Did you know that it is possible to find many Asian dramas on Netflix? In this article, we will recommend 20 Japanese dramas for you to watch on Netflix along with a complete list of available dramas.
For those who are unaware, dramas are Asian series, some call them soap operas, but I consider them series. Most of the time they are light romances with about 13 or 24 episodes like in anime. In this article, we will specifically talk about Japanese dramas.
Table of Contents
What are Japanese dramas?
Dorama is a Japanese word that literally means Drama and is widely used in the West to refer to Asian series. There is no plural for the word dorama, but I prefer to add an [s] to make more sense in Portuguese sentences.
Drama is practically the same as series or soap opera. The difference lies in how it is broadcasted on Asian channels. Generally, one episode is aired per week just like Japanese anime. The themes are also lighter and more dramatic.
Japanese dramas also tend to have 13 to 24 episodes just like Japanese animations. Generally, an Asian drama can cover any genre, which is why I disagree with the term Asian soap opera; I prefer to categorize it as a series.
We also recommend checking out our list of Korean Dramas available on Netflix.
Why are Japanese dramas the best?
I personally prefer a dorama a thousand times over American series. I don’t like how current American series force you to distort your mind with frequent sex scenes, vulgar language, hookups, and betrayal.
Although some Japanese dramas portray adult life, we can see that their Japanese culture still has a bit more moral sense, both regarding romantic themes and themes of crime and violence.
Another advantage of Japanese dramas is that they are usually concluded within one season. While American series unnecessarily drag on for several seasons like those on the CW channel (I love continuations).
Despite many in the West preferring Korean dramas, I personally prefer Japanese dramas, even with inferior acting; I like the language and cannot get used to the Korean language. After all, I am more of a fan of Japan.
Good Morning Call on Netflix
Considered by many to be the best Japanese dorama available on Netflix. In this story, we meet a high school student named Nao Yoshikawa who finally manages to have her own apartment.
After some events, she needs to share this apartment with one of the most popular boys in school. To avoid problems, the two agree to live in the same apartment in secret. Will this secret cause problems?
The Japanese dorama has 17 episodes and was released in 2016; Netflix heavily promotes this dorama. Unfortunately, like all Japanese doramas on Netflix, it is subtitled.
Terrace House: A Reality Show on Netflix
This dorama is actually a type of reality show where 3 men and 3 unknown women live together in a single residence. The series shows the daily lives of these people, and there are already more than 3 different series of Terrace House.
We have Terrace House: Opening New Doors, Terrace House: Aloha State, Terrace House: Boys and Girls in the City. You will also end up finding new versions of this Japanese reality show and other similar ones.
Erased – Boku Dake ga Inai Machi
Based on the famous manga that also received an anime adaptation, in this series we experience the journey of a young man who ends up traveling back in time to solve a murder at his old school that caused future problems.
The young Satoru lives in a part-time job and tries to grow his career as a mangaka, but without much success. All of this changes when his mother is murdered, and he ends up being hunted by the police and mysteriously teleported to his body 18 years in the past.
Itazura na Kiss – Mischievous Kiss
One of the most popular doramas and one of my favorites. This work is based on a manga that also received adaptations into anime and even Korean doramas with the same story.
The clumsy and silly main character is in love with a popular and snobbish guy who ends up rejecting her in school. After some events, she ends up having to live with her father in the family house where this individual lives.
Samurai Gourmet
Takeshi finds himself bored and looking for something to fill his time. During one of his evening walks, he realizes he can enjoy a good meal, awakening the samurai that existed within him.
Now, Takeshi reconnects with his freedom by discovering the joy of gastronomy. He will explore different restaurants, bars, and cafes, reliving the old dilemmas that customers of these places face.
Minami-kun no Koibito
Chiyomi is a high school girl who likes Shunichi, a classmate who is smart and handsome. They used to be very close when they were kids and were each other’s first love.
Unfortunately, Shunichi’s father disappeared, disrupting their friendship. After arguing with her parents, Chiyomi wishes to go back in time, but instead, she ends up shrinking to 15 cm tall, until Shunichi decides to take her home.
Dad of Light
In this dorama based on true events, a father and son reconnect by playing the online RPG Final Fantasy XIV. The dramatic series shows the reconnection of the father and son as they explore the universe of Eorzea.
Million Yen Women
A novelist named Shin Machima finds himself in trouble. However, five mysterious women appear in his house, each offering a million yen to rent and cover his expenses per month.
These women are young, beautiful, and making Shin rich. Until he realizes he has no idea where these women came from. And even less why they moved in with him or the dark secrets they hold.
Midnight Dinner: Tokyo Stories
An izakaya (traditional Japanese pub) called Midnight Restaurant is run by a wise and intuitive chef known as “The Master.” The story shows this master helping his customers overcome personal obstacles and connect with each other.
Switched
Shunpei Kaga, Koshiro Mizumoto, and Ayumi Kohinata have been close friends since childhood. Koshiro Mizumoto ends up confessing his feelings for the popular Ayumi Kohinata, and their relationship begins.
However, on the day of their first date, Ayumi Kohinata and her jealous classmate, Zenko Umine, suddenly switch bodies. No one believes Ayumi, except Shunpei Kaga. Devastated, she tries to find a way to navigate this situation.
Hibana: Spark
Tokunaga seeks to achieve success through his stand-up performances in Tokyo with the traditional Manzai style. He meets an experienced Manzai comedian who will help him grow and succeed in this competitive field.
Atelier (Underwear)
This Japanese dorama tells the story of a young woman named Mayuko who tries to make her mark in the world of lingerie. Following her passion, she lands a job at a high-end lingerie manufacturer.
She soon realizes that this dream will come with various challenges. The story shows the young woman’s effort to fit in and assimilate into the glamorous world of luxurious intimate apparel.
Kakegurui
A Kakegurui dorama is based on a manga and anime that consists of a psychopathic girl who enters a school where games and gambling are part of the school routine. She teams up with a rookie boy with no gaming experience to dominate the school.
The Many Faces of Ito
Rio Yazaki is a screenwriter looking for inspiration for her next big success. In the meantime, she gives advice to 4 women who are having relationship problems with a guy named Ito.
For each woman, Ito’s character is different. Intrigued by the stories, Rio decides to use the women and their problems with Ito as inspiration for her next work.
Re:Mind
In this Japanese dorama, eleven senior high school girls wake up trapped at a dinner table in a scary and mysterious room – not knowing the reason or who brought them there.
List of Japanese dramas on Netflix
To conclude the article, we will leave a complete list of Japanese dramas that you can find on Netflix: (2020)
- Ainori Love Wagon: Asian Journey;
- The Many Faces of Ito;
- Atelier;
- Erased;
- Followers;
- Hibana: Spark;
- Japanese Style Originator;
- Jimmy: The True Story of a True Idiot;
- Kakegurui;
- Kingdom;
- Love and Fortune;
- Love and Hong Kong;
- Midnight Diner;
- Million Yen Women;
- Mob Psycho 100;
- My Husband Won’t Fit;
- We Have a Big Problem;
- The Naked Director;
- Re:Mind;
- Samurai Gourmet;
- Check the Error;
- Switched;
- Terrace House: Aloha State;
- Terrace House: Boys & Girls in the City;
- Terrace House: Opening New Doors;
- The Could’ve-Gone-All-the-Way Committee;
- XIV: Hikari no Otōsan;
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