1. Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu: Sukeroku Futatabi-hen: IMDb (8.4) 2017
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Plot: The story is about a man who leaves prison and becomes the apprentice of Yakumo Yurakutei, a famous rakugo performer. It explores their journey to gain popularity, highlighting Yakumo’s rise to fame and his friendship with Sukeroku, another performer.
My Recommendation: Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu: Sukeroku Futatabi-Hen is a captivating tale of passion, tradition, and redemption set in the world of Japanese storytelling. With exquisite animation and deeply human characters, it offers a poignant exploration of love, sacrifice, and the power of art to transcend generations. An absolute must-watch masterpiece.
Genre: Drama, Historical
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Shinichi Omata
Producer: Studio Deen
Writer: Haruko Kumota (manga), Jun Kumagai (script)
Released Date: January 2016 – March 2017 (Season 1), January 2017 – March 2017 (Season 2)
Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode
Distributor: Crunchyroll (streaming)
Production Company: Studio Deen
Watch at Crunchyroll
2. Nodame Cantabile: IMDb (8.3) 2006
Plot: Shinichi Chiaki is a talented student who dreams of becoming a conductor. Despite his fear of airplanes and the ocean, he excels in piano and violin. Megumi Noda, on the other hand, is known for her messy behavior but has a great talent for playing the piano by ear. When they meet, Nodame falls in love quickly, while Chiaki takes longer to appreciate her unique qualities. Their relationship helps them grow as individuals, and they encounter eccentric friends along the way. After graduation, they move to Paris, where Nodame studies piano and Chiaki becomes a conductor.
My Recommendation: Nodame Cantabile is a delightful combination of music, comedy, and romance that follows the quirky relationship between a talented but eccentric pianist, Nodame, and her serious-minded, perfectionist conductor, Chiaki. With its charming characters, captivating performances, and heartwarming story, it’s a must-watch for anyone seeking joyous entertainment.
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Music
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Hideki Takeuchi
Producer: Hiroki Wakamatsu, Takashi Yajima
Writer: Rin Eto (screenplay), Tomoko Ninomiya (manga)
Released Date: December 19, 2009
Runtime: 123 minutes
Distributor: Toho
Production Company: Fuji Television Network, Amuse Soft Entertainment
Box Office in US Dollars: Approximately $50 million
Watch at Netflix
3. Bunny Drop: IMDb (8.3) 2011
Plot: Daikichi Kawachi learns about his grandfather’s illegitimate daughter, Rin Kaga, during the funeral. Determined to protect her from family resentment, he becomes her guardian. Daikichi faces challenges as a single parent but finds support from a single mother named Kouki Nitani. After a year, Daikichi realizes that his sacrifices were worthwhile. In the second half of the series, Rin is in high school and deals with her feelings for Kouki while contemplating her future career. She later discovers she is not related to Daikichi by blood and expresses her desire to have his child in the end.
My Recommendation: Bunny Drop is a heartwarming film that delicately explores the themes of family, love, and responsibility. With its endearing characters and touching storyline, it reminds us of the profound bonds that can form between people, regardless of biological ties. A must-watch for anyone seeking a heartfelt cinematic experience.
Genre: Comedy-drama, Slice of life
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Sabu
Producer: Kentaro Koike, Yuji Hirata, Hiroyuki Negishi
Writer: Masumi Kawamura (based on the manga by Yumi Unita)
Released Date: August 20, 2011
Runtime: 114 minutes
Distributor: Toho
Production Company: Toho Pictures
Box Office in US Dollars: Approximately $5 million
Watch at Crunchyroll, Tubi
4. Shōwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjū: IMDb (8.3) 2016
Plot: A man is freed from jail and becomes an apprentice to renowned rakugo artist Yakumo Yurakutei. The tale delves into the performers’ pasts and their quest for fame, chronicling Yakumo’s journey from apprentice to stardom. Along the way, he forms a close bond with fellow performer Sukeroku.
My Recommendation: Shōwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjū is a captivating blend of tradition and drama, showcasing the art of Rakugo storytelling against the backdrop of post-war Japan. Its rich character development and poignant narrative offer a deep exploration of love, jealousy, and the pursuit of passion. A must-watch for anyone craving emotional depth and cultural immersion.
Genre: Drama, Historical
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Mamoru Hatakeyama
Producer: Studio Deen
Writer: Haruko Kumota (manga), Jun Kumagai (screenplay)
Released Date: January 2016
Runtime: Approximately 25 minutes per episode (two seasons)
Distributor: Crunchyroll (streaming)
Production Company: Studio Deen
Watch at Crunchyroll
5. Kids on the Slope: IMDb (8.2) 2012
Plot: Kaoru Nishimi is a high school student who moves frequently due to his father’s job. He struggles to make lasting friendships until he moves to Sasebo, Nagasaki. There, he meets Sentarō Kawabuchi, a delinquent student with a love for jazz music. Inspired by Sentarō, Kaoru starts studying jazz and they become close friends. Ritsuko Mukae, another classmate, also joins their friendship circle as they spend their high school years together. The story follows their journey and the development of relationships among them over three years.
My Recommendation: Kids on the Slope is an enchanting coming-of-age tale set in 1960s Japan, blending friendship, music, and romance. With its soulful soundtrack and heartfelt storytelling, it’s a timeless masterpiece that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Genre: Drama, Romance, Music
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Shinichirō Watanabe
Producer: Shinichirō Kobayashi, Nobumoto Keiko
Writer: Ayako Katagiri
Released Date: April 12, 2018
Runtime: 120 minutes
Distributor: Toho
Production Company: Toho, Fuji TV, Dentsu, TBS, Lawson Entertainment
Box Office in US Dollars: $5.7 million
Watch at Netflix, Crunchyroll
6. Cihayafuru: IMDb (8.1) 2011
Plot: Chihaya supports her sister’s modeling career until she meets Arata, a talented karuta player. They become friends and he sees her potential to excel in the game. Chihaya decides to pursue her dream of becoming Japan’s top karuta player but loses touch with her childhood friends. In high school, she reunites with Taichi and together they form the Mizusawa Karuta Club. With their support, Chihaya aims to be the world’s best karuta player and hopes for a reunion with Arata in the future.
My Recommendation: Chihayafuru is a captivating blend of traditional Japanese card games, romance, and friendship. It intricately weaves the journey of Chihaya Ayase as she strives to become the Queen of Karuta, beautifully capturing the essence of dedication, passion, and the pursuit of one’s dreams. A must-watch for anyone seeking inspiration and heartfelt storytelling.
Genre: Drama, Romance, Sports
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Norihiro Koizumi
Producer: Masatoshi Yoshida, Hideki Inada, Naoaki Kitajima
Writer: Suetsugu Yuki (manga), Norihiro Koizumi (screenplay)
Released Date: September 2016 (Japan)
Runtime: 111 minutes
Distributor: Toho
Production Company: Robot Communications, Toho
Box Office in US Dollars: Approximately $26 million
Watch at Crunchyroll
7. Hakuoki: IMDb (8.1) 2011
Plot: Chizuru Yukimura ventures to Kyoto during the Edo period in search of her father. Mistaken for a boy, she is captured by the Shinsengumi after being attacked by mad men. When they discover her true identity and connection to the Water of Life elixir, which transforms people into bloodthirsty Furies, they decide to keep her as an aide. Over time, Chizuru forms a bond with Toshizo Hijikata and the Shinsengumi. Together, they face off against a mysterious group claiming to be demons, while Chizuru’s father’s sinister experiments come to light.
My Recommendations: Hakuoki is a captivating blend of historical drama, romance, and action set in Japan’s turbulent Bakumatsu period. With stunning animation and compelling characters inspired by real-life figures, it immerses viewers in a world of political intrigue and forbidden love. A must-watch for fans of Japanese history and romance anime.
Genre: Historical drama, Romance, Action
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Osamu Yamasaki
Producer: Studio Deen
Writer: Tsunekiyo Fujisawa
Released Date: April 4, 2010 (Japan)
Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode
Distributor: Sentai Filmworks
Production Company: Studio Deen
Watch at Crunchyroll
8. Honey and Clover: IMDb (7.8) 2006
Plot: Yūta, Takumi, and Shinobu live in the same apartment complex and attend an art college in Tokyo. They meet Hagu, who has come to live with her cousin Shūji Hanamoto. Yūta and Shinobu fall in love with Hagu, but Yūta hides his feelings while Shinobu scares Hagu with his actions. Gradually, Hagu warms up to the three. Ayumi is a master of pottery known as “Tetsujin” and becomes close to Hagu.
My Recommendations: Honey and Clover is a heartwarming tale of friendship, love, and artistic pursuit. With its poignant storytelling and charming characters, this Japanese film beautifully captures the complexities of youth and the bittersweet journey of self-discovery. A must-watch for anyone seeking genuine emotional resonance and artistic inspiration.
Genre: Drama, Romance
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Masahiro Takada
Producer: Hiroshi Ishikawa, Shuji Omura
Writer: Masahiko Kawahara (screenplay), Chika Umino (manga)
Released Date: July 22, 2006 (Japan)
Runtime: 116 minutes
Distributor: Toho
Production Company: Shochiku
Box Office in US Dollars: Approximately $6.5 million
Watch at Crunchyroll
9. Clannad: IMDb (7.8) 2008
Plot: Tomoya Okazaki is a high school student who feels disconnected from his life. After meeting Nagisa Furukawa, they work together to restart the Drama Club. Despite facing challenges and opposition, Tomoya and his friend Youhei Sunohara help Nagisa promote the club. Eventually, with their support, the club is re-established. As the school festival approaches, Nagisa decides to perform a soliloquy based on her childhood dream. Tomoya and Youhei assist backstage while Nagisa writes the script. Through their journey together, Tomoya gradually overcomes his depression and finds hope for the future with Nagisa and their daughter Ushio.
My Recommendations: Clannad is an emotional rollercoaster that explores love, loss, and the power of family bonds. With beautifully crafted animation and a touching soundtrack, this masterpiece captures the essence of life’s joys and sorrows. Prepare to laugh, cry, and be profoundly moved by its poignant storytelling.
Genre: Drama, Romance, Slice of Life
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Tatsuya Ishihara
Producer: Toshihiro Fukuoka
Writer: Fumihiko Shimo
Released Date: April 15, 2007 (Japan)
Runtime: Approximately 94 minutes
Distributor: Toei Company
Production Company: Kyoto Animation
Watch at Prime Video
10. Princess Jellyfish: IMDb (7.7) 2010
Plot: Princess Jellyfish is a story about Tsukimi, an otaku woman who lives in an all-female apartment building. Tsukimi loves jellyfish because of memories with her late mother. She wants to become an illustrator but struggles with social interaction and attractive people. The other tenants are also otaku women called the “Sisterhood.” One day, Tsukimi meets Kuranosuke, a cross-dressing man who helps her hide his identity from the other tenants. The neighborhood faces redevelopment, but Kuranosuke supports Amamizukan and its residents to prevent its destruction
My Recommendations: Princess Jellyfish is an enchanting blend of comedy and romance, offering a refreshing take on self-discovery and acceptance. With quirky characters and heartfelt moments, this charming tale celebrates individuality and the power of friendship. Dive into this delightful world where jellyfish, fashion, and dreams collide in the most unexpected ways.
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Taisuke Kawamura
Producer: Takahiro Sato, Juichi Uehara
Writer: Toshiya Ono (screenplay), Akiko Higashimura (manga)
Released Date: 2014
Runtime: 126 minutes
Distributor: Asmik Ace Entertainment
Production Company: Princess Jellyfish Film Partners
Box Office: Approximately $10 million USD
Watch at Crunchyroll