Hello friends! After our tour of the Middle Kingdom with Chinese series, today we’re hopping across the ocean to the “Land of the Rising Sun.” Let me tell you, Japanese content is just as amazing! If you love mind-bending plots, intense dramas, or soft Japanese-style romances, you’re going to love this. We’ve curated a “best of the best” list covering every genre from comedy to total tear-jerkers—plus, you can level up your Japanese skills at the same time!
🕵️ Mystery Thriller: On the edge of your seat
If you love using your brain and live for life-changing plot twists, you need to check these out:
MIU404: A mobile investigative unit police duo on a mission to solve cases within 24 hours. The chemistry between the two leads is incredible; it’s so fun you won’t be able to stop watching.
The Fable: A legendary hitman who has to live like a normal person and is forbidden from killing anyone for a year. The wit and action scenes are top-tier.
Lesson in Murder: A story about a teacher and a haunting murder case. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, this is the one for you.
Alice in Borderland: We can’t not mention this one! A deadly game where lives are at stake. The production is world-class and it’s so intense you’ll forget to breathe.
💧 Drama Tear-jerkers: Keep a pack of tissues ready
Prepare your heart, because Japan really knows how to make us cry:
MOTHER: A heartbreaking story of a teacher who decides to “kidnap” her student to protect them from abuse. Truly gut-wrenching.
Silent: A series that warmed hearts worldwide while being incredibly sad. It’s about a first love reunited on a day when he can no longer hear.
First Love: Hatsukoi: Inspired by Utada Hikaru’s famous song, the cinematography is dreamlike. No matter how many times you watch it, you’ll end up in tears.
Tomorrow, I Will Date With Yesterday’s You: A romance with a very unique plot where the timelines of two people run in opposite directions. Prepare yourself because your heart will be completely shattered.
🌸 Heartwarming Coming of Age: Healing for those tiring days
From Me to You (Kimi ni Todoke): The story of “Sawako,” a shy girl feared by her classmates, and the most popular guy in school. It’s a very innocent and pure love story.
Kotaro Lives Alone: A 5-year-old boy who rents an apartment and lives by himself. It’s funny, touching, and really makes you think about the meaning of family.
Erased: Traveling back in time to fix the past to save friends and a mother. The plot is solid and deeply moving.
🤖 Sci-Fi Creative Ideas: How do they come up with this!
Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes: A low-budget film with a high-concept idea! When a TV screen in a cafe shows the future two minutes in advance, chaos ensues.
AI Amok: When an AI system managing human lives glitches and decides to eliminate “unnecessary” humans, the struggle for survival in a high-tech world begins.
🎓 How to get better at Japanese by watching movies/series? (Tips from SPU students)
Besides the enjoyment, you can turn your fandom into knowledge with these simple techniques:
- Turn on Japanese English/Thai Subtitles: For those with some basics, try listening to the audio while reading Japanese subs. It helps you memorize Kanji and sentence structures much faster.
- Note down frequently heard words: Series often feature everyday slang that isn’t taught in textbooks. Jot them down to use when chatting with Japanese friends to sound more natural.
- Practice Shadowing: Try repeating the sentences the characters say, focusing on their tone and emotion. This will help your accent sound just like a native speaker.
Whether you’re into action, drama, or romance, watching Japanese series and movies is a great way to relax after a long week of studying. (Plus, it helps you stick to your Pomodoro sessions longer when you have a reward waiting at the end of the day!)
If you haven’t entered the world of Japanese content yet, pick something from this list—you won’t be disappointed. For the fans out there, if you have any other recommendations, feel free to comment and let us know! I’m off to re-watch Alice in Borderland one more time. Bye!~