My Top 10 -8.0 Rated Dramas from Japan
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You can pretty much give all of these a 8 - Many have started in this list with a ten to be changed later. That is the nature of enjoyment, and the aftermath of hindsight. All you really need to know, all are recommended.
My Top 10-8.0 Rated Dramas from Japan - notes are not detailed and sometimes only one word to describe my feelings. I watch mostly movies (and anime) from Japan, but I had a lot of fun watching these series. Cheers, A
updates 25.09.07
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![5 to 9 From Five to Nine]()
1. 5 to 9 From Five to Nine
Japanese Drama - 2015, 10 episodes
- sugar sweet.
- Genres: Comedy, Romance, Drama
- Tags: Male Chases Female First, Love At First Sight, Smart Female Lead, Arranged Marriage, Love Triangle, Rich Male Lead, Eccentric Male Lead, Multiple Couples, Friendship, Hardworking Female Lead
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![Alice in Borderland]()
2. Alice in Borderland
Japanese Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
- I'd stop with this season.
- Genres: Action, Thriller, Sci-Fi
- Tags: Death Game, Death, Suspense, Smart Male Lead, Survival, Game, Parallel Universe, Strong Female Lead, Adapted From A Manga, Psychological Manipulation
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![Anego]()
3. Anego
Japanese Drama - 2005, 10 episodes
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![Ano Toki Kiss Shite Okeba]()
4. Ano Toki Kiss Shite Okeba
Japanese Drama - 2021, 8 episodes
- bitter and sweet.
- Genres: Comedy, Romance, Supernatural
- Tags: Body Swap, Gender Swap, Death, Manga Artist Female Lead, Age Gap [Drama Life], Transmigration, Nice Male Lead, Part-time Worker Male Lead, Rich Female Lead, Older Woman/Younger Man
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![Black Familia: Shindoke no Fukushu]()
5. Black Familia: Shindoke no Fukushu
Japanese Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
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![Candy Color Paradox]()
6. Candy Color Paradox
Japanese Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
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![Chokotto Kyoto ni Sundemita]()
7. Chokotto Kyoto ni Sundemita
Japanese Drama - 2022, 6 episodes
- Kyoto.
- Genres: Adventure, Life
- Tags: Traveling, Miniseries, Food
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![Dou Suru Ieyasu]()
8. Dou Suru Ieyasu
Japanese Drama - 2023, 48 episodes
- history is hard to digest.
- Genres: Historical, Life, Drama
- Tags: Taiga, Smart Male Lead, Hardworking Male Lead, Edo Period, Sengoku Period, Death, Poor Male Lead, Death Of A Mother, Samurai Male Lead, Death Of A Father
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![Fermat's Cuisine]()
9. Fermat's Cuisine
Japanese Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
- not BL.
- Genres: Food, Drama
- Tags: Restaurant Setting, Mathematician Male Lead, Chef Male Lead, Smart Male Lead, Miniseries, Cooking, Adapted From A Manga, Bromance, Friendship
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![GTO]()
10. GTO
Japanese Drama - 1998, 12 episodes
- read the manga .
- Genres: Comedy, Youth, Drama
- Tags: High School, School Bullying, Adapted From A Manga, Student Supporting Character, School Setting, Teenager Supporting Character, Teacher Supporting Character, Teacher Male Lead, Physical Abuse, Slight Romance
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![Hanzawa Naoki Season 2]()
11. Hanzawa Naoki Season 2
Japanese Drama - 2020, 10 episodes
- corruption 2nd season.
- Genres: Thriller, Business, Drama
- Tags: Adapted From A Novel, Corruption, Bankruptcy, Revenge, Kendo, Economics, Smart Male Lead, Political, Friendship, Workplace Violence
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![Henshin Interviewer no Yuuutsu]()
12. Henshin Interviewer no Yuuutsu
Japanese Drama - 2013, 10 episodes
- fun.
- Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Comedy, Drama
- Tags: Investigation, Writer Male Lead, Town Secret, Miniseries, Death, Eccentric Male Lead, Murder, Double Identity, Suspense
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![I Will Be Your Bloom]()
13. I Will Be Your Bloom
Japanese Drama - 2022, 10 episodes
- it was not that.
- Genres: Music, Comedy, Romance
- Tags: Chasing A Dream, Band, Friendship, Entertainment Industry, Former Teacher Female Lead, Character Development, Idol Supporting Character, Aromantic Supporting Character, Low Self-esteem Female Lead, LGBTQ+
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![Inheritance Detective]()
14. Inheritance Detective
Japanese Drama - 2025, 10 episodes
- team law.
- Genres: Mystery, Drama
- Tags: Investigation, Witty Male Lead, Former Lawyer Male Lead, Detective Fiction, Investigator Male Lead, Miniseries, Adapted From A Manga
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![Jack o' Frost]()
15. Jack o' Frost
Japanese Drama - 2023, 6 episodes
- leads.
- Genres: Romance, Drama
- Tags: Second Chance Romance, LGBTQ+, Lying, Amnesia, Gay Male Lead, Gay Romance, Flashback To Past, Secret, Nice Male Lead, Misunderstanding
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![Kaiketsu Lion-Maru]()
16. Kaiketsu Lion-Maru
Japanese Drama - 1972, 54 episodes
- Dated, but fun.
- Genres: Action, Historical, Tokusatsu, Fantasy
- Tags: Ninja Male Lead, Superhero Male Lead, Family
- No ratings before 1980.
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![Kamen Rider]()
17. Kamen Rider
Japanese Drama - 1971, 98 episodes
- More fun.
- Genres: Action, Tokusatsu, Comedy, Sci-Fi
- Tags: Cyborg, Adapted From A Manga, Showa Era, Superhero Male Lead, Smart Male Lead, Family, Martial Arts, Drama, Youth, Adventure
- No ratings before 1980.
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![Kaso Girei]()
18. Kaso Girei
Japanese Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
- cult. xD
- Genres: Drama
- Tags: Miniseries, Adapted From A Novel
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![Kinshicho Paradise: Shibuya kara Ippon]()
19. Kinshicho Paradise: Shibuya kara Ippon
Japanese Drama - 2024, 12 episodes
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![Koizora]()
20. Koizora
Japanese Drama - 2008, 6 episodes
- heartwrenching & misguided.
- Genres: Romance, Youth, Drama
- Tags: High School, Tearjerker, Pregnancy, Adapted From A Novel, Lovers Separated, Star Crossed Lovers, Miniseries, Student Supporting Character, Student Female Lead, Student Male Lead
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![Kowai Dowa: The Little Mermaid]()
21. Kowai Dowa: The Little Mermaid
Japanese Drama - 1999, 4 episodes
- one of six fairytales.
- Genres: Mystery, Horror, Fantasy
- Tags: Investigation, Suspense, Workplace Setting, Mute Female Lead, Fairytales, Hans Christian Andersen, Muteness, Miniseries, Adapted From A Novel
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![Last Cinderella]()
22. Last Cinderella
Japanese Drama - 2013, 11 episodes
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![Million Yen Women]()
23. Million Yen Women
Japanese Drama - 2017, 12 episodes
- it's a mystery.
- Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Romance, Drama
- Tags: Adapted From A Manga, Murder, Sexual Content, Harem, Nudity, Housemates' Relationship, Death, Suspense, Investigation, Writer Male Lead
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![Mondai Bukken]()
24. Mondai Bukken
Japanese Drama - 2025, 11 episodes
- twist.
- Genres: Mystery
- Tags: Office Worker Supporting Character, Detective Male Lead, Adapted From A Novel, Investigation
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![Mr. Hiiragi's Homeroom]()
25. Mr. Hiiragi's Homeroom
Japanese Drama - 2019, 10 episodes
- after school special - the hard way.
- Genres: Action, Thriller, Mystery, Psychological
- Tags: Eccentric Male Lead, Life Lesson, School Bullying, Suspense, High School, Death, Character Development, Friendship, Guilt, Corruption
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![My Love Mix-Up!]()
26. My Love Mix-Up!
Japanese Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
- lovely.
- Genres: Comedy, Romance, Life, Youth
- Tags: High School, LGBTQ+, Calm Male Lead, Serious Male Lead, Gay Romance, Bisexual Male Lead, Healthy Mains’ Relationship, Misunderstanding, Nice Male Lead, Secret Crush
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![Nagatan to Aoto: Ichika no Ryori Cho]()
27. Nagatan to Aoto: Ichika no Ryori Cho
Japanese Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
- understated.
- Genres: Food, Romance, Life, Drama
- Tags: Chef Female Lead, Age Gap [Drama Life], Arranged Marriage, Older Woman/Younger Man, Marriage Of Convenience, Family Business, 1950s, Restaurant Setting, Married Female Lead, Married Male Lead
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![Naoki Hanzawa]()
28. Naoki Hanzawa
Japanese Drama - 2013, 10 episodes
- corruption.
- Genres: Thriller, Business, Drama
- Tags: Adapted From A Novel, Corruption, Revenge, Friendship, Suspense, Smart Male Lead, Nice Male Lead, Suicide, Attempted Suicide, Workplace Violence (Vote tags)
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![Natsuko no Sake]()
29. Natsuko no Sake
Japanese Drama - 1994, 11 episodes
- acquired
- Genres: Food, Life, Drama
- Tags: Family, Family Relationship,
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![Nibun no Ichi Fuufu]()
30. Nibun no Ichi Fuufu
Japanese Drama - 2021, 8 episodes
- twists.
- Genres: Romance, Life, Drama
- Tags: Adapted From A Novel, Married Female Lead, Housewife Female Lead, Miniseries, Web Series
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![One Piece]()
31. One Piece
Japanese Drama - 2023, 8 episodes
- shortened version.
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
- Tags: Pirate Male Lead, Friendship, Co-produced, Found Family, Treasure Hunting, Teamwork, Adapted From A Manga, Skilled Fighter, Flashback To Past
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![Onmitsu Kenshi]()
32. Onmitsu Kenshi
Japanese Drama - 1962, 13 episodes
- Samurai serial.
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Historical
- Tags: Samurai Male Lead, Swordsman Male Lead, Spy Male Lead, Tokugawa Shogunate, Historical Fiction, Edo Period, Family
- No ratings before 1980.
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![Ooku]()
33. Ooku
Japanese Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
- S1 manga adaptation.
- Genres: Historical, Romance, Drama
- Tags: Gender Role Reversal, Alternate History, Tokugawa Shogunate, Historical Fiction, Matriarchy, Edo Period, Miniseries, Adapted From A Manga
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![OZU: Ozu Yasujiro ga Kaita Monogatari]()
34. OZU: Ozu Yasujiro ga Kaita Monogatari
Japanese Drama - 2023, 6 episodes
- a tribute.
- Genres: Drama
- Tags: Multiple Endings, Anthology, Miniseries
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![Promise Cinderella]()
35. Promise Cinderella
Japanese Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
- juvenile.
- Genres: Comedy, Romance, Drama
- Tags: Older Woman/Younger Man, Rich Male Lead, Adapted From A Manga, Love Triangle, Rich Man/Poor Woman, First Love, Debt, Adult-Minor Relationship, Age Gap [Drama Life],
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![Raise de wa Chanto Shimasu]()
36. Raise de wa Chanto Shimasu
Japanese Drama - 2020, 12 episodes
- office romance.
- Genres: Comedy, Romance, Life
- Tags: LGBTQ+, Sexual Content, Playboy Male Lead, Asexual Supporting Character, Fujoshi, Transgender Character, Prostitution, Cross-Dressing, Playgirl Female Lead, Co-workers' Relationship
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![Return of Ultraman]()
37. Return of Ultraman
Japanese Drama - 1971, 51 episodes
- Fun.
- Genres: Action, Tokusatsu, Sci-Fi
- Tags: Cyborg, Superhero Male Lead, Smart Male Lead, Family, Martial Arts, Drama, Youth, Adventure
- No ratings before 1980.
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![Rhythm]()
38. Rhythm
Japanese Drama - 2023, 4 episodes
- brilliant simplicity.
- Genres: Comedy, Life, Drama
- Tags: Miniseries
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![Seigi no Tenbin Season 2]()
39. Seigi no Tenbin Season 2
Japanese Drama - 2023, 5 episodes
- season1 7.5.
- Genres: Mystery, Law, Drama
- Tags: Lawyer Male Lead, Smart Male Lead, Miniseries, Adapted From A Novel, Investigation
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![Shinzanmono]()
40. Shinzanmono
Japanese Drama - 2010, 10 episodes
- all resolved
- Genres: Mystery
- Tags: Investigation, Adapted From A Novel, Detective Fiction, Detective Male Lead, Miniseries
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![Shitteru Waifu]()
41. Shitteru Waifu
Japanese Drama - 2021, 11 episodes
- simply love.
- Genres: Romance, Life, Drama, Sci-Fi
- Tags: Time Travel, Time Altering, Strong Female Lead, Marriage, School Setting, Workplace Setting, Bank Setting, Salesman Male Lead, Office Worker Male Lead
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![Shizuka-chan to Papa]()
42. Shizuka-chan to Papa
Japanese Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
- heartwarming.
- Genres: Comedy, Family, Sitcom
- Tags: Father-Daughter Relationship, Deaf Male Lead, Family Relationship, Deafness, Miniseries
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![Sugarless]()
43. Sugarless
Japanese Drama - 2012, 12 episodes
- based on the manga.
- Genres: Action, Comedy, Youth, Drama
- Tags: Student Supporting Character, Student Male Lead, School Setting, Delinquent Supporting Character, Delinquent Male Lead, Male Centered Plot, Fight, High School
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![The Romance Manga Artist]()
44. The Romance Manga Artist
Japanese Drama - 2021, 11 episodes
- introverted love.
- Genres: Comedy, Romance, Drama
- Tags: Adapted From A Manga, Manga Artist Male Lead, Nice Female Lead, Hidden Identity, Eccentric Male Lead, First Love Returns, Male Chases Female First, Cohabitation, Cold Man/Warm Woman, Rich Man/Poor Woman
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![The Sealer]()
45. The Sealer
Japanese Drama - 2022, 9 episodes
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![This Guy Is the Biggest Mistake in My Life]()
46. This Guy Is the Biggest Mistake in My Life
Japanese Drama - 2020, 10 episodes
- insanity defense.
- Genres: Comedy, Romance
- Tags: Boss-Employee Relationship, Adapted From A Manga, Clingy Male Lead, Master-Slave Relationship, Strong Female Lead, Male Chases Female First, Eccentric Male Lead, Company President (CEO) Male Lead, Masochism,
- best theme song. 川口レイジ 『I’m a slave for you』
川口レイジ [Reiji Kawaguchi] 1st single [I’m a slave for you], found on the debut album [Departure].
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zv6U5R4VKAA&list=OLAK5uy_kWLbJ67u1YHsPNA1Yf_SFulY_9V6hS4Ao -
![Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan]()
47. Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan
Japanese Drama - 2020, 3 episodes
- manga one-shot.
- Genres: Mystery, Horror, Comedy, Supernatural
- Tags: Miniseries, Eccentric Male Lead, Adapted From A Manga,
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![Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan Season 2]()
48. Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan Season 2
Japanese Drama - 2021, 3 episodes
- manga one-shot 2.
- Genres: Mystery, Horror, Comedy, Supernatural
- Tags: Miniseries, Eccentric Male Lead, Adapted From A Manga,
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![Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan Season 3]()
49. Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan Season 3
Japanese Drama - 2022, 2 episodes
- manga one-shot 3.
- Genres: Mystery, Horror, Comedy, Supernatural
- Tags: Miniseries, Eccentric Male Lead, Adapted From A Manga,
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![Tokugawa Ieyasu]()
50. Tokugawa Ieyasu
Japanese Drama - 1983, 50 episodes
- Taiga.
- Genres: Historical, Drama
- Tags: Tokugawa Shogunate, Historical Fiction, Jidaigeki, Taiga, Edo Period, Sengoku Period
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![Tonbi]()
51. Tonbi
Japanese Drama - 2013, 10 episodes
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![Wakamono no Subete]()
52. Wakamono no Subete
Japanese Drama - 1994, 10 episodes
- dated.
- Genres: Youth, Drama
- Tags: Childhood Friends' Relationship, Miniseries, Friendship
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![Ya Boy Kongming!]()
53. Ya Boy Kongming!
Japanese Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
- Kongming.
- Genres: Music, Comedy, Fantasy
- Tags: Miniseries, Reincarnation, Adapted From A Manga
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![Yume de Mita Ano Ko no Tame ni]()
54. Yume de Mita Ano Ko no Tame ni
Japanese Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
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![Zaibatsu Fukushu: Aniyome ni Natta Moto yome e]()
55. Zaibatsu Fukushu: Aniyome ni Natta Moto yome e
Japanese Drama - 2025, 10 episodes
- scandalous.
- Genres: Thriller, Romance
- Tags: Betrayed By A Significant Other, Mistreated Male Lead, Extramarital Affair, Conglomerate, Rich Family, Betrayal, Infidelity, Revenge, Re-Married Female Lead, Gender Role Reversal
