Top 10 Japanese TV Shows | Drama, Anime & Entertainment

With moving trends, Japanese TV shows have become a global phenomenon, admired for their creativity, emotional depth, and cultural uniqueness.

Whatever you like, a gripping drama, a heartwarming romance, or an action-packed adventure series, Japanese television offers various content that resonates with audiences worldwide.

From long-time classics to modern masterpieces, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 Japanese TV shows that have stood out for their exceptional artistry and unforgettable impact on the entertainment industry.

List of Best Japanese TV Shows

10: Alice in Borderland

Directed by: Shinsuke Sato

Cast: Kento Yamazaki, Tao Tsuchiya, Nijirō Murakami, Ayaka Miyoshi, Aya Asahina, Dori Sakurada, Sho Aoyagi, Riisa Naka, Yuri Tsunematsu, Hayato Isomura

Genre: Science fiction, Thriller, Drama

Original Language: Japanese

No. of Seasons: 2

No. of Episodes: 16

Network: Netflix

Release Date: December 10, 2020 – Present

Alice in Borderland is a sci-fi thriller TV series based on the manga of the same name by Haro Aso. The story follows Ryohei Arisu and Yuzuha Usagi, trapped in a parallel version of Tokyo. They are forced to participate in deadly games of survival, each game tied to a playing card. As the games grow more brutal, Arisu teams up with Usagi to uncover the truth behind this mysterious world and how to escape it.

The show’s season 1 became an international hit, attracting strong viewership across the U.S, Europe, and Asia.

Critics praised the series for its cinematic visuals, suspenseful direction, and emotional depth of characters like Arisu (Kento Yamazaki) and Usagi (Tao Tsuchiya), making it one of the most popular Japanese TV shows.

9: One Piece

Directed by: Kōnosuke Uda, Junji Shimizu, Munehisa Sakai, Hiroaki Miyamoto, Tatsuya Nagamine, Wataru Matsumi, Kōhei Kureta, Aya Komaki, Satoshi Itō, Yasunori Koyama

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy

Original Language: Japanese

Network: Fuji TV

Release Date: October 20, 1999 – Present

One Piece is a Japanese anime series adapted from Eiichiro Oda’s best-selling manga of the same title.

Produced by Toei Animation, it follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, a 17-year-old boy who gains rubber-like powers after consuming a Devil Fruit. Along with his crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, Luffy travels across the Grand Line to pursue the legendary treasure known as "One Piece," aspiring to become the King of the Pirates.

The series has received critical acclaim for its complex world-building, compelling character development, and emotional storytelling. Since it premiered in 1999, it has produced 1,100 episodes and become one of the longest-running anime franchises in Japan.

8: Buzzer Beat

Directed by: Masaki Nishiura and Kozo Nagayama

Cast: Tomohisa Yamashita, Keiko Kitagawa, Saki Aibu, Shihori Kanjiya, Hideaki Itō, Nobuaki Kaneko, Junpei Mizobata, Munetaka Aoki

Genre: Romance, Sports

Original Language: Japanese

No. of Seasons: 1

No. of Episodes: 11

Network: Fuji TV

Release Date: July 13 – September 21, 2009

Buzzer Beat blends the themes of sports and romance with heartfelt storytelling. The show follows Naoki Kamiya, a professional basketball player facing setbacks in his career, and Riko Shirakawa, an aspiring violinist chasing her dreams. As their lives intersect, they start on a journey of love, ambition, and self-discovery.

The show masterfully portrays the delicate balance between personal struggles and passionate pursuits, elevated by compelling performances from Tomohisa Yamashita and Keiko Kitagawa.

With Ichibu to Zenbu by B’z as its iconic theme song, Buzzer Beat has earned its place as a fan-favorite among Japanese TV shows for its inspiring message about perseverance in love and career.

7: Nobuta Wo Produce

Directed by: Hitoshi Iwamoto, Norika Sakuma

Cast: Kazuya Kamenashi, Tomohisa Yamashita, Maki Horikita, Erika Toda, Rumi Hiiragi, Takashi Ukaji

Genre: Drama

Original Language: Japanese

No. of Seasons: 1

No. of Episodes: 10

Network: NTV-4

Release Date: October 15 – December 17, 2005

Nobuta Wo Produce is based on a book by Gen Shiraiwa that explores the power of friendship and personal transformation.

The story follows Shuji Kiritani, a popular student, and the quirky yet sincere Akira Kusano, who join forces to help their introverted classmate Nobuko Kotani become the most admired girl in school.

This Japanese TV show begins as a light-hearted challenge and soon evolves into a heartfelt journey of emotional growth, unexpected trials, and genuine connection.

Blending humor, emotional depth, and coming-of-age themes, the show thoughtfully explores issues of self-acceptance, identity, and the true nature of friendship.

With standout performances and the iconic theme song Seishun Amigo, Nobuta wo Produce continues to resonate with audiences and remains a classic in Japanese television history.

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6: My Boss My Hero

Directed by: Toya Sato, Noriyoshi Sakuma, Jun Ishio

Cast: Tomoya Nagase, Yuya Tegoshi, Yui Aragaki, Koki Tanaka, Masaya Kikawada, Yu Kashii

Genre: Comedy, Romance, Yakuza

Original Language: Japanese

No. of Seasons: 1

No. of Episodes: 10

Network: Nippon Television

Release Date: July 8 – September 16, 2006

My Boss My Hero is a comedy-drama about Makio Sakaki, a 27-year-old yakuza gangster forced to attend high school to prove himself worthy of leading his father’s gang. While struggling with academics and hiding his true identity, Sakaki experiences teenage life unexpectedly.

The show blends humor with action, romance, and heartfelt moments, offering a fresh and entertaining take on high school life and yakuza dynamics. Tomoya Nagase’s charismatic performance as the lovable yet clueless gangster adds charm and comedy throughout the show.

My Boss My Hero has become a cult favorite among Japanese dramas with its unique premise, memorable characters, and heartfelt storytelling.

5: The Queen’s Classroom

Directed by: Kyōji Ōtsuka, Hitoshi Iwamoto

Cast: Yūki Amami, Mirai Shida, Naruki Matsukawa, Mayuko Fukuda

Genre: Drama

Original Language: Japanese

No. of Seasons: 1

No. of Episodes: 11

Network: NTV

Release Date: July 2 – September 17, 2005

The Queen’s Classroom is a gripping Japanese drama about Maya Akutsu (Yūki Amami), a strict and seemingly heartless teacher at Hanzaki Elementary School. She imposes harsh discipline, testing her students’ limits, particularly Kazumi Kanda (Mirai Shida), a kind-hearted sixth grader who struggles to understand her methods. Over time, the class begins to uncover Maya’s true intentions.

Praised for its bold storytelling, intense emotional arcs, and standout performances, The Queen’s Classroom resonated strongly with viewers, reaching a peak viewership rating of 25.3% in the Kantō region.

Its popularity led to the release of two special prequel episodes in 2006 and inspired a South Korean remake in 2013. The drama remains a standout in Japanese television, examining the delicate balance between authority, education, and empathy.

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4: Boys Over Flowers

Directed by: Yasuharu Ishii

Cast: Mao Inoue, Jun Matsumoto, Shun Oguri, Shota Matsuda, Tsuyoshi Abe

Genre: Romance, Teen Drama

Original Language: Japanese

No. of Seasons: 1

No. of Episodes: 9

Network: TBS

Release Date: October 21 – December 16, 2005

Based on Yoko Kamio’s popular manga series, Boys Over Flowers premiered on TBS television and aired from October 21 to December 16, 2005.

The story follows Tsukushi Makino, a working-class girl who gets entangled with the F4, a group of elite boys who rule the prestigious Eitoku Academy. As she stands up to their bullying, an unexpected romance develops between her and the arrogant leader, Tsukasa Domyouji, despite her feelings for the quiet and kind Rui Hanazawa.

The show gained popularity for its gripping love triangle, intense social class conflicts, and strong performances.

With some of the best Japanese actors, this Japanese TV show spawned a sequel, Hana Yori Dango Returns (2007), and a film, Hana Yori Dango Final: The Movie (2008), cementing its place as one of the beloved teen dramas of Japanese TV shows.

3: Change

Directed by: Katsuo Fukuzawa

Cast: Takuya Kimura, Eri Fukatsu, Hiroshi Abe, Akira Tera, Rosa Kato

Genre: Drama, Politics

Original Language: Japanese

No. of Seasons: 1

No. of Episodes: 10

Network: Fuji TV

Release Date: May 12 – July 14, 2008

Aired on Fuji TV from May 12 to July 14, 2008, Change is a Japanese political drama that follows Keita Asakura, an elementary school teacher unexpectedly thrust into politics. After his father and brother die in a plane crash, Asakura is forced to run for office and eventually becomes Prime Minister. Despite media scepticism and political opposition, he takes on corruption and fights for justice.

The show blends intense drama with political intrigue, highlighting Keita’s transformation from a reluctant leader to a determined reformer. With strong performances, especially by Takuya Kimura, Change gained attention for its unique storyline and achieved commercial success.

The show had fluctuating ratings but peaked at an impressive 31.2% during its extended finale.

2: Liar Game

Directed by: Hiroaki Matsuyama

Cast: Erika Toda, Shota Matsuda, Soichiro Kitamura, Soko Wada, Mayuko Iwasa, Makoto Sakamoto, Yoshiyuki Morishita, Shingo Ippongi, Hiroo Otaka

Genre: Drama, Live Action, Psychological

Original Language: Japanese

No. of Seasons: 1

No. of Episodes: 11

Network: Fuji Television

Release Date: April 14 – June 23, 2007

Liar Game is a Japanese television drama based on the manga by Shinobu Kaitani, which aired on Fuji TV from April 14 to June 23, 2007.

Starring Erika Toda as the naive Nao Kanzaki and Shota Matsuda as the brilliant con artist Shinichi Akiyama, the story revolves around a high-stakes psychological tournament where deception is key. Players must manipulate their opponents to win vast sums of money or fall into crushing debt.

Liar Game quickly became a cult classic due to its intricate plotting, intellectual showdowns, and unexpected twists. It stood out from conventional dramas by focusing on morality, human behavior, and strategic thinking.

Furthermore, its gripping finale was one of the longest in Japanese TV history and ranked among the highest-rated series in viewer satisfaction.

1: The Grand Family

Directed by: Masaki Nishiura, Tatsuya Ikezawa

Cast: Kiichi Nakai, Osamu Mukai, Taisuke Fujigaya, Riho Yoshioka, Honoka Matsumoto, Jun Kaname, Asuka Kudoh, Seiji Rokkaku, Masahiro Kōmoto, Ken Ishiguro, Masaya Kato

Genre: Drama, Family, Psychological

Original Language: Japanese

No. of Seasons: 1

No. of Episodes: 10

Network: Wowow

Release: April 18 – July 11, 2021

The Grand Family (Karei-naru Ichizoku) is a Japanese drama based on Toyoko Yamasaki’s 1973 novel. Set in Kobe during the 1960s, the story follows the powerful Manpyo family.

Daisuke Manpyo controls Hanshin Bank, while his son Teppei runs Hanshin Steelworks. Teppei hopes to expand his company and asks his father for help, but politics and business pressure create a deep family conflict. As family truths come to light, the drama ends in heartbreak, revealing the painful reasons behind their actions.

The show focuses on secrets, power struggles, and a son’s desperate need for his father’s approval. It stands for its compelling storyline, performances, and masterful cinematography, which create a rich, immersive viewing experience.​ As one of the famous Japanese TV shows, it continues to leave a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

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Summary

The best Japanese TV shows are:

1. The Grand Family – family drama
2. Liar Game – thriller game show
3. Change – political drama
4. Boys Over Flowers – romantic teen drama
5. The Queen’s Classroom – school drama
6. My Boss My Hero – comedy gangster
7. Nobuta Wo Produce – youth friendship drama.
8. Buzzer Beat – romantic sports
9. One Piece – anime series
10. Alice in Borderland – sci-fi thriller series