J-Generation’s guide to the best Japanese TV dramas and films. Explore our archive of reviews and critical analysis covering new and classic J-Drama series, essential Japanese films, and the newest titles on global streaming platforms.
JAPANESE TV DRAMA REVIEWS
The After Dinner Mysteries (Nazotoki wa Dinner no Ato de) (2011) – Mystery / Comedy starring Sho Sakurai and Keiko Kitagawa
A charmingly eccentric mystery series where a sharp-tongued butler solves complex crimes while serving dinner to his heiress employer.
Alice in Borderland – Seasons 1 & 2 (Netflix 2020) – Sci-fi thriller starring Kento Yamazaki, Tao Tsuchiya, Aya Asahina
Based on the manga series by Haro Aso, Alice in Borderland is a fun but frustrating addition to the survival game genre.
Atelier (2015) – Fashion Drama starring Mirei Kiritani and Mao Daichi
Mao Daichi’s naturally strong presence and skillful delivery is the show’s main strength.
Bloody Monday (2008) – Suspense / Thriller starring Haruma Miura and Takeru Satoh
A high-tension techno-thriller where a genius hacker must stop a terrorist organization from releasing a deadly virus in Tokyo.
Doctor-X: Surgeon Michiko Daimon (2012) – Medical Drama starring Ryoko Yonekura
Ryoko Yonekura shines as the fiercely independent freelance surgeon who navigates hospital politics with her signature catchphrase and unrivaled skill.
Giri/Haji (2019) – Crime Thriller starring Takehiro Hira and Yosuke Kubozuka
The series’ sleek cinematography frames the characters’ travels in a dynamic, moody aesthetic.
Hibana (Spark) (2016) – Comedy / Drama starring Kento Hayashi and Kazuki Namioka
Even with its rough edges, Hibana shines with the power of its two leads.
IS -Otoko Demo Onna Demo Nai Sei- (2011) – Drama starring Saki Fukuda and Ayame Gouriki
A sensitive and groundbreaking exploration of intersex identity that balances emotional weight with a hopeful coming-of-age narrative.
Joker: Yurusarezaru Sousakan (2010) – Crime Thriller starring Masato Sakai and Anne Watanabe
A compelling police procedural that questions the nature of justice through a detective who leads a double life as an extra-legal vigilante.
Last Cinderella (2013) – Romantic Comedy starring Ryoko Shinohara and Haruma Miura
An energetic and charming rom-com that finds plenty of heart in its story of a career-driven woman navigating an unexpected love triangle.
Lucky Seven (2012) – Action / Mystery starring Jun Matsumoto and Eita Nagayama
A stylish and fun detective series featuring great chemistry between its leads and a refreshing focus on physical action and teamwork.
Midnight Diner – Tokyo Stories (Netflix 2016) – Slice-of-life drama starring Kaoru Kobayashi
There’s a special flavor to Midnight Diner’s people and conversations. By the end of the series, you’ll feel like family.
Naoki Hanzawa (2013) – Corporate Thriller starring Masato Sakai, Teruyuki Kagawa, Ainosuke Kataoka, Aya Ueto
Naoki Hanzawa moves with incredible momentum…an amazing drama set in the world of banking and finance.
RH Plus (2008) – Supernatural / Drama starring Yuu Nae and Rakuto Tochihara
A stylized and atmospheric vampire drama that focuses on the bonds of an unconventional family living in a hidden mansion.
Rookies (2008) – Sports / Drama starring Ryuta Sato and Hayato Ichihara
An inspiring and hot-blooded underdog story about a novice teacher reforming a high school baseball team of delinquents.
Suitei Yuuzai (Presumption of Guilt) (2012) – Legal Drama starring Toru Nakamura
A somber and thought-provoking investigation into the fallout of a false accusation and its long-term impact on everyone involved.
Terrace House: Boys & Girls in the City (Netflix 2015) – Reality TV
The hosts have strong opinions and don’t hold back.
Vision: Koroshi ga Mieru Onna (2012) – Supernatural / Mystery starring Rio Kanno and Nobuaki Kaneko
A dark procedural with a supernatural twist, following a woman who sees visions of murders and the detective who helps her solve them.
xxxHOLiC (2013) – Dark Fantasy / Mystery starring Anne Watanabe and Shota Sometani
A visually striking live-action adaptation of the CLAMP manga that successfully captures the eerie, surreal beauty of the shop where wishes come at a price.
35-sai no Koukousei (2013) – School Drama starring Ryoko Yonekura
Ryoko Yonekura brings a commanding presence to this school drama about an adult student who confronts the systemic issues and bullying within a high school.
JAPANESE FILM REVIEWS
A Girl Missing (Yokogao) (2019) – Drama starring Mariko Tsutsui
Koji Fukada delivers a masterful, slow-burn character study about a woman’s life unraveling after a case of guilt by association.
Ace Attorney (2012) – Mystery / Comedy starring Hiroki Narimiya
Takashi Miike brings the popular video game to life with vibrant energy, capturing the game’s eccentric courtroom battles and over-the-top character designs.
The Apology King (Shazai no Ousama) (2013) – Comedy starring Sadao Abe
A satirical and absurdist look at the cultural importance of the apology, driven by Kankuro Kudo’s signature manic energy.
Aristocrats (Ano Ko wa Kizoku) (2020) – Drama starring Mugi Kadowaki and Kiko Mizuhara
An elegant and nuanced exploration of class, gender, and social expectations through the lives of two women from different worlds.
Black Butler (2014) – Dark Fantasy starring Hiro Mizushima
A sleek and stylish adaptation that moves the setting to a near-future world while maintaining the dark, gothic atmosphere of the original manga.
Blood: The Last Vampire (2009) – Action / Horror starring Gianna Jun
A visually aggressive and action-packed adaptation that attempts to bring the dark, kinetic spirit of the original anime to the live-action screen.
Death Note (2010) – Manga Adaptation / Thriller starring Tatsuya Fujiwara, Kenichi Matsuyama, Erika Toda
If you’re a fan of the manga or anime, this film adaptation won’t shake your affection or admiration for the originals.
Dog x Police: The K-9 Force (Junpaku no Kizuna) (2011) – Action / Drama starring Hayato Ichihara and Erika Toda
A high-stakes police procedural that highlights the unique bond between officers and their canine partners during a series of terrorist bombings.
From Me to You (Kimi ni Todoke) (2010) – Romance / School Drama starring Mikako Tabe and Haruma Miura
A sweet and faithful adaptation of the popular manga that captures the awkwardness and purity of first love with genuine warmth.
Flying Colors (Biri Gyaru) (2015) – Drama starring Kasumi Arimura
An uplifting and surprisingly emotional true story about academic perseverance and the power of a teacher who believes in his students.
Full Metal Alchemist (Netflix 2018) – Manga Adaptation / Fantasy starring Ryosuke Yamada
Packed with cool visuals and an impressive cast of Japanese actors.
Hanamizuki (2010) – Romance / Drama starring Yui Aragaki and Toma Ikuta
A sweeping, decade-spanning romance that explores the enduring power of first love across continents and life’s changing circumstances.
Hand (Te) (2022) – Drama / Erotic starring Akari Fukunaga
Director Daigo Matsui crafts a complex and intimate character study that explores human connection through a young woman’s unconventional fascinations.
Hoyaman (Sayonara, Hoyaman) (2023) – Comedy / Drama starring MOROHA’s Afro
A quirky and endearing story of sibling bonds and survival in a coastal town, anchored by a raw and powerful lead performance.
I Am What I Am (Sobakasu) (2022) – Drama starring Toko Miura
A refreshing and necessary look at asexual identity, driven by Toko Miura’s stellar performance as a woman navigating a world obsessed with romance.
It’s a Summer Film! (Summer Film Ninotte) (2020) – Sci-Fi / Comedy starring Marika Ito
A vibrant and inventive love letter to cinema that wraps a time-travel mystery in a heartwarming story of friendship and creative passion.
Kasha (2011) – Mystery / Thriller starring Takaya Kamikawa and Keiko Kitagawa
An engrossing detective mystery that delves into the dark side of consumer debt and the lengths one woman goes to escape her past.
Like Father, Like Son (Soshite Chichi ni Naru) (2013) – Drama starring Masaharu Fukuyama
Writer/director Hirokazu Koreeda balances this film with a light touch and a perfectly balanced performances.
Masked Ward (Kamen Byoto) (2020) – Mystery / Thriller starring Kentaro Sakaguchi and Mei Nagano
A claustrophobic medical thriller that keeps the audience guessing with a tense hostage situation and a series of dark hospital secrets.
Ouran High School Host Club (2012) – Rom-Com / Satire starring Haruna Kawaguchi
Maintaining the frenetic pace of the TV series, the film is a bright, comedic celebration of the Host Club’s charmingly absurd dynamics.
Outrage (2010) – Yakuza / Crime drama directed by Takeshi Kitano
Takeshi Kitano returns to the yakuza genre with a brutal, cold-blooded look at the internal power struggles of the modern underworld.
The Outsider (Netflix 2018) – Crime / Action starring Jared Leto and Tadanobu Asano
Despite a strong Japanese supporting cast, this Netflix yakuza drama struggles with a slow pace and a formulaic approach to its underworld narrative.
Princess Jellyfish (Kuragehime) (2014) – Comedy / Manga Adaptation starring Rena Nounen and Masaki Suda
A colorful and heartfelt celebration of “otaku” culture that perfectly captures the whimsical charm and energy of the original manga.
Princess Toyotomi (2011) – Mystery / Fantasy starring Shinichi Tsutsumi and Haruka Ayase
An imaginative and grand-scale mystery that weaves Japanese history and modern-day Osaka into a unique, secret-filled urban legend.
Rurouni Kenshin: Part 1 (2012) – Manga Adaptation / Samurai starring Takeru Satoh, Emi Takei, Yosuke Eguchi
The best part of Rurouni Kenshin is the visuals….A samurai film that evokes Akira Kurosawa’s works and Zatoichi.
Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno (2014) – Manga Adaptation / Samurai starring Takeru Satoh
The Rurouni Kenshin movies stand out with their gritty realism. Kyoto Inferno does not shy away from the depicting the brutality of war.
Shin Ultraman (2022) – Sci-Fi / Kaiju starring Takumi Saitoh and Masami Nagasawa
Directed by Shinji Higuchi, written by Hideaki Anno, Shin Ultraman’s fights will delight tokusatsu fans.
Space Battleship Yamato (2010) – Sci-Fi / Action starring Takuya Kimura
A grand-scale live-action epic that successfully translates the classic anime’s heroism and emotional weight into a high-stakes space opera.
Strawberry Night (2013) – Crime Thriller starring Yuko Takeuchi and Hidetoshi Nishijima
A dark and emotionally heavy conclusion to the police procedural series that explores the tragic complexities of its lead detective’s past.
Sumodo – The Successors of Samurai (2020) – Documentary / Sports
A rare and intimate look behind the curtain of professional sumo, capturing the immense physical sacrifice and spiritual dedication of the modern rikishi.
Tokyo Idols (2017) – Documentary / Social Study
An eye-opening and objective exploration of the Japanese idol industry and the obsessive fan culture that fuels a multi-million dollar business.
Wandering (Ruro no Tsuki) (2022) – Drama starring Suzu Hirose and Tori Matsuzaka
A visually stunning and deeply provocative drama that challenges social perceptions of victims and perpetrators through an unconventional bond.
The Yellow Handkerchief (Shiawase no Kiiroi Hankachi) (1977) – Road Movie / Drama starring Ken Takakura
The film still holds up nearly 40 years later as a touching drama and a fantastic showcase for Takakura’s performance.
We update our Japanese drama and film recommendations regularly. If you’re looking for more Japanese pop culture, check out our J-Pop and J-Rock reviews or manga features.