Always a treat, Japanese dramas have long captured our hearts and this year’s releases didn’t disappoint. Putting together a collection of the BEST JAPANESE DRAMAS of 2022 wasn’t easy, but we managed and are thrilled to share it with you now!

BEST JAPANESE DRAMAS of 2022

Fuji TV

As high school students, Tsumugi Aoba (Haruna Kawaguchi) and So Sakura (Ren Meguro) shared a keen interest in music. With their interests so similarly aligned, it was only natural for a friendship to blossom between them. Over time, that friendship developed into something deeper, a relationship that might have come to last a lifetime, if not for So’s sudden change of heart.

Calling their relationship off without any warning or reason, So not only broke Tsumugi’s heart, but his immediate disappearance afterward left her completely crushed. Eight years later, Tsumugi may occasionally wonder what happened to So but has, in all other ways, moved on with her life. Now living in Tokyo, Tsumugi works part-time at a large music store where she is free to completely immerse herself in the music she loves so dearly. Perfectly happy with her life, Tsumugi might have eventually forgotten about So completely, if fate hadn’t decided their paths needed to cross once again.

Noticing So at work one day, Tsumugi musters up the courage to approach him, only to find that in the eight years since they last spoke, he has almost completely lost his hearing. With sparks of their old flame beginning to reignite within her heart, will Tsumugi find a way to solidify her place in So’s now-silent world?

A story of fate and second chances, “Silent” is a 2022 Japanese romance drama directed by Hiroki Kazama.

Silent

The Sound of Love Team

Totono Kuno (Masaki Suda) is a quiet, intelligent, highly observant, and introverted student with no friends or girlfriend. He enjoys peace and quiet and spends his time at home quietly observing the passage of the seasons and cooking curry. But the tranquillity of his daily existence is shattered one day when – while he is cooking curry – a police detective comes knocking at his door.

Totono Kuno is told that one of his classmates has been killed in a nearby park and that he is the only suspect. All of a sudden, he is forced to use all of his natural gifts to discover what really happened in order to prove his innocence. As he listens to the police’s case against him, he begins to mentally gather data that may help him clear his name. Things get more worrying still when a weapon apparently bearing his fingerprints shows up. And as well as the case he is involved in, other crimes are also taking place – with many of them requiring his attention. It looks like Totono Kuno’s formerly peaceful life will have to give way to a much more eventful way of living!

“Don’t Call it Mystery” is a 2022 Japanese drama that was directed by Hiroaki Matsuyama, Shunsuke Shinada, Hideyuki Aizawa, and Hiroyuki Abe.

Don't Call it Mystery

🧣221B Baker Street Team🕵🏻

Despite her timid nature, Asako Yaeshima (Yuno Ohara) has a passion for her work. A member of the accounting department at Lilia Drop, a toiletry and cosmetics company, Asako absolutely loves the company she works for, as its products are the only ones on the market capable of helping her keep her chronic sweating and rather strong body odor under control. 

Having been teased mercilessly as a child, Asako has developed quite a complex about her natural odor but her company’s products have given her the confidence she needs to overcome her insecurities. At least until the day she meets Kotaro Natori (Kanta Sato). 

A product development planner for Lilia Drop, Kotaro has a highly developed sense of smell which he employs daily. While working on the company’s newest product, he encounters a smell unlike any he has ever sniffed before. Following the scent to its origin, Kotaro finds himself face-to-face with Asako. Unable to resist Asako’s unique musk, Kotaro finds himself drawn to the timid accountant. 

Inspired by her scent, Kotaro asks her to test the company’s newest product and allow him to sniff the results for a week. Unable to find a way to say no, Asako agrees to Kotaro’s unusual request. As the two begin a truly unique working relationship, they begin to realize that they are both so much more than a strong smell and a powerful sniffer. Naturally drawing closer together, will Asako and Kotaro’s working relationship spark a new office romance? 

Based on the manga of the same name, written and illustrated by Kintetsu Yamada, “Sweat and Soap” is a 2022 Japanese romantic comedy drama directed by Shuhie Shibue.

Sweat and Soap

Sniff Sniff Team 🐽

TV Asahi

Maruya Kosuke (Yamada Ryosuke) is a 29-year-old man who has lived a charmed life. He is a much-loved and very successful member of staff who works in the sales department of a major beer manufacturer. He is blessed with good looks and a “cuteness” that has always brought him enormous popularity with women. In fact, he is so charming that women often make the first move – confessing their feelings to him almost as if they can’t help themselves. But an unexpected incident takes place one day, leading him to a terrible realization: His “cuteness” – just like beer – has an expiry date. One day, he will be just another man, without the magnetic charm he has always taken for granted!

While this is happening to Maruya Kosuke, the sales department gets a new member: A 26-year-old member of the research and development team named Izumi Sanada (Yoshine Kyoko) is transferred to Maruya Kosuke’s team. Izumi Sanada dislikes being around other people to the point of being outright antisocial. She seems emotionless when she has to interact with other people. But her almost robotic mannerisms and dislike of people come from her past experiences – which have left her with a hidden inferiority complex. Could the sparks of romance fly when Maruya Kosuke and his soon-to-expire “cuteness” crosses paths with this seemingly emotionless young woman?

“My Cuteness Is About to Expire!?” is a 2022 Japanese drama series that was directed by Takehiko Shinjo.

My Cuteness Is About to Expire!?

 🐰Super 🎠 Cute 🐹 Team

Takara (Sato Arata) and Amagi (Oriyama Naohiro) 
 are polar opposites. The former is outgoing, popular and belongs to a group of extraverts at school. His classmate Amagi is anything but. Although he is not unpopular, he is extremely quiet and reserved. Their many differences mean that they share little common ground. But there is one reason for them to interact: They both belong to their class’ environmental committee. This means that they have to tend to the lawn. And one day, when they are both assigned to go to do some weeding, the usually quiet Amagi suddenly tells his classmate that he loves him.

This sudden outburst helps him pique Takara’s interest, and the two decide to start dating – although they agree to keep their relationship a secret from the rest of the class. However, they soon discover that keeping a relationship hidden isn’t easy. And neither is dating someone who is so different from you. Can Amagi ever get used to Takara’s often-brash ways? And will Takara ever learn the true secrets of Amagi’s heart?

This series was adapted from a hit manga title of the same name that was authored by Hanage no Mai.

“Takara-kun & Amagi-kun” is a 2022 Japanese drama series that was directed by Yoshino Mamoru.

Takara-kun & Amagi-kun

🌞 Sun&Moon 🌜

Narita Misao (Mikami Ai) has just started working in a new, white-collar job. She is the youngest member of the team, and has developed a crush on her line manager Tsukasa Deno (Yuki Furukawa). She sits next to Ichikawa Kazuya (Sato Taiki), an abrasive fellow employee who has an annoying habit of speaking his mind whenever he feels like it. While she tries to work her way into Tsukasa Deno’s heart, Ichikawa Kazuya teases her. But when Ichikawa Kazuya invites her manager to have sushi with him and some other workmates, she agrees to come along.

However, Tsukasa Deno doesn’t show up to the meal, and after the event is over, Narita Misao and Ichikawa Kazuya begin texting one another. Their messages begin to hint at romantic feelings, but at work, later, Ichikawa Kazuya tells her that he has a girlfriend. Regardless, the flirtatious messages continue – until she learns that he is actually engaged to another woman. Confusion and guilt set in...but her feelings for this two-timer are far too strong to simply resist. Meanwhile, Tsukasa Deno is also developing feelings for her, leading to yet more conflicting feelings!

“liar” is a 2022 Japanese drama series that was directed by Kumasaka Izuru.

liar

Liar in Love

Fukuhara Kota (Sota Ryosuke) is a bumbling college student who is plagued by terrible luck. Although he never gets down about it, you can bet if something could possibly go wrong when he’s around, it almost certainly will! One day, he is about to walk in front of a car and end up in a traffic accident when he is saved by a fellow college student named Naoya Shinomiya (Yusuke Sato). The latter is Kota’s polar opposite: His “problem” is that he is “cursed” with endless good fortune.

Kota is grateful for Naoya’s assistance, and tries to ask his new acquaintance to be his friend – but phrases his request badly and accidentally leads Naoya to believe he is asking for them to become lovers. The “lucky” Naoya surprisingly agrees and the duo embarks on an unorthodox relationship. Will Kota’s chaos bring a taste for the unknown into Naoya’s life? And will romance bring spell the end for Kota’s bad luck?

“Mr. Unlucky Has No Choice but to Kiss!” is a 2022 Japanese drama series that was based on a manga series of the same name and directed by Yoshino Mamoru.

Mr. Unlucky Has No Choice but to Kiss!

💋 Kiss me Luck team 🍀

To most people, Eiji Urashima (Ryosuke Yamada) seems like a pretty typical university student. He goes to class, studies when he should, and has fun hanging out with his friends. But what most people don’t know is that Eiji is the son of a serial killer.

Known for murdering female university students in horrendous ways, Eiji’s father has built quite a reputation for himself. As much as Eiji abhors what his father does, there’s nothing he can do to stop him. As if being the son of a serial killer wasn’t bad enough, Eiji often suffers from memory blackouts, and they seem to be getting worse. Beginning to fear he may be sharing his life with an alternate personality, Eiji’s fears only escalate when a new murder takes place, a murder which exactly matches the style of his sadistic father.

Wondering whether or not he might be unwittingly turning into his father, Eiji is riddled with fear and anxiety. Determined to uncover the truth, Eiji accepts the help of the victim’s closest friend, Nami (Rina Kawaei). Working together, will they be able to uncover the truth before the murderer strikes again?

Based on the manga of the same name written by Hajime Inoryuu, “The Killer Inside” is a 2022 Japanese mystery thriller drama directed by Hiroaki Matsuyama.

The Killer Inside

🎭 The Fragmented Team 🔪

Sato Shinohara (Tsuchiya Tao) runs a budget-friendly restaurant in a busy urban area with her mother. The restaurant is very unassuming, but it has a lot of regular customers. And most of them frequently come because of Sato Shinohara’s welcoming attitude and kind personality. She has been dating a man named Kenta Miyama (Matsushita Kouhei), who loves her dearly. One day, he decides to pop the question – and she happily accepts.

But this duo cannot sail off into the sunset just yet, as there is a very large complication – namely, Kenta Miyama’s family. This formerly noble family can trace its past back four centuries and happens to hark back to Japan’s feudal past. They are exceptionally wealthy and are used to high society life. The idea of their beloved son marrying a mere “commoner” like Sato Shinohara is abhorrent to them. Kenta Miyama assures her that his family will come around – and warm to her. But, despite his reassurances, his family continues to object: Can Sato Shinohara win them over with her unique charms? Or is their union destined to fail before they even tie the knot?

This drama was based on a manga series of the same name by Koyama Yukami.

“Involvement in Family Affairs” is a 2022 Japanese drama series that was directed by Ryo Tanaka, Toshiyuki Mitsuhashi, and Yusuke Mito.

Involvement in Family Affairs

Over a decade ago, Hagino Shion (Kumada Rinka) was an awkward high school student. She had a crush on the standoffish but handsome Hasegawa Souma (Honda Kyoya) and decided to try to win his heart by confessing her feelings for him. But when she tried to do so, he rejected her cruelly – telling her that she ought to “do something about her appearance” before telling a boy she liked him. This crushing blow has scarred her ever since.

Now, aged 29, she works as a beauty consultant. Her hair styling and makeup abilities are almost second to none, and her career has really taken off. Regardless, she has never had a boyfriend. When she attends a blind date-themed party, she suddenly has a flashback to that unhappy moment back in high school...and is magically transported back to her school days. It’s 2010 again, and she is the same school girl – except she now has awesome makeup skills! She resolves to change her destiny, armed with the skills she perfected as an adult. But could this path really lead her to love?

This drama was based on a manga title of the same name, authored by Yuu Nozomu.

“Cinderella Again” is a 2022 Japanese drama series that was directed by Goto Yosuke.

Cinderella Again

👓 A Makeover Past 💋

Nozue (Takeda Kouhei) is a 39-year-old office worker. He is also decidedly stuck in a rut. Life has become mundane. His career is going nowhere fast, and he has never had thoughts about getting married. The grind of this mundane and grey way of life has taken its toll on him and depression is setting in. Another thorn in his side is Togawa (Kimura Tatsunari), his 29-year-old office junior. Despite the fact that Togawa is the older man’s subordinate, he is cold and unpleasant with Nozue.

However, deep down, Togawa actually has a strong sense of respect for his senior – and even feels romantic attraction toward him. Fate intervenes when one day, they both end up in a pancake shop that is a hotspot for young, attractive women. They end up spending more time together at this unusual venue – and starting to enjoy one another’s company more and more. At first, Nozue is confused by Togawa’s sudden attempts to make him happy. But little by little, the duo starts to hear Cupid’s call. Could true love be on the horizon for them?

This drama was based on a manga novel of the same name by Sagan Sagan that was released in 2021.

“Old Fashion Cupcake” is a 2022 Japanese drama series that was directed by Kato Ayaka.

Old Fashion Cupcake

🧁 A Cupcake for Two 👨‍❤️‍👨

At thirty, Akira Isomori (Jin Shirasu) is comfortably settled in his exceptionally normal life. A committed salary man, happily married to his novelist wife Sonoko (Yua Shinkawa), Akira has known nothing but the comfortable routine that comes with a five-year marriage and a steady job. But that comfortable life is changed in an instant, the moment his health takes an unexpected turn.

Suffering an unbearable headache, Akira is rushed to the hospital where his worst fears are confirmed. Diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, Akira is rushed into surgery but the man who goes into the operating room is not the same as the man who comes out. Diagnosed with a rare medical condition known as “Sex Altering Syndrome”, the only way to save Akira’s life is for him to spend the rest of it as a woman. Finding herself now married to the woman Akira (Natsuna), Sonoko isn’t sure how to handle this sudden and completely unexpected change.&nbsp;

As Sonoko struggles to adjust to her husband’s new appearance, Akira also finds adjusting to life as a woman difficult. Will the love that Akira and Sonoko share be enough to help them overcome this unexpected challenge or will the difficulties of this new life prove to be too much?

Based on the manga “Individual Differences” by Kinoko Higurashi, “Love You Just As You Are” is a 2022 Japanese romance drama directed by Daisuke Yamauchi.

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