Summary– From gripping survival thrillers and sinister mysteries to endearing slice-of-life dramas and action-packed anime, Japanese TV series on Netflix showcase Japan’s inventiveness and culture. These five selections promise a binge-worthy experience, regardless of your preference for suspense, humor, or heartwarming tales.

Japanese TV shows on Netflix have become a hit all over the globe, capturing audiences with anything and everything, rich Japanese culture, and simply good television programming. You can find something that appeals to all, whether it be thrillers that will leave you at the edge of your seat or dramas that will pull your heart. These programs actually catch your eye and provide you with an insight into Japanese culture and their level of creativity. Netflix did a great job bringing these shows to fans everywhere, so now you can check out wild survival stories and everyday life stories too. Ready to get into some awesome Japanese shows? Here are five you need to watch.

5. Alice in Borderland

The first suggestion is Alice in Borderland, an electrifying survival drama that is based on the manga of Haro Aso. The series lands the audience in an abandoned alternate future in Tokyo where humanity is compelled to compete in lethal games to survive. Through its screenplay imagery and nonstop suspense, the drama has become one of the most watched Japanese TV Shows on Netflix. Arisu and his friends are the protagonists in the story, and they solve puzzles with their wits and sense of morality. Suspense intensifies even more with the formation of alliances and betrayal, making viewers anxious in front of the screen with each episode. Its acclaim and several seasons, both domestic and international, attest to the fact that Japanese thrillers can compete with the rest of the world’s productions. 

4. Re: Mind

If you’re into mind-bending thrillers, check out Re:Mind. A group of high school girls wake up tied up in some weird dining room with no idea how they got there. They begin to see their old, dark secrets appearing as they attempt to escape, thus making the entire process terrifying and causing them not to trust each other. Part of the actresses belong to the idol group Hiragana Keyakizaka46, so their acting seems natural and contributes to the tense plot. This is a program that will leave you guessing. It is a combination of suspense, mystery, and mind games. It is really chilling and is full of surprises, so it is one of the best Japanese TV shows on Netflix, in case you enjoy uncovering dark secrets and experiencing how guilt and memories can do a number on you.

3. Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories

Looking for a feel-good show? Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories is a film worth watching. It follows the Master, a cook in a small Shinjuku diner that opens late and serves anything his customers demand. In every episode, we get varying personalities with their tales, but it is marvellous how food brings them together. It is very unobtrusive, though a very lovely, gentle, heartwarming production that is well remembered. It provides you with an insight into the daily life of Tokyo and the way people get along and survive. It is a silent movie, yet the stories are rather powerful, an ideal Netflix movie to watch when something real is needed.

2. Sakamoto Days

If you’re after something with action and laughs, Sakamoto Days nails that sweet spot. It’s all about Taro Sakamoto, a former hitman chilling in retirement as a convenience store owner. Naturally, his old life is not finished with him, and he is pulled into the same mad world he left. The best part about this show is that it is very funny and yet has great action scenes. You’ll love the characters, even though they’re super dangerous, which makes every episode a blast. Lots of folks are watching it, and it’s up there as one of the most popular Japanese TV shows on Netflix. If you like your anime with a bit of everything – funny moments mixed with intense fights – this one’s a winner.

Also Read: Top 7 British Series on Netflix That Will Keep You Hooked

1. The Apothecary Diaries

If you’re into historical mysteries, check out The Apothecary Diaries. It’s this cool anime about Maomao, a smart girl in old China who knows a ton about medicine. She relies on her knowledge to make conclusions on what is happening in the palace. This is a clever story, the characters are fantastic, and it is filled with fascinating facts about Chinese culture. I believe it is one of the most excellent Japanese television series currently available on Netflix. It’s not a super fast, crazy show. Rather, it is more about how things are worked out and all the drama about the politics in the palace. It is amusing and also takes you into another world; this is what makes it not similar to other dramas you can watch normally.

Wrapping Up

Netflix’s Japanese TV shows on Netflix are crazy varied, from survival games in a wrecked Tokyo to chill talks in a small diner. Each show brings its own thing – crazy action, old-school mysteries, or just stories about people. They all grab you no matter where you’re from, but stay true to what makes Japanese shows special. These are the shows to watch if you want something other than the typical TV stuff. Whether it be excitement, something to think about, or both, you will always find something good. Then, take a box of popcorn, open Netflix, and immerse yourself in some interesting Japanese tales.

Written by Nidhi Singh