I have a confession: I'm incredibly picky when it comes to Japanese dramas.

Every now and then I try a new one because everyone is talking about it, only to lose interest a few episodes in. One reason is that I often struggle with the acting style. Compared to many Western dramas, Japanese dramas can sometimes feel a bit overacted to me, with exaggerated expressions and larger-than-life characters. I know that's part of the charm for many viewers, but it isn't usually my thing.

So when my husband introduced me to Maison Prison a few days ago, I wasn't expecting much.

Fast forward to this week, and we've been binge-watching it every evening.

Read more by clicking on the link.

I’m a longtime fan of Nino (Kazunari Ninomiya) and so when this new series popped up on Hulu just a week or so ago I sat down to watch the first episode. I wasn’t expecting that much, tbh Japanese drama can be hit or miss, but boy this time I had to force myself to stop after 2 episodes a day!

More stuff to watch & learn at the same time: Golden Kamuy is an exciting film and series that combine action, adventure, and a touch of history. Based on the manga by Satoru Noda, it’s set in early 20th-century Japan, right after the Russo-Japanese War.

I really liked the Kingdom movie series, based on the popular manga by Yasuhisa Hara. I thought it was interesting to see Japanese movies about ancient China during the Warring States period.

This 10-episode first season of “House of the Owl” stars Min Tanaka as a powerful political fixer, or “kuromaku,” who has a troubled relationship with his adult children, particularly an idealistic son played by the single-named Mackenyu (nice eye-candy for sure 😉 ).

Hōkago Karte - 放課後カルテ (literally "after school medical record") or "After school Doctor" in English, is another medical-adjacent drama. I know I wrote before I needed to branch out, but this is such a fun one I couldn't resist 😄