5 J-Dramas on my Watchlist:
Updated: Sep 23
I watched my first J-Drama this year, The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House, and I absolutely adored it. This prompted me to go down an MDL rabbit whole and I rounded up some J-Dramas I can't wait to watch next!
One Liter of Tears (2005)
Synopsis: 1 Litre no Namida is a 2005 Japanese television drama series broadcast by Fuji TV. The story based on the story of Aya Kitō, who suffered from a degenerative disease. @Wikipedia
Platform: Dailymotion and Bilibili
MDL Rating: 9
Episode Count: 11
Parental Guidance Rating: TV-14 (Sidenote: Apparently TV-14 in America is G in Japan!)
Trailer:
Where Does the Sea Begin (2024) (Also called Beginning of the Sea)
Synopsis: Tsukioka Natsu is 28 years old. He works for a printing company in Tokyo. One day, Tsukioka Natsu hears that Nagumo Mizuki died. They were in a romantic relationship when they attended the same university. They broke up after Nagumo Mizuki suddenly told him that she wanted to end their relationship, and she disappeared afterwards. He didn't hear anything about her for the past 7 years after their breakup. Tsukioka Natsu attends Nagumo Mizuki’s funeral, where he meets a young child named Umi. He is surprised to learn that Umi is Mizuki Nagumo’s daughter. Nagumo Mizuki’s mother talks to him and tells him that Umi is his daughter. @MDL
Platform: Dailymotion and Bilibili
MDL Rating: 8.7
Episode Count: 12
Parental Guidance Rating: PG-13
Trailer: ? I couldn't find an actual trailer so here's a picture!
Marry My Husband: Japan (2025)
Synopsis: The protagonist Kanbe Misa, who has always lived a life of a "supporting character" because she is too kind and always puts others first, believes in her best friend and husband and continues to do her best, but she loses her life due to their betrayal. However, she suddenly realizes that she has traveled back in time to 10 years ago. Misa plans revenge to ruin her former best friend and husband, but her encounter with Suzuki Wataru, a department manager with whom she had no connection in her first life, brings about a new change in Misa's heart as she seeks revenge... @MDL
Platform: Prime and TVING
MDL Rating: 8.4
Episode Count: 10
Parental Guidance Rating: PG-13 (Violence, Alcohol use, Smoking, Language)
Trailer:
The Fulltime Wife Escapist (2016)
Synopsis: 25-year-old Moriyama Mikuri graduated but had no job offers. She became a temporary employee but was even laid off. So while she is taking a break right now, Mikuri feels unwanted and displaced. She starts work as a housekeeper for bachelor Tsuzaki Hiramasa by chance. One day, he proposes a contract marriage to her. The two of them get married in secret, but will their married life work out? @MDL
Platform: Viki and Netflix
MDL Rating: 8.1
Episode Count: 11
Parental Guidance Rating: PG (Fear, Substances, Language, Suggestive Dialogue)
Trailer:
Silent (2022)
Synopsis: Tsumugi Aoba fell in love with So Sakura, who attended the same high school. They both shared an interest in music. Their relationship got deeper and deeper, but, suddenly, Sakura said goodbye to her without giving a reason for their break-up and he disappeared. Eight years later, Aoba is now in Tokyo and works part-time at a large CD music store. She is surrounded by music she likes. One day, she happens to see Sakura. She wants to talk to him, but she realizes that he has lost his hearing. @MDL
Platform: TVer and Doki sub through Apple or Prime
MDL Rating: 8.5
Episode Count: 11
Parental Guidance Rating: PG
Trailer:
What J-Dramas would you recommend for a beginner?
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