12 Japanese Dramas with Tragic Endings That Will Make You Flood with Tears

Kapanlagi.com - Who isn't captivated by Japanese dramas? These shows have captured the attention of many viewers in Indonesia with the various themes they offer. From heartwarming romances to tragic tales that can make us shed tears, Japanese dramas with sad endings are indeed very interesting to follow, KLovers!

Not only focusing on love, these dramas also depict the struggles of the main characters for their families, as well as inspiring stories about someone fighting against severe illness. If you're looking for recommendations for Japanese dramas with sad endings, let's check out the complete information below!

Don't forget to check the latest information about the entertainment world at Liputan6.com!

1. FIRST LOVE (2022)

(credit: mydramalist.com)

With a rating of 8.7/10 on Mydramalist, FIRST LOVE is a must-watch Japanese drama for fans of touching stories. It tells the love journey of Yae Noguchi and Harumichi Namiki, taking viewers through time from the 1990s to the 2000s, where both struggle to pursue their dreams amidst the ups and downs of life.

After two decades, Yae is now a single mother with a teenage son, while Harumichi is engaged to Tsunemi. Although fate seems to favor them, there is a hint of sadness lurking, especially for Tsunemi, which makes this story even more poignant and unforgettable. Witness this emotional journey on Netflix!

2. THE WORLD WHERE ONLY I'M 17 YEARS OLD (2020)

With a rating of 8.0/10 on Mydramalist, the Japanese drama titled THE WORLD WHERE ONLY I'M 17 YEARS OLD offers a touching and mysterious story. It tells the everlasting friendship between Kota and Mei that has been woven since childhood, revolving around the tragedy when Kota suddenly passes away.

Seven years later, Mei returns to her hometown and visits their memory spot under the Sakura tree. There, a miracle occurs: Kota reappears, but in his form that remains 17 years old. However, their meetings can only happen when the Sakura flowers bloom, adding a tragic and romantic atmosphere to this heartwarming tale.

3. PLEASE MARRY MY WIFE (2015)

(credit: mydramalist.com)

With a rating of 7.6/10 on Mydramalist and a duration of 49 minutes per episode, the Japanese drama PLEASE MARRY MY WIFE presents a story full of emotion and tears. It tells the tale of Mimura Shuji, a 45-year-old man with a special talent for entertaining others, whose life changes drastically when he is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and is given only six months to live.

In an effort to protect his wife, Ayako, and his son from the impending sorrow, Shuji chooses to keep this secret and seeks someone who can take care of them after he is gone. With this loving act, the drama portrays his final struggle to ensure his family's safety, a journey that is sure to touch the hearts of every viewer who watches it.

4. TONBI (2013)

With an impressive rating of 8.5/10 on Mydramalist, the Japanese drama titled TONBI presents a heartwarming and emotional story. It tells the tale of Ichikawa Yasuo, a child raised in an orphanage without the love of parents, whose life journey continues when he finds his true love, Misako, who also faces a similar fate.

Together, they promise to give everything for their son, Ichikawa Akira. However, their happiness is shaken when Misako passes away when Akira is only three years old, leaving Yasuo in deep sorrow and an unending sense of guilt. Despite his rough nature, Yasuo is determined to be a strong head of the family and protect his beloved son, fighting against cruel fate.

5. BEAUTIFUL RAIN (2012)

With a rating of 7.9/10 on Mydramalist, BEAUTIFUL RAIN is set to drain the emotions of its viewers in 12 episodes, each lasting 45 minutes, aired on Fuji TV. This Japanese drama narrates the touching journey of a father, Keisuke Kinoshita, who struggles to raise his daughter, Miu, after losing his wife.

Their simple life is colored by Keisuke's job at a metal factory, until one day fate brings him face to face with an accident that changes everything. The diagnosis of Early-onset Alzheimer's Disease he receives becomes a heavy burden that he must keep tightly under wraps, especially from Miu, who is the light of his life. In every second of the show, viewers are invited to feel the depth of a father's love and struggle as he tries to protect his child from the bitter reality that threatens.

6. 1 LITRE OF TEARS (2005)

If you are looking for a Japanese drama that will make your tears flow, 1 LITRE OF TEARS is a must-watch. With a rating of 9.0/10 on Mydramalist and aired on Fuji TV, this drama tells the touching journey of Ikeuchi Aya, a girl who struggles against a rare disease called Spinocerebellar Degeneration.

This disease slowly robs Aya of her ability to speak, walk, write, and even swallow, but behind all that suffering lies strength and courage that inspires. Prepare yourself to feel a mix of love and sadness as you witness Aya's struggle, because every second will impart invaluable life lessons. Don't forget to join the Kapanlagi.com WhatsApp channel so you don't miss the latest news and updates about the entertainment world, both domestic and international.

7. BELIEVE: A BRIDGE TO YOU (2024)

(credit: mydramalist.com)

With a rating of 7.5/10 on MyDramaList, the 9th episode of this drama airing on TV Asahi presents a thrilling story about Kariyama Riku, a bridge construction project manager who is caught in a storm of problems. In a duration of 54 minutes, viewers are invited to dive into Riku's journey as he is forced to confront the law after being involved in an incident that lands him in prison.

However, his spirit to prove his innocence will not fade. This drama combines elements of thriller and mystery against the backdrop of the business world, highlighting Riku's struggle to achieve justice, rebuild his self-confidence, and find a way out of the dark situation that threatens his career and life. With stunning performances from Kimura Takuya, Amami Yuki, and Takeuchi Ryoma, every second is filled with tension and intrigue.

8. WHERE DOES THE SEA BEGIN (2024)

With an impressive rating of 8.4/10 on MyDramaList, the 12th episode of this drama aired on Fuji TV invites us to delve into the story of Tsukioka Natsu, a 28-year-old man living a monotonous life as a worker at a printing company in Tokyo. However, everything changes when he receives the heartbreaking news about his ex-girlfriend, Mizuki Nagumo, who has passed away after seven years apart.

At the emotionally charged funeral, Natsu is shocked to meet Umi, a little girl who turns out to be his daughter. This drama deeply explores themes of family, loss, and parental responsibility, prompting us to reflect on how a single encounter can change the course of someone's life forever.

9. SECRET UNREQUITED LOVE (2019)

With a rating of 7.6/10 on MyDramaList, the 7th episode of this drama aired on TV Asahi presents a touching story about Kakinouchi Takuma and Taneda Mayu, two childhood friends bound by a promise to marry in outer space. However, their hopes are threatened when Takuma is diagnosed with a severe heart condition, predicting he will not live to see his 20th birthday.

In this emotional journey, Mayu is determined to spend every precious moment with him, even though their love is hindered by cruel fate. This drama evokes strong feelings, depicting the power of love and the struggle against painful reality.

10. OUR DEAREST SAKURA (2019)

(credit: mydramalist.com)

With a rating of 7.8/10 on MyDramaList, this drama aired on NTV presents the inspiring story of Sakura, a girl who grows up on a remote island and has the noble ambition to build a bridge in her hometown. Joining a large construction company, Sakura is undeterred in sharing her dreams, even as she faces various obstacles and cultural challenges.

Over ten years, this drama depicts Sakura's winding journey along with her friends, highlighting how her strong determination can change the perspectives of those around her and inspire them to bravely pursue their own dreams.

11. BEYOND GOODBYE (2024)

With a rating of 7.6/10 on MyDramaList, the 8th episode of this drama airing on Netflix presents a heartwarming story. In a duration of 50 minutes, we are introduced to Saeko Sugawara, who must face the loss of her fiancé, Yusuke, due to a tragic accident after their engagement.

Months pass, and fate brings Saeko together with Naruse Kazumasa, the man who unknowingly received a heart transplant from Yusuke. Over time, Saeko feels a mysterious bond with Naruse, who sometimes displays behavior reminiscent of her late fiancé. This drama portrays an emotional journey about loss and grief, and how love can transcend the boundaries of separation, as Saeko and Naruse strive to understand the complicated relationship that has formed between them.

12. MEET ME AFTER SCHOOL (2018)

(credit: mydramalist.com)

With a rating of 7.9/10 on MyDramaList, the 11th episode of this drama airing on TBS invites viewers to dive into a world full of emotional conflict. This 57-minute tension-filled duration follows the journey of Hijiri Suenaga, a young teacher who has just started her career in a remote village.

Despite being bound by engagement, her heart is entangled with Akira Kuroiwa, one of her students. This drama cleverly portrays the forbidden relationship that challenges social norms while exploring the depths of love, maturity, and the consequences of the difficult choices they both must face.

13. FAQ

1. What makes Japanese dramas with sad endings highly sought after?

Because they present strong, emotional stories and relatable characters that leave a deep impression.

2. Do all the dramas above have sad endings?

Most end tragically or bittersweet, fitting the category of emotional and sad dramas.

3. Where can Japanese dramas be watched?

KLovers can watch Japanese dramas on subscription streaming platforms like Vidio, Netflix, Viki, and Catchplay+, or through specialized platforms like JFF Theater (Japan Foundation).

Want to know the latest news about the entertainment world? Check it out directly at Kapanlagi.com. If not now, when?

(kpl/nlw)