Favorite Yuji Sakamoto Dramas Ranked

On my most favorite Japanese screenwriter's 56th birthday, I rank my favorite dramas written by him.

His dramas can be divided into two eras - before and after "Mother". Sakamoto honed a distinctive writing style and he has been writing absolutely amazing dramas ever since.

Happiest birthday, Sakamoto Yuji-sensei! Keep writing more!

(The list is incomplete as there are still some obscure dramas and dramas co-written by him that I have yet to watch.)

Praveen May 12, 2023

22 Titles 1 Love

0% Watched

Report

Sort By: Author's Order

Praveen's Rating

Your Rating

1. Mother

Japanese Drama - 2010, 11 episodes

10

It's hands down the BEST drama written by Sakamoto-sensei and one of the BEST J-Dramas to ever exist!
2. Woman

Japanese Drama - 2013, 11 episodes

10

As realistic as it can get with Hikari Mitsushima's career-best performance! The QUINTESSENTIAL Sakamoto drama!
3. Soredemo, Ikite Yuku

Japanese Drama - 2011, 11 episodes

10

Yuji Sakamoto, Eita Nagayama and Hikari Mitsushima at their PEAK! The ‘ne plus ultra’ of tragic yet optimistic J-Drama.
4. Tokyo Love Story

Japanese Drama - 1991, 11 episodes

10

The only 90s drama in the list, which is not even his best era, but oh man, did the drama had such a cultural impact in Japan. A truly UNFORGETTABLE drama!
5. Saikou no Rikon

Japanese Drama - 2013, 11 episodes

10

My favorite comedy drama by him! Though it's not entirely a rom-com with its fair share of emotional moments, it balances both aspects PERFECTLY!
6. Quartet

Japanese Drama - 2017, 10 episodes

10

There's nothing like a fun-filled Sakamoto drama! And, with such brilliant cast, he really knocked it out of the park!
7. Omameda Towako to Sannin no Motootto

Japanese Drama - 2021, 10 episodes

10

Yuji Sakamoto-Takako Matsu collab never disappoints! NEVER!
8. Mondai no Aru Restaurant

Japanese Drama - 2015, 10 episodes

9.0

A drama with delicious foods and a group of women bonding together. Sounds feel good? It goes way deeper!
9. Watashitachi no Kyokasho

Japanese Drama - 2007, 12 episodes

8.5

Probably his most disturbing drama as he tackles school bullying. It deservedly won him his first Best Screenwriter award.
10. Hatsukoi no Akuma

Japanese Drama - 2022, 10 episodes

8.0

The drama is partly subbed (as of now), but it could only advance to higher ranking when it completes!
11. anone

Japanese Drama - 2018, 10 episodes

8.5
12. Love That Makes You Cry

Japanese Drama - 2016, 10 episodes

8.5
13. Last Christmas

Japanese Drama - 2004, 11 episodes

8.5
14. Ryokiteki na Kanojo

Japanese Drama - 2008, 11 episodes

8.5
15. Mosaic Japan

Japanese Drama - 2014, 5 episodes

8.5
16. Taiyo to Umi no Kyoshitsu

Japanese Drama - 2008, 10 episodes

8.0
17. Anata no Tonari ni Dareka Iru

Japanese Drama - 2003, 10 episodes

7.5
18. Chase

Japanese Drama - 2010, 6 episodes

7.5
19. Living

Japanese Drama - 2020, 4 episodes

7.5
20. Top Caster

Japanese Drama - 2006, 11 episodes

7.0
21. Itoshi Kimi e

Japanese Drama - 2004, 11 episodes

7.0
22. Oyaji no Senaka

Japanese Drama - 2014, 10 episodes

7.0