Japanese TV Shows: Best Ones to Watch on Netflix!
Karina Ikedo
Love Japanese TV shows and want great live-action picks on Netflix? You are in the right place. Netflix offers thrilling and heartfelt Japanese series that go far beyond the realm of anime. From action and drama to slice of life and reality shows, there is something for every mood. Here are five easy-to-watch Netflix shows, perfect for Japanese language beginners and TV fans alike. Keep reading to find your next favorite show!
The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House
The show is a live-action series set inside a traditional maiko (apprentice geisha) house in Kyoto. Instead of action scenes or danger, the story leans into everyday routines, quiet moments, and meaningful friendships. Viewers follow young girls as they train to become maiko, balancing discipline, tradition, and the challenges of growing up together. The main character takes on a gentle, behind-the-scenes role, supporting everyone by cooking warm, comforting, home-style meals.
Food sits right at the heart of every episode and carries real emotional meaning. Each dish reflects the season, the mood, and whatever the characters are going through at the time. The camera loves to slow down and focus on small, beautiful details, creating a soft and calming vibe. Japanese customs are woven naturally into the story, so you learn without ever feeling like you’re in class.
The pacing is slow and intentional, making it easy to relax and unwind while watching. The series celebrates kindness, routine, and the comfort found in simple, everyday moments. No shocking twists or heavy drama are waiting around the corner. Instead, everything feels gentle, thoughtful, and deeply human. It’s a perfect watch for anyone who loves culture, food, and heartfelt storytelling.
Full-Time Wife Escapist
Full-Time Wife Escapist (also known as “We Married As a Job“) is a tremendous and enjoyable choice for this list. It’s a romantic comedy that combines humor and heart. The story follows an unconventional marriage that begins as a work contract. Yes, marriage begins as a job, complete with rules, schedules, and expectations.
As the series progresses, the relationship gradually becomes more genuine and emotional. The show explores modern relationships in a clever and relatable way. It talks about emotional labor, career pressure, and social expectations in Japan. These themes are handled lightly, making them easy to enjoy and understand.
The characters feel realistic, awkward, and very human. Their interactions are funny, sweet, and sometimes surprisingly honest. The tone remains light, even as it explores deeper ideas. It’s easy to binge without feeling stressed or overwhelmed. This series adds outstanding balance to any watchlist. It’s perfect for viewers wanting romance, comedy, and thoughtful storytelling. Overall, it’s a feel-good live-action Japanese show that’s widely loved on Netflix.
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K
For a lighter vibe, The Disastrous Life of Saiki K is pure chaotic fun. This live-action adaptation brings the humor from the manga and anime into the real world. Saiki is a psychic high schooler who just wants a quiet, everyday life. Sadly for him, his classmates are weird, loud, and endlessly distracting.
The comedy is fast, exaggerated, and packed with visual jokes. At its core, the show is about friendship, fitting in, and the awkward moments of school life. Among comedy Japanese TV shows, Saiki K is energetic, silly, and easy to binge.
Good Morning Call
If you love light romance and school dramas, Good Morning Call is an easy binge. A housing mix-up leaves a high school girl secretly living with her crush. They agree to keep it quiet, which leads to chaos and cute moments. The show mixes comedy, awkward situations, and sweet romance. It is charming, relatable, and never too intense. Among romantic Japanese TV shows, it stands out with its simple, feel-good storytelling.
Samurai Gourmet
Samurai Gourmet mixes food, humor, and imagination in the best way. It follows a retired man as he discovers life’s simple joys through solo meals. In his mind, a fearless samurai pushes him to live freely. Each episode spotlights cozy restaurants and everyday Japanese food. The vibe is gentle, funny, and oddly inspiring. If you love food-focused Japanese TV shows, this one is a total hidden gem.
Why Japanese TV Shows Are Worth Watching
One reason Japanese TV shows resonate worldwide is how they find meaning in small, quiet moments. They focus on mood, characters, and emotions instead of nonstop action. These shows also reveal everyday life in Japan, from school to work culture. Watching feels like a mini cultural trip, especially with Japanese snacks.
Netflix offers a diverse range of Japanese TV shows that are entertaining, accessible, and easy to enjoy. Whether you love reality, romance, drama, or suspense, there is something new to discover! Which Japanese TV shows on Netflix are currently on your watchlist? Is there a live-action Japanese series you recommend to other viewers? Let us know in the comments below.
Cited Sources
- IMDb. “We Married as a Job“.
- The Fangirl Verdict. “Review: The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House [Japan]“
- IMDb. “The Disastrous Life of Saiki K“.
- IMDb. “Good Morning Call“.
- IMDb. “Samurai Gourmet“.
Related articles
Aonishiki Wins Kyushu Sumo Championship
Aonishiki’s victory at the Kyushu Sumo Tournament captured the attention of fans across Japan. His calm and steady performance showed that he is now one of the strongest wrestlers in the top division.
Yo Yo Tricks: Why Does Japan Have So Many Champions?
Japan has become one of the strongest countries in the world for yo-yo tricks and competitive yo-yoing. Many of the best players, brands, and innovations in the sport come from Japan
Hello Kitty Fans Rejoice; Virtual Sanrio Puroland Opens This December
Sanrio is giving fans a new way to enjoy their favorite characters with the launch of Virtual Sanrio Puroland. This online VR theme park brings the world of Hello Kitty, Pompompurin, and Cinnamoroll to life through interactive experiences.
Skateboard in Japan: The Ultimate Guide!
Like all sports, using a skateboard can be a mixed bag, depending on where you are in the world. In the US, skateboarding is widely accepted, with its existence and style being fully incorporated into everyday life, from cartoons and video games to music and fashion.
What is a Cram School? Everything You Need to Know!
Cram schools are a massive part of student life in Japan, but if you didn’t grow up there, they can feel a bit mysterious. This is a place where kids and teens go after regular school to study even more, usually to prepare for big entrance exams. Behind that, though, lies a complex story about...