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[2026] Must-See! Recommended Netflix Original Japanese Dramas

Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

Amid the steady stream of buzzy new releases, the ones you really can’t take your eyes off are Netflix’s original Japanese dramas.

With boldly original storylines unlike anything on broadcast TV, cinematic visuals, and powerhouse performances from seasoned casts, they’re packed with so much appeal you won’t be able to stop once you hit play.

Still, many people find themselves wondering, “What should I watch next?” every time they open Netflix.

In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of recommended titles from Netflix’s original Japanese dramas.

It’s a lineup perfect for weekend binges, so use it as a guide to choose what to watch next!

[2026] Must-See! Recommended Netflix Original Japanese Dramas (1–10)

Anonymous Lovers

"Anonymous Lovers" Trailer | Netflix

Anonymous Lovers

http://www.netflix.com

A romantic comedy that portrays a pure love between adults who are timid about romance: a man who can’t be touched and a woman who can’t meet people’s eyes.

It tells the story of the heir to a confectionery company played by Shun Oguri and a genius chocolatier played by Han Hyo-joo, who gradually connect with each other through chocolate.

In addition to the delicate direction by director Sho Tsukikawa, the star-studded ensemble including Jin Akanishi and Yuri Nakamura is not to be missed.

Watching these wounded characters slowly begin to face forward will surely leave you with a warm feeling.

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Ju-On: Origins

JU-ON: Origins – Trailer – Netflix

Ju-On: Origins

http://www.netflix.com

Ju-On: Origins, released in 2020 as the first Netflix original drama in the Ju-On series, is a horror work that forgoes the franchise’s familiar jump scares from ghosts in favor of raw terror portrayed through human violence and the darker sides of society.

Centered on one “cursed house,” it follows a succession of abhorrent events that ripple across different eras.

Across all six episodes, a steadily mounting sense of suffocation and a relentlessly bleak progression make it truly terrifying.

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Romance Battle Royale

'Love Battle Royale' Trailer – Netflix

Romance Battle Royale

http://www.netflix.com

Netflix original Love Battle Royale, starring Ai Miura.

Set at an ultra-elite high school, it’s an ensemble drama unfolding under an unreasonable rule: get caught in a romance and you’re expelled on the spot.

The story follows the protagonist, Yuichika Arisawa, who rescues students in trouble for breaking school rules—in exchange for money.

A pure feeling of falling in love is twisted into dangerous gambits of snitching and betrayal in this unprecedented survival tale.

Don’t miss this thrilling school drama!

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[2026] Must-See! Recommended Netflix Original Japanese Dramas (11–20)

The Mitorai Family Goes Up in Flames

Mitarai Family, In Flames – Official Trailer – Netflix

The Mitorai Family Goes Up in Flames

http://www.netflix.com

Netflix’s original drama Burn the House Down starring Mei Nagano follows a daughter who lost everything in a fire 13 years ago.

Using a false name, she infiltrates her former home as a housekeeper in this suspenseful story.

Kyoka Suzuki plays the beautiful yet coldhearted stepmother, and you won’t be able to look away from the suffocating psychological battles.

Another highlight is watching the family fall apart under the weight of vanity, jealousy, pretension, and self-preservation hidden behind the mansion’s facade.

It’s more than a simple whodunit—the multilayered human drama has sparked a strong response.

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Let’s get divorced

“Let’s Get Divorced” Official Trailer - Netflix

Let's get divorced

http://www.netflix.com

This is an original drama series starring Tori Matsuzaka and Riisa Naka.

It’s a home comedy with a unique premise: a frigid couple, unable to separate immediately for their own reasons, instead joins forces in order to get divorced.

The high-profile script is penned by Kankuro Kudo and Shizuka Oishi, delivering a cynical yet comedic portrayal of the suffocating lives of hereditary politicians and celebrity couples, and the anguish of being bound by public image.

Alongside its rapid-fire humor and brisk pacing, the story also carries a socially conscious touch that questions the institution of marriage and the nature of family.

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The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House

The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House - Official Trailer | Netflix

The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House

http://www.netflix.com

Maiko-san Chi no Makanai-san, released in 2023 as a Netflix Original and generating significant buzz, is a human drama set in Kyoto’s geisha district.

With overall direction by Hirokazu Kore-eda and starring Nana Mori and Natsuki Deguchi, the series portrays Kiyo, who works as a live-in cook, and Sumire, who aspires to become a maiko.

Though the hanamachi may seem like a special, closed world, what’s depicted are the subtle moments of daily meals and communal living.

The warm dishes Kiyo makes for everyone—like oyakodon—are soothing just to watch.

Savor the delicious-looking food and the beautiful cinematography at your leisure!

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The Swallow That Soars Through the Universe

Which should be loved: appearance or what's inside? — The Trailer for 'Switched: Are You Really the One for Me?'

The Swallow That Soars Through the Universe

http://www.netflix.com

Based on Shiki Kawabata’s manga of the same name, Switched was released worldwide in 2018 as a Netflix Original drama.

This coming-of-age suspense story, which begins with beloved high schooler Ayumi Kohinata suddenly switching bodies with her classmate Zenko Umine, who struggles with deep insecurities, brings into sharp relief profound themes surrounding appearance and self-identity.

In addition to the dual lead performances by Daiki Shigeoka and Tomohiro Kamiyama, viewers are drawn in by the subtle, riveting acting of Kaya Kiyohara and Mio Tomita.

A gem of a human drama you’ll want to watch again and again—highly recommended.

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