Are you a fan of Japanese dramas? Do you love binge-watching exciting and captivating shows in your free time? Well, get ready to add some amazing Japanese dramas to your watchlist!
From heartwarming romances to thrilling mysteries, I have compiled a list of my 6 favorite Japanese dramas currently available on Netflix and Hotstar. So grab your popcorn, get comfortable, and let’s dive into the world of Japanese television!
Recently, I’ve been totally hooked on Japanese dramas and finding myself watching them way more than Korean ones. They’ve completely reeled me in!
Japanese dramas offer a unique and immersive viewing experience. From their emotional depth to their relatable characters, cultural immersion, strong storytelling, versatile genres, and outstanding performances, there are countless reasons to love and binge-watch Japanese dramas.
I genuinely find Japanese dramas to be my own personal way of easing stress. They have this soothing effect on me as I watch.
Surprisingly, even their crime-based shows aren’t too intense—they tell and show the story in a really balanced way. I also really appreciate that they have fewer episodes, so I find myself binge-watching them quite often!
My Top 6 Japanese Dramas on Netflix and Hotstar
If you’re a fan of Japanese dramas or looking to explore a new genre, Netflix and Hotstar offer a limited variety of options to choose from.
As a Japanese drama enthusiast myself, I have compiled a list of my top 6 favorite Japanese dramas that are currently available on these streaming platforms. So, grab your popcorn and get ready for a binge-watching session!
Netflix Japanese dramas
1. Pending Train
Episodes: 10
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Just wrapped up watching this drama and I am totally blown away by it. As a sucker for anything featuring trains and travel, I dived into this show the moment I read the drama’s name. The watching experience was indeed an absolute delight.
Imagine two train compartments suddenly disappearing and winding up in the future. Intriguing, isn’t it? How will the passengers manage to survive and return? Well, that part’s a sure watch!
The backstories of each passenger are beautifully unravelled in the show. And the lead characters are just too impressive. But what caught my attention the most was the character ‘Naoya Kayashima’, the hairdresser played wonderfully by Yuki Yamada. His stunning performance, appearance, and every aspect of his acting left me flabbergasted.
Truth be told, this was my first time watching his show and now I’m excited to see more of his work. He’s already climbed up to the top of my list of favorite Japanese actors. Just so you know, I don’t say that lightly
2. Burn the house down
Episodes: 8
Thirteen years ago, a terribly sad fire burnt down not just a house, but also a family. Now, the girl from that family is on a mission to find out the truth. So what does she do? She becomes a maid and joins her father’s new family!
This isn’t just any drama. This is a story about dark family secrets being dug up and how that leads to consequences no one could have predicted.
By the way, I’ve seen other shows featuring this leading lady and I can assure you, she never fails to impress!
3. From Me to You (Dubbed in English)
Episodes: 12
Who doesn’t love a good romance? “From Me to You” is a beautifully curated love story that tugs at your heartstrings. It’s endearing, relatable, and brilliantly portrays the concept of love in all its rawness.
After a very long time, I watched a teen love story drama and was completely in awe of it. Although it was available in English dub, i preferred watching it in Japanese.
The story follows Sawako Kuronuma, a shy and misunderstood high school student who is often feared and avoided by her classmates due to her resemblance to the ghost girl from “The Ring.” Despite her isolation, Sawako’s life takes a turn when she befriends Shota Kazehaya, the popular and outgoing boy in her class.
As their friendship grows, Sawako learns to overcome her fears and embrace her true self, while Shota discovers the depth and kindness within Sawako. With its endearing characters, touching storyline, and themes of acceptance and self-discovery, “From Me to You” is a must-watch for fans of heartfelt coming-of-age dramas.
Hotstar Japanese dramas
4. The files of young Kindaichi (Dubbed in Hindi)
Episodes: 10
Are you a fan of detective dramas? “The Files of Young Kindaichi” is an engaging series that follows a young investigator cracking intriguing cases. This one is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
I wish there were more episodes because each episode featured an intriguing new case that was worth watching. I must mention that the drama has a Hindi dub available on Hotstar.
However, in my personal experience, the quality of Hotstar’s dub isn’t quite on par with Netflix’s standard.
5. Atoms Last Shot
Episodes: 9
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If you’re intrigued by game development or you’re just a fan of Japanese drama, then you should definitely check out “Atoms Last Shot.”
This TV show offers an inside look into the world of game developers and the whole process of game development. Plus, it’s a great way to learn about how advanced Japan has become in making games.
Let me just say, it’s totally worth watching. “Atoms Last Shot” masterfully encapsulates all the highs and lows, victories, and defeats that game developers experience. Seriously, give it a watch. You won’t regret it!
6. My Family (Dubbed in Hindi)
Episodes: 10
The Japanese family drama “My Family” has been dubbed into Hindi too, and it gets really exciting. The plot has plenty of surprises that will keep you on the hinge!
The story revolves around a pair who, instead of going to the police, depend upon their own resources to rescue their daughter from her kidnappers.
*PC: Google, Netflix