mengosteen

Same director; the same way of storytelling with nonlinear narrative where reality mixes with dreams and memories

Both films are romance films that focus on stigmatised characters and their way of trying to blend in with the society.

One film features a Japanese assassin stuck in Taiwan; while the other features a Taiwanese assassin stuck in Japan. Both MLs get involved with a prostitute and land themselves in a situation when they have to care for a little boy

Both films were directed by Takeshi Kitano; and he's also the ML in both of them. Both feature a burnt out ML who burnedened by his worries begin a downward spiral

Both films feature a japanese gangster/contract killer that gets betrayed and has to hide on a beach. Both productions have a similar slow pace and vibe to them

Both productions depict lives of labourers as they try to navigate their lives and break the cycle of misfortunes

While the plots aren't very alike, both shows share the same colourful and vibrant aesthetics. If you liked the vibe of one of these productions you should check out the other one

These two shows aren't related in terms of general plot but share one rather niche theme - canned food! If you liked either of these shows because of canned food, you should check the other one

Both shows focus on family and friendship; both have a similar melancholic/bittersweet vibe.
Both MLs are orphans that run small shops in place of their grandparents; meet a FL that works in food industry.

Both productions feature quirky professional killers and the way relationships and people influence them

Both short films were directed by the same person; have similar cast; are considered part of Toyoda Toshiaki's unofficial trilogy and have similar themes

Both shows feature young women at the crossroads of their lives who meet older mentors and get introduced to a new lifestyle (architecture for Meikenchiku de Chushoku wo and lamps for Haruka no Hikari)