2024 has brought many popular Japanese dramas that have successfully captured audiences’ attention.
However, there are also several lesser-known titles with outstanding storylines that deserve more recognition.
Here are 10 underrated Japanese dramas of 2024 that are perfect for a binge-watch session during the holidays.
1. Nursing Aide At Your Side (となりのナースエイド)
(となりのナースエイド), or Nursing Aide At Your Side, is adapted from a novel by doctor and writer Mikhito Chinen.
This 2024 Japanese drama focuses on the life of a nursing aide—a crucial yet often overlooked role in the medical world.
This medical mystery follows Rina Kawaei as a rookie nursing aide working alongside a genius surgeon (Masahiro Takasugi) to save lives.
Besides highlighting the importance of nursing aides, the drama is packed with thrilling plot twists.
A special episode is scheduled for winter 2025 to uncover the remaining mysteries.
2. Alice in Wonderful Kitchen (厨房のありす)
Led by Mugi Kadowaki, Alice in Wonderful Kitchen tells the heartwarming story of a genius chef with autism.
Her signature phrase, “Cooking is chemistry,” reflects her unique approach to food.
Despite struggling with social interactions, Alice creates delicious and nutritious dishes that warm her customers’ hearts.
This 2024 Japanese drama beautifully portrays themes of family, friendship, love, and social challenges, leaving audiences feeling inspired and uplifted.
3. When Spring Comes (春になったら)
When Spring Comes is an original story by renowned screenwriter Yasushi Fukuda.
This Japanese drama highlights a touching father-daughter relationship, played by Nao and Noritake Kinashi.
The daughter plans to marry in three months, while the father has been given only three months to live.
Together, they embark on an emotional journey to complete their bucket list.
Nao delivers a stunning performance as a midwife, making this emotional story a must-watch for families, guaranteed to bring tears to your eyes.
4. Hanasaki Mai Speaks Up 2024
Based on Jun Ikeido’s popular novel, Hanasaki Mai Speaks Up 2024 stars Mio Imada as Mai, a fearless bank employee who dares to expose the dark side of the banking world.
This workplace drama follows Mai’s fight for justice against corporate criminals.
Mio Imada shines as a strong and stylish protagonist, while her chemistry with Koji Yamamoto—who plays her calm and collected colleague—adds depth to the story.
This show will leave you satisfied and excited to watch more Japanese dramas in your free time!
5. YIPS
YIPS is a unique detective comedy starring Ryoko Shinohara and Bakarhythm.
The story follows an unusual duo—a mystery writer with writer’s block and an elite detective who struggles to interrogate suspects.
Together, they solve murder cases in an episodic format.
While the mysteries are light, the real charm of this drama lies in its witty dialogues and the hilarious chemistry between the two leads.
Guest stars appearing as suspects also add an exciting twist to each episode.
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6. Anti-Hero (アンチヒーロー)
Hiroki Hasegawa returns to TBS’s prime-time slot after seven years with Anti-Hero, playing a morally ambiguous lawyer.
His character fights for his clients’ acquittals—even if they are murder suspects—blurring the line between right and wrong.
This dark legal drama focuses more on suspense than courtroom realism.
The “anti-hero” punishes crimes in unexpected ways, and its layered storytelling and clever plot twists will keep audiences hooked until the very end.
7. How to Grill Our Love
In this sweet romantic comedy, Mario Kuroba and Sayuri Matsumura play a newlywed couple who married without dating.
The story follows their journey of building a bond through cooking together.
With its cozy, late-night drama feel, this lighthearted Japanese drama is perfect for relaxing while enjoying delicious food scenes—and you might even pick up some cooking tips!
8. My Girlfriend’s Child (あの子の子ども)
My Girlfriend’s Child tackles the sensitive topic of teenage pregnancy, following a 16-year-old couple facing an unexpected pregnancy.
Starring Hiyori Sakurada and Kanata Hosoda, this underrated Japanese drama explores the challenges of becoming parents at a young age and the importance of life education.
While some aspects feel idealistic, the emotional moments—especially between the protagonists and their mothers—deliver a strong message about unconditional love and protection.
9. GO HOME – Cops for The Lost
Starring Fuka Koshiba and Yuko Oshima, GO HOME presents a touching detective story about officers in Tokyo’s Missing Persons Consultation Office. Their duty is to return unidentified bodies to their families.
Despite its dark undertones, the drama is balanced by the warm friendship between the two female leads, highlighting themes of compassion and human connection.
10. Usotoki Rhetoric
Set in the early Showa era, Usotoki Rhetoric is a mystery drama adapted from a manga.
The story follows a poor detective with sharp observation skills and a young girl with a supernatural ability to hear lies.
While it lacks major plot twists, this Japanese drama is filled with warmth and emotional moments.
Honoka Matsumoto and Oji Suzuka bring their characters to life with sweet chemistry, making them an adorable detective duo.
Conclusion
These underrated Japanese dramas of 2024 may not be widely discussed online, but each has its own unique charm.
The good news? You can watch them all legally on streaming platforms. Stay tuned for more amazing J-dramas in 2025!
