Reddit Picks 6 Comfort J-Doramas to Help You Actually Get Your Mind Off of Things

We all have those days when everything feels a bit too much and we just need to hit pause and find comfort in something genuinely heartwarming. While dark and gritty shows have their place and can be immersive, we need something that will restore our optimism rather than destroy it completely.

This is when feel-good dramas are coming to the rescue. They are fun, light-hearted and totally worth watching.

Fans think that these 6 J-Doramas will make your day a little bit better. They don't shy away from life's challenges, but they tackle them with such heart that you can't help but feel better after watching.

So without further ado, let's find your next comfort watch.

Midnight Diner (2009-2014): Perfect Late-Night Watch

A place where you can go at midnight, eat comfort food and find unexpected friendships. Midnight Diner is as cosy as it sounds.

The series has become a classic for me already. It follows a chef known only as “Master” who runs a small diner that opens from midnight until dawn. Every episode is a different, touching story alongside a featured dish as customers bring their life struggles, joys and everything in between to this welcoming place.

As Redditor Fovernus put it:

“Midnight Diner Series. Food and stories from many people, what's not to like?”

And that's absolutely spot on. Midnight Diner is available on Netflix. This show is perfect for those nights when you need something gentle and affirming.

A Warmed Up Love (2020): A Sweet Recipe for Romance

You may also know this drama by Kono Koi Atatamemasu ka. And if you haven't yet watched it, this is a great time to discover this sweet-sweet story.

If you've ever felt like life hasn't gone according to plan, you'll find yourself relating to Kiki Inoue. Her dreams of becoming an idol came crashing down. She works at a store and has a social media account dedicated to reviewing sweets.

When her boss Takumi Asaba discovers her profile, he has a great business plan: they will create their own best treats out there.

SeaSaoirse on Reddit expressed the charm of the show:

“It's been two years and it still makes me giddy. I also feel for the MC [main character] when not so good things happen to her. I couldn't help but love the characters and actors.”

You can watch A Warmed Up Love now on Rakuten Viki. It's a perfect pick-me-up when you need a reminder that life has sweet surprises in store.

An Incurable Case of Love (2020): Romance in the Hospital Halls

When the guy you liked turns out to be a completely different person than the one you made up in your head.

The series is about Nanase Sakura who, after meeting Dr. Kairi Tendo, decides to become a nurse. When she finally achieves her dream and meets him again, she discovers that he is not at all what she remembered.

As Redditor kupo88 noted:

“It's sort of like a very condensed version of Ita Kiss, but removes almost all the problematic elements that came from the anime just generally being of an older generation and you get Satoh Takeru being all spicy and grumpy.”

You can find An Incurable Case of Love on Netflix and Rakuten Viki. Sure, it has some familiar tropes, but it turns them into a fresh and moving story.

Extremely Inappropriate! (2024): Unhinged in the Best Way Possible

Sci-fi about time traveling with musical numbers is probably what you've been missing to really experience life to its fullest.

We follow the adventures of a single father who accidentally time-travels from 1986 to 2024. No doubt the movie packs a great humor, yet the surprising part is that it also has some touching family stories. As Redditor Altruistic-Look2750 shared:

“I just finished this show over the weekend. Silly show and each episode has a musical number the cast will all of sudden break out and start singing. It’s heartwarming and heartbreaking.”

Watch Extremely Inappropriate! right now on Netflix and be prepared for a one of a kind experience.

Old Fashion Cupcake (2022): Queer J-Dorama About Second Chances

This gentle romance will remind you that it's never too late for a fresh start.

The story centers around Nozue, who's right in the middle of a crisis that hits when you realize you're not where you thought you'd be at this age. His younger colleague Togawa steps in with an unexpected solution involving food, friendship and possibly more.

Fans are absolutely obsessed with this drama (and reasonably so) with Redditor voreworthy writing:

“It's always refreshing to see BL [boys' love] about older men! The message of the drama is really comforting and reassuring.”

Old Fashion Cupcake is available on Rakuten Viki. It’s a great reassurance for anyone who's ever wondered if they've missed their chance at happiness.

Grand Maison Tokyo (2019): Redemption Tastes Sweeter Than Any Dessert

Grand Maison Tokyo tells a story of a unique alliance between a determined female chef and a fallen Michelin-starred master, both chasing their dreams. The show is about second chances, excellence and the power of believing in yourself and others.

As Redditor TRDoctor shared:

“Grand Maison Tokyo is a huge favorite of mine. It's so cozy and I love the whole recruiting the old team to build a new restaurant trope they've got going on. It's got gorgeous food styling, and generally just a fun show.”

The show is available on Netflix and it’ll surely brighten up your day.