Are You Watching These 30+ Japanese Dramas Out in October?

In post-pandemic Japan, gene therapy led to humans with supernatural abilities. These people are called “Variants” and aren’t accepted by the general public or the government. They live oppressed and isolated lives. Ema (Miura Toko) and Umin (Sato Kanichiro) are two Variants whose encounter might spark a fight for their freedom. The show is a live-action adaptation of Sean Kittelsen and Eric Zawadzki’s graphic novel of the same title.

Heart Attack was postponed to March 2025.

Kataoka Sakuya (Miyase Ryubi) is a grim reaper who meets Mochizuki Nayuki (Ono Karin), a young woman who has dedicated her life to raising her younger brother. As love blossoms between the two, several obstacles might pop up between them and their happy ending.

Mendou Tsuyu (Sayashi Riho) is an office worker who doesn’t bother to cook much. In order to save time, she starts to use mentsuyu (noodle soup base) in every single dish she prepares. This is her everyday life as she tries to come up with the ultimate “lazy meals.” This is a live-action adaptation of Setoguchi Mizuki’s manga of the same name.

Set in an alternative Japan where students can marry without parental consent, Uemura Aoi (Riko) is a senior high-schooler who is transferred to an elite school after her parents divorce. There, she comes together with her first love, Tachibana Iori (Mokudai Kazuto), who is now married to another classmate. Their forbidden romance starts a scandal that changes the lives of the students, the school, and their families.

Takasugi Harumi (Koyama Keiichiro) is a single 31-year-old who struggles to secure a job. After his beloved aunt dies, he becomes the guardian of his 12-year-old cousin, Kururi (Hirasawa Kokoro). As they both try to navigate this new stage of their lives, they discover that their shared passion for bento lunch boxes can help them understand and convey their feelings. This is a live-action adaptation of Yanahara Nozomi’s manga of the same name.

Two years after the end of the previous season, detective Shinno Akari (Iitoyo Marie) is assigned to a case in which their suspect can see the emotions left in objects and places. That’s when her sister not only goes missing but is also accused of murder. As the connection between the two cases comes to the surface, Akari is willing to do whatever it takes to save her sister.

Adachi Yumi and Aoki Munetaka star in this intense, immersive suspense drama from NHK’s WDR Project. As a family strives to lead happier, more successful lives, their reality is thrown upside down by a harrowing incident.

After the death of their father, siblings Kiichi (Ryusei Ryo) and Yuki (Yagi Rikako) dedicate their lives to catching the culprit. Thanks to their work together, Kiichi, a former police officer, and Yuiki, a skilled white hat hacker, nail down a huge criminal organisation behind the crime. They are determined to bring Phoenix, the head of the organisation, down.

Mikumo Asuka (Takahashi Maryjun) is a devoted divorce lawyer who works day and night to defend women who have been harmed and maltreated by their marriages. It was her own failed marriage to fellow lawyer Ichinose Tatsuya (Kaneko Nobuaki) that inspired her to follow this career. As she takes horrible husbands down, she might end up untangled with her ex-husband, who now works at Goldberg Law Office, the largest firm in Japan.

This live-action adaptation of Noda Satoru’s manga of the same name is a sequel to this year’s feature film (which you can watch on Netflix). The series follows Sugimoto Saichi (Yamazaki Kento) and Asirpa (Yamada Anna) in their dangerous and endless treasure hunt.

Four sisters navigate work, dreams, and love, overcoming the obstacles in their way as they figure out what happiness really means to each of them. Hotta Mayu, Nimura Sawa, Hata Mei, and Nagahama Neru star in this modern-day adaptation of Louise May Alcott’s Little Women.

Just before proposing to his girlfriend, Igarashi Raito (Tsuna Keito) is warned by his future self that this decision might lead him to a life of failure. Now living alongside his older self, who seems to have an opposite personality to his, Igarashi needs to figure out what would be the best path towards tomorrow.

Kuriyama Koji (Kiritani Kenta) is a gossip columnist whose articles often destroy the careers of the celebrities he targets. Thanks to his scoops, the magazine he works for is blessed with rising profits. Kuriyama’s life turns upside down when he gets involved in an incident with a mysterious woman. This is a live-action adaptation of Honda Tetsuya’s novel of the same name.

Set in the early Showa era, Urabe Kanoko (Matsumoto Honoka) is a girl with a very special ability: she can detect lies. The village where she was born doesn’t welcome her skills, however, and she decides to move to the town of Tsukumoya. There, she meets a broke young detective, Iwai Souma (Suzuka Ouji). Iwai may be poor but he’s very sharp-witted and has an eye for detail. He soon realises that combining their skills might be the answer to their tough lives. This is a live-action adaptation of Miyako Ritsu’s manga of the same name.

Usotoki Rhetoric is now available on Viki!

Fujitake Kanae (Kubota Masataka) is a science teacher who joins the teaching staff of a part-time high school in Shinjuku. The students he’s responsible for come from different backgrounds and are of different ages. He sets an objective for their class: they are going to recreate a crater on Mars and present the results at an academic conference. As they try to achieve their goal, they share their lives and problems — and the results they achieve might go beyond science. This is a live-action adaptation of Iyohara Shin’s novel of the same name.

Sato Hokomi (Nao) is a young woman whose fiancé abandoned her at the altar. After finding out that he’d been cheating on her for a while, Hokomi became more skeptical when it comes to men. She soon meets Kuzuya Kairi (Tamamori Yuta), a kind but reserved young man who works as a photographer and bartender. Inspired by his attitude towards life, Hokomi decides to take up boxing.

Hidaka Senju (Sorimachi Takashi) and Fuwa Toshiki (Sugino Yosuke) are two detectives who dedicate their lives to solving cold cases. While Hidaka is known to be a “Showa-era” man, Fuwa is a “Reiwa-era” one. As they learn from their generational differences, they bring the truth to light.

Okura: Cold Case Investigation is now out on Netflix!

Akagi (Wada Masanari) is a music streamer who is struggling with his YouTube channel. That’s when one of his old friends tells him about the existence of a magical doll that grants wishes. If you find the doll and perform the correct ritual, she will grant whatever wish you desire. However, she will ask for something in return. Desperate, Akagi reunites with his old streaming group to help him.

Okitama Miyabi (Fujiwara Tatsuya) is the director of Zenketsu, the oldest investigation agency responsible for the paranormal. Okitama is a highly intelligent detective, whose skills can solve even the most challenging of cases. Written by Kuroiwa Tsutomu, the same writer of Golden Kamuy, Kingdom, and the Grand Maison series, expectations are high for this original series that also stars Hirose Alice.

AARO: All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office is now out on Netflix!

Gojo Wakana (Nomura Kota) loves crafting hina dolls. However, he doesn’t tell anybody about his passion for fear of being ridiculed. When the popular Kitagawa Marin (Nagase Riko) finds it out, she’s amazed by his talent and encourages him to start creating cosplay costumes. Their work together will give Gojo the confidence he lacks. This is a live-action adaptation of Fukuda Shinichi’s manga of the same name.

Onodera Machi (Igeta Hiroe) is a high school teacher who teaches at her former alma mater. One year, she finds herself teaching her first love’s younger brother, Chiba Yuto (Yamashita Koki). Yuto looks exactly like his older brother, Yuichi (Inukai Atsuhiro), when he was in high school. And so, Machi can’t help but see her first love in him. When she bumps into Yuichi, she becomes tangled in a funny love triangle. This is a live-action adaptation of Okamoto Tokasa’s manga of the same name.

A relaxing and heartwarming slice-of-life that tells the story of Tsuzui (Fujima Sawako) and her friends, all devoted otakus who share their passions and support each other. This is a live-action adaptation of Tsuzui’s essay manga series, まるごと 腐女子のつづ井さん (Marigoto Fujoshi no Tsuzui-san) and 裸一貫つづ井さん! (Hadakaikkan Tsuzui-san!)

After losing his parents, Komori Hiroto (Yagira Yuya) lives with his younger brother, Michito (Bando Ryota), who is on the autism spectrum. Hiroto works at the city hall and the two siblings lead a good, quiet life until they meet a young boy called “Lion” (Sato Tasuku). Meeting Lion gets Hiroto and Michito involved in an incident that might change their lives forever.

Light of My Lion will be available on Netflix.

Takano Tsumeko (Nanao) exudes an aura of confidence but is helpless at her job. Even though she’s completely incompetent, she closes one contract after another since her confidence persuades clients to trust her. Working at the same company as Takano is Hiwada Michito (Shiono Akihisa), a capable employee who seems to be inept. When Takano and Hiwada are forced to work together, could they help each other overcome their flaws? This is the live-action adaptation of Hanzaki Asami’s manga of the same name.

Yanagisawa Hiroto (Suzuki Nobuyuki) was a baseball player for the Dragons. After he’s kicked out of the team, he struggles to find a different job. No other team wants to take him in and when he goes for a job interview at a company, he’s told to be the “buntman” — the opposite he used to do at the Dragons. This is the story of Hiroto as he navigates his new life.

Makino (Matsushita Kouhei) used to work at a university hospital but he’s now a pediatrician in the health room of an elementary school. Always grumpy, Makino isn’t the nicest person to have around but, being the highly skilled doctor that he is, he can identify serious health problems in advance. Makino ends up saving the lives of the children around him, their parents, and the school teachers. This is the live-action adaptation of Hinase Mayu’s manga of the same name.

Update: After School Doctor is now available on Netflix!

The Reason We Fall in Love is a famous manga series by ma2 that portrays a series of sweet office romances. With Kikuchi Fuma and Kumada Rinka as the main leads, the show will focus on six different couples. Starting with Aoi (Kumada), a young woman with a crush on her superior at work, Kurosawa (Kikuchi). Kurosawa looks serious and cold but Aoi notices that his attitude is always thoughtful towards the people around him. And so, Aoi and Kurosawa’s romance spreads around their office.

Update: The Reason We Fall in Love is now available on Viki!

Following the success of the first season, Toshishita Kareshi is a compilation of light romances between younger men and older women.

Hojo Iori (Sano Masaya) is a university student who works part-time at a cafe. As he’s very good-looking and also the heir to a large corporation, he tends to attract a lot of attention. Because of that, he’s very cautious of people who approach him with second intentions. He eventually falls in love with Kaho (Kubota Sayu), a divorced novelist who regularly goes to the cafe where he works. His honesty and care are something that Kaho hasn’t experienced in a long time and, slowly, she starts to open up to him.

Kannami Ryoko (Shuri) passed the bar exam while still in high school. Right after that, her father disappeared but she didn’t investigate the case at all. A few years later, Ryoko decides to start working as a lawyer. With unconventional methods, a playful spirit, and a genius brain, Ryoko isn’t your everyday attorney. This is her story as she faces and solves all sorts of cases.

Hirono Kenta (Fujioka Maito) is a middle-school student who dreams of becoming a hero. One day, he meets Aoi (Kato Konatsu), a mysterious woman who has a Dream Notebook. Kenta uses the notebook to sketch his own superhero, Wingman. Thanks to that, he turns into Wingman himself and ends up in the middle of a battle between good and evil. This is the live-action adaptation of Katsura Masakazu’s manga of the same name, celebrating its 40th anniversary.

After getting married, Kanzaki Miwa (Matsumoto Wakana) decided to leave her job and become a full-time housewife since she’d like to be a mom soon. However, her marriage quickly takes a turn for the worse and her husband, who seems to be perfect to outsiders, is cold and abusive towards her at home. Things get even more complicated when Miwa bumps into her childhood friend, Fuyutsuki Ryo (Fukazawa Tatsuya). When she was young, Ryo was her hero, always coming to the rescue when she needed him. After they spend a night together, Miwa finds out that she’s pregnant. Unemployed, she decides not to divorce her husband and tells him that the baby is actually his. How will Miwa lead her life from now on?

Nasuda Ayumi (Okada Masaki) returns to Japan after two years in New York, securing a position at Nishitokyo General Hospital. On his way to work, he saves an arrogant man who turns out to be the hospital’s previous director, who had just been dismissed due to corruption. Besides this tricky first patient, Nasuda also reunites with Kuki Shizuka (Nakai Kiichi) after a long time apart.

Doctor Kamiko Ryo (Fujiki Naohito) and Detective Yuge Bunpei (Terajima Susumu) work in the same town. They are brought together due to a series of crimes related to the revival of the regional hospital. Both dedicated and serious professionals, they help each other solve the town’s mysteries and bring peace to the region once again.

Starring Kamiki Ryunosuke, Saitoh Takumi, Sugisaki Hana, Tsuchiya Tao, and an all-star ensemble cast, this is a 70-year-long tale of love, friendship, and family. The series takes us from the post-war period to the Japanese economic miracle and brings us back to modern-day Tokyo, guiding us through the joys and sorrows of everyday people. The show was written by Nogi Akiko, the creator of several TBS hits, including Unnatural, MIU 404, and The Full-Time Wife Escapist.

Onomura Yuki (Kiyohara Kaya) is a young woman who has just started her first job post-university. This show explores her memories as she reminisces about her college days.

Mirumachi Kahori (Takada Riho) is a lawyer who loves being in shallow, short-lived relationships. She enjoys all sorts of flings but she has one rule that she sticks to no matter what: she doesn’t do affairs. However, when she falls in love with Sunagoya Teruyoshi (Watanabe Shu), she fails to realise that he’s still going through a divorce — and so, she’s about to break her one and only rule. For the K-drama fans out there, Yoon Sung-mo is part of the supporting cast. This is a live-action adaptation of Tsukiko’s manga of the same name.

Set a year after the first season, we continue to follow the Izuna brothers, who are descendants of Tengu (a Japanese folklore creature). This season portrays their everyday life as they become friends with city kids and explore the Summer festival. Starring Komagine Kiita, Koshiyama Keitatsu, and Shiono Akihisa, this is a live-action adaptation of Tanaka Ai’s manga of the same name.

The official Amazon MGM Studios release describes the show:

The series depicts the lives of fierce yet passionate gangsters and people living in a huge entertainment district, Kamurochō, a fictional district modeled after the violent Shinjuku ward’s Kabukichō, that acts as the backdrop of the gameplay. Like a Dragon: Yakuza showcases modern Japan and the dramatic stories of these intense characters, such as the legendary Kazuma Kiryu, that games in the past have not been able to explore. The much-loved game has captured the attention and hearts of fans not only in Japan but also internationally and will now be adapted, developed, and streamed worldwide on Prime Video. 

In 1995 and 2005, spanning across two time-periods, Like a Dragon: Yakuza, an original crime-suspense-action series, follows the life, childhood friends, and repercussions of the decisions of Kazuma Kiryu, a fearsome and peerless Yakuza warrior with a strong sense of justice, duty, and humanity. 

Takeuchi Ryoma is playing the lead, Kiryu Kazuma. This is a live-action adaptation of the SEGA game of the same name (Ryu ga Gotoku), which was already adapted into a film (2007’s Like a Dragon, dir. Miike Takashi and Ichino Ryuichi) and a short film (2006’s Like a Dragon: Prologue).

Like a Dragon: Yakuza will be available on Amazon Prime Video worldwide on October 24th (the 25th is the Japanese official release date).