With the passage of time, the Japanese YA dramas have carved a unique space in the world of entertainment, captivating audiences with stories that resonate deeply. While Japanese television dramas (or “dorama”) have long explored the nuances of romance, personal growth, and the complexities of human relationships, it is the YA genre that strikes a special chord. These dramas, mirroring the real-life dilemmas and emotional upheavals of youth, offer heartfelt and sometimes intense storytelling. If you’re in the mood for narratives that echo the raw, relatable experiences of coming of age, here are some of the best Japanese YA dramas that deserve a spot on your watchlist.
Best Japanese YA Dramas
Kururi: Dare Ga Watashi To Koi Wo Shita?
The series Kururi: Dare Ga Watashi To Koi Wo Shita? begins with an intriguing mystery and romance that keeps viewers guessing. The protagonist, a 24-year-old woman played by Nukumi Meru, struggles with hiding her true self to avoid rejection. After an accident leaves her with amnesia, she finds herself at a crossroads, discovering a mail ring in her bag but unable to remember its significance.
Enter three men, each with a claim to her heart: one who says he’s her ex-lover, portrayed by Seto Koji, another who insists he’s her closest male friend, and a third who declares himself as her destined partner. The tension mounts as the protagonist and the audience are drawn into unravelling the truth of her past relationships. A brilliant blend of suspense and emotional depth, Kururi poses questions about identity, memory, and love, making viewers reflect on the uncertainties of life and the future.
Itazura Na Kiss: Love In Tokyo
Few romance dramas are as iconic as Itazura Na Kiss, a series that has been adapted multiple times across various countries. But in Itazura Na Kiss: Love In Tokyo‘s second season, the story of Aihara Kotoko (played by Yahagi Honoka) and her husband Irie Naoki (played by Furukawa Yuki) takes a deeper dive into the realities of marriage and personal ambition.
As Kotoko navigates her new life as a wife, she decides to pursue nursing to support her genius husband, Naoki, who works in medicine. The show balances lighthearted romantic moments with the more serious challenges of married life, such as balancing career aspirations with the demands of personal relationships. This season keeps fans emotionally invested, with every turn of the couple’s journey filled with heartfelt and often humorous moments.
Ashita Watashi wa Dareka no Kanojo
Ashita, Watashi wa Dareka no Kanojo (Tomorrow I Will Be Someone’s Girlfriend) is a bitter-sweet exploration of love and societal pressures. The drama, starring Yoshikawa Ai, gives viewers a glimpse into the lives of women working in Japan’s adult entertainment industry, through the lens of stand-in girlfriends hired to accompany lonely men.
The narrative doesn’t shy away from showing the emotional toll and psychological conflicts these women face. Each character is flawed, yet the show delves deep into their motivations and insecurities, forcing the audience to confront their preconceived notions about love, relationships, and societal expectations. As the story unfolds, the show becomes a complex look at identity, self-worth, and survival in a harsh world. Other standout performances in the show come from Yopaka Mayu, adding depth to this bittersweet tale.
Can I Hug You Tonight?
This heart-tugging drama centres around Saeki Riko, played by Yahagi Honoka, a college student who, despite her charm, struggles to commit to relationships. Riko’s indecisiveness and emotional detachment create friction in her love life, as she repeatedly pulls away when things get serious with men.
Things become more complicated when her childhood friend and first love, Ichihara Slope, played by Mizuno Asaru, re-enters her life. The narrative tugs at the strings of nostalgia and unrequited love, as Riko realizes she has never truly moved on from her first crush. But now that Ichihara is involved with someone else, the road to reconnection becomes far from straightforward. This drama is a slow burn that explores how unresolved feelings from the past can complicate present relationships.
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Brother Trap
What happens when you fall for the younger brother of your ex? Brother Trap takes this awkward premise and turns it into a story filled with emotional growth and second chances. Akari, played by the talented actress Fukuhara Haruka, struggles to get over a breakup, only to find herself falling for a new guy, Izumi (portrayed by Sugino Yosuke). However, she soon discovers he is the younger brother of her ex-boyfriend, which adds layers of conflict and hesitation.
This drama navigates the challenges of moving on, letting go of the past, and learning to trust again, making it a relatable story for anyone who has ever struggled with unresolved emotions.
Hold My Hand at Twilight
Hold My Hand at Twilight delivers an inspiring story about dreams, love, and self-discovery. Soramami and Oto, the two main characters, have big dreams but struggle to find their footing. Played by Hirose Suzu and Nagase Ren, their relationship blossoms as they realise that, despite their differences, they can lean on each other to chase their ambitions.
The show beautifully portrays the importance of having someone by your side as you work toward your goals, and how vulnerability can open the door to deeper connections. With impressive performances by both Hirose and Nagase, the series offers an emotional and inspiring ride through young love and dreams.
Kahogo no Kahoko
Kahogo no Kahoko tells the story of a young woman, Kahoko (played by Takahata Mitsuki), who has been coddled by her overprotective parents her entire life. Despite being in her senior year of college, she is still far from independent.
When she meets the free-spirited Mugino Hajime, portrayed by Takeuchi Ryoma, her world is turned upside down. Mugino, who leads a completely different life, helps her question her life choices and challenges her to break free from her sheltered existence. Kahogo no Kahoko is not only a coming-of-age drama but also a lesson in self-reliance and personal growth, as Kahoko begins to step out of her comfort zone.
Kikazaranai Koi Ni Wa Riyuu Ga Atte
This heartwarming drama follows the lives of several individuals trying to navigate love, career, and the pressures of adulthood. With standout performances from Kawaguchi Haruna and Yokohama Ryusei, each character has their own struggles, but they all find solace in their connections with one another, creating a tight-knit group that feels like family. The drama’s charm lies in its realistic portrayal of friendship, love, and life’s unpredictable twists, making it a relatable watch for all ages.
Let us know in the comments below your favourite Japanese drama that you would recommend to us.
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