7 Quirky J-Doramas I Have a Soft Spot For (2000s Shows Only!)
Many modern series wish they could even come close to the special nostalgic charm of 2000s J-doramas. These are 7 shows that I miss every time I finish them.
As much as I love the worldwide recognition that Asian media is finally receiving, I can't help but feel nostalgic thinking about dramas from the early 2000s. Given the rise in remakes, clearly I'm not alone in my nostalgia. For me, though, there can be only one Kimi wa Petto and that's the 2003 version.
Japanese dramas thrive in every genre. Even though I appreciate a good dark story, I happily admit that my guilty pleasures are feel-good comedies and rom-coms. These are my top 7 J-doramas that I think about 24/7 and find myself returning to again and again.
1. ‘Gokusen’ (2002-2008)
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On IMDb, Gokusen is rated 7.4/10.
Perfect for: viewers who appreciate character growth and aren't easily annoyed by cheesy lines or cliche characters from time to time.
Kumiko Yamaguchi seems like an ordinary teacher who is passionate about reaching her challenging students. Little do they know, she's the fourth generation in a yakuza clan. Will she be able to change her life? Will her students accept her? Gokusen answers this and so much more.
Available on Amazon Prime Video.
2. ‘Tiger & Dragon’ (2005)
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On IMDb, Tiger & Dragon is rated 7.7/10.
Perfect for: anyone who wants to dive deeper into Japanese culture but still keep it light and entertaining.
Everything about Tiger & Dragon is quirky but charming! The story follows a Yakuza member who is sent to collect debts from a Rakugo performer and a comedian hoping to turn his life around.
Available on Netflix.
3. ‘Kisarazu Cat's Eyes’ (2002)
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On IMDb, Kisarazu Cat's Eyes is rated 8.0/10.
Perfect for: fans of Robin Hood-style burglaries and stories that are both heartbreaking and hilarious at the same time.
The story follows childhood friends who reunite as amateur thieves after one of them receives a serious illness diagnosis. They have just six months to complete their mission. The series is a lot of fun, camp and yes, a bit of heartbreak as well.
Available on Netflix.
4. ‘Hana Kimi’ (2007-2008)
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On IMDb, Hana Kimi is rated 7.9/10.
Perfect for: rom-com lovers who don't mind a bit of absurdity.
The story follows Mizuki, who is so inspired by high jumper Izumi Sano that she disguises herself as a boy and transfers to his all-boys' high school. Her mission is to convince the talented athlete to return to the sport he abandoned. Needless to say, things don't go as planned and Mizuki must deal with inconvenient feelings and the constant threat of her secret being discovered.
Hana Kimi has a great ensemble cast where even the side characters get their memorable moments.
Available on Rakuten Viki (for free with ads).
5. ‘Nodame Cantabile’ (2006)
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On IMDb, Nodame Cantabile is rated 8.3/10.
Perfect for: music lovers and those who enjoy stories about unusual duos bringing out the best in each other.
At the heart of the drama is the odd relationship between Chiaki, an arrogant perfectionist, and Nodame, an extremely gifted yet chaotic pianist. As their relationship evolves, they discover new ways of looking at life.
Available on Netflix.
6. ‘He Who Can't Marry’ (Also Known as ‘Kekkon Dekinai Otoko’) (2006)
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On IMDb, He Who Can't Marry is rated 8.0/10.
Perfect for: introverts who will relate to Kuwano's frustration with small talk and for anyone who is tired of stories that treat being single as a problem to be solved.
The story follows Shinsuke Kuwano, a successful yet antisocial man. In his 40s and never having married, Kuwano seems perfectly content with his single lifestyle. His life revolves around work, routine and his music collections. However, when he falls ill and meets Dr. Hayasaka, his carefully organized life begins to change.
Available on Amazon Prime Video.
7. ‘Good Luck!!’ (2003)
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On IMDb, Good Luck!! is rated 7.5/10.
Perfect for: viewers who appreciate romance with substance, workplace dramas and stories about healing from past trauma.
Pilot Hajime struggles under the shadow of Captain Koda, who seems impossible to please for reasons that go way back. When Hajime begins a relationship with Ayumi, a mechanic whose parents died in a plane crash, the situation becomes more complicated. Their work and private lives overlap in ways that force them to confront their past.
Available on Netflix.
