Short dramas - Miniseries

One of the best web-series I've seen! So funny, lighthearted, cute!
Excellent characters, top-notch acting, elegant and sensitive parody approach to all rom-com and bl cliches.
The only bad thing: it's too short :(

Short but to the point, with the right amount of cuteness, fluffiness and fun!

https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/RL2dBhP
Delicate, beautifully affectionate story of a young woman's journey to self-awareness of her aromantic and asexual identity, and an honest, realistic representation of aroace people.
Heartwarming and thought-provoking, with detailed attention to many issues it addresses and impeccable performances from Kishii Yukino and Takahashi Issei.
That talented man never disappoints...

https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/ebQdjiy

Cozy, feel-good story and setting, with a wonderful Machida Keita! Too bad it was too short...

A hidden gem: gripping, unique, original, kickass, grey and very engaging.
For mature, not for the faint of heart audience -as it has many violent, raw and disturbing scenes-, with great story, acting, visuals, music.
For the ones who liked "Bad Guys" this is highly recommended!

https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/xOBVAHl

Painfully beautiful, heart-breaking, thought-provoking.
Superb acting, especially from Arimura Kasumi and Ishibashi Shizuka, whose bonding and support for each other was a delightful highlight.
Highly recommended.

https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/EWeyJh3
Brilliant adaptations of Hoshi Shinichi's short stories with a witty, inventive, thought-provoking (and at times borderline sneering) approach, full of allegories and impactful messages, caustically tackling some timely social issues.
Great cinematography and music, many familiar talented faces among the cast.

https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/4KkJ6kha
https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/dDELvTB
A biting social commentary wrapped in sci-fi/futuristic/mystery layers done right.
Philosophically challenging and thought-provoking concept questioning our views and beliefs about loneliness, grief, memories, dream and reality, life after death, heaven, happiness.
Top-notch production quality, wonderful cinematography and music, and a superb performance from chameleon Shin Ha Kyun in a captivating, binge-worthy outcome. Highly recommended!

https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/X7p5YI8

Eight couples spending a night and a morning together sharing food, feelings and solace.
Fleeting moments, fleeting encounters, fleeting feelings, fleeting glimpses of their souls.

Beautifully written and acted stories, aesthetically palpable production, music, colouring and editing, brilliant metaphors and symbolisms.
Highly recommended.

Six short stories interconnected in an ingenious and thought-provoking way, full of metaphors, profound dilemmas, impactful messages and discerning social commentaries.
Highly recommended.
https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/qLWROFp

A short drama about daily trips and encounters, with delicious food, magnificent scenery beautifully shot, relaxing music, interesting conversations and quirky inner thoughts.
Lee Na Young was so natural performing this charming and relatable character that fitted her like glove.
A feel-good, soothing, emotional and healing experience and a breath of fresh air among the usual complex, angsty and demanding kdramas.
Highly recommended!
https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/BY4PWIE

Hilarious, addicting and very entertaining!

https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/kmbN7CJ

Quirky, with a refreshingly unique approach, it got my complete attention after only a few minutes.
Those six fast-paced, short and compact plotted episodes weren't enough...

Watched this after "it's Okay, That's Love" merely for D.O.
Not bad for an idol fan-service drama, especially the friendship- bromance part.

https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/2P70eCA

Cute, fluffy, heartwarming, funny and very refreshing!

Heartwarming and cute! Both leads so adorable!
I wish there were more episodes...

Quirky, zany and totally unpredictable!
Mamiya Shotaro and, especially, Sato Jiro were simply hilarious from beginning to end!
Even the actors couldn't hold back their laughter xD

https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/LOmwokt9
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With many beautiful buildings, designs and dishes, detailed and compelling narration, and some very thoughtful quotes, this little gem was a breath of fresh air in between some more complex and demanding dramas. Time well-spent :)

Like its prequel, this was a feel-good, soothing watch, with interesting buildings and detailed information about their history, architecture and design, as well as some well-fitted dishes.
Refreshing concept, thoughtful delivery.
https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/RVOykTP

The first title of Sung Hoon that I've ever watched and, though cheesy and predictable, very entertaining :)

A subtle, quirky black comedy with a very well-matched and perfectly casted duo.
Their dialogues, bickering and inner thoughts were delightful!

Short but well-paced (except the last rushed episode), with a cute young romance.

Hilarious, silly, cute! I wish it wasn't too short...

https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/Zedlgtx
A bit weird, a bit dark, but definitely a unique, quirky concept and a refreshing, funky direction and editing.
Time well spent :)

https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/45Bla8CZ
A fragmented story of a broken woman.
Dark, raw, depressing, yet compelling, with a riveting performance from Matsumoto Marika.
Definitely not for everyone...

An intense, masterfully crafted psychological, character-driven story.
Heavy on the dialogues, with a nuanced depiction of the leads' complex relationship, and superb performances from Chiba Yudai and Nagayama Kento.

https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/QRgROc8
Not your typical Infidelity or Older Woman/Younger Man romance, but a dark, emotionally charged story about two wounded, abused and lonely people trying to get away from their toxic environment and become happy.
Kudos to Itagaki Rihito for his solid performance in spite of his young age!

https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/e4QYACy
A sad, emotional and introspective story revolving around a compelling love triangle (platonic and sexual) among three friends on their journey from childhood to adulthood.
Smooth and subtle directing, nuanced but powerful performances from the cast in this unique slice of life, coming of age and social commentary on  LGBT and aroace people, masterfully blended in between the blurry lines of friendship, romance, deep bonding and family.

https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/6JJVQIl
A down-to-earth, tender and un-cringy romance story, with an adorable couple that has admirable communication and character development.
A short wholesome jdrama that tackles some serious matters in an honest, realistic way without any unnecessary fillers, complications or angst - and the cutest ML.

Absurd, zany and totally addicting!
Lighthearted and deep, cynical and optimistic, dark and funny.
An adorable eggsistential quest, an eggseptional adventure, an eggsemplary friendship.
Walking on eggshells has never been so fun!
https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/dXKvZiB

An old-fashioned, simple but very cute office romance with two adorably awkward leads in an angst-free character development/love story.
Yamada Ryosuke's smile was a ray of sunshine, addicting and uplifting, perfect for a stress-free watch after a long & tiring working day.
https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/2Ke88SA

A smooth, cozy, heartwarming story with great character development, cute slow-burn romance and delicious food.
I could watch Ichika cook like she did during the ending scenes of each episode for hours!
https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/1XxMDJuk

A delicate, gentle love story full of cuteness, warmth and caring, with lots of comfort food, precious healing moments and the best supportive family: Tane, that little cutie pie, and his dad, the coolest and most discreet cupid.
https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/vL7K5Cx

Happiness is sharing delicious food with the ones you love!
Soothing and comforting, with a delicate as well as considerate approach to some serious, deep and complicated matters, and a wonderful (even if a bit beautified) depiction of a slow-burn romance and sismance.
Nishino Emi did a fantastic job depicting the fascinating character of Kasuga, with her reserved persona, her pragmatic thoughts and actions, her warm and compassionate feelings, and her sad backstory.
A heartwarming and rewarding watch.
https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/eX34jFy

A little gem, a breath of fresh air in between some more complex, angsty and demanding dramas.
A feel-good, soothing experience, depicting the magnificent scenery and natural wonders of rural Japan.
Time well-spent :)

Cute college romance with adorable leads!
Many -but not unbearable- clichés, not that unique of a story, but leaves a fluffy, sweet taste!

https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/3DNDzKFx

With many beautiful lighting fixtures and lamps, detailed and compelling narration about their designs, and some heartfelt, healing quotes, this drama and its unique concept was a breath of fresh air.
Time well-spent :)

Funny, cute, light and fluffy, with a nice romance and bromance :)

Cuteness overload, highly recommended for everyone! 

https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/rZ5BQh5

That precious little bear is a ray of sunshine worth protecting at all costs!

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"Life is mostly a matter of chance" says one of this short drama's protagonists and this probably fits for most of the characters' backstories.
Unusual, unique and out-of-the-box, in an intriguing way only j-dramas can be!

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEqLkMA6K-8d36AJdYXGjv2d6JDWdVrPj
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEqLkMA6K-8dXc8cT4rXx2tQ6sM7I1C9X

Feel-good and cosy, with a heartwarming nostalgic tone, perfect for a weekend watch!

https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/R4P1AIP
A simple, yet cute and heartwarming love story.
Bittersweet, equally sad and optimistic in a unique way only j-dramas can accomplish :)

Not gonna lie, watched this for So Ji Sub ^^
But Jeju island's beautiful scenery was a welcomed plus!

https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/xyrd2Cl
Soothing and somehow comforting, with its picturesque, fairylike forest scenery, this mini drama is a perfect break from all the angsty drama-world and real life's dramas :)

Cute, fluffy, with sizzling chemistry.
Though the story is quite unrealistic and simple, its happy, optimistic tone and the bright smiles of both leads made this a very pleasant watch!

Cute and funny, with an adorable Kim Min Seok :)

https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/6PqRkhl
A nice watch, with the same comforting, reassuring vibe as the movie :) 

https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/jwYJ2Uj
https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/wDpvyhE

https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/WXZ3YI3
I must admit that this drama reminded me a lot the time I was watching the dysfunctional relationship in Hana Yori Dango: furious about so many things about it, but couldn't stop watching it till the end ^^
What I found really intriguing was the clever addition of the main leads' inner voices/thoughts - they couldn't justify their problematic behavior, but at least they gave us a better insight into their actions and feelings.
Overall, an interesting depiction of a romance between two people with many flaws, in a non-fluffy way :)

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A dark, gripping, eccentric and very unexpected story.
Wicked and creepy, so intense that it was very engaging, but definitely not for everyone.

https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/xqNERFl
Surprisingly, this was much better than its prequel, which is something rare.
Still a dysfunctional and miscommunicating relationship, but cute and addicting nonetheless.
Once again, the clever addition of the main leads' inner voices/thoughts was the best part of the story and helped us get a better insight into their actions and feelings.

https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/LQk8kEUM
Unique and complex, more mature than most of the recent school dramas, with many different story angles and tropes that, unexpectedly, worked well together, even though the character development and the wrap-up felt rushed and too convenient.
Overall, pleasantly surprised by this fast paced and binge worthy short drama.

Fluffy, cute and very short!
https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKawxU11I7gJzxiyXqBjzlyjNsbrpzzSg&gl=JP

Tense, suspenseful, reserved but emotional, a bit confusing though due to the overuse of past and present swaps.

https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/p60bPCP
Unfortunately not as good as its prequel...
That uniquely bizarre, zany feeling and the character development were barely present in this one.
But, the actors' improvisations, synergy and bonding were clearly visible and praiseworthy!

https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/wRrxDiE
A heart-warming, feel-good food drama, spiced with small boosts of slice-of-life, romance and character development.
Happiness from preparing and sharing a tasty snack, a family Sunday meal or a picnic. Bonding through sharing the same dreams and all the trivial, little things in life.
Time well-spent :)

https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/wBVZyFE
Perhaps I'd like it much more if I had watched the movie first, but even so it was surprisingly good.
After all, Ikeda Elaiza, Odagiri Joe and Ito Kentaro are always a pleasure to watch.
Too short though... I wouldn't say no to more episodes/ghost stories, as well as Miko and Akito's romance!

https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/EwpNjH3
Slow-paced, character driven and heavy on dialogues, narration and internal monologues, this is a uniquely bizarre drama, not always easy to follow.
Abe Hiroshi and  Ono Machiko, the M(ale) and F(emale) characters of this story did a splendid job.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4cMYPT02NQ
https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/RlQ0OCP
The height difference is so cute, their bantering so funny. The story isn't something much, but they look so adorable together!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcqlLjCJPd8
https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/RlQbQiP
A bit confusing at first, but unique and very touching in the end.

https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/ZxENgIx
Warm, nostalgic, delicious.
Comfort food, rewarding food, food linked to childhood memories, food for soul.
Takenaka Naoto, with his timid yet honest and relatable monologues, his unique way of enjoying food and his inner samurai spirit was a real pleasure to watch!
Time well spent.

https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/BVpoDCE
Soothing and comforting, with an intriguing blooming relationship.
I'd love to see more about Kasuga, her thoughts and feelings, her backstory and daily life.

https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/WVNN8i3
Short, fast-paced, heart-flutering and very cute.
Pleasantly surprised!

"Unexpected things happen in life. The way you approach those situations is what makes you who you are."

Bold, daring and thought-provoking, this is a social commentary on parenthood, pregnancy difficulties and gender stereotyping.
Surprisingly open-minded and heartwarming!
https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/QWEOOc8

Youthful, cute and fulfilling, this is an omnibus of high school slice of life stories of romance, awkward misunderstandings and bittersweet everyday school life, mixed with some mystery and bonding.
An easy, enjoyable watch, perfect for a weekend binge.
https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/dLgxniB

With a unique theme and approach, this is a soothing, feel-good short drama about daily train trips of an otaku train enthusiast enjoying beautiful rural scenery and wonderful photography.
Though it's slow-paced, with minimal dialogue and encounters, not much of a plot, not much character depth and an awkward introduction theme, every episode feels like a healing experience full of picturesque countryside places around secluded or abandoned train stations, with vivid forest, sea and train sounds, delicious food, and interesting information about  new and old train models, routes and destinations.
Great for a relaxing weekend watch.
https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/eLdxJIy
https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/Qe3dqf8

A strangely gripping omnibus miniseries about dreams and regrets.
In each story we watch the six protagonists fighting for, abandoning, discovering, fulfilling or not their dreams, trying to do the best they can with their ordinary lives.
Mundane, melancholic aesthetics with a longing vibe, uniquely creative arthouse cinematography, exemplary editing and impressive music.
https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/WRo4dT3

Teacher-student romance trope is a big NO for me, but after seeing many positive posts about this jdrama, I thought I should give it a try.
It's a bizarre, quirky and surprisingly addicting story, with a unique theme that has more layers than meet the eye. On the surface it may seem like another questionable forbidden relationship between a teacher and a student, but behind the 'dark humour', the creepy, silly or careless attitude, the hilarious bantering and the smartass flirting it deals with some serious, dark topics and some heartwarming character development.
https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/EOmwBH3