TV Show that shows Japan way of life

9 comments

1. Kazoku no Katachi, Watashi Teiji de Kaerimasu, Kikazaru Koi ni wa riyuu ga atte, Okaeri Mone.

2. Not really about everyday life (unless you’re into failures) but definitely overflowing with a Japanese atmosphere, I can only recommend Trick. It’s definitely a unique show that could only be made in Japan, from the weird stories, the funny characters to the silly situations. It’s also one of the best TV show I ever saw.

3. Over the top dramas and soap operas are pretty much all there are. The NHK morning drama is probably the closest to what you’re looking for.

4. It’s more daytime television/panel show than the types of shows you listed, but I really enjoyed Japanese Style Originator for learning about different aspects of Japanese culture and way of life, even after having spent a lot of time there. It used to be on Netflix (though not all episodes for some reason), but then they took it off. I’m not sure how easy it is to find elsewhere, or if it’s your cup of tea, but maybe worth a look into it.
   Otherwise, Midnight Diner is quite a nice chilled watch focusing on a late-night diner in Tokyo.

5. My recommendation would be Solitary Gourmet.

   The show features a salaryman that goes around the country selling home decor items from overseas. He visits a mom & pop shop, conducts business, and then… bam! He’s hungry. Nothing gets between him and a nice meal.

   He’ll find a hidden gem restaurant nearby. Then, the show goes into full details of the restaurant staff, the menu, the interactions with other customers, and of course the food. All this happens in his monologue and you get to watch a veteran Japanese actor act out every part of eating a meal, without speaking a single word.

   At the end of every episode, the manga creator visits the restaurant in real-life to dine in on camera.

   Currently running at Season 10 and no end in sight.

6. Is there any other TV shows that’s similar like Solitary Gourmet?
   I love watching people eating and introducing food in Japan

7. I definitely recommend Midnight Diner and Samurai Gourmet on Netflix.

8. I watched Oi, Handsome a little while back. Like any show it has some contrived sequences and plot developments, but overall it seemed relatively ‘believable’. Just ignore how young the wife looks compared to her husband and her daughters.

9. There is 毎日お母さん on Crunchyroll. It’s about a mom, her two kids and her husband who is frequently gone for work trips. It’s a great resource for the way people talk in normal life. I haven’t been able to find it in the US, but あたしんち has a similar vibe but is a little more focused on teenager life. I have most of the manga and it’s really good, too.