Jan 10, 2021
What are some good Japanese Dramas for Studying Nihongo?
One of my goals this year to focus on improving my Japanese Language Skill. So I'm looking for good Japanese drama to binge watch at the same time to study. Any recommendations?
Best Answer
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on Jan 13
I would recommend Tokyo Midnight Diner if you want to enjoy different stories about people's lives since each episode is dedicated to one story and so on. Each episode is about 24-29 minutes long so it's perfect if you don't want to spend much time to watching it. There are two seasons with 10 episodes each. "Japanese Style Originator" is not a drama program but it talks about different aspects of Japanese culture which could also be worth checking out. Both shows I mentioned are on Netflix. Others ones that I can also recommend although the genre would be somewhat dark, suspense would be: 1. Erased 2. Switched 3. Million Yen Women 4. The Followers Hope this helps!
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on Jan 10
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on Jan 10
On Netflix you could try "Solitary Gourmet." Not sure that it's going to be enough in the way of drama, but the set up is simple and you'll be able to enjoy the atmosphere of the different eateries and, of course, learn some food / dining vocab. If you can find the drama "Gokusen" - a TV adaptation of manga - that could be fun. It's about a teacher who is called upon time and again to rescue her yankee students, usually by beating up a group of yakuza-type youths that is causing them trouble. It's silly stuff but in terms of plot should be easy enough to understand. Language-wise I think the slang could make it a challenge but the nature of the drama itself could make for a fun learning experience. Not sure how to find the full drama but there's a Gokusen movie on Netflix.
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on Jan 12
I second Gokusen - that's a good one. I find any dramas and anime based on manga tend to be good. My favorite is "Hotaru no Hikari" (two seasons and a movie) A more recent one that was also funny is "Watashi no otto wa shigoto ga dekinai" if you like a splash of musical. "Nodame no cantible" is also hilarious. That's a good way to skill up on listening and learning Japanese is a good goal to have!
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on Jan 14
@booyeahricecooker I wasn't the original question asker, but this was such a comprehensive answer - lots of good tips! Thank you!
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on Jan 18
Might take a bit of hunting down but my two all time fav J-dramas are: - Good Luck!! - about the flight industry - Proposal Daisakusen - a really fun romantic story If you don't mind movies, I would recommend: - Shall We Dance? - Kikujiro no Natsu To study from watching movies, my recommendation is to first watch it in whatever language/subtitles that is the most comfortable for you, so you can both understand the story and also enjoy it. THEN, for the second time you watch it, have Japanese voices/subtitles so you can focus on the language rather than being confused. Because it will be a story you are into, you would be more willing to try and listen closely and learn the words even when it is difficult. It is a great motivating studying approach. Enjoy!
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on Jan 29
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on Mar 12
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on May 7
A bit sideways of what you asked, but...I sometimes watch foreign movies on Amazon Prime with Japanese subtitles. That way I get the context of the drama with the Japanese equivalent expression. Two I'm watching as much for the subtitle expressions as the stories are Little Dorrit, a Charles Dickens satirical drama, and Templanza, The Vinyard, a Spanish language romance/drama.
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on May 14
There are a lot of series like Solitary Gourmet that can really help you. The number one thing that can be talked about is probably Terrace House given that it gives you some casual talking which is pretty easy to understand. Those conversational aspects can be a big help to you if you’re looking for that..
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on Jun 1
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on Aug 16
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on Aug 26
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on Sep 4
If you want to study you might want to avoid the historical and Sci-Fi dramas, because they use words you don't hear in every day conversations. Otherwise most dramas should work especially if you switch on the Japanese subtitles. It really helped me to improve my listening. Dramas I recently enjoyed were Brush Up Life and Maiko no Makanai.
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on Sep 11
@TonetoEdo This one looks interesting to me as well – did you end up watching it?
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on Sep 11
@genkidesu Not yet as I'm not a Netflix subscriber. I'm hoping it appears on other platforms that I subscribe to later on.
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on Sep 12
@TonetoEdo I might start watching it when the weather gets colder and we're inside more. I'll let you know what I think when I get around to it!
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on Oct 13
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on Oct 25
@TonetoEdo I LOVE NHK world! There are so many good programs on there that have not only helped me learn more of the language, but more about the culture, about travel locations, and so forth. A real wealth of information whether it's being used to improve Japanese language capability or not!
19 Answers