Activity
Lists
Search
Alerts
Profile

Every movie. Every show. One diary.

Download on theApp StoreGet it onGoogle Play

Explore

  • Browse
  • Search
  • Activity
  • Watchlists

Product

  • Flickfolio Pro
  • Updates

Company

  • About
  • FAQ
  • Contact Us
  • Instagram

Legal

  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy

© 2026 Flickfolio · v1.14.0

This website uses TMDB and the TMDB APIs but is not endorsed, certified, or otherwise approved by TMDB.

    activitysearchbrowsewatchlists
    Sign in
    Home/Browse/TV Shows/Japanese TV Shows/Japanese Drama TV Shows

    Japanese Drama TV Shows

    The 40 most popular japanese drama TV shows, ranked. Click any show for ratings, reviews, trailers, and where to watch.

    40shows
    2rated by members
    Top ratedFrieren: Beyond Journey's End5.0
    Filter & sort these in Search
    Kamen Rider
    TMDB3.2

    Kamen Rider

    1971

    country: Japan

    Takeshi Hongo is a promising young man with a passion for motorcycle racing. However, his dreams are suddenly ruined when he gets kidnapped by Shocker, the evil secret organization planning to dominate the world. After being remodeled into a cyborg, Takeshi escapes and swears to protect the world from the inhuman monsters.

    Souryo to Majiwaru Shikiyoku no Yoru ni...
    TMDB2.7

    Souryo to Majiwaru Shikiyoku no Yoru ni...

    2017

    country: Japan

    At a high school reunion, Mio Fukatani reunites with a classmate she has not seen in years—Takahide Kujou. She had always wanted to know more about the kind-hearted boy in high school, but once she realizes that Kujou has become a monk, she believes that any chance of getting to know him romantically is slim. Deciding to drink away her sorrows, she ends up walking home drunk, and surprisingly, running into Kujou who helps her get home. However, once inside, Kujou's lust for Mio becomes apparent and the two share an erotic night of passion. As this steamy romance blossoms between these two unlikely lovers, Mio and Kujou will undoubtedly spend many nights together in utter ecstasy.

    AIBOU: Tokyo Detective Duo
    TMDB3.8

    AIBOU: Tokyo Detective Duo

    2002

    country: Japan

    Detective Ukyo Sugishita confronts crime on the basis of his own convictions. He has a partner that works for him in the Special Task Unit. For the first 7 seasons, Ukyo’s first partner is Kaoru Kameyama. He is a good-natured, hot-tempered, straightforward and somewhat scattered detective. Beginning in Season 8, Takeru Kanbe replaces Kameyama. Contrary to his predecessor, Takeru is a lanky, cool, conceited and confident detective. From Season 11 to Season 13, Ukyo’s partner is a young detective Toru Kai. Toru is a son of Deputy Director-General of The National Police Agency. But he became a detective by his own effort. And starting with Season 14, Ukyo’s current partner is Wataru Kaburagi, an elite bureaucrat who came to the Metropolitan Police Department on temporary assignment. As the first partner without any career of a police officer, he will face challenging cases together with Ukyo.

    Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
    TMDB4.4

    Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

    2009

    country: Japan

    Disregard for alchemy’s laws ripped half of Edward Elric’s limbs from his body and left his brother Alphonse’s soul clinging to a suit of armor. To restore what was lost, the brothers seek the Philosopher’s Stone. Enemies and allies – the corrupt military, the Homunculi, and foreign alchemists – will alter the Elric brothers course, but their purpose will remain unchanged and their bond unbreakable.

    Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
    TMDB4.4
    FF5.0

    Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

    2023

    country: Japan

    After the party of heroes defeated the Demon King, they restored peace to the land and returned to lives of solitude. Generations pass, and the elven mage Frieren comes face to face with humanity's mortality. She takes on a new apprentice and promises to fulfill old friends' dying wishes. Can an elven mind make peace with the nature of life and death? Frieren embarks on her quest to find out.

    Chihayafuru
    TMDB3.8

    Chihayafuru

    2011

    country: Japan

    Chihaya Ayase has spent most of her life supporting her sister’s model career. When she meets a boy named Arata Wataya, he thinks Chihaya has potential to become a great karuta player. As Chihaya dreams of becoming Japan's best karuta player, she is soon separated from her karuta playing friends. Now in high school, Chihaya still plays karuta in the hope that she will one day meet her friends again.

    Monster
    TMDB4.2

    Monster

    2004

    country: Japan

    Kenzou Tenma, a Japanese brain surgeon in Germany, finds his life in utter turmoil after getting involved with a psychopath that was once a former patient.

    BLUE LOCK
    TMDB4.1

    BLUE LOCK

    2022

    country: Japan

    High school soccer players from across Japan gather for a controversial project designed to create the best — and most egoistic — striker in the world.

    Agents of the Four Seasons Dance of Spring
    TMDB3.5

    Agents of the Four Seasons Dance of Spring

    2026

    country: Japan

    When the Agent of Spring, Hinagiku Kayo, is abducted, spring itself vanishes—plunging the world into unending winter. Refusing to give up, her devoted guard, Sakura Himedaka, searches for her for years. When Hinagiku suddenly returns, the two set out to restore the lost season, face the past that tore them apart, and reclaim the warmth they refuse to lose again.

    The Piano Forest
    TMDB3.3

    The Piano Forest

    2018

    country: Japan

    A tranquil tale about two boys from very different upbringings. On one hand you have Kai, born as the son of a prostitute, who's been playing the abandoned piano in the forest near his home ever since he was young. And on the other you have Syuhei, practically breast-fed by the piano as the son of a family of prestigious pianists. Yet it is their common bond with the piano that eventually intertwines their paths in life.

    The Apothecary Diaries
    TMDB4.3

    The Apothecary Diaries

    2023

    country: Japan

    Maomao lived a peaceful life with her apothecary father. Until one day, she's sold as a lowly servant to the emperor's palace. But she wasn't meant for a compliant life among royalty. So when imperial heirs fall ill, she decides to step in and find a cure! This catches the eye of Jinshi, a handsome palace official who promotes her. Now, she's making a name for herself solving medical mysteries!

    New Japan Pro Wrestling
    TMDB4.0

    New Japan Pro Wrestling

    1972

    country: Japan

    New Japan Pro-Wrestling is a Japanese promotion founded by Antonio Inoki in 1972. Owing to its TV program aired on TV Asahi, it is the largest wrestling promotion in Japan and one of the largest in the world.

    Monogatari
    TMDB4.0

    Monogatari

    2009

    country: Japan

    Koyomi Araragi, a high school student, finds himself constantly encountering girls afflicted by supernatural "oddities." He dedicates himself to helping them, often with the aid of the eccentric specialist Meme Oshino. Each arc talks about a different girl's unique struggle and the mysterious cause of their affliction. The series explores themes of adolescence, personal growth, and the complexities of human relationships. It's known for its witty dialogue, stylistic animation, and unique narrative structure.

    Initial D
    TMDB4.0

    Initial D

    1998

    country: Japan

    Takumi’s job as a tofu delivery boy has turned him into one of the most formidable drivers around. Behind the wheel of his Eight-Six, he’s one with the road—and his life shifts into high gear when the underground street racing world takes notice. Drivers from across the region are lining up for a shot at the new guy. Takumi’s not just focused on winning—he’s out to prove he’s the best.

    Kingdom
    TMDB3.8

    Kingdom

    2012

    country: Japan

    In the Warring States period, young orphan Xin vows to aid King Zheng of Qin in his quest to unify China by becoming a general himself.

    March Comes In Like a Lion
    TMDB4.0

    March Comes In Like a Lion

    2016

    country: Japan

    This is a gentle tale about people trying to regain something. And it is a tale of battle. Rei Kiriyama had lost his family in an accident when he was young. Now he is a 17-year-old pro shogi player who is burdened with deep loneliness. Rei lives alone in an old town in Tokyo, but after becoming acquainted with three sisters, Akari, Hinata and Momo, he begins to change little by little...

    Haikyu!!
    TMDB4.3

    Haikyu!!

    2014

    country: Japan

    Inspired by a small-statured pro volleyball player, Hinata creates a volleyball team in his last year of middle school. Unfortunately the team is matched up against the "King of the Court" Tobio Kageyama’s team in their first tournament and inevitably lose. After the crushing defeat, Hinata vows to surpass Kageyama After entering high school, Hinata joins the volleyball team only to find that Tobio has also joined.

    The Woman of S.R.I.
    TMDB3.6

    The Woman of S.R.I.

    1999

    country: Japan

    Mariko is a forensic scientist working at the Kyoto PD Crime Lab. Her credo is “science never lies” and she delves into the truth of the case with her colleagues with their specialized skills and knowledge in forensic medicine, physics, chemistry etc. Mariko’s steadfast belief in science makes her stand against conventional institutional ethics of the police department, diehard detectives averse to scientific investigation and sometimes even with her own colleagues, but she stays faithful to her belief in science and continues to pursue the truth.

    Yawara!
    TMDB3.3

    Yawara!

    1989

    country: Japan

    Inokuma Yawara is just another young high school girl. Well, not quite - for Yawara is being raised by her grandfather, 7th dan Judo master Inokuma Jigorou, to be Japan's great hope for the women's Judo competition at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. All the same, Yawara just wants to live a normal life...

    Alice in Borderland
    TMDB4.0

    Alice in Borderland

    2020

    country: Japan

    With his two friends, a video-game-obsessed young man finds himself in a strange version of Tokyo where they must compete in dangerous games to win.

    Tokyo Ghoul
    TMDB4.1

    Tokyo Ghoul

    2014

    country: Japan

    Ken Kaneki, a bookworm college student, meets Rize, a girl his own age with whom he shares many interests.

    My Happy Marriage
    TMDB4.2

    My Happy Marriage

    2023

    country: Japan

    Miyo's abusive family deems her worthless – but together with her powerful husband-to-be, her true self and hidden powers slowly begin to shine.

    From Me to You: Kimi ni Todoke
    TMDB4.2

    From Me to You: Kimi ni Todoke

    2009

    country: Japan

    Nicknamed "Sadako" for her spooky appearance, high schooler Sawako begins to break out of her shell when she befriends popular boy Kazehaya.

    The Ancient Magus' Bride
    TMDB4.2

    The Ancient Magus' Bride

    2017

    country: Japan

    Hatori Chise has lived a life full of neglect and abuse, devoid of anything resembling love. Far from the warmth of family, she has had her share of troubles and pitfalls. Just when all hope seems lost, a fateful encounter awaits her. When a man with the head of a beast, wielding strange powers, obtains her through a slave auction, Chise's life will never be the same again. The man is a "magus,"a sorcerer of great power, who decides to free Chise from the bonds of captivity. The magus then makes a bold statement: Chise will become his apprentice--and his bride!

    Ahiru no Sora
    TMDB4.2

    Ahiru no Sora

    2019

    country: Japan

    Sora joins the high school basketball club, but his unmotivated teammates don't care about the game. To get anywhere, he has to change their minds.

    Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
    TMDB4.2

    Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

    2006

    country: Japan

    Japan has been invaded and conquered by the Britannian Empire. Japan is now known as Area 11 and its citizens known as Elevens. The Britannian Empire takes away Japan's autonomous power and imposes its rule through the use of Knightmares. The Empire's rule has never faltered, but cracks have begun to show...

    Flower and Asura
    TMDB3.3

    Flower and Asura

    2025

    country: Japan

    The story is set in Tonakishima, a small island with a population of 600. Hana, a high school girl who lives on the island, loves recitals, and holds regular reading sessions for the island's children. Mizuki, the president of the Broadcasting Club, senses Hana's power to attract people through her reading and invites her to join the club. Hana joins the Broadcasting Club and experiences many firsts with the other members.

    Classroom of the Elite
    TMDB4.2

    Classroom of the Elite

    2017

    country: Japan

    Kiyotaka Ayanokouji enrolls at the prestigious Tokyo Koudo Ikusei Academy, but is assigned to Class 1-D, where students with behavioral problems are housed. The school awards points equivalent to 100,000 yen per month and allows unusual freedom in classes, masking a more complex system.

    Fighting Spirit
    TMDB4.3

    Fighting Spirit

    2000

    country: Japan

    Makunouchi Ippo is an ordinary high school student in Japan. Since he spends most of his time away from school helping his mother run the family business, he doesn't get to enjoy his younger years like most teenagers. Always a target for bullying at school (the family fishing business grants him a distinct odor), Ippo's life is one of hardship. One of these after-school bullying sessions turns Ippo's life around for the better, as he is saved by a boxer named Takamura. He decides to follow in Takamura's footsteps and train to become a boxer, giving his life direction and purpose. Ippo's path to perfecting his pugilistic prowess is just beginning...

    Tokyo Revengers
    TMDB4.2

    Tokyo Revengers

    2021

    country: Japan

    Takemichi Hanagaki is a freelancer that’s reached the absolute pits of despair in his life. He finds out that the only girlfriend he ever had, in middle school, Hinata Tachibana, had been killed by the ruthless Tokyo Manji Gang. The day after hearing about her death, he’s standing on the station platform and ends up being pushed over onto the tracks by a herd of people. He closes his eyes thinking he’s about to die, but when he opens his eyes back up, he somehow had gone back in time 12 years. Now that he’s back living the best days of his life, Takemichi decides to get revenge on his life.

    Black Butler
    TMDB3.9

    Black Butler

    2008

    country: Japan

    In Victorian London, 12-year-old business magnate Ciel Phantomhive thwarts dangers to the queen as he's watched over by his demon butler, Sebastian.

    Higurashi: When They Cry
    TMDB3.8

    Higurashi: When They Cry

    2006

    country: Japan

    After moving into the quiet town of Hinamizawa, Maebara Keiichi spends his days blissfully in school often playing games with his local friends. However, appearances can be deceiving. One fateful day, Keiichi stumbles upon news of a murder that had occurred in Hinamizawa. From this point on, horrific events unfold in front of Keiichi, as he soon learns his close friends may not be all that they seem.

    Komi Can't Communicate
    TMDB4.1

    Komi Can't Communicate

    2021

    country: Japan

    At a high school full of unique characters, Tadano helps his shy and unsociable classmate Komi reach her goal of making friends with 100 people.

    Fruits Basket
    TMDB4.0

    Fruits Basket

    2019

    country: Japan

    After a family tragedy turns her life upside down, 16-year-old high school student Tohru Honda takes matters into her own hands and moves out… into a tent! Unfortunately for her, she pitches her new home on private land belonging to the mysterious Soma clan, and it isn't long before the owners discover her secret. But, as Tohru quickly finds out when the family offers to take her in, the Somas have a secret of their own—when hugged by the opposite sex, they turn into the animals of the Chinese Zodiac!

    Redo of Healer
    TMDB4.1
    FF5.0

    Redo of Healer

    2021

    country: Japan

    In a world of monsters, adventurers and magic, some of the most gifted healers are subjugated to brute force. Keyaru gains the ability to rewind time and turns the tables on those who’ve exploited him in this dark fantasy tale of vengeance and fury.

    Akane-banashi
    TMDB4.0

    Akane-banashi

    2026

    country: Japan

    As a child, Akane witnesses a shocking event during her father's career-defining show. Now in high school, she vows to reach the art's highest rank.

    Saiyuki
    TMDB3.2

    Saiyuki

    2000

    country: Japan

    Many years ago, humans and demons lived in harmony. But that unity ended when demons started attacking humans and plotted a mission to unleash Gyumao - an evil demon imprisoned for thousands of years. Now, Genjo Sanzo, a rogue priest, must team up with three demons - Sha Gojyo, Son Goku, and Cho Hakkai - and embark on a perilous journey to the west to stop these demons from resurrecting Gyumao and restore the balance between humans and demons on Earth.

    Armored Trooper VOTOMS
    TMDB3.5

    Armored Trooper VOTOMS

    1983

    country: Japan

    The story of stoic Armored Trooper pilot Chirico Cuvie and his quest for answers after a sudden betrayal leaves him on the run from his own military.

    I Want to Love You Till Your Dying Day
    TMDB4.6

    I Want to Love You Till Your Dying Day

    2026

    country: Japan

    At a secret academy where orphaned girls are raised as weapons, death is routine and grief is forbidden. Sheena, a 14-year-old who questions this brutal life, meets Mimi, a mysterious, blood-soaked girl who refuses to break. In a world built on violence, the two cling to fragile hope and fight to hold on to their humanity.

    Solitary Gourmet
    TMDB4.5

    Solitary Gourmet

    2012

    country: Japan

    Centered around typical Japanese food, a solitary salesman travelling through the country for business purposes, eats at its various establishments and experiences the various delicacies of Japanese cuisine.

    About Japanese Drama TV Shows

    Japanese television

    Japanese television is dominated by anime and the dorama — short, tightly-run seasons that rarely outstay their premise. Anime in particular has become one of the most globally exported forms of television there is.

    Drama

    Television drama is where the medium made its case as film's equal, from the cable era's antihero epics to the current streaming wave. Long-form gives character change room to actually happen.

    In this list

    Years covered
    1971–2026
    Best reviewed
    Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (8.8)
    Often also
    Animation, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Action & Adventure
    Longest run
    55 seasons

    Common questions

    What are the best Japanese drama TV shows?
    By popularity across Flickfolio and TMDB, the top picks right now are Kamen Rider, Souryo to Majiwaru Shikiyoku no Yoru ni..., and AIBOU: Tokyo Detective Duo. The full ranked list of 40 sits above — open any show for ratings, reviews, and streaming availability.
    How is this list ranked?
    Japanese drama TV shows are ordered by overall popularity, which blends how often a title is viewed, searched, and logged. It updates as viewing habits shift, so the list reflects what people are actually watching rather than a fixed critical canon.
    Where can I watch these TV shows?
    Every show page lists current streaming, rental, and purchase options for your region, alongside community ratings and reviews from Flickfolio members.

    Keep browsing

    Other Genres

    AnimationComedyWesternCrimeDocumentaryMysteryFamilyAction & AdventureKidsRealitySci-Fi & Fantasy
    Soap
    War & Politics

    Other Countries

    KoreanFrenchItalianBritishGermanSpanishIndianChineseHong KongSwedishMexicanBrazilianRussian

    In Theaters Too

    Japanese Drama Movies