Top Must-Watch Japanese TV Shows on Netflix

Looking for something new to binge that’s refreshing, emotional, or completely mind-bending? You’re in for a treat. Japanese TV shows on Netflix cover every genre—from heart-melting romance to high-stakes thrillers and powerful dramas. In this video, we’ve curated The Best Japanese TV Shows on Netflix—series that stand out not only for their storytelling but for their unique cultural perspectives and unforgettable characters. Let’s jump in.

Sanctuary

Sanctuary is a 2023 Japanese Netflix drama about a troubled young man, Kiyoshi Oze, who joins the world of professional sumo for money, not honor. Adopting the ring name "Enno," his rebellious attitude clashes with the sport’s strict traditions. As he navigates intense physical training and internal conflicts, the show explores themes of ambition, identity, and redemption within the closed, tradition-heavy world of sumo wrestling.

Sanctuary is undoubtedly one of my all-time favorite Japanese TV shows. Although it's been a while since I last watched it, I can't help but smile whenever someone brings it up. Not only does it give a great insight into one of Japan's most recognized traditions, but it's packaged in a great and well-rounded story that international audiences will appreciate.

Teasing Master Takagi-san

Teasing Master Takagi-san is a light-hearted and charming series set in a Japanese middle school, focusing on the playful back-and-forth between two classmates. Takagi, a clever and confident girl, constantly teases her classmate Nishikata, who is determined to get back at her with pranks of his own. The catch? She’s always one step ahead. Beneath the teasing lies an innocent and slowly blossoming romance, and watching their interactions evolve is as wholesome as it is addictive. It’s a perfect comfort show with just the right touch of nostalgia.

Good Luck!!

Takuya Kimura in Good Luck!!

Starring the legendary Takuya Kimura, Good Luck!! is a gripping drama set in the world of commercial aviation. Shinkai Hajime is a passionate co-pilot with dreams of flying internationally, but the path to becoming a captain is filled with turbulence—strict regulations, personal loss, and workplace rivalries. Along the way, he meets Ayumi, a no-nonsense aircraft mechanic, and their clashing personalities slowly lead to something more. Packed with emotion, ambition, and moments of true inspiration, this series soars above typical workplace dramas."

Sometimes, I find it difficult to know where to start with this show. Takuya Kimura's incredibly charismatic performance and presence, combined with the straightforward yet uplifting story and the outstanding cast, make it exceptional. "Good Luck" is likely my favorite Japanese show of all time because it perfectly embodies everything I adore about Japanese television and entertainment.

Ripe for the Picking

"Ripe for the Picking" (also known by its Japanese title "Uri wo Waru") is a Japanese romantic drama produced by TBS. The story primarily follows Maiko Kosaka, a 32-year-old office worker who, despite being successful in her career, harbors a deep secret and insecurity: she's a virgin. Embarrassed by her lack of experience while her peers openly discuss their intimate lives, Maiko becomes determined to change her situation.

Her journey into the world of relationships and intimacy leads her to a connection with Senri Kagiya, a socially awkward copymachine technician who also has his own struggles and insecurities. The drama explores their tentative steps towards a relationship, navigating their personal hang-ups and anxieties, and the awkward yet sweet realities of a first sexual experience for both of them.

Beyond the central couple, "Ripe for the Picking" also delves into the love lives and struggles of Maiko's female colleagues, touching upon themes of loneliness, unrealistic beauty standards, and the challenges of finding meaningful connections in modern Japanese society. The series is based on a popular manga of the same name and is known for its realistic and often humorous portrayal of mature relationships.

Hot Spot

"The Hot Spot" is a Japanese TV drama that follows Kiyomi Endo, a 41-year-old single mother working at a business hotel near Mount Fuji. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers that one of her colleagues is actually an alien with superhuman abilities.

However, instead of a grand sci-fi adventure, the show focuses on the mundane and humorous aspects of this extraordinary situation. Kiyomi, a pragmatic woman who has experienced life's ups and downs, doesn't seek to fight injustice or save the world with the alien's powers. Instead, she frequently enlists his help to solve minor, everyday problems at work or in her personal life.

The series is described as an "alien-human comedy" that leans heavily on witty dialogue and the quirky interactions between Kiyomi, her friends, and the alien. It explores themes of friendship and acceptance, using the supernatural element to create a unique and often deadpan humorous slice of life in a quiet, rural Japanese town.

Le Grand Maison Tokyo

Yes, we have another Takuya Kimura show on the list as Netflix blessed us with quite a few towards the end of 2024. Le Grand Maison Tokyo is a high-stakes gourmet drama about obsession, redemption, and culinary excellence. Chef Obana Natsuki was once a rising star in Paris—but a scandal crushed his career. Back in Tokyo, he meets Rinko Hayami, a talented but unrecognized chef who shares his dream of creating a world-class French restaurant. Together, they aim for the elusive three Michelin stars. With stunning food cinematography, intense rivalries, and heartfelt character arcs, this series is a love letter to passion and perseverance in the face of failure."

Meet Me After School

Meet Me After School tells a bold and emotionally nuanced story about forbidden love and emotional conflict. Hijiri Suenaga is a respected high school teacher engaged to a successful man—but her world turns upside down when she develops feelings for one of her students. The show doesn’t shy away from difficult questions about boundaries, societal expectations, and self-discovery. Through poetic cinematography and raw performances, it creates a tense and delicate narrative that challenges viewers every step of the way.

Meet Me After School is quite a rollercoaster of emotions but hands down one of the most unique shows in the topic that it handles and portrays.

Naked Director

Based on the real-life story of Toru Muranishi, The Naked Director is one of Netflix Japan’s most daring and unconventional hits. Set in the 1980s, it charts the rise of an unlikely entrepreneur who transforms Japan’s conservative adult video industry with his outrageous ideas and boundary-pushing spirit. This series is bold, hilarious, vulgar, and surprisingly heartfelt, portraying how Muranishi’s chaotic drive for success affects his crew, his love life, and his sanity. It’s about freedom, censorship, and what it means to chase your dreams at all costs.

He's Expecting

What if men could get pregnant? He’s Expecting takes that premise and builds a clever social commentary around it. Kentaro Hiyama is a successful advertising executive living in a world where male pregnancies are rare—but possible. When he finds out he’s pregnant, everything changes. The show explores gender roles, stigma, and modern family structures with both humor and sincerity. It’s a bold, genre-defying drama that challenges what we think we know about parenthood, masculinity, and choice.

News Anchor

"News Anchor" (also known as "Caster") is a Japanese TV drama by TBS that centers around Soichi Shindo, a veteran social affairs reporter and anchorman. Known for his unwavering pursuit of truth, Shindo is scouted by a struggling commercial TV station, JBN, to become the main announcer for their long-running flagship news program, "News Gate," which is suffering from low viewership ratings.

Despite the program's poor performance, Shindo brings his unconventional and charismatic style to the news desk.

He often disregards company rules in his investigations and interviews, determined to uncover the truth behind various incidents. He works alongside Director Hana Sakikubo and Assistant Director Yusuke Motohashi, and together, they strive to revive the program by relentlessly pursuing and revealing important truths to the public. The series explores their growth as a team and their dedication to journalistic integrity in the face of challenges.

Rikuoh

"Rikuoh" is a TBS drama that tells the inspiring story of Kohazeya, a small, century-old company that traditionally manufactures tabi (traditional Japanese split-toe socks). Facing declining demand and the threat of bankruptcy, the fourth-generation president, Koichi Miyazawa, decides to take a daring leap into a completely new market: marathon running shoes.

Using their accumulated knowledge and expertise in tabi-making, Miyazawa and his dedicated team embark on the challenging journey of developing an innovative running shoe designed to be easy to run in and prevent injuries. The drama follows their struggles against financial hardship, the fierce competition from major sports brands, and numerous setbacks and obstacles. It also highlights the personal growth of the characters, including a promising marathon runner who becomes involved with their product, and the unwavering spirit of "manufacturing" and perseverance that drives them to overcome adversity and pursue their dream of creating a revolutionary shoe.

Alice in Borderland

Kento Yamazaki in Alice in Borderland season 1

Alice in Borderland is a dark, adrenaline-pumping sci-fi thriller that pulls you into a dystopian version of Tokyo. Arisu, an aimless gamer, and his friends suddenly find themselves trapped in an empty city where survival means playing deadly games based on intelligence, physical strength, or betrayal. With each game more brutal than the last, the stakes rise—and so do the mysteries. With jaw-dropping visuals and psychological tension, this series is a must-watch for fans of Squid Game and Black Mirror.

Step Mom and Daughter Blues

Step Mom and Daughter Blue tells the heartwarming and often humorous story of Akiko Iwaki, a highly competent and somewhat eccentric career woman. One day, she is asked to marry Ryoichi Miyamoto, a kind-hearted salaryman who is a single father to a young daughter, Miyuki.

Initially, Akiko approaches her new role as a stepmother with the same meticulous planning and dedication she applies to her work, leading to many comical misunderstandings as she tries to "manage" her new family. Over the years, the drama beautifully depicts the evolving relationship between Akiko and Miyuki, showing how they navigate challenges, loss, and the everyday ups and downs of life. It's a tale of unconventional family bonds, love, resilience, and finding happiness and growth through unexpected circumstances, ultimately demonstrating that family is built on more than just blood ties.