The three of them become house mates and through their associations with others, gain the capacity to be positive about life.