Japanese dramas television, or J-dramas, offers a unique world of storytelling with its deep emotional connections, quirky characters, and unforgettable plots. While shows like Hana Yori Dango (Boys Over Flowers) and 1 Litre of Tears have captured international attention, there are plenty of other underrated Japanese dramas that remain hidden gems. These lesser-known series offer everything from heartwarming comedies to intense thrillers and even supernatural mysteries. If you’re ready to explore beyond the popular shows, here are some underrated Japanese dramas that deserve a spot on your watchlist.
1. Underrated Japanese Dramas: Nodame Cantabile (2006–2007)
Genre: Comedy, Music, Romance
Starring: Hiroshi Tamaki, Juri Ueno
Nodame Cantabile is a delightful blend of music, comedy, and romance. Although it was a massive hit in Japan, it didn’t achieve the global recognition it truly deserves. The story centers around Shinichi Chiaki, a talented but arrogant conductor, who meets the quirky and unconventional pianist Megumi Noda (Nodame). The chemistry between the two leads and the incorporation of classical music into the plot makes this drama incredibly charming. Juri Ueno’s portrayal of Nodame, in particular, became iconic. If you enjoy romantic comedies with a musical twist, this show is a must-watch.
Watch Nodame Cantabile on Viki
2. Underrated Japanese Dramas: Shinya Shokudo (Midnight Diner) (2009–2019)
Genre: Slice of Life, Drama
Starring: Kaoru Kobayashi
Shinya Shokudo (Midnight Diner) is a heartwarming, simple yet profound drama that revolves around a late-night diner and its patrons. The show follows the life of a mysterious diner owner known only as “Master,” who serves food and listens to the personal stories of his customers, all of whom come to him at various points of their lives. Each episode focuses on different customers, their struggles, and their relationships. It’s a slice-of-life drama with a slow, contemplative pace that offers much more depth than it appears at first glance.
This show is not flashy or packed with dramatic moments, but it’s deeply emotional and resonates with anyone who’s ever found comfort in food or human connection. While popular in Japan, it remains underappreciated globally. The relatable characters and meaningful stories make it a hidden gem for anyone interested in character-driven narratives.
Watch Shinya Shokudo on Netflix
3. Underrated Japanese Dramas: Unnatural (2018)
Genre: Crime, Mystery, Drama
Starring: Satomi Ishihara, Kento Hayashi, Yasuko Matsuyuki
Unnatural is a gripping medical crime drama that focuses on forensic pathologist Mikoto Natsuyagi. The series follows her investigation into deaths that have been ruled as accidental or natural, only to uncover disturbing secrets. The show combines the thrill of a crime drama with medical investigations, providing a fresh take on the genre. With a strong female lead and a tightly woven plot, Unnatural has the perfect balance of tension and emotion.
While the show’s writing and performances have been praised, it didn’t get the international attention it deserved. This is a must-watch for those who enjoy intelligent thrillers with complex, emotionally resonant characters. It’s a clever and thought-provoking drama that also explores the moral dilemmas of uncovering the truth.
4. Underrated Japanese Dramas: Million Yen Women (2017)
Genre: Drama, Thriller, Mystery
Starring: Hiroshi Abe, Tetsushi Tanaka, Mayu Matsuoka
Million Yen Women is a dark and suspenseful drama that revolves around a writer named Shin who is living with five women who each pay him one million yen a month to live under his roof. The story builds up intrigue as Shin tries to understand the women’s secrets and their connection to him. The show’s pacing is slow but deliberate, making each episode feel like a carefully crafted piece of the puzzle.
What makes this show stand out is the sense of mystery and the psychological depth of the characters. Despite the gripping narrative, Million Yen Women hasn’t achieved the global recognition it deserves. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with layered characters and unexpected twists, this is a drama you shouldn’t miss.
Watch Million Yen Women on Netflix
5. Underrated Japanese Dramas: Jin (2009)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Historical, Medical
Starring: Takao Osawa, Tetsuya Fujiwara, Tetsushi Tanaka
Jin is a time-travel medical drama that explores the life of a modern-day neurosurgeon, Dr. Jin Minakata, who mysteriously finds himself transported to Japan’s Edo period. As he adapts to the historical setting, he must use his modern medical knowledge to treat various ailments while struggling with the ethical implications of changing history. The series is a mix of medical drama, historical fiction, and time-travel intrigue, making it a fascinating watch for fans of multiple genres.
While the premise may sound far-fetched, Jin is well-executed with solid performances and great historical accuracy. This drama is an underrated gem that deserves more attention for its clever premise and emotional depth.
6. Underrated Japanese Dramas: Hanzawa Naoki (2013, 2020)
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Starring: Masato Sakai, Teruyuki Kagawa, Shinobu Otake
Hanzawa Naoki is a corporate drama that follows Naoki Hanzawa, a banker who fights back after being falsely accused of a crime. As he navigates the corrupt banking system, Hanzawa faces numerous obstacles while uncovering the true story behind the conspiracy. The show is intense, fast-paced, and full of drama, with each episode ending on a cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more.
While Hanzawa Naoki was widely popular in Japan, it hasn’t gained the same level of international recognition, which is a shame given its exceptional writing and gripping storyline. If you enjoy high-stakes dramas with a sharp edge, Hanzawa Naoki is a must-see.
Watch Hanzawa Naoki on Netflix
7. Underrated Japanese Dramas: Shitamachi Rocket (2014, 2018)
Genre: Drama, Business, Engineering
Starring: Takuya Kimura, Eri Fukatsu, Tetsuya Watari
Shitamachi Rocket is a drama about a small family-owned business trying to innovate and compete with larger corporations in the field of aerospace engineering. The story follows the team of engineers led by the passionate protagonist, who is determined to make a groundbreaking rocket engine. The series is inspiring and full of heart, showcasing the beauty of perseverance and teamwork in the face of adversity.
Despite its unique premise, Shitamachi Rocket remains underappreciated by international audiences. It’s an uplifting drama about ambition and resilience that deserves more recognition for its intelligent writing and inspiring message.
Watch Shitamachi Rocket on Viki
8. Underrated Japanese Dramas: Yamato Nadeshiko Shichihenge (2006)
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Starring: Kazuya Kamenashi, Juri Ueno, Koji Seto
Yamato Nadeshiko Shichihenge (The Wallflower) is a fun and quirky romantic comedy about a beautiful but eccentric girl named Sunako, who is forced to live with four handsome men. While the men initially struggle to deal with Sunako’s unconventional personality, they slowly begin to understand her and fall in love with her in their own ways. The series is full of humor, romance, and personal growth, making it a great choice for fans of lighthearted romantic comedies.
Despite its popularity among J-drama fans, Yamato Nadeshiko Shichihenge hasn’t gained significant international recognition. The show’s charming characters and witty writing make it a standout in the genre.
Watch Yamato Nadeshiko Shichihenge on Viki
Conclusion
Japanese dramas offer a diverse range of genres, from heartfelt romantic comedies to intense psychological thrillers. While shows like Hana Yori Dango and 1 Litre of Tears are well-known worldwide, these underrated J-dramas offer just as much in terms of storytelling, character development, and emotional depth. Whether you’re a long-time fan of J-dramas or a newcomer to the genre, these series are definitely worth your time and attention. So, grab some popcorn, sit back, and dive into these hidden gems of Japanese television!
If you’ve watched any of these underrated gems or have other recommendations, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
