There are a wide range of Japanese dramas releasing in the second half of 2023 making July a rather packed month for the genre. The genre of J-dramas is now seeing newfound glory after Netflix, among other popular international streaming platforms, has announced some interesting titles that will be dropping Japanese TV shows throughout 2023.
Being shorter than regular Korean or Chinese dramas, Japanese dramas are quick to watch with an average of 10 to 12 episodes per season. From romance to comedy to thriller and slice of life, here is a list of the most exciting J-dramas to watch in July of 2023.
Code
Release Date: July 2nd
Genre: Action, Thriller
Episodes: 10
Network: NTV, YTV
Plot: Based on the Taiwanese drama series CODE, Code is a crime-suspense drama that follows the story of Detective Ninomiya Minato who uses a mysterious app called CODE.
The app promises to grant any wishes of its users and Ninomiya Minato uses the app to uncover the truth behind the death of his fiancé. Shiina Kazuki is a freelancer reporter investigating the mystery behind the app.
Wash My Heart! Season 2 (Minato Coin Laundry Season 2)
Release Date: July 6th
Genre: Romance, BL Drama
Episodes: 10
Network: TV Tokyo
Plot: This show is a sequel that follows the story of Akira Minato, a man running his grandfather’s laundromat. He finds his relationship with Shintaro Katsuki facing unexpected challenges after three months of bliss.
On the other hand, Asuka and Hiiragi’s budding romance takes a complicated turn. The season follows the two couples going through the various trials and tribulations of their respective relationships!
Hatsukoi, Zarari
Release Date: July 8th
Genre: Romance, Drama
Episodes: 10
Network: TV Tokyo
Plot: Adapted from the manga series by Zaku Zakuro, this show follows Ueto Arisa, a young woman with a mild intellectual disability and autism, and her boss Okamura Ryuji. Arisa is burdened due to her difficulties in coping with her surroundings and struggles when it comes to interacting with others.
Arisa is tormented by her inability to be ordinary like other people and struggles to see the value in her life. Ryuji does his best to treat Arisa with nothing but love and concern, and in the process of accepting her, faces up to his own inferiority complex through his relationship with her.
The Neighbor of Healing Has a Secret
Release Date: July 8th
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Episodes: 10
Network: NTV
Plot: The show follows the story of Yomogida Fujiko, an ordinary 24-year-old office worker who lives a simple life, in an old apartment. Her family is poor which makes her work hard to send money back to her parents’ house. One day, Fujiko discovers a handsome and eligible bachelor who moves in next door.
The man in question is Nishina Souma, who works for an elite company. The two of them begin to share a relationship where they spend time on their respective balconies, drinking together and making conversation. But Souma actually has a secret: he has been stalking Fujiko for the last four years.
18/40: Futari nara Yume mo Koi mo
Release Date: July 11th
Genre: Romance, Slice of Life, Drama
Episodes: 10
Network: TBS
Plot: The show follows the story of Nakagawa Arisu, a high schooler who lost her mother at the young age of 11 years. Now at 18, Arisu lives along with her father who works as a firefighter. She dreams of working overseas as a curator, but her life suddenly takes an unexpected turn when she falls pregnant.
On the other hand, Naruse Toko is almost forty years old and works in the world of art, building connections between art and business. Naruse Toko is dedicated to her work and thus hasn’t been in a relationship in a long time. A sudden encounter between the two women changes both of their lives.
Our Fake Marriage
Release Date: July 11th
Genre: Romance, Manga Adaptation
Episodes: 10
Network: Fuji TV, KTV
Plot: The show, also known as Usokon follows the story of Natsume Takumi, the president of a design company who is popular with women. Sendou Yae, a contract worker, and his childhood friend who has recently just lost her job and her home.
After the two reunite as adults, they decide to enter a fake marriage contract for 6 months for their own personal interests. Unbeknownst to Yae, however, she is actually Takumi’s first love, and during the time of their fake marriage, he pursues a goal to make her fall for him.
Burn the House Down
Release Date: July 13th
Genre: Action, Thriller
Episodes: 10
Network: Netflix
Plot: The show is based on a manga sporting the same name, following the story of Murata Anzu, a young woman who infiltrates the house of the wealthy Mitarai in order to reclaim a life that was once stolen from her.
She is hired as a housekeeper by Mitarai Makiko, the beautiful second wife of Mr Mitarai. In her position, Murata undertakes a personal mission to uncover the real truth behind the shocking fire that burned the house down 13 years prior.
The Best Teacher: 1 Year Later
Release Date: July 15th
Genre: Suspense, School
Episodes: 10
Network: NTV
Plot: The show follows the story of a chemistry teacher, Kujou Rina is pushed from the 4th floor by one of her 30 students on the day of the graduation ceremony. However, when she regains consciousness, she finds herself one year in the past before the incident occurred. In order to change her fate, she decides to face the class once more to figure out the culprit behind her murder.
The Devil of Changing Jobs
Release Date: July 17th
Genre: Slice of Life, Drama
Episodes: 10
Network: KTV
Plot: The show follows the story of Kurusu Arashi, a career advisor who works for the agency Shepherd Career. He’s earned the nickname ‘the devil of changing jobs’ as he’s someone known for speaking harsh truths that guarantee to break the hearts of aspiring job seekers.
On the other hand, Hitsujitani Chiharu, who left her job at a major advertising company just three years after graduating, meets Kurusu Arashi when she visits his agency in her search for a new job.
Their Crime
Release Date: July 21st 2023
Genre: Thriller, Mystery
Episodes: 10
Network: NTV YTV
Plot: The investigative drama follows the story of three women – Himura Mayumi, Jinno Yukari, and Kumazawa Riko – who all have different backgrounds but seem to have no connections between themselves. However, a missing woman’s case brings the three women together and their hidden secrets are revealed as the case is being investigated.
Himura Mayumi is 32 years old and single and wants to get married to escape from her single boring life that revolves around work. On the other hand, Himura Mayumi longs to experience ordinary happiness while Jinno Yukari is a 34-year-old housewife who is lonely because her husband treats her like a housemaid and she doesn’t have anyone around whom she can trust.
Knockin’ on Locked Door
Release Date: July 29th 2023
Genre: Detective, Mystery
Episodes: N/A
Network: TV Asahi
Plot: The upcoming drama follows the life of Katanashi Hisame and Gotenba Tori, two detectives who work in the agency “Knockin’ on Locked Door.” Hisame uses his common sense to specialise in the motives of why a crime is committed, while the “quirky” Toru specialises in solving the methods of how the crime was carried out.
While they both excel in their own specialities, they are equally lost when it comes to each other’s areas of expertise. Partners and rivals at the same time, together they collaborate to form a perfect duo who tackle the challenge of solving the most difficult cases.
Which Japanese drama are you most looking forward to in the month of July? Which do you think could become the best of 2023? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!