Japanese dramas, or “J-dramas,” have captivated audiences worldwide with their unique storytelling, rich cultural elements, and diverse genres. From heartwarming romances to thrilling mysteries, these dramas offer something for everyone. Netflix has become a popular platform for streaming some of the best Japanese dramas, providing viewers with easy access to a wide variety of shows.

In this list, we’ve compiled the top 20 rated Japanese dramas available on Netflix, showcasing the best of what J-dramas have to offer. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the genre, these dramas are sure to entertain and leave a lasting impression.

Main Casts: Kento Yamazaki, Tao Tsuchiya, Nijiro Murakami

Number of Episodes: 8

Date of Release: December 10, 2020

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Thriller, Sci-Fi

Synopsis: Ryohei Arisu, a listless young man, suddenly finds himself in a strange, emptied-out version of Tokyo where he and his friends must compete in dangerous games to survive. As they navigate this perilous world, they uncover shocking truths about the nature of their reality.

Trivia: The series is based on the manga of the same name by Haro Aso and has been praised for its intense action sequences and gripping storyline.

Main Casts: Yûki Furukawa, Mio Yûki, Jin Shirasu

Number of Episodes: 12

Date of Release: December 15, 2017

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Mystery, Drama

Synopsis: Satoru Fujinuma, a struggling manga artist, possesses a unique ability to travel back in time to prevent tragedies. When his mother is murdered, he is sent back 18 years to his childhood, where he must uncover the truth and prevent a series of kidnappings.

Trivia: The show is an adaptation of the manga “Boku dake ga Inai Machi” by Kei Sanbe and has received critical acclaim for its emotional depth and suspenseful plot.

Main Casts: Kaoru Kobayashi, Mansaku Fuwa, Toshiki Ayata

Number of Episodes: 10

Date of Release: October 21, 2016

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Drama, Slice of Life

Synopsis: Set in a small, late-night diner in Tokyo, the series follows the lives of the diner’s patrons and the enigmatic chef who serves them. Each episode focuses on a different customer and their unique story, offering a heartwarming glimpse into their lives.

Trivia: The series is based on the manga “Shinya Shokudo” by Yarō Abe and has been praised for its charming storytelling and relatable characters.

Main Casts: Hikari Mitsushima, Takeru Satoh

Number of Episodes: 9

Date of Release: November 24, 2022

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Romance, Drama

Synopsis: Inspired by Hikaru Utada’s iconic song, “First Love” follows the poignant love story of two individuals who meet and fall in love during their youth, only to be separated by life’s circumstances. Years later, they cross paths again, reigniting old feelings and memories.

Main Casts: Takayuki Yamada, Shinnosuke Mitsushima, Tetsuji Tamayama

Number of Episodes: 8

Date of Release: August 8, 2019

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Biography, Drama

Synopsis: This biographical drama chronicles the rise of Toru Muranishi, a controversial figure in Japan’s adult video industry during the 1980s. The series explores his unconventional methods and the impact he had on the industry, blending humor and drama.

Trivia: The show is based on the non-fiction novel “Zenra Kantoku Muranishi Toru Den” by Nobuhiro Motohashi and has been praised for its bold storytelling and strong performances.

Main Casts: Kaya Kiyohara, Daiki Shigeoka, Tomohiro Kamiyama

Number of Episodes: 6

Date of Release: August 1, 2018

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Drama, Fantasy

Synopsis: High school student Ayumi Kohinata’s life is turned upside down when she mysteriously switches bodies with her classmate, Zenko Umine. As Ayumi navigates her new reality, she uncovers dark secrets and learns valuable lessons about identity and self-worth.

Trivia: The series is based on the manga “Sora wo Kakeru Yodaka” by Shiki Kawabata and has been praised for its unique premise and thought-provoking themes.

Main Casts: Haruka Fukuhara, Shunya Shiraishi, Moe Arai

Number of Episodes: 17

Date of Release: February 12, 2016

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Romance, Comedy

Synopsis: High school student Nao Yoshikawa moves into her own apartment, only to discover that she has to share it with the most popular boy in school, Hisashi Uehara. As they navigate their new living arrangement, they develop a complicated relationship filled with humor and romance.

Trivia: The series is based on the manga of the same name by Yue Takasuka and has been well-received for its lighthearted and charming storyline.

Main Casts: Yojiro Noda, Rila Fukushima, Rena Matsui

Number of Episodes: 12

Date of Release: April 7, 2017

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Mystery, Drama

Synopsis: Struggling novelist Shin Michima’s life takes an unexpected turn when five mysterious women move into his house, each paying him one million yen in rent every month. As he gets to know them, he uncovers their secrets and the reasons behind their unusual arrangement.

Trivia: The series is based on the manga “100-manen no Onna-tachi” by Shunju Aono and has been praised for its intriguing plot and strong character development.

Main Casts: Fumino Kimura, Nozomi Sasaki, Mirai Moriyama

Number of Episodes: 8

Date of Release: August 11, 2017

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Romance, Comedy

Synopsis: A struggling screenwriter, Rio Yazaki, becomes entangled in the love lives of four women, each of whom is involved with a mysterious man named Ito. As she listens to their stories, she uses their experiences as inspiration for her new screenplay.

Trivia: The series is based on the novel “Ito-kun A to E” by Asako Yuzuki and has been praised for its witty dialogue and clever storytelling.

Main Casts: Miki Nakatani, Elaiza Ikeda, Mari Natsuki

Number of Episodes: 9

Date of Release: February 27, 2020

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Drama

Synopsis: Set in the vibrant city of Tokyo, the series follows the lives of several women navigating the complexities of fame, social media, and personal relationships. As they chase their dreams and face challenges, they learn valuable lessons about self-acceptance and authenticity.

Main Casts: Kippei Shiina, Shinnosuke Mitsushima, Kyoko Hinami

Number of Episodes: 7

Date of Release: April 30, 2020

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Crime, Drama

Synopsis: Based on true events, the series follows a charismatic conman who manipulates and exploits his victims, leading to a series of shocking crimes. As the story unfolds, the dark and twisted nature of his actions is revealed.

Trivia: The series is an extended version of Sion Sono’s film “The Forest of Love” and has been praised for its intense and disturbing narrative.

Main Casts: Yoshiyoshi Arakawa, Yuina Kuroshima, Ririka

Number of Episodes: 6

Date of Release: July 3, 2020

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Horror, Mystery, Drama

Synopsis: This series delves into the origins of the infamous curse that haunts a particular house. Paranormal investigator Yasuo Odajima and actress Haruka Honjo uncover the terrifying events that connect various horrifying incidents over decades. As they dig deeper, they realize the curse’s reach is far more extensive than they imagined.

Trivia: The series is based on the “Ju-On” franchise created by Takashi Shimizu and offers a fresh take on the classic horror story.

Main Casts: Mirei Kiritani, Mao Daichi, Wakana Sakai

Number of Episodes: 13

Date of Release: November 13, 2015

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Drama

Synopsis: Mayuko Tokita, a young woman with a passion for fabrics, lands a job at a high-end lingerie company in Tokyo. Under the mentorship of the company’s demanding owner, Mayuko learns the intricacies of the fashion industry and discovers her own strengths and ambitions.

Trivia: The series is known for its detailed portrayal of the fashion industry and the personal growth of its characters.

Main Casts: Naoto Takenaka, Tetsuji Tamayama, Honami Suzuki

Number of Episodes: 12

Date of Release: March 17, 2017

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Drama, Comedy

Synopsis: Recently retired Takeshi Kasumi discovers a newfound freedom in exploring his culinary passions. Inspired by his inner samurai, he embarks on a series of gastronomic adventures, savoring the simple pleasures of life and food.

Trivia: The series is based on the essay “Nobushi no Gourmet” by Masayuki Kusumi and has been praised for its heartwarming and humorous portrayal of retirement life.

Main Casts: Mei Nagano, Kyoka Suzuki, Asuka Kudo

Number of Episodes: 8

Date of Release: July 13, 2023

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Thriller, Mystery

Synopsis: After a devastating fire destroys her family home, Anzu Murata returns years later under a new identity to uncover the truth behind the incident. As she infiltrates the lives of those she suspects, she unravels a web of secrets and lies that threaten to consume her.

Trivia: The series is based on the manga “Mitarai-ke, Enjou suru” by Moyashi Fujisawa and has been praised for its gripping plot and strong performances.

Main Casts: Rie Miyazawa, Machiko Ono, Yū Aoi, Suzu Hirose

Number of Episodes: 7

Date of Release: January 9, 2025

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Drama

Synopsis: “Asura” delves into the intricate lives of four sisters—Tsunako, Makiko, Takiko, and Sakiko—as they navigate personal and familial challenges in Tokyo. Each sister grapples with her own set of issues, from marital strife to career dilemmas, all while uncovering long-buried family secrets. The series offers a profound exploration of sibling dynamics, love, betrayal, and the enduring bonds that hold a family together.

Trivia: Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda, “Asura” is an adaptation of the 1979 series “Ashura no Gotoku” by Kuniko Mukōda. The series has received unanimous acclaim, with reviewers from The Guardian and The New York Times calling it “the best Netflix drama in years,” and “so good it makes other shows look bad.”

Main Casts: Kento Hayashi, Kazuki Namioka

Number of Episodes: 10

Date of Release: June 3, 2016

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Drama

Synopsis: “Hibana: Spark” follows the journey of Tokunaga, an aspiring stand-up comedian who forms a mentorship bond with the more seasoned but unconventional comedian, Kamiya. As they navigate the demanding world of comedy, the series delves into their personal and professional challenges, exploring themes of ambition, friendship, and the sacrifices made for art.

Trivia: The series is based on the novel “Hibana” by Naoki Matayoshi, which won the prestigious Akutagawa Prize.

Main Casts: Features a rotating cast of participants, including Mizuki Shida, Yuto Handa, Minori Nakada, and Tatsuya Uchihara.

Number of Episodes: 46

Date of Release: September 2, 2015 – September 27, 2016

Network/Streamer: Fuji TV, Netflix

Genre: Reality

Synopsis: Set in Tokyo, this reality series brings together three men and three women to live under one roof. Without a script, the show captures the authentic interactions, relationships, and daily lives of the housemates as they pursue their personal and professional goals in the bustling city.

Trivia: This installment is the second series in the “Terrace House” franchise and the first to be co-produced by Netflix, leading to its international availability.

Main Casts: Features a rotating cast, including Ami Komuro, Yuudai Arai, Mizuki Haruta, Takayuki Nakamura, Tsubasa Sato, and Shion Okamoto.

Number of Episodes: 49

Date of Release: December 19, 2017 – February 12, 2019

Network/Streamer: Fuji TV, Netflix

Genre: Reality

Synopsis: Set in the scenic town of Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture, this series introduces six new strangers—three men and three women—living together in a shared house. As they pursue their dreams, from culinary arts to sports, the show documents their evolving relationships and personal growth amidst the tranquil backdrop.

Trivia: This series marks the fourth installment of the “Terrace House” franchise and is notable for its picturesque setting in the Japanese countryside.

Main Casts: Features a rotating cast, including Kaori Watanabe, Shohei Matsuzaki, Haruka Okuyama, Kenji Yoshihara, Risako Tanabe, and Ruka Nishinoiri.

Number of Episodes: 40

Date of Release: May 14, 2019 – May 19, 2020

Network/Streamer: Fuji TV, Netflix

Genre: Reality

Synopsis: Returning to Tokyo, this series follows six strangers as they cohabit in a modern house, balancing their personal aspirations with communal living. The show provides an intimate look into their daily interactions, budding romances, and the challenges of urban life in Japan’s capital.

Trivia: The series was abruptly canceled following the tragic death of cast member Hana Kimura in May 2020, leading to widespread discussions about cyberbullying and mental health.

Exploring the world of Japanese dramas on Netflix is a delightful journey filled with emotional highs and captivating stories. The top 20 rated dramas we’ve highlighted offer a glimpse into the creativity and talent of Japanese filmmakers and actors. From the intense thrill of “Alice in Borderland” to the heartwarming charm of “Samurai Gourmet,” there’s a show for every taste and preference. As you dive into these dramas, you’ll not only be entertained but also gain a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture and storytelling. Happy watching, and may you discover many new favorites along the way!