[2026] Must-See! Recommended Netflix Original Japanese Dramas
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!
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[2026] Must-See! Recommended Netflix Original Japanese Dramas (11–20)
like an Asura; as if possessed by a wrathful demon (furiously; with fierce intensity)NEW!

Asura no Gotoku, released worldwide exclusively on Netflix in January 2025, is a new seven-episode adaptation by director Hirokazu Kore-eda of Kuniko Mukoda’s classic family drama.
Sparked by suspicions of an affair involving their aging father, this human drama reveals the long-accumulated emotions within the family—beginning with the four sisters—one after another.
A powerhouse cast—Rie Miyazawa, Machiko Ono, Yu Aoi, and Suzu Hirose—portrays the sisters, with each woman’s way of life and inner conflicts depicted with care.
The work is also distinguished by Kore-eda’s characteristically gentle gaze and visuals that evoke the living spaces of the Showa era.
Yu Yu Hakusho

Based on Yoshihiro Togashi’s hit manga, the Netflix original drama Yu Yu Hakusho premiered in 2023 to huge acclaim.
The star-studded cast—led by Takumi Kitamura as Yusuke and Go Ayano as Younger Toguro—delivers powerful performances, and the Hollywood‑level VFX-driven battle scenes are truly spectacular, becoming a daily topic of conversation on social media.
Its swift pacing condenses the core of the sprawling story into five episodes, perfect for a weekend binge.
Beyond superhuman action like the Spirit Gun and demonic energy, the series also thoughtfully portrays the emotional human drama: why they fight and the bonds between friends.
Whether you’re familiar with the original or new to the story, we highly recommend experiencing its overwhelming visuals on the biggest screen you can find!
Ikusagami

A Netflix original survival period drama starring, produced by, and action-planned by Junichi Okada.
Based on a novel by Naoki Prize–winning author Shogo Imamura, it’s set in early Meiji-era Japan and depicts a brutal game in which samurai left behind by the times kill each other for a massive bounty.
Beyond pure action, the work’s appeal lies in its intense urgency to save one’s family and its weighty human drama in the face of social change.
You’ll be astonished by the rich variety of tactics from a star-studded cast including Hiroshi Abe and Takayuki Yamada, as well as the overwhelming visual beauty.
Season 2 has already been greenlit—experience the passion of this global hit through your screen.
House of Ninjas

House of Ninjas, a Netflix original drama that premiered worldwide exclusively in 2024 and became a major hit, is an eight-episode action series about the last surviving ninja family secretly living in modern Japan.
Conceived and pitched by its star, Kento Kaku, the show is far more than a simple ninja tale.
It carefully portrays the regrets, secrets, and bonds of love within the family, brought to life by a powerhouse cast including Yosuke Eguchi, Tae Kimura, and Nobuko Miyamoto.
The thrilling shifts from tranquil everyday scenes to taut, high-stakes combat are guaranteed to keep you watching once you press play.
It’s perfect for a weekend binge—be sure to savor this top-tier entertainment to the fullest.
The Naked Director

The Naked Director, a Netflix Original, released Season 1 in 2019 and Season 2 in 2021.
Starring Takayuki Yamada, this human drama is based on the tumultuous life of a real person and portrays his rise as a trailblazer who shatters conventions in the industry.
The electric atmosphere of Japan’s bubble era in the 1980s, along with the whirlwind pace of dazzling success and catastrophic downfall, will keep your eyes glued to the screen.
Powerful, no-holds-barred performances by a talented cast—including Misato Morita—further heighten the work’s realism.
With the freedom of expression and overwhelming energy you won’t find on broadcast TV, it’s the kind of series you’ll end up binge-watching for sure!
Glass heart

Glass Heart is a coming-of-age music drama released in 2025 as a Netflix original.
Based on Mio Wakagi’s novel series of the same name, it’s an ensemble story about Akane Saijo, a college drummer unfairly kicked out of her band, who is discovered by Naoki Fujitani, a solitary musical genius, and sets her musical life in motion with a new band, TENBLANK.
It also drew attention for its powerhouse cast, including Takeru Satoh—who stars and serves as a co–executive producer—along with Yu Miyazaki, Keita Machida, Jun Shison, and Masaki Suda as a rival.
Don’t miss the electrifying fusion of visuals and music, from the songs composed by Yojiro Noda of RADWIMPS to the overwhelming, immersive live performance scenes.
[2026] Must-See! Recommended Netflix Original Japanese Dramas (21–30)
The Solitary Samurai Gourmet

It’s the human drama “Samurai Gourmet,” about a protagonist who, upon reaching retirement, is gently encouraged by the “wild samurai” in his heart to freely enjoy everyday meals! It’s a 12-episode Netflix Original released in 2017.
The long-time working protagonist is played by Naoto Takenaka, the boisterous wild samurai by Tetsuji Tamayama, and the warm, watchful partner by Honami Suzuki.
There aren’t any flashy incidents—he drinks beer on weekday afternoons, ducks into a café he happens upon—but you can’t look away as his heart gradually unravels.
Rather than fancy cuisine, the show makes everyday dishes like set meals and ramen look incredibly appetizing, and you’ll find yourself getting hungrier and hungrier as you watch.
Take your time and relax with it on a day off.



