Recommendations for people getting into jdramas

This is a list of titles I believe would be easy to watch for people unfamiliar with jdramas or people who have only watched ONE specific type and now assume all of them are the same (cough cough C*ffee and V*nilla....). Will be updated whenever I think of new recommendations.

konayuki Jan 11, 2026
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  • Animals

    1. Animals

    Japanese Drama - 2022, 8 episodes

    8.0

    Very easy drama to get into with good acting and a very naturally-paced romance!!

  • Why I Dress Up for Love

    2. Why I Dress Up for Love

    Japanese Drama - 2021, 10 episodes

    8.0

    Nice story with relatable characters you want to root for, good pacing and great acting (especially from my girl Kawaguchi Haruna <3)

  • One Liter of Tears

    3. One Liter of Tears

    Japanese Drama - 2005, 11 episodes

    9.0

    A beautiful but heartbreaking classic that was a lot of people's first jdrama.

  • First Love

    4. First Love

    Japanese Drama - 2022, 9 episodes

    8.5

    A show that got a lot of people into jdramas these past few years with phenomenal acting (love Mitsushima Hikari <3), great cinematography/soundtrack and beautiful scenery.

  • Light of My Lion

    5. Light of My Lion

    Japanese Drama - 2024, 11 episodes

    8.5

    Beautiful story with lovable characters, good acting, and a lot of heartwarming moments as Japan does so well.

  • NIZI Village Clinic

    6. NIZI Village Clinic

    Japanese Drama - 2021, 9 episodes

    9.0

    When jdrama watchers say Japan is really good at making heartwarming dramas, THIS is what they mean!!! You might cry a few times, but you will also laugh and get attached to all the characters, especially the three leads who have the most beautiful relationship ever.

  • Escape

    7. Escape

    Japanese Drama - 2025, 10 episodes

    8.5

    For those who don't mind the SF element. The leads' banter is (in my opinion) the best thing about this drama. Their interactions are hilarious, and a lot of scenes were improvised, making them feel even more natural. Also has nice cinematography and soundtrack.

  • Kiss That Kills

    8. Kiss That Kills

    Japanese Drama - 2018, 10 episodes

    9.0

    Nice cinematography, fun story + probably a few familiar faces for those who have already watched some of the more popular jdramas.

  • Pretty Proofreader

    9. Pretty Proofreader

    Japanese Drama - 2016, 10 episodes

    8.5

    Another female lead you will want to root for! Recommended to those who love fashion.

  • Overprotected Kahoko

    10. Overprotected Kahoko

    Japanese Drama - 2017, 10 episodes

    8.5

    My comfort drama!!! Might not be for everyone, but those who don't mind naïve female leads will easily get attached to Kahoko! Probably the most shojo-esque drama on this list. Recommended if you like a male lead with a personality and more than one facial expression.

  • Usotoki Rhetoric

    11. Usotoki Rhetoric

    Japanese Drama - 2024, 11 episodes

    8.5

    You know it's good when everyone in the comments is asking for a second season!

    Fun story with a lovable female lead and a quirky, funny male lead. ++ Showa setting!!!

  • Love's in Sight!

    12. Love's in Sight!

    Japanese Drama - 2021, 10 episodes

    8.5

    I personally LOVE dramas that teach me something, and this one definitely educated me on a topic I was very unfamiliar with! Plus, it's just a cute, nice, feel-good drama with lovable characters.

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