Looking for a good drama to watch?
When it comes to the world of Asian dramas, Korean dramas undoubtedly get the most recognition worldwide.
Why not try Japanese drama this time?
Below are what I think are the top 10 J-dramas (in no particular order) that I’ve watched.
1. Hana Yori Dango 花より男子
Created back in 1992, the manga Kamio Youko has now been adapted into an anime series, two movies, a Taiwanese drama, a Japanese drama and a Korean drama.
It is probably one of the most easily recognizable names in Asian entertainment.
My first J drama ever. And to this day, still one of my favorites.
I loved everything about it . Even Tsukasa’s clothes and the fur hahaha.
I can imagine that insanely rich guys look a little extravagant, and I think they did a pretty good job of making us believe that all the F4 boys had a lot of money-in.
And I just loved MatsuJun; I think he’s the perfect match to play Tsukasa. Just the perfect one.
I’ve watched it so many times before, and I’m going to keep doing it in the future.
It’s a drama that I can always go back to, just to feel good. I’m glad to see that I’m not the only one!
2. Hana Kimi 花ざかりの君たちへ イケメン♂パラダイス
I love Hana Kimi!! Maki-Chan is amazing, there are so many hot guys, so much comedy, and just a hint of romance.
This drama is about a girl who dresses up as a boy to go to the exclusively for hot boys school that her idol, Sano, a high jumper attends.
Sano had given up on high jumping, and Mizuki had made it her mission to see him jump again.
Lots of comedy, really great drama!!! Gambathae nee!! Season 2 o kudasai!!
3. Gokusen ごくせん
Gokusen would not fail you as a TV series.
It has everything you’re looking for, I guarantee.
Drama, action, comedy, romance, suspense, the absolutely gorgeous cast (Jun Matsumoto, always crush) its the whole package.
Be sure to watch all 3 seasons of this because it would certainly not disappoint you.
4. 1 Litre of Tears １リットルの涙
1 Litre of Tears is based on the true story about a girl’s long fight with an incurable disease.
Amazing story with so many touching scenes. Words can’t describe how wonderful, breath-taking and fantastic this film is.
I’m sure most people agree that this was one of the most touching dramas they’ve ever seen.
5. Bloody Monday ブラッディ・マンデイ
I found the story so interesting from the beginning that I can’t continue with the other things I need to do for the day. Hahaha
The actors were great, the plot was magnificent and everything seems so real.
Not only did this drama show the world of being a hacker, but it also showed that ‘ you must not give up until the end, until your capture is complete.
6. Sky of Love 恋空
My head went insane after I finished watching this drama.
Probably the most depressing drama I’ve ever watched.
It felt so real like the story happened to me personally.
Make sure to prepare your box of tissue because you will surely need it .
7. Perfect Girl Evolution / The Wallflower ヤマトナデシコ七変化
This drama has everything in it. It’s funny, romantic, and very heartwarming.
The lessons it teaches are those we should not forget-about family, friendship, other people and more importantly about loving and accepting ourselves for the creatures we are with our own unique beauty.
The lead and supporting actors portrayed their characters very convincingly.
The theme song was catchy too!
8. Nobuta wo produce
One of the most memorable & meaningful school drama that I’ve ever watched.
The story line is not cheesy like others same genre but unique & brings a different feeling to the viewers.
I feel very close to Shuuji, Akira, Nobuko & also their surroundings.
I admire their friendship, no matter what happens as long as they think of each other, everything will be fine!
The drama is not only a lesson on friendship but also on many different sides of society, such as violence in school, racism, money, wealth, etc people feel lonely in this wide world, have to fight by themselves to survive; there’s what friends for, without friends, they’d be lost their paths soon or later.
9. Liar Game ライアーゲーム
Do you think you could lie about anything for 100 million yen?
That’s the question you’d ask if you’d ever take part in this game called Liar Game.
You have to beat your opponent; otherwise you’ll be in debt.
If you like mind games, you’ll like Liar Game. It’s a unique show that is sure to keep you hooked every episode.
If you really dig Liar Game, there’s also a Korean version as well.
10. Ikebukuro West Gate park 池袋ウエストゲートパーク
An intense drama throughout, Ikebukuro West Gate Park is the go-to drama for exploring Japan’s darker side, exploring themes such as delinquency, yakuza, drugs and violence.
The show also features Ken Watanabe in a prominent role before he burst out as a film actor in Hollywood.