J-dramas are full of binge-able content. They treat us with incredible storylines and casts that we always crave. You'll find a wide range of genres to suit your mood. As the number of viewers is increasing internationally, Netflix has become the platform to discover the top-rated shows from Japan. Here are the top 10 Japanese drama series available for streaming on Netflix.
1. Burn The House Down
Based on the manga series of the same name, Burn the House Down is a thriller you don't wanna miss this year. Recently released on Netflix. The story follows Anzu Murata, who returns to the burned-down Mitarai House after thirteen years as a housemaid to reclaim what she'd lost. This mini-series is worth watching at least once. The series is a revenge drama with a total of eight episodes.
2. The Many Faces Of Ito
A Netflix original rom-com series, The Many Faces of Ito, is based on a novel by Asako Yuzuki. The plot includes Rio Yazaki, a rom-com screenwriter and Seijiro Ito, a novelist. Rio finds four women who are dating the same guy. She finds an opportunity to find stories in the guise of helping them. It is a fun, light-hearted comedy. Basically, the series has every element that a good romantic comedy needs. The situations are straightforward and easygoing. Every episode of the show has a run time of around thirty minutes.
3. Fishbowl Wives
The series is about Sakura Hiraga, a young woman living in a luxurious apartment and having a troubled married life. The tension in her marriage leads her to cheat on her partner. The show consists of five other women living in the same building, each having troubles in their marriage. Mainly, the story focuses on Sakura. The show has themes like infidelity, domestic abuse, and erotic romance. Fishbowl Wives has a total of eight episodes, each revolving around these six women and the actions they take. By the end, it is left for the viewers to decide if those actions were justified or not. It is an enjoyable drama, but don't expect too much.
4. The Naked Director
The Naked Director is based on the novel Zenra Kantoku Muranishi Tōru Den, a biography of director Toru Muranishi. Toru Muranishi is a famous but controversial director of the Japanese adult film industry. It is perhaps the most-known Japanese drama on Netflix, premiered in 2019. The show has comedy and explores the adult film industry during the 1980s and 1990s. Even though the series contains some explicit content, it justifies the portrayal of the main lead, the director. With two seasons, you can watch The Naked Director if you love watching biographies.
5. Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories
"Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories" is based on the manga series "Shinya Shokudo" by Yaro Abe. The plot is about a mysterious chef of a diner. Each episode focuses on a particular customer who visits the late-night restaurant. The series gives you that warm, cozy feeling. The pace is deliberately slow so that you enjoy everything with a relaxed mind. The show is a hit because of its simplicity and authenticity. It consists of 3 seasons. "Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories" is different from the usual and quite engaging.
6. Alice In Borderland
Alice in Borderland is an impressive example of a good science fiction thriller. With lots of elements of suspense, action, and psychological drama, the series is highly gripping. Three friends find themselves trapped in an alternate Tokyo, where they participate in games to survive. Every new episode brings new challenges. As if the idea of alternate reality wasn't interesting, the performance by the cast is also phenomenal, making the show a must-watch for everyone. The show consists of 2 seasons till now.
7. Switched
Switched is based on a manga of the same name by Shiki Kawabata. A high school girl, Zenko Umine, finds herself in the body of a classmate, Ayumi Kohinata, after her unsuccessful suicide attempt. The series addresses important issues such as bullying and mental health. The performances by the cast were engaging. The plot twists in the series are the factor that makes it a binge-watch. The show consists of one season with six episodes.
8. Atelier
This drama series, also known as "Underwear" in Japanese, is about Mayuko Tokito, a fashion buff looking for a job in a lingerie company. The series has a "The Devil Wears Prada" vibe. Visually, the show is very artistry. It's a feel-good show with comedy and drama mixed. If you enjoy watching content related to the fashion world, you can give Atelier a try. It consists of one season with thirteen episodes.
9. Izakaya Bottakuri
Izakaya Bottakuri is about a bar run by two sisters who serve delicious food and sake to their customers. The sisters serve their regular customers with orders, solve problems and share ideas. Every episode has different characters with their own issues. The story and the characters are relatable, which makes the show interesting. The drama also gives you a culinary experience. The food served is beautifully presented. Izakaya Bottakuri showcases the hospitality culture of Japan very well. It consists of one season with eleven episodes.
10. Million Yen Women
Million Yen Women, based on a manga of the same name by Shunju Aono, is about a struggling writer Shin Michima. One day, five women move into his house. Each of them pays him one million yen in rent every month. Shin finds himself trapped in the lives of these mysterious women. So, he begins investigating the secrets surrounding these women. The storyline is offbeat and appealing. The suspense built by each character is the building block of the show. If you are a mystery or thriller lover, then this series is for you. It consists of one season with twelve episodes. The run time of each episode is around 30 minutes.
