5 Must-See J-Dramas Even Better Than Korean Ones, Ranked by IMDb
Seen all the Korean titles? It's time to turn to the Japanese ones.
Unfortunately, J-dramas have not achieved the worldwide popularity of their Korean counterparts. And yet they are no less interesting and exciting, created at the intersection of anime, cultural tradition and modern realities.
5. Switched, 2018
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Ayumi and Zenko are polar opposites. The former has everything: spectacular looks, popularity, a boyfriend, good grades and a great family, while the latter has no luck. Zenko has no girlfriend or boyfriend, she is constantly bullied at school, and her relationship with her mother is simply terrible.
Zenko decides to end his torment and jumps off the roof of the school. Ayumi is the only witness. The next day, both girls wake up in strange beds. It turns out that they switched bodies after the unfortunate events.
4. Erased, 2017
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Satoru is a 30-year-old mangaka who lives with his mother and works part-time as a courier in a pizzeria. At first glance, Satoru appears to be an ordinary loser, but he actually has the unique ability to travel through time. As soon as something irreparable happens, Satoru goes back a few moments and gets the chance to change the future.
One day, Satoru finds his mother murdered in his own apartment, and when he tries to go back in time, he finds himself transported back 18 years to his high school days. Gradually, Satoru begins to understand that his mother's death is somehow connected to the murder of his classmate Kayo.
3. Flowers for Algernon, 2015
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
A Japanese version of the movie version of the now classic novel by Daniel Keyes. Sakuto is a mentally retarded flower delivery boy. One day, Sakuto goes to Haruka's house with an order. Not understanding the delivery man's strange behavior, Haruka tries to call the police.
When the heroes understand the situation, it turns out that the girl works at the Center for Intelligence Enhancement of Professor Hachizuki. Recently, the center successfully completed tests on the laboratory mouse Algernon, and Sakuto becomes an ideal candidate for the first human trial.
2. Samurai Gourmet, 2017
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Takashi worked in a company all his life and knew nothing else. The man recently turned 60 and retired - now Takashi has time to do what he wants. But he doesn't know what he wants, and he hasn't acquired any hobbies during his life in the office.
While wandering aimlessly through the streets of the city, Takashi stumbles into a diner and orders something from the menu. The dish brings back memories, and he embarks on a gastronomic tour of Japan with his constant friend, a gourmet samurai.
A charming Japanese series about a man who learns to live and love life again, inspiring viewers to look for miracles in everyday life. Magic happens every day, the main thing is to see it.
1. Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories, 2016-2019
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Based on the Japanese manga of the same name, Midnight Diner seems to be a show with no consistent plot, which tells about the clients of a late-night diner that has no menu. The customers tell their stories to the chef, who tries to prepare something individual for each one.
As time passes, it becomes clear that the diner's clients are not random, and that all of their stories are connected.