ABEMA’s Japan original dramas. Works you can only watch here.
Ever found yourself wanting to watch a gripping drama but feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of titles and not knowing where to start? In fact, ABEMA is home to a treasure trove of Japanese original dramas featuring bold storylines and innovative concepts you won’t find on terrestrial TV.
From romance to suspense to comedy, the genres are wide-ranging, and once you hit play, you won’t be able to stop.
In this article, we’ll introduce must-watch Japanese original dramas you shouldn’t miss if you’re watching ABEMA.
Experience the unique appeal of ABEMA Original Dramas for yourself!
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ABEMA’s Japan-original dramas. Works you can watch only here (1–10)
The Night I Became a BeastNEW!
Baring the provocative theme, “There are nights when women want to follow their instincts,” Nights When I Became a Beast is an original romance drama series streamed on ABEMA Premium.
In an omnibus format, it emotionally portrays the moments when women are driven by feelings that reason alone can’t process.
Its appeal lies in how it brings raw, unvarnished emotions to the forefront—loneliness, the need for validation, and the anguish of ambiguous relationships—rather than tidy platitudes.
The theme song by eill gently envelopes the sweetness and precariousness of dangerous love and powerfully amplifies the show’s mood.
If you want to delve into adult romance and the honest feelings you don’t want anyone to see, be sure to check it out!
Metropolitan Police Department Narcotics Control Division MOGURANEW!
MOGURA: Narcotics Division, Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, which streamed on ABEMA in 2025, is an innovative piece of HIPHOP entertainment about a police officer going undercover in a crew of rappers.
Based on a true story, the series stars rapper Hannya, whose commanding presence hardly seems like that of a first-time drama lead.
Another highlight is the cast, which includes accomplished actors like Riko Narumi and Shunsuke Kazama, as well as many top-tier artists such as Jin Dogg and Red Eye.
You won’t be able to look away from the fiery developments as the characters clash in rap battles that lay bare their true feelings.
It’s a must-see for anyone who wants to enjoy tightly wound suspense!
Transparent UsNEW!
The Japanese original drama “Transparent Us,” which began streaming on ABEMA in September 2024.
It’s a socially conscious ensemble suspense series in which the protagonist—a weekly magazine reporter played by Haruka Fukuhara—pursues a case involving a high school classmate.
The show realistically portrays how small ruptures from the past connect directly to modern-day online slander on social media, giving you a lot to think about.
Directed and written by Yusaku Matsumoto and produced by Michihito Fujii, it unfolds a dense story in just six episodes.
The delicate vocals in “Sign,” the theme song newly written by Rira Ikuta, tenderly accompany the characters’ unspoken emotions and are truly moving.
You’ll surely be drawn in by the bold themes made possible precisely because it’s an ABEMA original production.
ABEMA’s original Japanese dramas. Works you can watch only here (11–20)
17.3 about a sexNEW!
The ABEMA original drama “17.3 about a sex” is a much-talked-about work that squarely portrays issues of sex and emotions faced by 17-year-old high school students.
The captivating cast—Riko Nagase, Ririka Tanabe, and Shiori Akita—play girls with different struggles in a true-to-life manner.
What’s remarkable is how the series naturally weaves themes like menstruation, sexually transmitted infections, and asexuality into everyday conversations.
Rather than forcing a simple right answer, the story teaches the importance of “making your own choices,” which is sure to resonate with many viewers.
Combined with stylish visuals and music, it becomes an absorbing piece of youth entertainment that pulls you in before you know it—so be sure to check it out.
Black CinderellaNEW!
Black Cinderella is an original Japanese drama that ABEMA exclusively streamed in 2021, boldly tackling the contemporary theme of lookism.
It’s a revenge-tinged love story that begins with a shocking twist: the ordinary heroine played by Riko suffers a permanent facial scar just as she sets her sights on entering her school’s beauty pageant.
Beyond the heart-fluttering moments woven with charming characters portrayed by talents like Fuju Kamio and Mizuki Itagaki, the show drew attention for its powerful message that goes beyond a simple romance, posing a strong question about what it truly means to be yourself.
Watching her stand on stage on her own terms, unshaken by judgments of appearance, makes this a valuable work that gives many people the courage to move forward—highly recommended.
A company isn’t a school.NEW!
Company Is Not a School captures the raw passion and gritty determination of young people aiming to start their own businesses.
Shohei Miura’s protagonist, Teppei Fujimura, defiantly breaks away from an unreasonable corporate system to found a company with his own hands—an arc that’s genuinely stirring.
Backing his headlong charge is the cool-headed Takumi Hidaka, played by Taichi Saotome, among others.
With brisk pacing, the series portrays both the light and shadow of entrepreneurship—youthful arrogance and fragility, clashes with teammates, and more.
It also reflects the zeitgeist of its time, including influencer-driven business in the age of social media, and the rapid-fire developments are a must-see.
AK-69’s theme song powerfully resonates with the urgency and rebellious spirit of chasing a dream.
You’ll feel an irresistible push from its message that nothing changes if you stay passive.
Scion BoysNEW!
ABEMA has plenty of original dramas, and the one I’m introducing here, “Onzoshi Boys,” is a romantic comedy that takes a love reality show as its theme.
Mugi Aihara, an ordinary high school girl, is unexpectedly chosen as a bride candidate for a group of ultra-high-spec heirs.
The highlights include Yuna Taira’s bright portrayal of the heroine and the lively banter among the distinctive heirs played by a cast of up-and-coming actors, including Hayato Isomura.
Each episode runs about 15 minutes, keeping the pace brisk and perfect for filling small pockets of time.
It’s more than just a rags-to-riches tale—you’ll find yourself drawn in as each character searches for true happiness.
Enjoy the glittering world and the story of characters who try to connect not through conditions, but through their honest feelings.