Must-Watch Japanese Movies and TV Shows on Netflix

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 for the army of weebs, J-drama and cinema lovers to enjoy is Japan. With its unique culture and captivating storytelling, Japanese movies and TV shows have become increasingly popular on the streaming platform. In this video, we will explore some of the best Japanese movies and TV shows you can find on Netflix. All these shows are available on either Netflix America, Netflix UK, or both!

Japanese Movies on Netflix

Netflix offers a wide range of Japanese movies, from critically acclaimed dramas to action-packed thrillers. One of my favorite movies on Netflix is "Mother." "Mother" focuses on the toxic relationship between a single mother, Akiko, and her son, Shuhei. The film portrays the abuse and neglect that Shuhei and his sister suffered at the hands of their mother, who is more focused on scamming people for money than providing a safe and nurturing environment for her children. The film is directed by Tatsushi Ohmori and is based on a real-life incident from 2014. Masami Nagasawa and Daiken Okudaira deliver incredible performances, showing the entanglement of enabling and codependence that is at the center of this film.

If you're in the mood for an action thriller, "Hell Dogs" is a great choice. The movie revolves around the character of Shogo Kanetaka, who is an expelled Japanese cop living with trauma and depression after the woman he loved was killed during a robbery gone wrong in a supermarket a decade ago. Shogo is approached by Chief Anai, the head of the Metropolitan Criminal Police, who advises him to go undercover in the "Toshokai," a criminal organization. Shogo is tasked with destroying the "Expelled" family from the inside under the guise of his new identity, "Shogo Tanetaka," marking the beginning of his time in the Yakuza.

If you're in the mood for something more light-hearted, "Tremble All You Want" is a charming romantic comedy that follows a shy woman who finds love while navigating her complicated relationships with her friends and family.

A recent release is Call Me Chihiro, a Japanese drama movie based on the manga Chihiro-san by Hiroyuki Yasuda, which ran between 2017 and 2018. The movie revolves around Chihiro, a former sex worker who works at a small bento shop, Nokonoko Bento, in a seaside town. She becomes a popular figure in the city and starts forging connections with the people she meets. This is very much a slow-burner but Kasumi Arimura delivers another great performance!

Japanese TV Shows on Netflix

In addition to movies, Netflix also offers a variety of Japanese TV shows. One of the most popular shows is "Terrace House: Tokyo." This reality show follows six strangers as they live together in a house and navigate their relationships. Another great Japanese TV show on Netflix is "Midnight Diner." This heartwarming drama takes place in a small diner that is open from midnight to 7 am, where customers share their stories and bond over food.

If you're looking for a more action-packed TV show, "Alice in Borderland" is a thrilling sci-fi series that follows a group of friends transported to a parallel world where they must play dangerous games to survive.

One of my favorite shows is "My Husband Won't Fit" which follows a newlywed couple as they struggle to navigate their relationship due to their physical incompatibility. The husband is well-endowed, which causes discomfort for the wife during intimacy. The show explores the challenges and vulnerabilities of the couple as they try to find a solution to their problem. While the premise may seem comedic, the show is a thoughtful and sensitive exploration of the complexities of relationships and sexuality. These shows are just a glimpse into the many Japanese TV shows available on Netflix.

Going back to the action, a recent release to Netflix’s ever-growing bank of J dramas is Informa. The story revolves around Mishima, who feels empty and uncomfortable chasing celebrity scandals as a reporter. One day, his chief editor sends him to pick up a certain person to fulfill his wish to "see a world you wouldn't see if you lived a normal life”. Mishima is then introduced to Keijiro Kihara, who is known as an "informer," an urban legend among informers who is well-versed in all areas of the underworld, politics, and the entertainment industry. Together, they investigate a mysterious series of Yakuza-linked murders. Informa is directed by Michihito Fuji, who is slowly becoming one of my favorite directors from Japan's massive pool of talent. He also directed shows such as “Journalist” and a great Yakuza film, “a family”, which are both currently streaming on Netflix!

Japanese Culture

Watching Japanese movies and TV shows on Netflix is not only entertaining, but it is also a great way to learn about Japanese culture. From the food to the fashion, the customs to the language, Japanese movies, and TV shows offer a glimpse into a unique and fascinating culture. By watching these shows, viewers can gain a better understanding of Japan and its people.

For example, "Samurai Gourmet" is a fun and lighthearted TV show that explores Japanese cuisine and culture through the eyes of a retired businessman.

"The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House" is a beautiful light-hearted TV show that follows the lives of Kiyo and her best friend, Sumire, two 16-year-old girls who leave their home city of Aomori after seeing maiko, or apprentice geishas, in the street on a school trip. We join them as they adjust to life in the maiko house, where relationships are formed around the idea of a family unit, and in typical ‘Kore-Eda’ fashion, nobody is actually related. Apart from exploring Japanese culture and traditions, arguably Japanese food plays an even more prominent role as it's about cooking, feeding, and eating. Please do not watch this on an empty stomach.

Classic Japanese Cinema on Netflix

Japan has a long and rich cinematic history, and Netflix has a great selection of Japanese films that span different genres and eras. For fans of classic Japanese cinema, "Rashomon" is a must-watch. This 1950 film by legendary director Akira Kurosawa is a masterpiece of storytelling, exploring the subjectivity of truth through four different perspectives of a crime. Another classic film on Netflix is "Tokyo Story," directed by Yasujiro Ozu. This 1953 film is a beautiful and poignant portrayal of family relationships and generational differences. Personally, it was the film that got me into the Japanese family drama genre!

Japanese Anime on Netflix

There is no way I could leave out Anime when talking about the best Japanese content on Netflix! Netflix has a great selection of anime series and films. One of the most popular anime series to drop on Netflix last year was "Cyberpunk: Edgerunners," which follows a teen street kid who becomes an outlaw mercenary known as an edge runner after suffering a personal tragedy. The anime is set in Night City, a self-reliant metropolis located in the Free State of California that suffers from extensive corruption, cybernetic addiction, and gang violence.

Continuing with the dystopian theme. If you're in the mood for a classic anime film, "Akira" is a must-watch. This 1988 film is a landmark in anime history, with its stunning visuals and dystopian storyline. Another great anime film is "Grave of the Fireflies," by the late Studio Ghibli legend, Isao Takahata, which is a heartbreaking portrayal of two siblings struggling to survive during the aftermath of the bombing of Hiroshima.

Japanese Documentaries on Netflix

For those who are interested in learning more about Japan and its people, Netflix also offers a variety of Japanese documentaries. "Little Miss Sumo" is a fascinating documentary about a 20-year-old Sumo wrestler, Hiyori, as she aims to revolutionize one of Japan’s oldest sports. Another interesting documentary is "Enter the Anime," a behind-the-scenes look at the world of Japanese anime.

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. 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.