5 Wholesome Romantic Japanese Dramas to Watch On Valentine’s Day

With Valentine’s Day coming up, we’re all looking for some heartwarming romantic Japanese dramas to watch — either alone or with a partner.

Actually, Valentine’s Day in Japan is a bit different from what we, in the West, are used to. On February 14th, the tradition consists of women giving men chocolates. Boyfriends and husbands aren’t the only receivers, however, and women usually give chocolates to any important men in their lives. More recently, girls have started giving themselves and female friends chocolates on Valentine’s Day too, which is wonderful to see!

It’s only a month later, on March 14th (a.k.a. “White Day”), that men are expected to give back. According to Japan House London,

White chocolate and marshmallows are popular reciprocal gifts given to women on White Day, alongside cosmetics and jewellery. And, while people no longer necessarily subscribe to the convention of sanbai gaeshi (triple the return), White Day gifts are usually expected to be of higher value than those received on Valentine’s Day.

Interesting, right? If you want to know more about Valentine’s Day and White Day in Japan, make sure to check the Japan House London article mentioned above!

Meanwhile, let’s talk about 5 wonderful romantic Japanese dramas that you should definitely (re-)watch! Chocolate or no chocolate, here are some lovely J-dramas that can make your Valentine’s Day a lot sweeter.

Nodame (Ueno Juri) is a talented piano student at Momogaoka College of Music. She’s messy and has some puerile habits, such as not having showers or stealing her friend’s snacks. She then meets the arrogant Chiaki Shinichi (Tamaki Hiroshi), a musical genius who dreams of becoming a conductor and is also a well-travelled perfectionist. Even though Chiaki isn’t particularly interested, Nodame soon falls in love with him. They eventually pair up and become part of a student orchestra, in which a group of skilled and joyful classical musicians share their passion for music. As they face new adventures together, Nodame and Chiaki not only become closer but also grow into better versions of themselves.

Quick disclaimer: this is a beloved classic coming to Netflix on February 10th, so we just had to talk about it. However, Nodame Cantabile is a typical noughties live-action adaptation and, as such, its comedy is very anime-like. That means the humour is often connected to cartoonish violence, slapstick comedy, and wacky characterisation. If this is not your cup of tea, you might not enjoy Nodame Cantabile (especially the first half). And that’s okay! You can move on to the next series (:

Maybe the question is: why is Nodame Cantabile such a well-loved show? After all, its enormous success led to one special (Nodame Cantabile in Europe), two films (Nodame Cantabile: The Final Score Part I and II), and two remakes (one Korean and one Chinese).

Chaotic but thoroughly heartening, Nodame Cantabile offers a perfectly paced narrative tidily organised into arcs that constantly push its characters — and us, the audience — forward. Something is always happening in Nodame’s world and we’re taken along for the ride, discovering the characters’ vulnerabilities and witnessing them grow. Besides its excellent use of music as an active element in the story, Nodame Cantabile excels at character development, constantly giving all players in this tale new challenges through which they learn more about themselves and others.

With classical music, romance, drama, and comedy all seamlessly woven into a single narrative of self-discovery and pursuit of one’s dreams, Nodame Cantabile offers a group of unique but somehow relatable individuals who are full of passion, hope, and joy. As they go against convention and create their own little musical universe, they share their own stories, face their fears, and encourage one another to be more than they think they can be.

Leading this stream of changes is our heroine Nodame, a girl who may be immature and awkward but who possesses a heart that can move the world. Nodame is incredibly kind, innocently optimistic, and charmingly simplistic. As Nodame inspires Chiaki to move past his traumas and appreciate the people around him, and Chiaki inspires Nodame to be braver, they not only embark on a romantic journey but also one of friendship with a marvellous group of supporting characters. Their diverse personalities give the show colour, melody, and dynamism, allowing the narrative to explore the theme of personal ambition and the importance of support on our way towards our dreams. But it’s also important to say that this combination of eccentric characters in Nodame Cantabile also works thanks to a cast that delivers superb performances. They manage to be equally subtle and extravagant and infuse every scene with heart.

Nodame Cantabile is so reliant on humour, so silly at times, that it’s almost strange to realise how touching and meaningful the show actually is. The second half is especially permeated by emotionally deep and mature exchanges. Most importantly, Nodame Cantabile embraces the power that music has to bring people together and its ability to express our innermost emotions. It brings out the sheer joy of collectively creating something bigger than oneself and shares that bliss with its audience, delivering an entertaining and satisfying series.

You can watch Nodame Cantabile on:

Kono Etsuko (Ishihara Satomi) is a stylish and cheerful 28-year-old who dreams of becoming a fashion editor at her favourite magazine. She then joins a publishing company, determined to build her career in the fashion department. However, she is assigned to the proofreading department instead, which couldn’t be more different from her ideal job. Despite her initial disappointment, Etsuko dedicates herself to this new challenge and slowly develops an appreciation for the tireless work of the proofreading division.

Pretty Proofreader may be more of a slice-of-life/work drama than a romance per se, but it offers a thoroughly and undeniably comforting experience.

Etsuko is a well-rounded, extremely likeable heroine who inspires the characters around her as much as she inspires us, the audience. She has a bubbly personality and a clear set of values that she never lets anyone or anything take away from her. She’s beautiful and funny, resolute and thoughtful, smart and silly. She’s a bit of everything, which makes for an extremely humane character.

And, of course, like any human out there, she also makes mistakes and has her own misconceptions. But Etsuko never shies away from learning, from growing — and even though she’s very confident with her own identity, she knows that we can all change and improve.

Etsuko heartily embraces her own quirks, needs, and desires. She’s proud of who she is, which is a marvel to watch in and of itself. But, most importantly, Etsuko respects the people around her and their unique personalities. She understands that there are things that she doesn’t know. And she knows you should do your best regardless of where you are, who you are with, or what you are doing. And that’s the heart of Pretty Proofreader.

The narrative is well-structured and well-paced, counting on the right amount of comedy, just a dash of romance, and a ton of wholesome moments that fill your heart with joy. The plot never relies on unnecessary drama, offering interesting and reasonable characters in an uplifting tale that progresses naturally and comes to a mature and organic conclusion.

Romantic relationships in Pretty Proofreader are healthy and supportive. And that extends to all relationships in the story, which reminds us of the power of teamwork and the beauty of friendship, too.

But identity and human connection are just one side of Pretty Proofreader. With its encouraging heroine and its wonderful ensemble, Pretty Proofreader reminds us that everything we do matters. That’s why we should always work with pride and dedication. Because no matter how small our actions may seem, they all carry meaning. So Pretty Proofreader reassures us: Whether your work shines in the glamorous spotlight or remains hidden backstage, it matters a great deal.

For more of the proofreading department shenanigans, Pretty Proofreader was followed by a spin-off (Jimi ni Sugoi! Kouetsu Girl Kouno Etsuko…ga inai suiyoubi) and a sequel/side story (Jimi ni Sugoi! DX Koetsu Garu Kono Etsuko). The show also received a remake in China called Standing in Time (2019). You can watch Pretty Proofreader on:

Moriyama Mikuri (Aragaki Yui) is a 25-year-old graduate who has been struggling to secure a full-time job. Her parents encourage her to work as a housekeeper for a 35-year-old bachelor, Tsuzaki Hiramasa (Hoshino Gen), while she’s in between jobs. When she’s suddenly forced to move to the countryside, her only other option is to become a live-in housekeeper for Tsuzaki. To make that work, they agree to enter a contract marriage.

I love this show so ridiculously much that I think I could write an entire book about it. So brace yourselves!

The Full-Time Wife Escapist was a huge hit in Japan when it came out, and it’s easy to see why: it talks about all of us — our strengths, weaknesses, and struggles — with a forward-thinking, inclusive narrative that is both hilarious and moving.

A superficial look will tell you that The Full-Time Wife Escapist is based on a simple premise, relying on the well-known contract marriage trope. But The Full-Time Wife Escapist is a flawlessly crafted series with a multilayered narrative, complex characters, and biting social commentary. Mikuri and Hiramasa’s reality is bright and tangible, thanks to an incredible cast, a well-paced script, excellent character arcs, and meaningful and engaging storytelling.

Mikuri’s tale starts with how work is intrinsically connected with our sense of worth, self, and ability. From there, the show expands this theme to incorporate the human desire to be needed by others and to be chosen and appreciated for who we are. But The Full-Time Wife Escapist goes even further. This theme, explored with empathy and awareness, gradually becomes intertwined with all the complexities of everyday life. Nothing escapes the sharp eyes of this script. From the struggles of young people entering the job market to established gender roles, from sexuality to the role of marriage, from the prejudices we face to the determination we ought to muster to be who we want to be — this Aragaki-Hoshino hit has it all.

Women are powerful beings in The Full-Time Wife Escapist, and they come in all shapes and sizes: young and old, single and married, employed and unemployed, mothers or not. They never shy away from bravely facing a society that always wants to determine what they can do, where they should go, and how they should behave. Starting with Mikuri, women in The Full-Time Wife Escapist want to design their own lives, and they will find the means to achieve their goals — even if that means bending the rules and traditions that society has forced on them.

The series also explores the colourful range of relationships that surround us — working, romantic, familial, and platonic. It paints the world in all its diversity, all its beauty, but also all its ugliness, too. Every episode raises a question: what does the institution of marriage really mean? Do our efforts even matter if no one appreciates them? Why are women expected to be like this or that? Why are men expected to be like this or that? The characters evolve bit by bit, facing their own prejudices and preconceived notions and growing out of their shells.

Another thing that I really appreciate in The Full-Time Wife Escapist is the unwavering respect that the show has for housework. It reminds us of how exhausting, demanding, and time-consuming it is. It also questions why women are always the ones expected to do it, why it often goes unnoticed, and why it’s so intrinsic in our routine that no one sees its real worth.

Even though The Full-Time Wife Escapist discusses several vital themes to modern society, it offers a lighthearted, earnest delivery that never allows the series to become too heavy or tense. The show makes fantastic use of pop culture references throughout, the comedy is always on point (Hoshino Gen has excellent comic timing), and the main couple is just a pleasure to watch. Their relationship, based on mutual respect and a constant desire to grow, inspires us to re-evaluate our own romances.

More than a heartwarming, funny rom-com, The Full-Time Wife Escapist is an exploration of society and its institutions, capitalism, sexuality, and identity. Whimsical, witty, and profoundly empathetic, the series offers life at its best and encourages us to rediscover (and redesign) the reality around us.

The show was so successful that TBS released a film sequel in 2021, Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu: Ganbare Jinrui! Shinshun Special!! that focuses on the struggles of the pandemic and parenting. You can watch The Full-Time Wife Escapist on:

21-year-old Nemoto Kahoko (Takahata Mitsuki) is a naive university student. Her mother does absolutely everything for her — to the point that she’s never even chosen her own outfits. She then meets Mugino Hajime (Takeuchi Ryoma), a young man who aspires to become a painter. Unlike Kahoko, Hajime has only ever had himself to count on. This encounter of complete opposites might show both Kahoko and Hajime a different life.

Overprotected Kahoko is less of a rom-com about romantic love and more about family, growing up, and parenting. Not your run-of-the-mill romance, and that’s what makes it so special.

Kahoko is a unique female lead. She possesses childlike innocence and awkwardness that is difficult to portray and, most importantly, difficult to use as a foundation for a love story between two adults.

But Overprotected Kahoko makes it work for a lot of reasons. First, Kahoko comes alive thanks to Takahata Mitsuki, an exceptional actress who delivers an unforgettable performance as our heroine. Takahata’s nuanced portrayal of Kahoko is almost magical: her expressions, gestures, and responses are so flawlessly authentic, so endlessly enchanting, that you can’t help but love and root for this eccentric young woman.

Second, we’re introduced to the reason why Kahoko is so naive and guileless from the very beginning. Her mother overprotected her, raising her in a perfectly happy and comfortable bubble and giving her everything she needed on a silver platter. Once Kahoko steps out of the bubble her mom so carefully designed for her, you realise that such privilege strips Kahoko of her freedom and sense of self. And so the audience is soon presented with a question: can Kahoko achieve her freedom? Or better yet, does Kahoko even want to leave the warmth and comfort of her tiny reality to face the cold and complicated world that awaits her?

This is where Overprotected Kahoko excels: characterisation. Kahoko is a multifaceted heroine, and her immaturity is perfectly balanced with a spirit whose kindness, tenacity, optimism, and willingness to learn know no bounds. She may be flawed, but she wants to be more; she wants to know more. And that connects to the third reason why Overprotected Kahoko works: Kahoko is who she is because of the unwavering love she’s received from her family. Once she meets Hajime, Kahoko realises that love is actually the greatest privilege one can ask for.

Family is the beating heart of Overprotected Kahoko. Kahoko’s kin may be a bit unique; they might bicker and mess up, but they love each other dearly and constantly. They make up the backbone of the narrative, which is then built with ordinary challenges that they face and solve in a rewarding way. Well-paced and well-crafted, the story of Overprotected Kahoko blossoms just like its protagonist and offers us inspiring little pearls of wisdom.

Finally, it’s important to mention that the romance between Kahoko and Hajime is absolutely adorable and allows both characters to grow and develop better selves.

A sincere, cute, and thoroughly wholesome story, Overprotected Kahoko is the kind of series that makes your day a lot brighter.

Kahoko became such a beloved character that NTV released a (super cute) film sequel in 2018, Kahogo no Kahoko – 2018 Love & Dream. Depending on where you are, you can watch Overprotected Kahoko on:

Mashiba Kurumi (Kawaguchi Haruna) is a busy publicist at “El Arco Iris”, a popular interior design company. After she forgets to renew her lease contract, her friend Kouko (Natsukawa Yui) finds her a place to live: a luxury apartment in the lovely neighbourhood of Omotesando. The only catch is that she’ll share it with three other people: the minimalist chef Fujime Shun (Yokohama Ryusei), online counsellor Terai Haruto (Maruyama Ryuhei) and artist Hase Ayaka (Nakamura Anne). These four completely different personalities will help Kurumi live a life that she can really call her own.

Why I Dress Up for Love is a lighthearted, relatable, and encouraging series that offers no heavy themes, no big twists, or overly dramatic storylines but wins our hearts nevertheless.

Featuring an ensemble cast, Why I Dress Up for Love boasts a talented, charismatic group of actors whose characters develop bonds based on care, trust, support, and respect. Kurumi and Co. are a mature bunch who can communicate and sympathise with each other. That results in a well-written script in which the characters progress at a constant pace and conflicts are never dragged, being dealt with and solved in a sensible way instead.

With a good dose of realism and positivity, Why I Dress Up for Love paints reality in warm colours and heartfelt conversations. The individual, their friendships and romances are all equally important for the show, and all receive equal amounts of attention. All characters have their strengths and weaknesses, and it’s cathartic to see them helping each other face their vulnerabilities and encouraging each other to be better people.

Why I Dress Up for Love reminds us that life isn’t perfect — and that we aren’t perfect either. Our flawed selves are enough, and it’s beautiful to just be who you want to be. It tells us that it’s okay to feel sad and scared for a while, but that we should face the challenges life throws our way. We can — and we should — move forward. It gives us hope to keep fighting and reassures us that the path towards our dreams is indeed full of ups and downs. After all, finding and chasing our dreams requires a lot of courage, patience, and endurance. It reminds us that we should be comfortable in our own company, we shouldn’t fear changing course, and we should cherish the people who keep us going no matter what.

It’s interesting that the script tackles reality in such an optimistic and joyous way, especially because they even manage to add a bit of social commentary to it. By also adding the matter of the internet and social media to the narrative, Why I Dress Up for Love also carries a message that surely resonates with young people constantly immersed in reels and posts.

With colourful characters on joyful journeys, Why I Dress Up for Love is the kind of show that puts a big smile on your face. A healing, cheerful, and sweet romance that is definitely worth a watch.

After the end of the series, Paravi released a short spin-off called Kikazaranai Koi ni wa Riyuu ga Atte, focusing on Kurumi’s colleagues. You can watch Why I Dress Up for Love:

No time for the entire list? Let me help you: here’s a pin you can save for later!

Some More Romantic Japanese Dramas That You Might Enjoy

Of course, many other romantic Japanese dramas are worth watching!

Here on The Blossom Review, we’ve already talked about TBS’s Silent, Netflix’s First Love, and TBS’s Hold My Hand at Twilight. You can read our reviews here.

Some other adorable shows are NHK’s She Loves to Cook and She Loves to Eat and Ashi Girl (super cute!), TV Asahi’s beloved Ossan’s Love, TBS’s Nagi’s Long Vacation, Public Affairs Office in the Sky, and An Incurable Case of Love, NTV’s I’m Your Destiny (another one of my personal favourites) and The Memorandum of Kyoko Okitegami. If you’re looking for something on the heartbreaking side of the romantic spectrum, I’d highly recommend Fuji TV’s Boku no Ita Jikan (some services translate the title as The Hours of My Life).

What are your favourite romantic Japanese dramas? Let me know in the comments the J-dramas you’ll be watching over Valentine’s Day!