Best Japanese Dramas of 2019

2019 has been great for Japanese drama when I thought the 2018 lineup is strong, 2019 is even better. As you probably know the genres in Jdramas is very diverse and in this year there are many good dramas that cater to people who have different taste. Do you like comfy slice of life? Are you a fan of job oriented dramas? Do thought-provoking plots fascinate you? Are you a fan of the Japanese style of comedy? Do you love romance? Or maybe, is fan service type of romance is what you are looking for? There are probably more I forgot to mention, but all I want to say is 2019 is indeed great for Jdramas, and this article I share what dramas I think highlight aspects that make Japanese dramas great, the best Japanese drama of 2019.

Before you continue reading the article, make sure you understand that this is a personal opinion. It is okay to disagree, just don't be disagreeable. You can also comment your own list and if I haven't watched it I look at it as your recommendation.

Personally, when watching a drama, I always look for something new, so cliché is a big no for me unless it is entertaining. I also love thought-provoking plots and different methods of storytelling. Theme is also important, and it's the main reason why I stick to Jdramas as themes in Jdramas are always bigger than the plot, but more than themes it's the execution that really matters. Having said that, you could probably tell I'm not a fan of romance since cliché is more prevalent in that genre, but I'll include them in the notable mention not because I think they are great but because there are people who are into this type of genre. I want this article to be as helpful as possible to all, and not just to those who have similar tastes as me.

1. Saka no Tochu no Ie (坂の途中の家)

The reason why Saka no Tochu no Ie standout this year is because it tackled a subject so delicate but they also handled it very well. It's about Postpartum Depression (PPD), we see characters experiencing this disorder and how it affects their life. It's also a social commentary on people's lack of awareness on the matter. But unlike most Japanese dramas, the way they present it is very natural, it doesn't sound too preachy at all. You won't get a feeling where the writers are shoving their belief down your throat, but instead, they gave you characters who have different perspectives on the matter, and it's up to you as a viewer to form your own opinion.

It's the first I encountered this theme in a drama or a movie, and the way they tackle it is so deep, deeper than any documentaries about PPD.

2. Dakara Watashi wa Oshimashita (だから私は推しました)

Dakara Watashi wa Oshimashita just shows you what Japan is capable of when they decide to be creative and tackle unusual storylines. The result would be either some crap or a masterpiece that would stand the test of time. They are not afraid to experiment and when they nailed it they nailed it real hard. This drama I would honestly say is one of the finest examples of that.

The story is not only fascinating but also an inspiring one. It's about a person who got fed up with her life which resulted in her to stop seeking approval of others. She for the first time in her life decides to get that happiness not from other people but by genuinely giving her support to someone, an Idol who mirrors her own life. Have you ever experienced seeing yourself in other people, like that of a father who sees his child? The main protagonist felt the same, that connection where she felt part of her exist as another human being, just like a mother with her daughter.

3. Kinou Nani Tabeta? (きのう何食べた？)

Just like Saka no Tochu no Ie, Kinou Nani Tabeta? is also an eye-opener to me. Another social commentary drama on LBGT issues in Japan. As a straight guy, I learned so much from this drama. It shows you the struggles gay couples have in Japan's society, the stereotypes on gay people and the lack of knowledge on gay couples. I think the drama did an honest portrayal of LBGT couples in Japan. I feel everything they show here is authentic, so if you are looking to move to Japan, watching this might benefit you in the long run.

Kinou Nani Tabeta? won't feel a heavy drama though because believe it or not this drama is a slice of life and not just ordinary slice of life but with the twist of cooking show (Just think of the movie Little forest). The overall cozy ambiance compensates for its heavy subject matter.

4. Naked Director (全裸監督)

Naked director is the most sexually provocative Japanese drama ever, yes you heard it right ever. The only way it will get a green light is either they show it on Netflix or release it as a movie. No way Japanese producers would give it a green light for a normal Japanese television, even night time slot. Naked director is also one of the most fascinating biopic I've ever seen, only because the person this drama is about is a controversial one. He is Toru Muranishi, the guy who revolutionized Japanese porn. I love how neutral they are in portraying this controversial figure. They didn't portray him as a hero but also didn't villainize the character.

5. Nagi no Oitoma (凪のお暇)

If you love stories about growth & finding happiness then this drama is right up your alley. The main character Nagi is like the spirit animal of people who are trying to fit in. She has a habit of reading the atmosphere too much, gauges people's moods so that she won't cause any trouble. She wears all the right mask just to please everyone. Then one day she got sick of this lifestyle, resigned from her job and move to a place where nobody knows her as she is looking for a place she can call her home.

This drama will teach you fitting in will never get you home because fitting in is trying to adapt to a world that is not your own. Just like Nagi, the main character in this drama, you have to have your own dream and not just live for other people. You have to forget the cool people, you have to find your own people.

6. Mr. Hiiragi's Homeroom (3年A組-今から皆さんは、人質です-)

Mr. Hiiragi's Homeroom is the best school drama this year. It's about a teacher who held his class hostage for days. Did he lose his mind or he's just doing this to teach his students, a more harsh method than Teacher Onizuka (GTO). You'll ask yourself this question all the time which only makes the drama more thrilling and entertaining.

One of the highlights of this drama is Suda Masaki's acting. I've seen him in many dramas and movies already and his performance as Hiragi Ibuki is one of his best ever. He really grew a lot as an actor. It's hard to imagine he's the same actor as Philip in Kamen Rider W. The casting for the students is also no joke, lead by Nagano Mei , you could tell this bunch of young actors/actresses have so much potential that 2-3 from them will become A-list actors in the future. This casting is similar to other school-oriented dramas which produced many great actors like GTO, Suzuki Sensei, Kinpachi Sensei Series, Kirishima thing.

7. Tokusatsu Gagaga (トクサツガガガ )

Similar to Dakara Watashi wa Oshimashita, this drama is also about expressing your passion. The plot is about a closet tokusatsu fan, but not only tokusatsu fans will be able to relate, any fanboy or fangirl of any fandom, whether its anime, Kpop or video games as long as they are not open about it. The cast is also an interesting bunch where each character has their own struggles being a closet fan. Their chemistry is also very natural, it's so fun watching them together, and their bonding is very familiar since it happens in real life. It's very tokusatsu-like, they adapt all the cool elements in tokusatsu and apply that in real life, and to me that was very lit.

8. Anata no Ban Desu (あなたの番です)

Anata no Ban Desu is probably the most popular drama in this list and it is also what I think the best mystery drama of 2019. This drama was trending on social media this year because every episode is just that good, not a single dull moment, it's thrilling and the drama is full of twists and turns up to the very end. It borrowed the idea of exchange murder from Alfred Hitchcock's movie 'Strangers on a train'. Anata no Ban Desu is the best example of why Japanese dramas are the best in adapting great ideas but still putting a twist on it that it still look fresh and original.

Honorable Mentions

A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love (初めて恋をした日に読む話)

This drama is a reverse harem, where a female lead in her 30's is surrounded by 3 gorgeous males, a pink-haired rebellious student, a workaholic cousin who is also full of himself, and a delinquent teacher. If you love romance this drama may end up one of your favorites. In every episode, there is a huge doki doki moment. The drama is well-paced as they have done a great job not to have a single dull moment. The chemistry is also one of the best the lead actress (Kyoko Fukuda) had with a co-actor ever. The drama is a bit controversial though, student-teacher drama, so not everyone would be cool with it.

Radiation House (ラジエーションハウス)

Radiation House is a job-oriented drama and when you say job oriented drama it's also an episodic one. But unlike other drama that has an episodic format, Radiation House felt different. In every episode, there is a different theme it tackles which also connected to the overarching theme of the show. Another thing new about this drama is it's about Radiographers, those people who work on your x-rays. In my years of watching Jdramas, I think this is the first time it's about the said job. The cast is also fun to watch, especially every time Masataka Kubota reacts to Honda Tsubasa, these two have great chemistry.

Coffee and Vanilla (コーヒー＆バニラ)

This drama is one of the cheesiest drama so fa. It's a drama based on a smut manga and when you google smut, it means a story with a lot of touching and kissing as in a lot. The romance here felt a total fanservice to be honest but this type of drama has a huge following and that's why it's the hottest Japanese drama this year. Maybe I'll refer Coffee and Vanilla to people who complain about the lack of romance in their Jdrama.