While anime is more well-known in Japan, Japanese dramas or doramas are also highly captivating. Nonetheless, the majority of them are adapted from manga series, and it is only the production and performers who make it spectacular. If you're keen to watch Japanese dramas but don't know where to begin, we've got you covered. Let's take a look at the finest Japanese dramas for beginners:
1. Code Blue
Code Blue, which debuted on television in 2008, is one of the most iconic Japanese dramas. Three seasons and a movie have been produced for this series. Code Blue is based on the "Doctor Helicopter" system that was implemented in Japan in the middle of 2007. A medical team is quickly dispatched to patients using this method from a helicopter. In the first season, four freshly hired young doctors are followed as they deal with a variety of medical emergencies. The character development and the fragility of life are highlighted in the series.
2. Midnight Diner : Tokyo Diaries
'Midnight Diner,' based on a manga series, centers on Meshiya, a late-night diner. The diner is only open from midnight until seven a.m. Despite its time slots, the diner appears to be doing well and has more customers than one might assume. The chef has few items on his menu, but he cooks whatever his customers request (only if he has the necessary ingredients and is not overly complicated). Every episode of the show focuses on the customer's tale, lending the show a philosophical undertone.
3. Unnatural
The Unnatural Death Investigation (UDI) Lab is a fictional division created by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare. The drama centres on a group of forensic doctors working there. The squad frequently investigates cases of unusual deaths that are frequently ignored by the police, discovering the true causes of death, including kidnappings and murders disguising themselves as suicides. Unnatural, one of the most well-known Japanese dramas of 2018, is commended for highlighting traditionally taboo professions like forensic pathology. It also educates viewers to embrace the desire for living despite everything while showing the harsh side of human nature while dealing with the loss of a loved one.
4. Hana Yori Dango
Hana Yori Dango is a timeless classic not only in Japan but throughout the world. It captivated the affections of many romanticists back in 2005 when it was published and even inspired the Korean and Chinese translations 'Boys Over Flowers' and 'Meteor Garden'. It features four stunning students from incredibly wealthy homes. They are the school's alpha men, and they express their power by harassing others and flaunting their money around. Enter their most recent victim, an ordinary girl with a powerful yet humble attitude who disagrees with the leader. There is trouble, misunderstanding, and romance. Everything else is history!
5. Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge
Takano Kyohei is a grad student who has struggled with his attractiveness since he was a child. The females were piled up at their front door and forced to flee. He likewise struggles to get a job for the same reasons (as well as his volatile temper) and never has enough money. He shares a mansion with the lovely Toyama Yukinojo, the serious Oda Takenaga, and the playboy Morii Ranmaru. Ms. Nakahara, the owner, one day promises Kyohei free board and lodging if he can make his niece, Sunako, into a lady. However, the owner's niece, Nakahara Sunako, is a girl who has been traumatised since the day she confided in the boy she likes and he labelled her unattractive. Sunako became a frightening girl after that, covering his face with his hair, wearing a black cape that totally covers her, and loving everything related to the realm of horror and vampires. Although it is based on a Shojo manga and contains romantic moments, the majority of the drama consists of humorous situations in which the four males attempt to transform Sunako into a young girl.
6. Naoki Hanzawa
Naoki Hanzawa works as a loan manager at Tokyo Central Bank's Osaka Nishi office. Naoki signs a credit agreement with Nishi Osaka Steel Company for 500 million yen one day. Naoki didn't want to grant the loan, but he had little choice due to the branch manager's directive. Nishi Osaka Steel Corporation appears to be financially solid, however the company conceals enormous sums of debt using false accounts. The corporation has been apprehended. Nishi Osaka Steel Company goes out of business three months later. Asano is the branch manager at the bank. He is an ambitious individual who attempts to transfer the blame to Naoki. Naoki then attends an investigation into the loan disaster at the bank's headquarters in Tokyo. Naoki denies any wrongdoing and intends to repay the 500 million yen debt. He did this since it was the only way Naoki could make a living as a banker.
7. Angel Heart
Kaori Makimura and Xiang-Ying are on opposing sides of the law—that is, until their lives become irrevocably entwined. Kaori (a police detective) is killed in a rare accident, while Xiang-Ying (an assassin) attempts suicide but is saved thanks to a new heart— Kaori's. Xiang-Ying is now capable of recalling both her memories and those of Kaori's. She's determined to make the most of her new existence, and she ends up by the side of Kaori's bereaved fiancé, Ryo Saeba. However, the two swiftly discover themselves in a struggle for their safety. This drama is packed with action, noir themes, humour, and touching moments.
8. Suits
Suits is a remake of the popular international American television series that also has a Korean version. This Japanese drama is just as good, if not better, despite having several different variations of the same plot. Shogo Kai, a brilliant attorney from one of the largest law companies in Japan who puts victory above all else, and Daiki Suzuki, a young guy who has faced many challenges in life but is highly intellectual and has a good memory, are the stars of Suits. Shogo recruits Daiki as an associate despite his lack of credentials because of Daiki's amazing memory recall and other skills. Suits details the experiences this tag team duo has with legal cases and the difficulties they have in maintaining their secrecy.
9. Alice In Borderland
This death game television series, Japan's counterpart to South Korea's Squid Game, enthrals viewers with its post-apocalyptic Tokyo backdrop as the main characters are compelled to play a variety of perilous games. Fans of Squid Game, Battle Royale, and The Hunger Games trilogy will certainly enjoy this drama featuring bloodthirsty characters. Alice in Borderland was inspired by Haro Aso's manga of the same name. It was turned into a three-episode OVA before becoming a popular Netflix show in 2014. The eagerly awaited second season will be available on Netflix in December 2022.
10. Tenno No Ryoriban
This 2015 Japanese drama provides an in-depth look into the life of Tokuzo Akiyama, a young man from the country who is as changeable as they come. He easily becomes obsessed with new things, but as soon as he becomes involved in a new activity, he loses interest. But there is one exception. After enjoying a superb breaded cutlet, he discovers his passion for cooking and is motivated to pursue a career as a chef with a focus on French cuisine. Tokuzo travels to Tokyo and Paris to study the culinary arts while contending with countless prejudices, obstacles, and other difficulties. In spite of everything, he still aspires to work as the emperor of Japan's personal chef.
