20 best Japanese films of recent years: part 1

Although Japanese cinema is often associated with colorful anime, dramas from the Land of the Rising Sun are also very popular. Emotional oriental series especially attract the attention of girls, while boys prefer to be fascinated by fantasy and samurai stories. Our selection includes the best Japanese dramas of various genres – from sentimental melodramas to exciting action movies.

Sanctuary (2023)

---

The new movie tells the story of a young man named Kiyoshi, who is forced to take up sumo because of his parents’ unbearable debts. He was promised impressive fees for participating in official tournaments. Unfortunately, the hero does not like this sport at all and has no desire to respect the old traditions, which causes problems. Will he be able to overcome himself and change?

First Love (2022)

---

The new Japanese drama introduces viewers to Yae and Harumita. They were very fond of each other when they were high school students, but after graduation they had to break up. The girl entered a prestigious university and intended to build an impressive career, while the boy joined the army. Twenty years have passed and soon they will meet again.

My Love Mix-Up! (2021)

---

This new drama is set in a Japanese high school. A modest boy Aoki Sota has long been in love with his classmate Mio Hashimoto, but he does not find the strength to admit it and ask her to date him. One day, he takes an eraser from her and notices that another boy’s name is scrawled on it. The situation becomes more complicated when Ida Kosuke begins to think that Aoki likes him.

Alice in Borderland (2020)

---

Rehei Aris, unemployed, spends most of his time immersed in computer games. His father does not approve of this idle lifestyle, and after another fight, the young man decides to leave home. He meets his gamer friends and decides to spend time together in the city, but their joint adventure mysteriously turns into a game of survival. One day, a strange fireworks display is heard in Tokyo, and the whole city is devastated. Gradually, the boys realize that they are in a fascinating quest in virtual reality, where their own lives become the main prize.

The Naked Director (2019)

---

The new Japanese fascinating series based on real events tells the story of porn director Toru Muranishi. His unique creativity in the 80s of the last century in the field of spicy cinema, known as pin-up, caused a real stir and became the basis of a new oriental subgenre of erotic art. A talented Japanese director decides not only to take off his clothes, but also to get rid of the excesses in his life. He quits his hated job, divorces his unfaithful wife, and boldly sets out in search of creative achievements, presenting shocking new works of cinema to the audience.

A Story To Read On The Day You’ve Fell In Love (2019)

---

In her youth, Harumi dreamed of entering the prestigious Todai University, but she failed to pass the exams. Over time, she became a teacher at a school where a rebellious teenager’s behavior made the teacher remember her old ambitions. Harumi decides to help her student prepare for admission to Todai, but her full immersion in her work is hindered by the appearance of a former classmate.

Miss Sherlock (2018)

---

One of the most prominent detective series in Japan is a TV series about the adventures of a legendary detective. Sarah Shelley Futaba has excellent observation and attention to detail, and her phenomenal memory and analytical mind make it easy to solve complex cases. In her investigations, she receives help from a brilliant military surgeon, Wato Tachibana, who has recently returned from a war zone.

Scum’s Wish (2017)

---

Hanabi is secretly and hopelessly in love with a courageous teacher, but she carefully hides her romantic feelings from others. At the same time, Mugi cannot imagine his life without the sophisticated teacher and is also secretly infatuated with her to the point of madness. A common unrequited love unites these young people, and others consider them an ideal couple. Mugi and Hanabi enter into a strange alliance, playing the role of a couple in love. However, this leads to unpredictable consequences.

Erased (2017)

---

This fascinating Japanese drama tells the story of a talented comic book creator who is going through a creative crisis. The protagonist, Satoru, is forced to work in a delivery service while waiting for his muse to return, but he prefers to avoid socializing with people. He skillfully hides his amazing gift of time travel. During one of his random journeys, Satoru learns about a tragedy that happened many years ago. Determined to use his gift for good, he decides to travel back in time to prevent a brutal crime.

Samurai Gourmet (2017)

---

The funny oriental series will be a great remedy for the blues and an easy way to enjoy a lighthearted drama. The protagonist, Takeshi, retires and begins to rediscover life, people around him and new gastronomic pleasures. Reading historical opuses about samurai, he is inspired to become a fearless warrior. The newfound self-confidence helps Takeshi to invent various culinary recipes to delight his beloved wife with exquisite dishes.

Read more:

• 20 best Japanese films of recent years: part 2