❤️ {Favourite} Romantic & Unique J-Dramas
These Japanese dramas had something special. Unique, heart-warming, quirky or just downright romantic stories that had me scrambling for the next episode.
These picks generally had good pacing throughout, interesting or well-developed characters, cast chemistry and had -- despite any clichés -- well-told stories.
Updated whenever the whim strikes.
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1. First Love: Hatsukoi
Japanese Drama - 2022, 9 episodes
What makes this special: The tie-in with Utada Hikaru's music automatically creates a sense of nostalgia and melancholy. Beautifully shot, with interesting non-linear storytelling and the young version of the leads stole the show with their youthful charm.
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2. Koi wa Tsuzuku yo Doko Made mo
Japanese Drama - 2020, 10 episodes
Nanase Sakura fell in love with the caring Doctor Tendo at first sight. For a chance to meet him again she spends the next 5 years becoming a nurse, only to be immediately rejected by a cold Doctor Tendo who is nothing like she remembered.
Despite the setback in love, she is determined to improve herself and become the competent nurse that she dreams to be. Through her determination, Doctor Tendo might see something special in her...
What makes this special: The romance is well balanced with the heartfelt storylines revolving around patients, and her journey to be a better nurse. A well-rounded rom-com.
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3. 30-sai made Dotei Da to Mahotsukai ni Nareru rashii
Japanese Drama - 2020, 12 episodes
What makes this special: The humorous reactions at the absurd circumstance he finds himself in.
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4. Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu
Japanese Drama - 2016, 11 episodes
What makes this special: A look at the role of a wife through a relationship based on logical communication and mutual understanding. The actors later married in real life, so you know the chemistry is there.
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5. Kimi wa Petto
Japanese Drama - 2003, 10 episodes
After a series of setbacks, a recently dumped career woman finds a younger man injured in a cardboard box outside her home. Taking pity on him, she takes him in. His warmth and peppy nature reminds her of her childhood dog, and he's more than happy to listen to her troubles like a good pet...
What makes this special: An unconventional relationship that makes you ask yourself what kind of love really matters to you. This drama was thoughtful and provocative, the characters were realistically flawed (and perfectly cast) and the message was mature and healing.
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6. Hajimete Koi wo Shita Hi ni Yomu Hanashi
Japanese Drama - 2019, 10 episodes
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7. Hana Yori Dango
Japanese Drama - 2005, 9 episodes
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8. Okitegami Kyoko no Biboroku
Japanese Drama - 2015, 10 episodes
What makes this special: The mystery-of-the-week format, the brilliant deductions from a quirky female detective, and the unconditional love of a smitten "Watson".
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9. Chugakusei Nikki
Japanese Drama - 2018, 11 episodes
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10. G-Senjou no Anata to Watashi
Japanese Drama - 2019, 10 episodes
3 individuals from different walks of life connect through a violin class.
What makes this special: You'll fall in love with the found-family that they form as they help eachother through the rough patches.
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11. Kanojo wa Kirei datta
Japanese Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
What makes this special: If you're familiar with the original Kdrama (or it's various remakes), it takes the best parts of the source and delivers a cute, well paced, well-balanced career and romance drama that Jdramas are so good at.
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12. Promise Cinderella
Japanese Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
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13. Watashitachi wa Douka Shiteiru
Japanese Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
What makes this special: Intense and passionate, and an interesting introduction to the world of Japanese candy creation.
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14. Shanai Marriage Honey
Japanese Drama - 2020, 7 episodes
What makes this special: A female lead well aware of her cute charms and not afraid to hide it.
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15. Last Cinderella
Japanese Drama - 2013, 11 episodes
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16. Koi Desu: Yankee-kun to Hakujou Garu
Japanese Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
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17. Kamisama no Ekohiiki
Japanese Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
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18. Konin Todoke ni Han wo Oshita dake desu ga
Japanese Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
What makes this special: An atypical male lead, awkward and unaware of social cues, makes for thoughtful social commentary of "what is love?".
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19. Todome no Parallel
Japanese Drama - 2018, 10 episodes