The Most Popular Drama in Japan, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the drama you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 06:35
In Japan, dramas create a vivid tapestry that mirrors the complexities of life, weaving traditional values with contemporary challenges. They offer not only entertainment but also insight into the cultural and social nuances of Japanese society. As tastes and trends shift, it becomes insightful to see which dramas resonate most with viewers.
By participating in the ranking of these dramas, audiences have a unique opportunity to express their preferences and influence which shows are highlighted as the most compelling. This dynamic ranking reflects the collective voice, providing an up-to-date guide for new viewers looking for highly recommended content. Your votes help shape the landscape of television excellence.
What Is the Most Popular Drama in Japan?
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168votes
Hanzawa Naoki (半沢直樹)
Ikeido JunThis drama, which aired in 2013, follows the story of a banker who seeks to expose corruption within his company. It was a massive hit, with the final episode having a viewership rating of 42.2%.Hanzawa Naoki (半沢直樹) is a popular Japanese drama series that aired in 2013. It is based on the novel of the same name written by Ikeido Jun. The story follows the main character, Hanzawa Naoki, a banker who seeks to avenge his mentor's death and uncover the truth behind a corrupt business deal. With its intense plot and engaging characters, Hanzawa Naoki captivated audiences and became one of the most successful drama series in Japan.- Original release: July 7 - September 22, 2013
- Genre: Drama, Crime, Thriller
- Number of episodes: 10
- Network: TBS (Tokyo Broadcasting System)
- Main cast: Sakai Masato, Aya Ueto, Yusuke Iseya
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219votes
Nodame Cantabile (のだめカンタービレ)
Tomoko NinomiyaThis drama, which aired in 2006, is based on a manga about a talented pianist who falls in love with an eccentric conductor. It was popular not just in Japan, but also in other Asian countries.Nodame Cantabile (のだめカンタービレ) is a popular Japanese drama that aired from 2006 to 2010. It is based on the manga series of the same name created by Tomoko Ninomiya. The drama revolves around the relationship between two music students, Chiaki Shinichi and Noda Megumi (nicknamed Nodame), as they navigate their musical careers and personal lives at a prestigious music conservatory.- Genre: Romantic comedy
- Original run: October 16, 2006 – December 25, 2010
- Episodes: 11 episodes (Season 1), 11 episodes (Season 2), 2 specials, 11 episodes (Season 3)
- Network: Fuji TV
- Main cast: Hiroshi Tamaki, Juri Ueno, Eita, Asami Mizukawa
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329votesThis drama, which aired in 1983, follows the life of a woman named Oshin from childhood to old age. It was hugely popular in Japan and also became popular abroad, particularly in Asia.Oshin is a Japanese television drama series that aired from 1983 to 1984. It follows the life of a woman named Oshin who endures various hardships and struggles, but remains resilient and determined throughout. The story spans multiple generations, offering a glimpse into the changing social and economic landscape of Japan. Oshin is known for its heart-wrenching storyline, compelling characters, and brilliant portrayal of Japanese culture and traditions.
- Original run: March 31, 1983 – March 31, 1984
- Number of episodes: 297
- Main protagonist: Oshin
- Setting: Japan
- Genre: Drama
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420votes
Long Vacation (ロングバケーション)
Screenwriter: Kitagawa ErikoThis drama, which aired in 1996, is a romantic comedy about a musician who falls in love with a woman who is about to get married. It was a hit at the time and is still popular today.Long Vacation (ロングバケーション) is a popular Japanese drama that aired from April 15 to June 24, 1996. It is a romantic comedy that follows the story of Minami, a pianist who has been living with her boyfriend, until she finds out that he has been cheating on her. Devastated, she decides to take a long vacation and moves into an apartment, where she meets Sena, a struggling musician. As Minami and Sena spend time together, they begin to develop feelings for each other, leading to a complicated love triangle.- Original release: April 15 - June 24, 1996
- Genre: Romantic comedy
- Number of episodes: 11
- Main cast: Takenouchi Yutaka, Yamaguchi Tomoko, Sorimachi Takashi
- Director: Hamasaki Hiroshi, Mizuta Naruhide, Others
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516votesThis drama, which aired in 2009, is a historical fantasy about a modern-day doctor who time-travels back to the Edo period. It was a huge success and was followed by a second season.Jin (JIN-仁-) is a popular Japanese drama series based on the manga of the same name. It follows the story of a talented surgeon named Jin Minakata who time-travels from the modern era to the Edo period.
- Genre: Historical drama, Medical drama, Time-travel
- Original network: TBS
- Episodes: 22
- Original run: October 11, 2009 – December 20, 2009
- Based on: Jin manga by Motoka Murakami
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66votes
Good Luck!! (グッドラック！！)
Kentaro OtaniThis drama, which aired in 2003, is about a young woman who becomes a pilot. It was a popular drama among young people and helped to boost interest in aviation in Japan.Good Luck!! (グッドラック！！) is a popular Japanese drama series that aired from 2003 to 2004. It revolves around the challenges and heartwarming stories of airport staff working at the Haneda International Airport in Tokyo. The plot follows the main character, Hajime Shinkai, a passionate and dedicated pilot who starts working for Japan Airlines (JAL) amidst personal and professional obstacles. With its mix of romance, drama, and aviation themes, the series captivated audiences and gained widespread popularity in Japan and internationally.- Original run: April 19, 2003 – June 21, 2003
- Episodes: 10
- Genre: Drama, Romance
- Main cast: Takuya Kimura, Kou Shibasaki, Ryoko Kuninaka
- Network: TBS
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77votesThis drama, which aired in 2014, is about a shinigami (death god) who comes to Earth to learn about human emotions. It was a hit among young people and was praised for its originality.Shinigami-kun (死神くん) is a popular Japanese drama series that aired from April 23 to July 2, 2014. It is based on a manga of the same name by Koichi Endo. The drama follows the story of a Shinigami (death god) named Shinigami-kun, who is sent to the human world to take the souls of people who are about to die. However, he starts questioning his role and ends up saving people's lives instead. The series is known for its mix of comedy, drama, and supernatural elements.
- Genre: Supernatural, Comedy, Drama
- Original release: April 23 - July 2, 2014
- Episodes: 9
- Network: TV Asahi
- Main cast: Mashima Hidekazu, Kiritani Kenta, Fukushi Seiji
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810votesThis drama, which aired in 2015, is about a young woman who starts working at a lingerie company. It was popular among women and was praised for its positive portrayal of working women.Atelier (アンダー・ウェア) is a popular Japanese drama series. It revolves around the story of Mayuko Tokita, a young woman who starts working at Emotion, a lingerie company. As Mayuko navigates the challenges of the fashion industry and learns the art of creating exquisite lingerie, she also discovers her own strengths and passions. The series explores themes of growth, friendship, and the pursuit of one's dreams.
- Original Title: アンダー・ウェア
- Genre: Drama
- Created by: Fuji Television
- Country of Origin: Japan
- Language: Japanese
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95votes
First National Pictures / Warner Bros. · Public domainDoctor X (ドクターX 〜外科医・大門未知子〜)
Makoto HayashiThis drama, which has been airing since 2012, is about a talented surgeon who is called in to help with difficult cases. It has been popular for its fast-paced plot and strong female lead.Doctor X (ドクターX 〜外科医・大門未知子〜) is a popular medical drama series in Japan. It follows the story of a brilliant and unorthodox freelance surgeon named Michiko Daimon, who is known for her exceptional skills and unconventional methods. Despite her incredible talent, Daimon often clashes with the traditional medical establishment and faces various challenges as she strives to provide the best care for her patients.- Original Network: TV Asahi
- First Aired: October 18, 2012
- Genre: Medical drama
- Number of Seasons: 7
- Number of Episodes: 97
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107votes
Hana Yori Dango (花より男子)
Yoko KamioThis drama, which aired in 2005, is based on a manga about a poor girl who attends a prestigious high school and falls in love with the leader of a group of wealthy boys. It was popular not just in Japan, but also in other Asian countries, and helped to launch the careers of its young cast.Hana Yori Dango (花より男子), also known as Boys Over Flowers, is a popular Japanese drama series. It is based on a shojo manga by Yoko Kamio. The story revolves around a poor high school girl named Makino Tsukushi who attends an elite school where she encounters the handsome and wealthy members of the F4, a group of four popular boys. Despite their wealth and status, the F4 boys are known for bullying weaker students. Makino stands up against them and gradually earns their respect and love interests. The drama explores themes of love, friendship, social class, and personal growth in a school setting.- Original Release: December 21, 2005 – June 27, 2007
- Episodes: 9
- Genre: Romantic Comedy
- Network: TBS
- Country of Origin: Japan
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular drama
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Online Streaming and ViewsThe number of views on online streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube is another relevant factor to measure popularity. Many viewers now watch dramas online, so a large number of views on these platforms is a strong indicator of a drama's popularity.
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Social Media EngagementSocial media has become an important platform for promoting and discussing TV dramas. A drama with a large number of dedicated fans and high engagement on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook can be considered popular.
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Actor and Staff PopularityThe popularity of the main actors and production staff can also affect a drama's popularity. If the drama features well-known actors or is produced by a reputed team, it is likely to garner more attention and popularity.
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Critical ReceptionThe opinions of professional critics, as well as viewer ratings on websites like IMDb and MyDramaList, should also be taken into account. A drama with good reviews and high ratings is likely to be more popular.
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Cultural ImpactThe extent to which a drama influences popular culture is another factor to consider. If a drama has had a significant impact on fashion, music, or language, it can be considered highly popular.
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DVD and Blu-ray SalesThe number of DVD and Blu-ray copies sold is another metric that can be used to determine a drama's popularity. Many viewers still purchase physical copies of their favorite dramas, so high sales numbers can indicate popularity.
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Merchandise SalesIf a drama series has generated high merchandise sales, such as collectibles, clothing, and other promotional items, it can be considered popular. A large fanbase usually drives demand for such merchandise.
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Adaptations and Spin-offsDramas that have inspired sequels, spin-offs, or adaptations in other media like manga, novels, or films can be seen as popular, as these adaptations often have a built-in audience from the original drama series.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular drama in Japan. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or drama is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2309 views
- 185 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each drama once every 24 hours. The rank of each drama is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular drama in japan
Japan is known for its rich and diverse culture, from its traditional arts to its modern pop culture phenomena. One of the most beloved forms of entertainment in Japan is drama, a genre that has captured the hearts of audiences both domestically and abroad. Japanese dramas are typically serialized television shows that showcase a wide range of themes, from romance and comedy to action and mystery. With the rise of streaming services and the popularity of Japanese culture around the world, it's no surprise that Japanese dramas have become a global sensation. In this article, we'll explore the most popular dramas in Japan, as voted on by our StrawPoll community.
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