The genre of J-dramas is now seeing newfound glory after Netflix and Disney+, among other popular international streaming platforms, announced interesting titles that initially catapulted with shows like Alice In Borderland.
Being shorter than regular Korean or Chinese dramas, Japanese dramas are quick to watch with an average of 10 to 12 episodes per season. This month there are a large number of Japanese dramas releasing and they all come from different genres like romance, comedy, historical, mystery and thriller.
We have shortlisted some of the best Japanese titles releasing this month. Here is a list of the most exciting J-dramas to watch in January 2024.
Ossan’s Love Returns
Release Date: January 5
Genre: Comedy, Gay Romance
Episodes: 10
Network: TV Asahi
Plot: The show follows the story of Haruta Soichi and Maki Ryota, who return from Singapore, and start living together as newlyweds. However, work and personal life struggles become too much for the couple which forces them to seek domestic help.
The person who shows up as the domestic help is an old friend increasing the chances of a love triangle blossoming.
Kesenai “Watashi”: Fukushu no Rensa
Release Date: January 6
Genre: Mystery, Drama
Episodes: 10
Network: NTV
Plot: The show is an entertaining revenge drama that follows Haibara Shoko, an ordinary high school girl who vows revenge after all of her family and friends are taken from her. Shoko is an ordinary high school girl who turns into an internet celebrity after appearing in a beauty streamer’s video.
This fact does not sit well with Shoko’s jealous classmates who trap and film her being assaulted. The video goes viral and is spread across the internet – making her a target of hate.Â
Hikaru Kimi e
Release Date: January 7
Genre: Period, Drama
Episodes: 40
Network: NHK
Plot: This period drama is the 63rd work of NHK Taiga Drama and follows the life of Murasaki Shikibu, a Japanese female poet who wrote “Tale of Hikaru Genji”. This story is set in the mid-Heian period.
Kimi ga Kokoro wo Kuretakara
Release Date: January 8
Genre: Romance, Fantasy
Episodes: 10
Network: Fuji TV
Plot: This upcoming drama follows a high school student, Aihara Ame who isn’t confident in herself due to her past. Asano Taiyo, Ame’s classmate was the only person who talked to her brightly. However, moving to Tokyo after graduation makes Ame see her life positively for the first time.
She goes on with her life without telling Taiyo about her true feelings only to return to her hometown 8 years later, where she gets a second chance at romance.
Chaser Game W: Power Harassment
Release Date: January 8
Genre: Romance, Lesbian Romance
Episodes: N/A
Network: TV Tokyo
Plot: The show follows the story of a game development company employee and her boss, who happens to be her ex-girlfriend.
Living no Matsunaga-san
Release Date: January 9
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Episodes: 10
Network: Fuji TV, Kansai TV
Plot: The drama follows the story of Miko Sonoda, a high school student who is forced to live at her uncle’s boarding house. However, before she can arrive there, Miko is already met with a bad omen and suspects someone following her! Eventually, Miko learns that she will be living with five unique adults, including the harmless man she accused of stalking her.Â
Patisserie Mon
Release Date: January 11
Genre: Romance, Drama
Episodes: 10
Network: TV Tokyo
Plot: The story follows the growth of Yamazaki Otome, a young girl lacking experience in love, who utilizes her hobby of making sweets to work at Patisserie MON, a French pastry shop.
Kanojo to Kareshi no Akarui Mirai
Release Date: January 11
Genre: Manga-based, Fantasy
Episodes: 10
Network: MBS, TVK
Plot: This drama narrates the story of an elementary school teacher, Aoyama Ichiro who leads a dull and mundane life. Things take a drastic turn for him when he meets his extraordinary girlfriend, Sasaki Yukika, who he feels is too good for him.
After learning the truth about Yukika’s past, Ichiro begins to doubt her. Can he now accept and love everything about this girl, whom he had originally thought to be super pure?
Idol Shikkaku
Release Date: January 13
Genre: Musical, Romance
Episodes: 12
Network: BS Shochiku Tokyu
Plot: The show narrates a tale of a forbidden romance between an idol and an otaku (obsessive fan) who has serious feelings for her. Onodera Mimika, a second-year high school student who is the center member of the increasingly popular idol group Tetra has concerns regarding her future.
Her fan Keita shares some words of wisdom with Mimika that deeply resonate with the idol. Now as she often crosses paths with him, the barrier between an idol and a fan starts blurring.
Great Gift
Release Date: January 18
Genre: Medical, Mystery
Episodes: N/A
Network: TV Asahi
Plot: This original medical murder mystery surrounds an unknown killer coccus (bacteria), that leaves no trace in the victim’s body, which enables it to be used as the perfect weapon to kill.Â
Ao Haru Ride Season 2
Release Date: January 19
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Episodes: 6
Network: WOWOW
Plot: N/A
Meguru Mirai
Release Date: January 19
Genre: Thriller, Mystery
Episodes: 10
Network: NTV, YTV
Plot: The drama follows Meguru and Mirai, a happy couple who are struck with tragedy after Meguru falls down the emergency stairs at her workplace and dies on the day of her 18th Wedding Anniversary. Mirai, overwhelmed by sadness, develops a mysterious illness as a result, which is triggered due to fluctuations in his emotions. Mirai is mysteriously sent back to the past where he has a second chance at saving his wife.
Ai no Nai Koibitotachi
Release Date: January 21
Genre: Period, Drama
Episodes: N/A
Network: ABC, TV Asahi
Plot: This drama is a love story surrounding 7 people in their thirties, who have distanced themselves from love for various reasons.
Eye Love You
Release Date: January 23
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Episodes: 10
Network: TBS
Plot: This drama follows the story of Motomiya Yuri who meets with an accident after which she can hear other people’s inner voices when she looks into their eyes. Due to these telepathic abilities, Yuri hears people’s true feelings that she often does not want to know which gets her hurt.
One day, Yuri meets Yoon Tae-oh, a younger Korean student. who has a bright and friendly personality. However, Yuri is only able to hear his true feelings in his native language – Korean. Will Tae-oh’s bright and straightforward presence melt Yuri’s closed heart, which is unable to reveal her true feelings?
Tsukuritai Onna to Tabetai Onna Season 2
Release Date: January 29
Genre: Food, Romance
Episodes: 20
Network: NHK
Plot: N/A
Which Japanese drama are you most looking forward to in January? Which do you think could become the best of 2024? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!