While titles like Squid Game and All Of Us Are Dead have cemented Korea’s place within the streaming period in what some are calling The Korea Wave, South Korea is just not the one East-Asian nation producing progressive, important TV. Western audiences are more and more reaching outdoors their regular wheelhouse, and KDrama has delivered a few of the most unusual and thrilling tv in latest reminiscence, however whereas all eyes appear to be on South Korea, Japan has been quietly producing live-action content material made for the streaming period that, we really feel, have largely gone unnoticed.
Japan has been thought of a cinematic powerhouse for the higher half of the final hundred years, in addition to producing numerous unforgettable anime sequence, sequence made for the streaming platforms are, we really feel, due for a renaissance. If you’re trying to dive into the world of Japanese TV listed here are our picks for the very best Japanese TV reveals on Netflix, together with the classics in addition to the brand new titles you possibly can’t afford to overlook!
For extra suggestions, browse our checklist of the greatest anime films and films on Netflix.
Editor’s notice: This article was up to date February 2023 to incorporate The Many Faces of Ito.
Alice in Borderland (2020-present)
Director: Shinsuke Sato
Cast: Kento Yamazaki and Tao Tsuchiya
This gritty and darkish dystopian sci-fi thriller full of thrilling motion sequences, nice visuals and an enthralling idea makes for unforgettable viewing. Alice in Borderland follows Ryohei, an unemployed younger man who’s obsessive about video video games stumbles throughout a portal to an alternate actuality the place he and his associates should struggle for his or her survival. A sort of mash-up of the Hunger Games meets The Matrix ensues, making for genuinely riveting viewing.
The Many Faces of Ito (2017)
Creator: Asako Yuzuki
Cast: Fumino Kimura, Nozomi Sasaki, Kaho, Tomoya Nakamura
Based on Japanese creator Asako Yuzuki’s e-book, The Many Faces of Ito stars Fumino Kimura as Rio Yazaki, a once-successful screenwriter in her thirties. When Rio faces a artistic block, the jaded author discovers an untapped useful resource in 4 love-sick ladies in search of courting recommendation. Through The Many Faces of Ito’s singular season, Rio discovers that her 4 muses are falling in love with the identical man, offering drama and twists for the soapy sequence. With stakes set over Rio’s profession and these ladies’s hearts, The Many Faces of Ito is an attractive spectacle. – Yael Tygiel
Japan Sinks: People of Hope (2021)
Created by: Sakyo Komatsu
Cast: Jun Kunimura, Shun Oguri, Ken’ichi Matsuyama, Teruyuki Kagawa
Based on the e-book by Sakyo Komatsu, Japan Sinks: People of Hope follows the folks of Japan as they protest the federal government’s methodology of liquefying pollution after journalist Yusuke Tadokoro (Teruyuki Kagawa) makes an attempt to warn them that this observe will result in disaster. Although technically, Japan Sinks is constructed on a science-fiction idea, the inspiration of the premise is terrifyingly related to the present local weather of recent civilization. Allowing realism to affect the plot of the story, which is about within the not-at-all-distant future, Japan Sinks advocates for smarter practices whereas offering leisure and journey. – Yael Tygiel
Fishbowl Wives (2022)
Director: Michiko Namiki, Hiroaki Matsuyama, Aya Narakino
Cast: Ryôko Shinohara, Masanobu Andô, Takanori Iwata, Anne Yatco
Based on the manga by Kurosawa R, Fishbowl Wives is an anthology sequence that follows numerous ladies residing in the identical luxurious condominium constructing as they flip to infidelity to deal with their crumbling marriages. Despite their lives wanting glamorous and excellent on the surface, the ladies cope with every part from abusive spouses to disagreements about kids, displaying the viewers that appearances could be deceiving. Fans of reveals like Desperate Housewives and Big Little Lies are certain to get pleasure from it. – Taylor Gates
Good Morning Call (2016-2017)
Created by: Yo Kawahara, Takashi Fujio
Cast: Haruka Fukuhara, Shun’ya Shiraishi, Moe Arai, Shûgo Nagashima, Kentaro Ito, Kôya Nagasawa
Based on the manga sequence, Good Morning Call follows a teenage woman named Nao who strikes into her dream condominium within the metropolis. There’s only one downside: Her widespread classmate Hisashi is shifting in, too. When they realized they’ve been scammed into renting the identical place, they reluctantly change into roommates with a purpose to pay for the spot. Things get much more sophisticated when Nao begins creating romantic emotions to Hisashi. Good Morning Call is a pleasant rom-com that proves opposites entice. – Taylor Gates
Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995-1996)
Director: Hideaki Anno
Cast: Megumi Ogata, Megumi Hayashibara, Yūko Miyamura, Tomokazu Seki, Akira Ishida, Fumihiko Tachiki, Motomu Kiyokawa, Kotono Mitsuishi
Another cult traditional anime sequence which has been re-released on Netflix over the previous few years, Neon Genesis Evangelion is among the most celebrated anime sequence of all time and has impressed practically countless fanfare since its 1996 launch. Set in 2015 when Earth is being attacked by superior alien applied sciences often known as The Angels, it’s as much as 14-year-old Shinji Ikari to avoid wasting the planet, as he’s the one one able to piloting the one expertise able to stopping them. While the sequence is bloody, violent and thrilling to observe, the motion sequences are a backdrop for its deeply philosophical themes sprinkled all through the present’s 26-episode run time.
The Naked Director (2019-present)
Director: Masaharu Take
Cast: Takayuki Yamada, Shinnosuke Mitsushima, Tetsuji Tamayama
For these us who aren’t so eager on dying, destruction and mind-bending philosophical questions; or those that want some respite after the likes of the previous few entries on this checklist, The Naked Director makes for a humorous, and infrequently fascinating look right into a largely unexplored subculture. The Naked Director is a semi-autobiographical have a look at the life, and adventures of notorious Japanese pornographer Toru Muranishi. If you’re searching for a enjoyable, binge-able Japanese TV present, then look no additional than The Naked Director.
Death Note (2006-2007)
Director: Tetsurō Araki
Cast: Mamoru Miyano, Ryô Naitô, Keiji Fujiwara, Kappei Yamaguchi, Aya Hirano, Shidô Nakamura
An unforgettable anime traditional, Death Note is an iconic Japanese TV sequence, and for wonderful motive. The sequence follows Light Yagami, an adolescent who stumbles throughout a magical pocket book that he can use to kill anybody he chooses by merely writing their title within the e-book. A deep exploration of morality, and proper and improper, Death Note entertains as a lot because it makes us assume, which is a significant a part of its long-term attraction.
Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories (2016-2019)
Director: Joji Matsuoka
Cast: Kaoru Kobayashi
If you’re keen on Japanese meals, a very good story, and also you’re fascinated by the alchemy between the 2, the Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories is the present for you. Each episode stands alone, and focuses on one buyer on the Midnight Diner as they recount their tales, which at all times, ultimately, leads again to meals. This present is satisfying on many ranges, the vicarious enjoyment of the delicious-looking meals, in addition to the usually touching, and deeply human tales being advised.
Erased (2017)
Director: Ten Shimoyama
Cast: Reo Uchikawa, Yuki Furukawa, Rinka Kakihara, Mio Yūki, Tomoka Kurotani
Erased is considered one of many remakes of a massively widespread manga of the identical title, although it’s broadly thought of to be probably the most trustworthy remake of the unique materials, in addition to among the best. This fantasy/thriller follows 18-year-old Satoru who discovers he has the power to time journey after discovering his mom lifeless. What follows is usually harrowing, usually touching drama that may hook you from Episode 1.
Followers (2021)
Director: Mika Ninagawa
Cast: Miki Nakatani, Elaiza Ikeda, Mari Natsuki, Yuka Itaya, KOM_I, Mika Nakashima, Tadanobu Asano, Shuhei Uesugi, Nobuaki Kaneko, Hidekazu Mashima, Sho Kasamatsu, Yutaro
Followers is an exploration of the results social media can have on modern Japanese society. The sequence follows two ladies, Limi, a vogue photographer, the opposite Natsume, an aspiring actress who, as destiny would have it, cross paths when Limi takes posts an image of Natsume and posts it on Instagram. What follows is a deep dive into the usually narcissistic world of social media influencer tradition. If you’re eager about delving into the social media panorama in Japan, then this sequence makes for fascinating viewing.
Samurai Gourmet (2017)
Directors: Michihito Fujii, Mamoru Hoshi
Cast: Naoto Takenaka, Tetsuji Tamayama, Honami Suzuki
This quirky however loveable sequence boasts a singular plotline, and makes for an amusing exploration of what it means to retire. The sequence follows the adventures of a latest retiree who, after residing the grueling lifetime of a Japanese salary-man, takes a brand new lease on life by exploring his native delicacies with assistance from an imaginary good friend, a Samurai. What follows is a really pleasant, albeit unusual sequence that’s endlessly satisfying, feel-good enjoyable.
Giri/Haji (2021)
Creator: Joe Barton
Cast: Takehiro Hira, Kelly Macdonald, Yōsuke Kubozuka, Will Sharpe, Masahiro Motoki, Justin Long, Anna Sawai, and Charlie Creed-Miles
While that is technically talking a British TV present, its in depth distribution in Japan and largely Japanese forged earns this sensible crime thriller a spot on this checklist. The sequence follows a Tokyo detective looking for his nephew, Yuto, who’s believed to have killed a member of the family of a high-ranking Yakuza member. If you want nice detective fiction, you’ll love the distinctive spin this sure-to-be traditional locations on the style.
Switched (2018)
Director: Hiroaki Matsuyama
Cast: Miu Tomita, Kaya Kiyohara, Daiki Shigeoka and Tomohiro Kamiyama
This sci-fi drama largely geared toward younger adults could also be paying homage to Freaky Friday, solely a lot darker, and with none of the light-heartedness. This sequence follows two schoolgirls from polar reverse ends of the social hierarchy who change our bodies with one another, and whereas this trope often entails a lighthearted affair, Switched adopts it to cope with themes resembling physique picture, societal pressures positioned on school-aged ladies, and suicide. This makes for an attention-grabbing tackle a sub-genre of movie and TV that makes for extremely binge-able viewing.
Ju-On Origins (2020)
Director: Sho Miyake
Cast: Yoshiyoshi Arakawa, Yuina Kuroshima, Ririka, Koki Osamura, Seiko Iwaido, Kai Inowaki, Ryushin Tei, Yuya Matsuura, Kaho Tsuchimura, Tokio Emoto, Nobuko Sendo, Kana Kurashina
A spooky horror/thriller that’s certain to impress die-hard followers of the style. Following a magical investigator who divines a connection between a number of horrific accidents which occurred over 4 a long time, all linking again to 1 home. The sequence spans over 40 years and dives into every incident and its supernatural origins. The present is a part of the Ju-On / The Grudge franchise. If you’re keen on a very good supernatural thriller, then don’t miss this gem!
Atelier (2015)
Directors: Ryūta Ogata and Hiroki Hayama
Cast: Mirei Kiritani, Mao Daichi, Mayuko Kawakita, Wakana Sakai, Ken Kaito, Maiko, Masako Chiba, Dori Sakurada, Nicole Ishida, Toshi Takeuchi, Hisahiro Ogura, Megumi Sato
Atelier is a sometimes-funny, usually heartwarming view into Japanese work tradition. Following a younger Japanese lady, Mayuko, who has lately been employed by a high-end lingerie producer as she navigates the inspiring, however usually tough area she finds herself in. The visually fashionable manufacturing is an ideal complement to the glitzy world of high-fashion, which makes for a fascinating watch.
Terrace House (2012-present)
Cast: Kaori Watanabe, Shohei Matsuzaki, Haruka Okuyama, Kenji Yoshihara, Risako Tanabe, Ruka Nishinoiri, Emika Mizukoshi, Giuseppe Durato, Ryo Tawatari, Hana Kimura, Violetta Razdumina, Kai Kobayashi, John Kimverlu Tupas, Toshiyuki Niino, Yume Hayashi
A actuality TV-Show, largely just like Big Brother, however with a twist. The present follows six women and men who’re all residing in a single home over. The members can go away every time they like, and in contrast to most western actuality TV reveals, they haven’t any actual purpose or aim, like prize cash or to seek out love. The characters are merely there for the expertise, which makes for rather more real, relatable viewing.
Million Yen Women (2017)
Directors: Michihito Fujii, Hiroto Hara, Kenji Kuwajima, Hirotoshi Hara
Cast: Yôjirô Noda, Rila Fukushima, Rena Matsui, Miwako Wagatsuma, Rena Takeda, Yûko Araki
A comedy, thriller, and drama all wrapped in a single, this adaptation of a traditional manga sequence is in a league of its personal. The story follows a down-on-his-luck author who all of the sudden receives 5 mysterious feminine home visitors who every pay him 1 million yen in lease. Who despatched these ladies? Why are they there? It’s a humorous, outlandish, quirky however finally riveting sequence that may hold you guessing.