❤️ {Favourite} Romantic & Unique J-Dramas

These Japanese dramas had something special. Unique, heart-warming, quirky or just downright romantic stories that had me scrambling for the next episode.

These picks generally had good pacing throughout, interesting or well-developed characters, cast chemistry and had -- despite any clichés -- well-told stories.

Updated whenever the whim strikes.

Aadia janv. 3, 2021
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  • Hatsukoi

    1. Hatsukoi

    Japanese Drama - 2022, 9 episodes

    10

    What makes this special: The tie-in with Utada Hikaru's music automatically creates a sense of nostalgia and melancholy. Beautifully shot, with interesting non-linear storytelling and the young version of the leads stole the show with their youthful charm.

  • Koi wa Tsuzuku yo Doko Made mo

    2. Koi wa Tsuzuku yo Doko Made mo

    Japanese Drama - 2020, 10 episodes

    10

    Nanase Sakura fell in love with the caring Doctor Tendo at first sight. For a chance to meet him again she spends the next 5 years becoming a nurse, only to be immediately rejected by a cold Doctor Tendo who is nothing like she remembered. 

    Despite the setback in love, she is determined to improve herself and become the competent nurse that she dreams to be. Through her determination, Doctor Tendo might see something special in her...

    What makes this special: The romance is well balanced with the heartfelt storylines revolving around patients, and her journey to be a better nurse. A well-rounded rom-com.

  • 30Sai made Doteida to Mahotsukai ni Narerurashi

    3. 30Sai made Doteida to Mahotsukai ni Narerurashi

    Japanese Drama - 2020, 12 episodes

    9.5

    What makes this special: The humorous reactions at the absurd circumstance he finds himself in.

  • Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu

    4. Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu

    Japanese Drama - 2016, 11 episodes

    9.0

    What makes this special:  A look at the role of a wife through a relationship based on logical communication and mutual understanding. The actors later married in real life, so you know the chemistry is there. 

  • Kimi wa Petto

    5. Kimi wa Petto

    Japanese Drama - 2003, 10 episodes

    9.0

    After a series of setbacks, a recently dumped career woman finds a younger man injured in a cardboard box outside her home. Taking pity on him, she takes him in. His warmth and peppy nature reminds her of her childhood dog, and he's more than happy to listen to her troubles like a good pet...

    What makes this special:  An unconventional relationship that makes you ask yourself what kind of love really matters to you. This drama was thoughtful and provocative, the characters were realistically flawed (and perfectly cast) and the message was mature and healing. 

  • Hajimete Koi wo Shita Hi ni Yomu Hanashi

    6. Hajimete Koi wo Shita Hi ni Yomu Hanashi

    Japanese Drama - 2019, 10 episodes

    9.0
  • Hana Yori Dango

    7. Hana Yori Dango

    Japanese Drama - 2005, 9 episodes

    9.0
  • Okitegami Kyoko no Biboroku

    8. Okitegami Kyoko no Biboroku

    Japanese Drama - 2015, 10 episodes

    9.0

    What makes this special:  The mystery-of-the-week format, the brilliant deductions from a quirky female detective, and the unconditional love of a smitten "Watson".

  • Chugakusei Nikki

    9. Chugakusei Nikki

    Japanese Drama - 2018, 11 episodes

    8.5
  • You and I on the G-String

    10. You and I on the G-String

    Japanese Drama - 2019, 10 episodes

    8.5

    3 individuals from different walks of life connect through a violin class. 

    What makes this special:  You'll fall in love with the found-family that they form as they help eachother through the rough patches.

  • Kanojo wa Kirei datta

    11. Kanojo wa Kirei datta

    Japanese Drama - 2021, 10 episodes

    8.5

    What makes this special:  If you're familiar with the original Kdrama (or it's various remakes), it takes the best parts of the source and delivers a cute, well paced, well-balanced career and romance drama that Jdramas are so good at.

  • Promise Cinderella

    12. Promise Cinderella

    Japanese Drama - 2021, 10 episodes

    8.5
  • Watashitachi wa Douka Shiteiru

    13. Watashitachi wa Douka Shiteiru

    Japanese Drama - 2020, 8 episodes

    8.0

    What makes this special:  Intense and passionate, and an interesting introduction to the world of Japanese candy creation.

  • Shanai Marijjihani

    14. Shanai Marijjihani

    Japanese Drama - 2020, 7 episodes

    8.0

    What makes this special:  A female lead well aware of her cute charms and not afraid to hide it.

  • Last Cinderella

    15. Last Cinderella

    Japanese Drama - 2013, 11 episodes

    9.0
  • Koidesu! Yanki-kun to Shiro Tsue Garu

    16. Koidesu! Yanki-kun to Shiro Tsue Garu

    Japanese Drama - 2021, 10 episodes

    8.0
  • Kamisama no Ekohiiki

    17. Kamisama no Ekohiiki

    Japanese Drama - 2022, 8 episodes

    8.0
  • Konin Todoke Nihan wo Oshita Dakedesuga

    18. Konin Todoke Nihan wo Oshita Dakedesuga

    Japanese Drama - 2021, 10 episodes

    7.5

    What makes this special:  An atypical male lead, awkward and unaware of social cues, makes for thoughtful social commentary of "what is love?".

  • Todome no Parallel

    19. Todome no Parallel

    Japanese Drama - 2018, 10 episodes

    9.0

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