Hidden Gems - Japanese Movies and TV Shows You Must Watch

NetflixJP - Extremely Inappropriate

Netflix has become a popular source for streaming movies and TV shows from all over the world. One country that has continued to produce entertaining content is Japan. With its unique culture and captivating storytelling, Japanese movies and TV shows have become increasingly popular on the streaming platform. In this series, I will explore some of my recent favorites from the Land of the Rising Sun. Please keep in mind that not all of these shows are available globally or in your region! Without any further ado, let's get into it!

Movies

City Hunter

"City Hunter," revives the iconic manga by Tsukasa Hojo with a vibrant cinematic adaptation. The story centers around Ryo Saeba, a whimsical and flirtatious private detective, and Kaori, the spirited sister of his deceased partner, Hideyuki. Together, they run "City Hunter," a covert detective agency tasked with resolving perilous crimes from their base in Tokyo.

Their latest case involves finding Kurumi, a cosplayer entangled in a perilous conspiracy due to her unintended involvement with a biochemical drug, Angel Death. This drug, which grants temporary superhuman abilities, is at the heart of a plot orchestrated by a clandestine syndicate known as the Union. As Ryo and Kaori delve deeper, they unearth the Union's plan to market the drug as a new form of warfare.

The narrative unfolds with a series of thrilling rescues and confrontations, culminating in a tense showdown where Ryo and Kaori manage to save Kurumi and disrupt the Union's operations—though not entirely defeating them. The film artfully balances action and comedy, providing a modern take on the original manga's themes, including the ethical use of technology and personal agency.

As a person who knows nothing about the source material, I found City Hunter to be a fun/silly action comedy that is extremely well-made and looks expensive. The film wasn't afraid of completely embracing its manga heritage and adding those comedic/goofy elements.

Suzume

"Suzume" is a whimsically animated adventure that locks onto the journey of Suzume Iwato, a sprightly 17-year-old girl living a quiet life in the countryside of Kyushu, Japan. One day, her life takes a cinematic swerve when she stumbles upon a mysterious young man named Souta who is on a peculiar quest to lock closed the doors scattered across Japan. These aren’t your everyday doors, though; they are portals to another dimension that could potentially unleash calamities upon the world.

Suzume’s curiosity is piqued, and before you can say "open sesame," she finds herself swept up in Souta's supernatural mission. As they hop from one breathtaking location to another, closing doors to prevent disasters, a bond blossoms between them. But it's not just about shutting doors; it's about opening new possibilities and healing from past traumas. Along the way, Suzume must navigate her path through young love, personal growth, and the kind of charmingly quirky side characters that only an animated film can bring to life.

"Suzume" manages to be both heartwarming and heart-wrenching, sprinkling its tale with humor, whimsy, and a dash of melancholy.

The Parades

Next up we have our first Michito Fuji-directed film on this list: "Parades" is a poignant supernatural drama. The film tells the story of Minako, played by Nagasawa Masami, who, after waking up on a beach post a devastating earthquake and tsunami, discovers she is now a ghost unable to interact with the living. Searching for her missing son Ryo, Minako learns she must resolve her unfinished business to move on from the liminal space she occupies.

Minako's journey intertwines with the stories of other spirits, each bound by their unresolved regrets. These include Shori, a former Yakuza, Kaori, a mother longing to see her grandchildren, and Michael, a filmmaker who wants to complete his unfinished movie. As they navigate their spectral existence, they help each other toward resolution and eventual peace. As you can probably tell from my short plot summary, the story is relatively predictable and doesn't offer much in terms of twists or unpredictability. When I initially heard of this film, It did piqued my interest especially as this is different than the usual Fuji projects, but overall it feels like another vanity project/flex from a great director who seems like he is jumping from project to project at a rapid pace.

In Love and Deep Water

"In Love and Deep Water" is a romantic comedy that unfolds on the luxurious cruise ship MSC Bellissima. The film intertwines romance with a murder mystery. Suguru Ubukata, a devoted butler, finds his life upended when he meets Chizuru Banjaku under dramatic circumstances. Chizuru, convinced that their partners are about to cheat on them, persuades Suguru to help her turn the ship back to Japan to intervene.

Their plans are derailed when they, along with other passengers, stumble upon a murder on board. The victim is Sohei Kuruma, a wealthy man embroiled in family disputes and secrets, leading to dramatic confrontations and a mysterious murder. All the witnesses initially feigned ignorance, complicating the investigation. As Suguru and Chizuru delve deeper into solving the mystery, they also navigate their evolving feelings for each other, despite their complicated personal lives. I’ll be very honest with you, I didn't make it past the 1 hour mark. If you’re into the “who dun it” genre, and want a modern Japanese twist, then by all means enjoy. However, I struggled to stay engaged with the very predictable storyline.

Golden Kamuy

©野田サトル／集英社　©2024 WOWOW

Naturally after the popularity of the anime, a live-action version of this story had to follow! The story centers around Saichi Sugimoto, a war veteran of the Russo-Japanese War, and his quest to find a hidden stash of gold belonging to the Ainu people. Sugimoto, known as "Immortal Sugimoto" for his remarkable resilience, teams up with an Ainu girl named Asirpa, who is seeking revenge for her father's death linked to the stolen gold. I feel like with most of the recent manga/anime live-action adaptations, there is a base level of quality to these projects that somewhat meet expectations but fail to truly carve their own space within the IP. Kent Yamasaki, who’s almost become the poster child for these adaptations, doesn't disappoint, but his boy-band good looks are too clean and soft to believably play a character such as Sugimoto. The same can be said for the majority of the cast. If you need another dose of Japanese immersion, are a big fan of the franchise or just can’t get enough of Yamasaki Kento, then give Golden Kamuy a go!

Lumberjack the Monster

From the snow regions of Hokkaido to the concrete jungle that is present-day Tokyo: Lumberjack the Monster follows Akira Ninomiya, a ruthless lawyer who narrowly survives an attack by a masked ax-wielding murderer. This killer's gruesome signature involves removing the brains of his victims. As Akira delves into the mystery to find his assailant before becoming the next victim, his own dark and psychopathic tendencies are revealed. This film is directed by none other than film Twitter's favorite Japanese director, after Hayao Miyazaki of course, Takashi Miike. Now, I'll be honest, I have no idea how to rate this film. Not only did it have all the classic Miike traits, with the over-the-top gore, violence, and dark comedy elements but it also suffers from the same problems that many of his recent films have. Overall the plot just didn't work for me as it never felt like a cinematic Takashi Miike experience. That being said, Kazuya Kamenashi delivers a world-class performance, possibly cementing himself as a Miike regular. Watch this space!

18 x 2 Beyond youthful days

"18 x 2 Beyond Youthful Days" is a rare romance film by one of my favorite directors Michihito Fujii, whose already been mentioned on this channel way too many times. The film follows Jimmy, a Taiwanese video game developer who, after losing his job, embarks on a nostalgic journey to Japan. Eighteen years prior, Jimmy had a brief yet impactful summer romance with Ami, a Japanese backpacker, when they worked together in Taiwan. The story explores Jimmy's reflections and emotions as he travels through Japan, seeking to reconnect with Ami and reconcile with their past.

As Jimmy retraces the steps of his youth using a special rail ticket, the film delves into themes of lost love, memory, and the passage of time. The journey brings him face-to-face with various characters who shape his understanding and rekindle his hopes of finding closure or perhaps a new beginning with Ami.

It was surprising to hear that Michihito Fuji would release a romance film, especially after the non-stop barrage of thrillers that we’ve been blessed with by the Japanese film industry's most believed director. It still blows my mind how many films he’s released just in the past year alone. 18 x 2 Beyond Youthful Days is a great palette cleanser to the usual entries in Fuji’s filmography but other than the fact that it does centre around a romance, it doesn't stand out from the rest of his work. In my humble yet stupid opinion, he needs to just relax with the releases and carefully plan his next project.

TV Shows

Apart from just films, let me tell you about some of the recent television shows I’ve been into lately. Honestly, this year we’ve been blessed with some pretty great J-dramas:

Eye love you

Eye Love, You debuted on TBS earlier this year and revolves around Yuri Motomiya, a 30-year-old CEO with a unique ability: she can hear people's innermost thoughts by looking into their eyes. This ability, a result of a past accident, has made her wary of relationships and love, as she often hears negative thoughts.

One day, Yuri meets Yoon Tae-O, a kindhearted Korean student who is moonlighting as a delivery man. Unlike others, Yuri cannot hear Tae-O's thoughts, as he thinks in Korean, a language she doesn't understand. This mystery draws her to him, and she begins to develop feelings for him.

As their relationship progresses, Yuri faces challenges and doubts, questioning whether her ability will hinder their love. The drama explores themes of trust, communication, and the power of human connection, ultimately leading to a heartwarming conclusion. As basic as this show is, I thoroughly enjoyed the concept of a mind reader not being able to read the mind of someone who speaks another language.

The show has all of the typical J-drama traits but with the added layer that it stars a good South Korean actor which is refreshing to see. Also, Netflix released this relatively soon after it finished airing in Japan which is exciting to see that we’re now getting recently aired J-dramas.

Extremely Inappropriate

Extremely Inappropriate is a Japanese drama series that follows Ichiro Ogawa, a high school teacher from 1986. Through a series of unexpected events, Ogawa finds himself transported to the year 2024. His old-fashioned, Shōwa-era values and behaviors clash dramatically with the modern world, leading to hilarious and often awkward situations.

As Ogawa navigates the unfamiliar landscape of 2024, he encounters a variety of characters who help him adapt to the changing times. Along the way, he must confront issues such as workplace harassment, gender equality, and the challenges of raising a teenage daughter in a vastly different society.

The show offers a humorous and thought-provoking exploration of Japanese social and cultural shifts, while also highlighting the enduring importance of human connection and understanding. This is essentially TBS at its best, providing the usual TBS formula but adding exciting elements such as performances, music, and storylines. Risa Naka shines in her role. She may not be the best actress, but she has incredible charisma and an on-screen presence that is addictive to watch. However, the star of the show is without a shadow of a doubt the main actor, Abe Sadao. The role of Ogawa seems like it was tailored made for Abe, as he masterfully navigates his way as this pervy, funny, yet likable Oji-san. Extremely inappropriate didn't blow me away like “Lets get divorced” did last year, yet it further cements the success of the TBS drama formula.

Teasing Master Takagi San

Teasing Takagi-san is a charming romantic comedy anime series based on a manga of the same name. It centers around the playful teasing dynamic between Nishikata and Takagi, two classmates who constantly engage in lighthearted pranks and banter.

Nishikata, a good-natured but easily embarrassed boy, often falls victim to Takagi's mischievous tricks. However, he is determined to outsmart her and win her over. Despite their frequent playful squabbles, there's an undeniable undercurrent of affection between the two.

The series is known for its heartwarming and humorous portrayal of young love and friendship, with each episode featuring a new instance of their playful interactions. The best way to describe this show is, to think of your favorite slice-of-life anime but in life action, capturing the innocence of young love with the backdrop of countryside Japan. Both of the young actors do a great job, especially X, who is also featured in Kore-eda’s latest feature “Monster”.

Tokyo Swindlers

"Tokyo Swindlers" is a Netflix drama that centers around a group of skilled con artists operating in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo. The show follows the lives of these swindlers, each with their own unique set of skills, as they target wealthy and corrupt individuals, corporations, and sometimes even other con artists.

The plot revolves around their intricate and often risky schemes to deceive their targets, using a combination of charm, deception, and high-tech gadgets. The group's leader, a charismatic and cunning strategist, orchestrates these operations, always staying one step ahead of the law and rival swindlers. As they pull off increasingly daring heists, tensions within the group rise, and they face unexpected challenges that threaten to unravel their operations.

"Tokyo Swindlers" is a fast-paced, suspenseful series that blends elements of crime, drama, and dark humor, offering a thrilling look into the underground world of con artists in Japan's capital. The show also explores themes of trust, loyalty, and the moral ambiguities of living a life built on lies and deceit.

Anti Hero

Anti-Hero is, what feels like one of many recently released Japanese legal dramas, that follows Akizumi Masaki, a brilliant but unconventional lawyer.

With a Sherlock Holmes-like intellect, Masaki is known for his ability to secure acquittals in seemingly hopeless cases. His unorthodox methods and disregard for conventional legal practices often land him in hot water, but his ultimate goal is to save innocent people from wrongful convictions.

The drama explores themes of justice, morality, and the blurred lines between good and evil. As Masaki delves deeper into his cases, he is forced to confront his demons and question the very nature of justice. It's interesting to see a Japanese-produced drama about the country's justice system.

Chastity High

Having just recently premiered on Netlifx, Chasity High was a great way to cap off the summer! The series revolves around a prestigious high school where students are strictly forbidden from dating. The story follows a group of students who navigate the challenges of maintaining their relationships in secret while trying to avoid getting caught by the school's watchful eyes.

A mysterious social media account begins exposing students' forbidden romances and secrets, causing chaos and mistrust among the student body. As the secrets are revealed, students turn against each other, desperate to protect their own.

The main character, Ichica Arisawa, is a student from a financially struggling family who becomes a secret "love keeper," helping rule violators by erasing evidence of their relationships. She does this to support her mother and manage their financial burdens. It’s been a while since I binged a show from beginning to end, but I did just that with Chastity High.

The series has strong parallels to Sex education, from the plot, the characters, and even the music. Another similarity with the British show is the quality of the production. Chastity High was produced by Robot Communications, the same production company behind Alice in Borderland, the recent Yu-Yu Hakusho live-action adaptation, and Godzilla Minus One. Overall, Chastity has quickly become one of my favorite J-dramas of the year! AM view certified!

Anime

As always no list is complete without some anime in it. As always, I did manage to squeeze a few shows in my viewing list. Let's get into it!

T.P BON

First up we have T.P Bon - T.P Bon is a time-traveling adventure anime that follows the story of Bon Namihira, an ordinary high school student who accidentally becomes involved in the Time Patrol, a secret organization tasked with saving people's lives during major historical events.

Bon, along with his friends Ream and Buyoyon, travels through time to various eras and locations around the globe. They use advanced technology and their knowledge of history to prevent accidents, disasters, and other unfortunate events from occurring. The series explores themes of friendship, responsibility, and the importance of preserving history.

My Oni Girl

My Oni Girl is a coming-of-age fantasy anime film that follows the journey of Hiiragi, a first-year high school student who struggles to make friends. His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Tsumugi, an oni (demon) girl who has come to the human world to search for her mother.

Together, Hiiragi and Tsumugi embark on a journey through Japan, facing various challenges and encountering other mythical creatures along the way. Tsumugi's bold and sassy personality clashes with Hiiragi's timid nature, but their unlikely friendship develops as they navigate their quest.

Rising Impact

Rising Impact is a sports anime that follows the journey of Gawain Nanaumi, a young golf prodigy. After his exceptional talent is accidentally discovered by a professional golfer, Gawain embarks on a quest to become the world's best golfer.

The show focuses on Gawain's training, competitions, and personal growth as he navigates the challenges and intricacies of the sport. With his natural talent and unwavering determination, Gawain strives to reach the top of the golf world, facing fierce competition and overcoming obstacles along the way.

The imaginary

The Imaginary is an anime film that follows the story of Rudger, an imaginary friend who comes to life when a young girl named Amanda imagines him. In this world, imaginary friends exist only as long as their creators believe in them. Rudger and Amanda share adventures filled with wonder and joy, exploring the boundaries between imagination and reality.

However, their friendship is threatened when Mr. Bunting, a mysterious figure who hunts imaginary friends, begins to pursue Rudger. As the danger grows, Rudger must navigate the challenges of staying alive in a world that doesn’t believe in him, while also helping Amanda through a difficult time in her life.

The film beautifully explores themes of childhood, creativity, loss, and the power of imagination, highlighting the bittersweet nature of growing up and the importance of holding onto what truly matters. As the story unfolds, Rudger and Amanda learn valuable lessons about friendship, bravery, and the enduring impact of the things we imagine.

The film is directed by Momose Yoshiyuki, a former Studio Ghibli animator, but the Ghibli aura doesn't stop there as Studio Ponoc itself was founded by former Studio Ghibli executives. Those classic Ghibli elements are seen in the animation but also in the choice of story as I could see the actual Studio Ghibli release a film like this.

Netflix has a vast selection of Japanese movies, TV shows, anime, and documentaries that cater to different interests and tastes. More and more Japanese television broadcasters are now releasing their shows and movies to a wider international audience which only adds to the already incredible catalog of great Japanese content for audiences abroad. There are a ton of shows that I didn't mention that deserve your attention, which is a testament to Netflix’s dedication to bringing the world Japanese content. Whether you're a fan of classic cinema, contemporary anime, or heartwarming dramas, there's something for everyone. By watching Japanese entertainment on Netflix, viewers can gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of Japanese culture and its people. So, next time you're looking for something to watch, consider exploring the world of Japanese cinema and television on Netflix.