11 New Japanese Dramas for You to Watch in 2024

The Tawara family seems just like any other family on the outside. Souichi, the dad, has been running the family's sake business for a long time. But he's worried because it looks like there's no one to take over after him. His three kids, Haru, Nagi, and Riku, don't seem interested in the business.

Haru, the oldest since his brother died six years ago, is the family's main hope. But he's more into his job filling vending machines. Nagi, his younger sister, is in college, and the youngest, Riku, is still pretty young. Haru lives with his mom and grandma.

What most people don't know is the Tawaras are the last of a ninja clan. They started living as normal people after a family member named Gaku died tragically.

When a group starts causing trouble for the country, the government turns to the Tawaras for help. They don't want to at first, but they end up agreeing to help with the mission.

Imagine a ghostly submarine emerging from the depths of the sea, not to attack, but to declare their independence. This is the backstory of The Silent Service: The Battle of Tokyo Bay, a captivating narrative that blends science fiction and political intrigue.

In this story, a Japanese Self-Defence Force (MSDF) submarine collides with a US nuclear submarine, causing the tragic deaths of 76 crew members, including its commander, Shiro Kaieda. Surprisingly, the MSDF crew survived.

However, the collision was just a cover to transfer them to the Seabat, a nuclear submarine secretly developed by the Japanese and US governments. Kaieda, the commander, secretly armed the Seabat with nuclear missiles and staged a bold rebellion, escaping with the submarine.

By establishing the independent nation of Yamato on board, Kaieda seeks to forge an alliance with Japan, triggering tensions between the United States and Japan and potentially sparking a new war.

Watari Hirokuni (Shunya Kaneko) is an office worker who is very stressed. His health is getting worse because he can't eat or sleep well. Then, he faints on the street and meets Kai Fukaya (Kota Nomura), an old friend from childhood.

Kai, who doesn't have a home, ends up living with Hiro. He starts cooking tasty meals to help Hiro feel better.

They try to live a normal life together, but face challenges, especially after Kai tells Hiro he is attracted to men. Even more surprising is a promise Kai makes, reminding Hiro of their childhood promise to get married.

This film shows how Hiro's lonely life gets brighter and warmer with Kai around. As they discover themselves and their love, the audience also gets to see the healing process and enjoy the delicious food Kai makes.

Tamura Takuro (Watanabe Shota) is a 27-year-old art teacher who's really liked by his students. One of them is Yayoi Kijima (Hayashi Meari), a girl who doesn’t have much excitement or goals in life. Takuro notices Yayoi's talent and encourages her to join the art club.

Yayoi starts to feel something special for her teacher because of the attention he gives her. But then, she finds out a secret about Takuro that breaks her heart. It all comes out when she finds his sketchbook.

The sketches are of a woman Yayoi doesn’t know. This woman is Yumiko Naito (Kita Kana), Takuro's Japanese teacher and homeroom teacher from when he was 17 and in high school. Takuro had secretly been in love with her.

This drama, named "Sensei Sayonara" just like the manga it’s based on by Yasuko, was shown on NTV in January 2024. It looks at Takuro's love life now and back then. What’s next for this teacher-student love story?

Yuri Motomiya (Fumi Nikaido) can hear people's thoughts just by looking at them. But she doesn't think it's a gift; it feels more like a curse. Tired of always hearing secret thoughts, the 30-year-old has closed herself off, even from love.

But life has other plans. Yuri meets Yoon Te-O (Chae Jong Hyeop), a 26-year-old student from Korea with a warm smile. To her surprise, when she looks into his eyes, she hears a voice she can't understand - it's in Korean.

Not understanding Te-O's thoughts sparks Yuri's curiosity. She starts to think about what he might be feeling. Could Yuri actually fall for someone whose heart is a mystery to her? Watch "Eye Love You" to follow this special love story that's both clever and packed with emotions!

In the Japanese drama "Although I Love You, and You?" or Sukiyanen Kedo Do Yaro ka, the owner of a charming restaurant in Osaka falls in love at first sight. Sakae Matsumoto is known for making delicious food that makes his customers both happy and full.

One day, an office worker who just started working in Osaka visits his restaurant. Sakae falls for him right away. But the man, Soga Hishahi, has just gotten divorced and is looking to start over. Sakae wonders if he has a chance to win his heart.

This drama is based on a popular manga by Chiba Ryoko. "Although I Love You, and You?" is more than just a love story. It's about Sakae and Soga's relationship, but also has strong characters and an interesting plot.

Fans of light-hearted stories and BL (Boys' Love) will enjoy this show. It's a mix of tasty food, fun moments, and a unique story.

Itsuki Harumoto (Yuuka Sugai) is a 27-year-old worker at Dynamic Dream, a video game company. He gets to lead a big project between Japan and China. He's surprised to find out that the boss of the other company is Fuyu Hayashi (Yurika Nakamura), who he dated back in college.

Itsuki ended things with Fuyu on his own and has since focused only on his job. He hasn't had another serious relationship and keeps his personal life private.

Now, Itsuki has to face Fuyu again. She's ambitious and wants revenge. Itsuki needs to confront his past and his unresolved feelings for her.

"Chaser Game W" is a love story with lots of twists and surprises. Like many Japanese dramas, it's based on a manga. This one is by Hiroshi Matsuyama and Yukitaro Matsuyama, with the same title.

"The Gift of Your Heart" is set in Nagasaki and tells a touching love story. Ame Aihara (played by Mei Nagano) is a high school girl who often gets bullied because of her unusual name. The only person who talks to her is Taiyo Asano (Yuki Yamada), a kind senior who also happens to be the boy she secretly likes.

After high school, Ame moves to Tokyo to follow her dream of becoming a cake maker, leaving without confessing her feelings to Taiyo. Eight years later, she returns to Nagasaki and meets Taiyo again, which brings back her old feelings.

However, their reunion takes an unexpected turn when Taiyo is in an accident right in front of Ame. As Taiyo lies close to death, a mysterious man offers Ame a "miracle" to save him. The cost is significant – Ame's own heart. Faced with this choice, Ame must decide what to do. What will happen between her and Taiyo?

Soichi Haruta (Kei Tanaka) and Ryota Maki (Kento Hayashi), the beloved couple from Ossan's Love, are back with a new story! Maki has left Singapore to start a new life with Haruta in Japan. But, they're finding it hard to keep up with their busy work and home life.

They decide to hire a household assistant to help out. Surprisingly, it's Musashi Kurosawa (Kotaro Yoshida), Haruta's former boss who was once involved in a love triangle with both of them.

Will this stir up old romantic feelings? Or will Haruta and Maki keep their relationship strong in this tricky situation?

Ossan's Love Returns is the latest installment in the Ossan's Love series. The drama, from 2024, is directed by Yuki Saito, Toichiro Ruto, and Daisuke Yamamoto.