Looking for the best Japanese dramas on Amazon Prime? Well, check out here the top Japanese tv series dramas on Amazon Prime to watch with a bucket full of popcorn. Read further to know more.
Immerse yourself in gripping narratives and heartfelt performances with our guide to the best Japanese dramas on Amazon Prime.
These selections boast compelling storytelling and cultural richness, offering a window into Japan's diverse life and society. Stream our top picks to experience the emotion and depth of Japan's finest screen gems.
Which is the best Japanese drama on Amazon Prime?
I’ve watched several Japanese dramas on Prime but the best one is Tokyo Girl because of it’s plot, characters and story progression.
Tokyo Girl is a story about a girl called Aya from the age of 23 to 40. The story covers different challenges, perceptions, and struggles the girl faces as she lives in the big city, Tokyo. This Japanese drama is all about her from her career to her romantic life. You can watch it on Amazon Prime.
Top Japanese Dramas on Amazon Prime: Summary
| Best Japanese Dramas on Amazon Prime | Starring | Editor’s Rating |
| Tokyo Girl | Asami Mizukawa | 8.2/10 |
| Lady Girls | Shinohara Ryoko, Eguchi Yosuke, Kichise Michiko | 7.3/10 |
| After The Storm | Hiroshi Abe, Yoko Maki, Taiyo Yoshizawa | 7.4/10 |
| Uzumasa Limelight | Fukumoto Seizo, Chihiro Yamamoto, Hirotaro Honda | 6.1/10 |
| The Garden of Words | Kana Hanazawa, Miyu Irino, Fumi Hirano | 7.5/10 |
| Norwegian Wood | Rinko Kikuchi, Ken'ichi Matsuyama, Kiko Mizuhara | 6.3/10 |
| ID: Invaded | Kenjiro Tsuda, Junya Enoki, Ryota Takeuchi | 7.7/10 |
| Miracle in Kasama | Mau Nishio, Yuuhi, Akiko Kurano | 7.7/10 |
Best Japanese Dramas on Amazon Prime
A Girl And Three Sweethearts
Starring: Mirei Kiritani, Kento Yamazaki, Shôhei Miura | Age Rating: | Editor’s Rating: 7/10
"A Girl And Three Sweethearts" is a captivating Japanese drama that effortlessly weaves together elements of romance, comedy, and personal growth.
With its engaging storyline, endearing characters, and beautiful cinematography, the series provides an enjoyable and heartwarming viewing experience.
The drama revolves around Sakurai Misaki (played by Tabe Mikako), a young woman who is passionate about cooking. After losing her parents at a young age, Misaki finds solace and purpose in preparing delicious meals.
She aspires to open her own restaurant someday and shares her culinary creations through her food blog. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters three charming and contrasting men who become entangled in her journey.
Fukuyado Honpo - Kyoto Love Story
Starring: Hayato Ichihara, Akari Hayami, Nozomi Sasaki | Editor’s Rating: 7.5/10
"Fukuyado Honpo: Kyoto Love Story" is a delightful Japanese drama that takes viewers on an enchanting journey through the intricate world of love and tradition in the historic city of Kyoto.
With its captivating storyline, heartfelt performances, and stunning cinematography, this series effortlessly combines romance, cultural exploration, and personal growth, making it a must-watch for fans of Japanese television.
The drama follows the life of Choko (played by Haru), a young woman who dreams of becoming a maiko (an apprentice geisha) in Kyoto.
However, her aspirations take a different turn when she inherits Fukuyado Honpo, a traditional Japanese sweets shop, after the sudden passing of her grandfather.
Choko's world is forever changed as she navigates the challenges of running the shop while trying to pursue her dreams.
One of the series' strengths lies in its well-developed characters. Choko is a relatable and determined protagonist, portrayed brilliantly by Haru, who effortlessly captures her emotions, vulnerabilities, and determination.
As Choko immerses herself in the world of sweets and tea ceremonies, she encounters the handsome and talented artisan, Yudai (played by Masaki Suda), whose passion for traditional craftsmanship captivates her heart.
Tokyo Alice
Starring: Aya Asahina, Shuntarô Yanagi, Aimi Satsukawa | Editor’s Rating: 6/10
Tokyo Alice, a Japanese drama based on the manga of the same name, takes viewers on a captivating journey through the tangled webs of love, self-discovery, and personal growth.
With its relatable characters, heartfelt storytelling, and beautiful cinematography, this series manages to strike a delicate balance between romance, comedy, and introspection.
Set in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, the story revolves around the life of 27-year-old aspiring hairdresser Kawamura Fuu (played by Satomi Ishihara). Fuu is a quirky and endearing young woman who finds herself at the crossroads of her personal and professional life.
Tokyo Alice navigates her experiences as she embarks on a journey to discover her true self and overcome the challenges that come her way.
Tokyo Vampire Hotel
Starring: Ami Tomite, Yumi Adachi, Kaho | Editor’s Rating: 6/10
Tokyo Vampire Hotel is a gripping Japanese drama that seamlessly combines elements of supernatural fantasy, horror, and intense storytelling.
This ten-episode series, directed by Sion Sono, takes viewers on a thrilling and blood-soaked journey that explores the age-old conflict between vampires and humans.
The story revolves around Manami (played by Ami Tomite), a young woman with a mysterious power that makes her the target of a vampire cult called The Draculas.
As the hotel's name suggests, most of the narrative unfolds within the confines of the Tokyo Vampire Hotel, an eerie establishment caught in the middle of the impending vampire apocalypse.
One of the strongest aspects of Tokyo Vampire Hotel is its ability to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. From the very first episode, the series hooks you with its intense atmosphere and fast-paced narrative.
If you enjoy dark and atmospheric storytelling with a touch of the supernatural, Tokyo Vampire Hotel is definitely worth sinking your teeth into.
MAGI Tensho Keno Shonen Shisetsu
Starring: Fernando Gil, Yûki Morinaga | Age Rating: | Editor’s Rating: 6/10
MAGI Tensho Keno Shonen Shisetsu is a captivating Japanese drama that combines historical elements with a touch of fantasy and mystery.
Set in the late 16th century during Japan's Azuchi-Momoyama period, the series takes viewers on a journey filled with political intrigue, supernatural occurrences, and the struggles of a young protagonist.
The story revolves around a talented young boy named Tensho, portrayed brilliantly by the talented cast member. Tensho possesses an extraordinary ability to see spirits, a power that becomes both a blessing and a curse.
When he is sent to a prestigious samurai academy, the Keno Shonen Shisetsu, Tensho must navigate the complex dynamics of the institution while uncovering the mysteries surrounding the supernatural incidents that occur within its walls.
Mischievous Kiss: Love In Tokyo
Starring: Honoko Miki, Yuki Furukawa | Age Rating: TV-14 | Editor’s Rating: 7/10
Mischievous Kiss: Love In Tokyo is a delightful Japanese drama that takes viewers on a whimsical journey through the ups and downs of young love.
Based on the popular manga series "Itazura na Kiss" by Kaoru Tada, this adaptation brings the beloved story to life with its endearing characters, sweet moments, and captivating storyline.
The drama follows the story of Kotoko Aihara, a high school student who finds herself falling head over heels for Naoki Irie, the smartest and most popular boy in her school.
Despite her average academic abilities and clumsy nature, Kotoko summons the courage to confess her feelings to Naoki. However, she is met with rejection, which only fuels her determination to win his heart.
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Tokyo Girl
Starring: Asami Mizukawa | Age Rating: 13+ | Editor’s Rating: 8.2/10
Tokyo Girl is a Japanese drama that many are well-acquainted with as it’s among the best Japanese dramas on Amazon Prime.
It is a story that revolves around a small-town girl called Asami. She moves to Tokyo at the age of 23 in order to make a better life for herself.
She has a dream of climbing high up the social ladder so that other girls are jealous of her. She wants to be envied by other women around her. In the show, you can see her life and how it progresses until she turns 40.
You can see how she follows her career and all the struggles that she faces in her personal life. The show has been beautifully written.
There were so many scenes in the show that made me look at the decisions that I had taken for my life. The show made me question many of those decisions that I thought were right.
Happy Marriage?!
Starring: Nana Seino, Dean Fujioka, Norika Fujiwara | Age Rating: 13+ | Editor’s Rating: 7.0/10
Happy Marriage is one of the best Japanese dramas on Amazon Prime that I watched recently. This story is about a young girl named Chiwa who is a hostess at a bar so that she could clear her parent’s debt. There she meets Hokuto, a young business tycoon.
This drama is extremely romantic and is perfect if you’re in the mood for a rom-com. When Hokuto comes to the bar, Chiwa gets fired but the very next day Hokuto proposes to her. The story has a lot of fun elements as they begin their journey together.
Lady Girls
Starring: Shinohara Ryoko, Eguchi Yosuke, Kichise Michiko | Age Rating: 13+ | Editor’s Rating: 7.3/10
This is yet another show that had me hooked to it. I really enjoyed watching Lady Girls as it’s one of the best Japanese dramas on Amazon Prime that’s worth your time.
This is one of those shows that make you cringe with its cheesiness, but at the same time, it really makes you addicted to it with the same cheesiness. The story will keep you highly entertained.
This is one of those light-hearted shows that you thoroughly enjoy on a bad day. The movie is like a romantic comedy that follows the lives of three women.
These women are really good friends. Apart from them, we also get introduced to an adorable cat and three men who are the potential suitors of these girls. It's one of the best Japanese tv shows on Amazon Prime.
This is the perfect show for those who love romance in their dramas. This amazon prime Japan series is one of my personal favorites.
After The Storm
Starring: Hiroshi Abe, Yoko Maki, Taiyo Yoshizawa | Age Rating: 13+ | Editor’s Rating: 7.4/10
The Storm is one of the most hilarious tender comedies with a hint of that you can find on Amazon Prime. The movie is highly satisfying and it touches upon the subject of family dynamics, which is something most of us can relate to.
The movie tells us the story of a private detective who is our central character. We see our main man dwelling on his past glory, where he was a prize-winning author.
This fame came to him only after his father’s death. In the story, we can see him struggling to reconcile with his aging mother, gorgeous ex-wife, and his 11-year-old son.
All of these hard times come to him when he is also trying to battle with his ego and addictions to gambling. Definitely, one of the best Japanese dramas on Amazon Prime that’s hilarious.
This is a domestic melodrama that keeps you hooked to the screen from the beginning to the end. However, more than that, this movie lets us into the world of modern Japanese family life. This is a must-watch Japanese drama on Amazon Prime.
Uzumasa Limelight
Starring: Fukumoto Seizo, Chihiro Yamamoto, Hirotaro Honda | Age Rating: NR | Editor’s Rating: 6.1/10
Uzumasa Limelight is a movie that is a tribute to the era of sword-fighting dramas and also amongst the best Japanese dramas on Amazon Prime. It really depicts the end of an era - the era of classic films and dramas.
The movies of this era also showcased kirareyaku, who are a group of actors who had roles that required them to be killed artfully in the films.
The movie is almost like a tribute to these heroes. The movie tells us about the fate that these ‘unsung heroes’ are entitled to. What I love about this movie is the wonderful message that it gives us.
You really should learn a lot from the message provided here. It reaches out to everyone and touches deep down into our souls. You’ll get an old Japanese drama vibe from this. This Amazon Prime Japanese drama is one of my favourites.
The Garden Of Words
Starring: Kana Hanazawa, Miyu Irino, Fumi Hirano | Age Rating: 15+ | Editor’s Rating: 7.5/10
The Garden of Words is a short film that has been blessed upon us by one of the most renowned persons in Japan - Makoto Shinkai.
Shinkai is known for his excellence in the field of fantastical landscaping in the anime world. This is one of the best Japanese dramas on Amazon Prime by Shinkai. Japanese Amazon Prime has a lot more than I expected.
This is a short story that follows the life of a teenage boy who is quite lonely in his life. Regardless of his loneliness, this boy has a passion for shoemaking. The story takes us to a rainy day when this boy meets a lady who is about ten years older than him.
Days go by and we see a sweet friendship developing between the two. They both have their shared struggles that play a very important role in bringing them together. Watch this as it's one of the best Japanese dramas on Amazon Prime and thank me later!
Norwegian Wood
Starring: Rinko Kikuchi, Ken'ichi Matsuyama, Kiko Mizuhara | Age Rating: 13+ | Editor’s Rating: 6.3/10
I am a huge Haruki Murakami fan, and so this movie came in as quite a blessing. It is a complete masterpiece. After I watched this movie, I was filled with a lot of joy and personally found it to be amongst the best Japanese dramas on Amazon Prime.
The movie is based on Murakami’s novel and is a tale about love, loss, and pain. The themes of this movie are such that we can all relate to them on a personal level.
It truly speaks to all of us who have experienced the feelings of love and loss, and the pain that follows it.
The story is set in Japan in the 1960s and follows the life of college student Toru Watanabe. It’s a Japanese romantic drama that should be on everyone’s watch list.
The story revolves around this character’s relationship with two women - Naoko and Midori. Both of these women represent something different for him. Naoki connects Watanabe with his best friend whom he lost to a tragedy.
ID: INVADED
Starring: Kenjiro Tsuda, Junya Enoki, Ryota Takeuchi | Age Rating: 16+ | Editor’s Rating: 7.7/10
ID: INVADED is one of the best Japanese dramas on Amazon Prime based on an alternative future.
We see a whole new level of investigative techniques in this future world where investigators have the ability to enter the psyche of the killers directly.
These investigators can also witness all that is happening in their unconscious minds. One of these detectives is Sakaido. He specializes in entering the mind of serial killers and understanding their psyche.
ID: INVADED has blown our minds week after week! 🤯
— Funimation (@Funimation) March 19, 2020
If you still haven't dived into the ID well, check out the newest trailer with glowing reviews from Japan and catch up 👀 pic.twitter.com/RTuvphP6WO
Our detective Sakaido is extremely unemotional when he is working his detective job. However, he has a dark secret of his own.
He hides a secret of a tragic past of murder and revenge. He has also left another life behind him. He also has quite unique methods that he follows when he is solving a case.
Miracle in Kasama
Starring: Mau Nishio, Yuuhi, Akiko Kurano | Age Rating: 13+ | Editor’s Rating: 7.7/10
This is a wonderful drama that revolves around a struggling actress named Yuka Shibuya and a widowed chestnut farmer named Hatsue.
In the drama, we can see these two characters come across a mysterious bloody man on the farm. The three of them start to live together during the chestnut season.
We can see a special bond forming between these three. The story continues as a miracle slowly unfolds. You will definitely love this because it’s one of the best Japanese dramas on Amazon Prime.
Best Japanese Dramas on Amazon Prime: FAQs
Does Amazon Prime have Japanese dramas?
There are a lot of Japanese dramas on Amazon Prime that have amazing storylines and are highly recommended. Tokyo Girl, Happy Marriage!?, ID: Invaded is some of the best Japanese series on Amazon Prime.
Can you watch Japanese dramas on Amazon Prime?
Amazon Prime requires a basic subscription to watch shows, dramas, and movies. Once you’ve purchased the subscription, you’ll be able to choose and watch between a plethora of content.
The J-Drama Dose
J Drama is a genre that is so full and complete in itself. However, this genre is not for everyone. J Drama has a lot of cheesiness, over-the-top acting, and too much drama.
However, it is all these things that make J Drama absolutely fun to watch. I love spending all my time binge-watching these best shows on Amazon Prime Japan.
These shows really are a stress buster that helps you unwind after a long and tiring day. Go ahead and watch these best Japanese dramas on Amazon Prime right now and see why they are so popular these days.
