Are you excited for the upcoming release of Last Samurai Standing? Netflix’s catalog is rich with intriguing content from the Far East—not just Korea, but Japan as well. TV series from the Land of the Rising Sun are multiplying, giving rise to the term “J-Drama.”
And we’re not just talking about anime or manga adaptations—these are stories brought to life by talented actors. In this article, we focus exclusively on live-action TV series. Of course, a selection was necessary, so here are the 12 best Japanese series on Netflix, complete with trailers and synopses.
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Glass Heart
The protagonist, Akane Saijo (Yū Miyazaki), is a gifted student and drummer whose world comes crashing down when she’s abruptly kicked out of her band just before their debut. Life feels out of tune—until Naoki Fujitani (Takeru Satoh) steps in. Known as the “Mozart of Rock,” he sees a spark in Akane and invites her to join his new band, TENBLANK.
Alongside guitarist Sho (Keita Machida) and pianist Kazushi (Jun Shison), Akane embarks on a musical journey that challenges both their talent and their hearts. Rivalries with the band OVER CHROME, the tension between passion and fame, and the twists of personal relationships create a symphony of hope, struggle, and triumph.
Watch on Netflix
Alice in Borderland
Often called the Japanese answer to Squid Game, Alice in Borderland follows Arisu, a former unemployed university student who escapes into his greatest passion—video games. Suddenly, he and his friends Chōta and Karube are thrust into a dystopian Tokyo where survival depends on wit, courage, and strategy. Based on Haro Asō’s manga, the series blends action and psychological tension, keeping viewers on edge as the trio faces life-or-death games to restore civilization.
Critics and audiences alike have praised the show for its faithful adaptation and Shinsuke Sato’s spectacular direction. On Rotten Tomatoes, Alice in Borderland holds 85% positive critic reviews and 90% audience approval. Season 3 is on the way.
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Asura
Asura takes us to Tokyo in 1979, where the seemingly perfect lives of four sisters are upended by a shocking revelation: their elderly father is having a secret affair. This discovery sets off a chain reaction, uncovering repressed emotions, long-standing family tensions, and secrets that have remained buried for decades. Against the backdrop of a city caught between post-war modernization and enduring traditions, Asura offers a deep, intimate look at family dynamics and the fragility of appearances.
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The Days
March 11, 2011. A massive earthquake strikes off the coast of Japan, unleashing a tsunami with waves up to 14 meters high. The disaster escalates into an unprecedented crisis at the Fukushima nuclear plant. The series tells the harrowing story from three perspectives: the government, corporate organizations, and the brave individuals on site who risked everything to prevent further catastrophe.
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Junji Ito Maniac
A chilling manga series brought to life, Junji Ito Maniac adapts some of the most macabre stories from the master of horror manga. Across twelve episodes, the anthology explores dark themes—bullying, suicide, betrayal, curses, and sinister spells. Each episode tells a distinct tale, from the supernatural to the grotesque, delving deep into human fears, obsessions, and the unsettling corners of the imagination.
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Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House
Two inseparable friends move to Kyoto to chase their dream of becoming maiko, apprentice geishas. Though their paths diverge, their bond remains unbroken, a deep symbiosis that guides them through the challenges of their new life. Across nine episodes in the first (and so far only) season, the story follows Kiyo, who becomes a Makanai—the house cook supporting the young maiko in Kyoto’s vibrant geisha district—bringing warmth, care, and a touch of everyday magic to their world.
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Ariyoshi Assists
Hiroiki Ariyoshi — Japan’s most famous comedian — plays himself in a quirky reality comedy series where amateurs audition in hosting, dance, singing, acting and more. What emerges is a delightfully bizarre and hilarious episodic show. Ariyoshi steps back to become the bewildered assistant while a rotating cast of celebrities take the spotlight in his variety show.
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Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories
Open from midnight to 7 a.m., a small Japanese restaurant attracts a diverse crowd of customers, food lovers served by the Master Chef, while they share their personal stories and lives. Preparing dishes on customers’ requests, the Master creates an intimate environment where life, love, and daily challenges stories intertwine. The series has been praised for its authentic portrayal of Japanese urban life and human relationships.
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Gudetama
In this semi-animated series, a sweet egg named Gudetama embarks on an extraordinary journey together with the chick Shakipiyo to find his mother. With his apathetic and laid-back attitude, the lazy anthropomorphic egg yolk Gudetama faces everyday situations with a mix of humor and philosophy, offering a unique perspective on modern life.
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The Naked Director
The Naked Director is a semi-biographical story of director Toru Muranishi who, through various events, makes a name for himself in the porn industry for his revolutionary visions that “expose” Japan’s most lurid desires and sexual taboos. The series, over two seasons, explores his rise in the field, the controversies and challenges he faced, offering a glimpse into Japanese society of the time and its cultural transformations.
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The Many Faces of Ito
Rio Yazaki is a screenwriter short on ideas who, to find inspiration for her next series, pretends to be a dispenser of love advice based on the success of her stories. The series follows the screenwriter seeking inspiration, tricking four women in love into telling her their love stories under the guise of offering romantic advice. She uses these stories to write a new script but discovers lessons on life and love in the process.
Meeting different women who share their problems, she gets to know four in particular, all said to be in love with a man named Ito. What will happen?
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First Love
Inspired by the song of the same name by Hikaru Utada, two young people fall in love in high school. But time passes and separates them: both take different paths and pursue different lives. Destiny, however, wants them to meet again. The plot explores themes of nostalgia, personal growth, and the challenges of relationships over time, offering a reflection on the impact of first love in people’s lives.
Watch on Netflix
