Hiroaki Yuasa

TV Asahi

Third-year advertising company employee Aoi Morita (Rinka Kumada) has long struggled with her self-confidence, as her tall height makes her an anomaly among Japanese women. While taking the elevator at work one day, Aoi's director teases her about her height, but an unexpected savior swoops in to defend her: aloof sales manager Tomonari Kurosawa (Fuma Kikuchi), whose direct manner of communication gave him a chilly reputation despite his genuine care for others. As Aoi starts to learn more about Kurosawa, she begins feeling more drawn to him, but can't quite get a read on how he feels. Meanwhile, Kurosawa has largely steered clear of relationships, wishing to avoid anything that makes his life more complicated, but even he isn't immune to feeling jealous when others get close to Aoi. Will these coworkers eventually find their way to romance together? This drama was adapted from the manga of the same name by ma2.

THE REASON WE FALL IN LOVE

📝 Reasons to Love 💕✨

As the daughter of the powerful Sanjo Empire, Meika Sanjo (Nako Yabuki) has no choice but to live up to certain expectations, including agreeing to an arranged marriage. Desperate to defy her father, Meika convinces her devoted bodyguard, Kou Fujimiya (Ryusei Fujii) to agree to a sham wedding. What she doesn't know, however, is that Kou secretly has genuine feelings for her. As their new relationship begins to develop, will Meika be able to grasp the true meaning of love? Adapted from the manga “18-sai, Niizuma, Furin Shimasu” by Shiho Watanabe, this 2023 Japanese romantic comedy series was directed by Hiroaki Yuasa.&nbsp;

The Princess Bodyguard’s Love

The Guard My Heart 💕 Team

Growing up in a small, rural town, Reiji Kurose (Towa Araki) has never once believed he would ever have a chance to escape his small, dismal life. Living with his hard-working mother, his shut-in brother, and his unstable grandmother, Reiji’s life has been anything but cheery; which would explain why his outlook on life is far more grim than that of his childhood friend, Sakuko Akiyama (Miyu Honda).

Sharing her dreams of one someday moving to glamorous, chaotic Tokyo, Sakuko tries to help Reiji see past the gloomy nothingness of his small town. Unfortunately, even her best efforts can’t seem to draw her friend out of his growing depression. For Reiji, only the performances of his favorite idol group, Acrylic, and the group’s most beautiful member, Nagi Aoe (Hinako Kitano), can chase away the ever-present dreariness of his life. Needless to say, when he discovers Nagi working at a convenience store in his hometown, Reiji’s life takes an unexpected turn.

Unwittingly dragged into a series of scandals, Reiji’s once gloomy life takes an even darker turn as he’s pulled deeper into an intricate web of lies, obsession, and betrayal. With his world becoming ever-darker, will Reiji find a way to escape the dismal abyss that threatens to swallow him whole?

Adapted from the manga of the same name by Ryou Minenami, “Boy’s Abyss” is a 2022 Japanese psychological thriller drama directed by Hiroaki Yuasa.

Boy's Abyss

🌞 Light or Darkness 🌚

BS Japan, TV Tokyo

Wakako Murasaki (Takeda Rina), a 26-year-old office worker in Tokyo, finds her true passion in exploring the city's diverse culinary landscape. When not at work, she delights in discovering unique restaurants and meticulously pairing her meals with the perfect alcoholic beverage. Occasionally accompanied by her colleague Aoyagi (Kamakari Kenta) and befriended by Taisho (Nozoe Yoshihiro), a restaurant owner, Wakako embarks on gastronomic adventures across various cuisines. From Hiroshima specialties to unusual canned food recipes, Okinawan dishes, and international fare like Thai cuisine, her food journey knows no bounds. Her expertise even leads her colleagues to seek her recommendations when planning office gatherings. Based on a manga series by Chie Shinkyu, this is a 2016 Japanese drama series that celebrates the joy of food and drink.

Wakako Zake 2

🍙 Itadakimasu 🍜 Team

Wakako Murasaki (Takeda Rina), a 26-year-old office worker from Hiroshima, leads an unassuming life during the day but transforms into a passionate culinary adventurer by night. Exploring restaurants, street food stalls, and even her own kitchen, she seeks out delectable meals and perfect drink pairings. Her coworker Aoyagi (Kamakari Kenta) occasionally joins her food adventures, and she develops a friendship with Taisho (Nozoe Yoshihiro), a restaurant owner. As Wakako navigates her love for gourmet experiences, she hopes to connect with colleagues and expand her social circle through her shared passion for food. This live-action series, based on a manga by Chie Shinkyu, is a 2015 Japanese drama that celebrates the joy of culinary exploration.

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