Top 10 J-Dramas
These are my favorite Japanese Dramas in ranked order, and the list continually evolve. I am sure there are many new dramas, and even some classics, that I discover and will need to be placed on this list. My notes are reflections, not reviews and are just brief glimpses into why I loved these dramas so much. I send to watch more romance than action, but I do venture out of my comfort zone occasionally. I will try to keep this lis manageable.
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1. First Love: Hatsukoi
Japanese Drama - 2022, 9 episodes
This is a beautiful drama about a lost love and fate intervening to return it to you. I absolutely love Satoh Takeru and he delivered a powerful and emotional performance. This was the first time I have seen anything with Mitsushima Hikari and she was wonderful and the chemistry between she and Satoh was palpable. The cinematography and soundtrack were absolutely wonderful. This series will definitely make you cry, but the journey was worth it
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2. Silent
Japanese Drama - 2022, 11 episodes
Silent is one of the best dramas I have ever watched. Kawaguchi Haruna and Meguro Ren were stellar as the leads. This was the first time I have seen Ren act, and I was not disappointed, especially since he was using sign language throughout most of the series. I read somewhere that this series was not “intended” for a Western audience, as we may not understand the message that is being conveyed. This is another series that will definitely make you cry, but it will be worth it.
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3. 5-ji Kara 9-ji Made
Japanese Drama - 2015, 10 episodes
I remember seeing this on several "must watch" and "classic" J-Drama lists and finally gave in and watched it. I really enjoyed Yamashita Tomohisa and Ishihara Satomi - they are among my favorite actors. It is light, funny and romantic - the best ingredients for a romance drama.
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4. Hana Yori Dango
Japanese Drama - 2005, 9 episodes
This is a classic that deserves to be on the "must watch" list. It is a great coming of age story and highlights the realities of class differenes and prejudice in society.
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5. Hotaru no Hikari
Japanese Drama - 2007, 10 episodes
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6. Nagatan to Aoto: Ichika no Ryourijou
Japanese Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
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7. Shanai Marriage Honey
Japanese Drama - 2020, 7 episodes
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8. Tsuiraku JK to Haijin Kyoshi
Japanese Drama - 2023, 9 episodes
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9. Kanojo wa Kirei datta
Japanese Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
This was a light and sweet romance drama that is a thoroughly enjoyable watch. Nakajima Kento gave a solid performance Koshiba Fuka was refreshing.
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10. I Don't Love You Yet
Japanese Drama - 2019, 16 episodes