The term drama designates a specifically Japanese type of series, with new episodes weekly. However, you can find productions from Korea and China with the same footprint, called respectively K-Drama and C-Drama.
The term has Japanese origin and is linked to the pronunciation of the word drama, but those who believe that there is only this genre are wrong. There are several and with well-crafted stories to entertain and distract, so grab your popcorn and check out the tips we prepared for you!
japanese dramas
When we talk about drama, it is important to note that each country in Asia has its own productions. Japan, for example, invests heavily in dramas of different genres. Shall we meet some?
1. Erased (2017)
Satoru Fujinuma is a serious, friendless boy who discovers he can travel through time when something bad is about to happen. With a season of 12 episodes, the drama, which also has anime and manga, is on Netflix and mixes mystery, suspense and drama. It is worth checking!
2. The different faces of Ito (2017)
Yazaki Rio is a dreamy screenwriter who gives advice to four girls to spark inspiration. Soon, Rio discovers that they all date the same guy: Ito. Each outburst shows a different personality of the boy, giving rise to the name of the series. This drama is a light and fun romantic comedy available on Netflix with eight episodes.
3. Hibana – Spark (2016)
This drama is based on a book by Naoki Matayoshi, nominated for the Mishima Prize for Literature. In the story we meet Tokunaga, an aspiring comedian who finds in Kamiya, an experienced comedian, a friend shoulder and a mentor to achieve success. Despite the theme about comedy, other issues are also addressed, such as personal maturation. The series is on Netflix and has a season of ten episodes.
4. Workshop (2015)
Atelier is a drama that tells the story of Mayuko, a young woman who has a passion for fabrics and decides to work in a custom lingerie store. There she will learn not only about the profession, but about the etiquette of a sophisticated world. Check out the series on Netflix!
5. Switched (2018)
Based on the manga, this story is about Ayumi, a cheerful girl who has a good life and a perfect boyfriend. But her jealous classmate Zenko finds out how to switch bodies and steal all the good stuff from her. The series deals with important issues such as trauma, anger, bullying and the consequences of excess popularity. Switched is on Netflix and has one season.
k-drama
Korean dramas are probably the most watched by the Brazilian public today, due to the huge success of songs from the same country. Check out some names:
6. Strong Girl Bong-soon (2017)
Bong-soon is a girl with extreme physical strength. Her aptitude catches the eye of Ahn Min Hyuk, a wealthy but small and weak game owner. So he hires the girl to be his bodyguard. In addition to games and technology, themes such as violence against women, female power, romance and comedy also appear. The series has one season with 12 episodes and is on Netflix.
7. The Sound of Your Heart (2016)
The Sound of Your Heart tells the story of Cho Seok, a guy who dreams of being a writer and illustrator. The drama presents the relationship with his girlfriend and the bizarre situations that happen with his family. In addition, it shows Cho Seok’s attempts to publish his work and become famous, bringing good laughs. For those who like comedy and want to watch, the series is available on Netflix and has a season with 10 episodes.
8. Love Alarm (2019)
Love Alarm has a futuristic feel. The story is based on webtoons and talks about a mobile app whose function is to show who loves you within a 10 meter radius. We meet Kim JoJo, a struggling girl who uses the app and gets involved in a love triangle. Much more than romance, Love Alarm warns about the possible consequences of this technology, loneliness and trauma. It’s also available on Netflix!
9. First Time Love (2019)
Five friends are in difficult situations and share the same roof. Together, they learn about life’s adversities, strengthen the bonds of friendship and discover their first love. The drama is in the Netflix catalog and has two seasons with eight episodes.
10. Life (2018)
Life shows the daily lives of doctors at a famous university hospital in Korea. The problem arises when the new CEO steps in and has only one thought: profits. Tackling political, workplace and economic issues, Life is a dramatic drama with plenty of dialogue. The good news is that it is also on Netflix and has a 16-episode season.
C-Dramas
China also produces a number of interesting dramas. The main difference from the others is that c-dramas usually have more episodes per season. Check out:
11. Love O2O (2016)
Bei Wei Wei studies computer science in college and is among the best online roleplaying players. Xiao Nai owns a gaming company and has excellent grades. He is delighted to realize that Wei also plays and wants to get closer to her. Love O2O tells a beautiful and mature love story and is available on Netflix!
12. Unforeseen Passion (2018)
Chen Quing Quing is an orphan, an only child, wealthy and lives with her grandfather. Her dilemma is trying to escape the forced marriage her grandfather arranged for her and find true love. For this, she decides to run away from home and change her appearance so as not to be recognized. With a season of 30 episodes, it brings important themes such as female independence and friendship and is on Netflix.
13. Take My Brother (2018)
Siblings Shi Miao and Shi Fen lack parental support and have to deal with the challenges of adolescence. The two don’t get along very well, but they certainly protect each other. Portraying typical situations experienced by those who have siblings and complicated family issues, but in a light and fun way. With a 30-episode season, you can watch the series on Netflix.
14. Eternal Love (2017)
This is an ancient novel that tells the story of the meeting of Ye Hua and Su Su, a mortal and a deity who lives on Earth. With twists, jealousies and suspicions of betrayal, the story is emotional and full of elements of Chinese culture. It’s worth checking out this drama that is on Netflix!
15. Ashes of Love (2018)
This drama is yet another story of romance and mysteries from China. Here, sweet Jinmi falls in love with the mighty Xufeng, in a tale spanning over 100 years. Their bonds can be severed, so the two of them must resist together. The series is on Netflix!
So, did you already know any drama on this list? Did you like our recommendations? Speaking of series, if you’re one of those people who loves to spend the weekend under the covers watching something cool, check out our tips for the best series on Netflix.