5 Japanese Dramas about Professional Athletes, Stories Full of Heavy Struggles - Motivating

Kapanlagi.com - Japanese dramas often provide stories that are full of motivation, one of which is a Japanese drama about athletes professional. This Japanese drama about professional athletes will depict the deep struggles and dedication of athletes in achieving success.

The stories in this drama will highlight personal conflicts, burning ambitions, and challenges to be faced. Through profound narration, viewers are invited to explore the complexity of athletes' lives, where victory is often accompanied by great sacrifices.

Let's take a look at the emotional and physical journey of the protagonists in achieving their dreams through Japanese dramas about professional athletes. Check it out, KLovers.

1. RIKUOH (2017)

Drama Rikuoh (credit: mydramalist.com)

Japanese drama about the first professional athlete titled RIKUOH. It tells the story of Koichi Miyazawa, the fourth-generation CEO of a traditional Japanese tabi company, struggling to survive as demand declines. To overcome this challenge, he decides to launch a new product.

He launches a new line of running shoes. With his deep knowledge of tabi making, Miyazawa hopes that this new product will not only expand his company's market but also preserve his family's legacy in an ever-changing industry.

2. IDATEN (2019)

Drama Idaten (credit: mydramalist.com)

Drama Jepang tentang atlet profesional kedua ada drama IDATEN. Kisah nyata dalam drama ini mengikuti perjalanan dua tokoh utama selama 52 tahun, dari Olimpiade Stockholm 1912 hingga Olimpiade Tokyo 1964.

Berfokus pada sosok Kanakuri Shisou, peserta Jepang pertama di Stockholm, memecahkan rekor dunia, sementara Tabata Masaji memainkan peran kunci dalam membawa Olimpiade ke Jepang.

3. OLD ROOKIE (2022)

Drama Old Rookie (credit: mydramalist.com)

Continuing, in 2022 there is a Japanese drama about a professional athlete titled OLD ROOKIE. It tells the story of Shinmachi Ryotaro, a former national soccer player who is 37 years old and experiences a decline in performance after an injury and eventually plays in the J3 League.

Eventually, he decides to retire and work at Victory Sports, a football management. In the midst of this feeling, Ryotaro must overcome great challenges at work while keeping his retirement a secret from his proud daughters as a soccer player.

4. SANCTUARY: SEIIKI (2023)

Drama Sanctuary: Seiiki (credit: mydramalist.com)

The next drama is SANCTUARY: SEIIKI. This Japanese drama about professional athletes tells the story of Oze's journey and a group of young people, including Shimizu, who loves sumo. Despite not having an ideal physique, Oze is not motivated to train initially and often clashes with seniors in the sumo dojo. He is even labeled as someone who has no hope for success, but fate makes him a legend.

On the other hand, there is Kunishima, a reporter who is forced to cover sumo sports. They all struggle to find their direction in the midst of the rich sumo culture of Japanese religious rituals.

5. DRAFT KING (2023)

Drama Draft King (credit: mydramalist.com)

And another Japanese drama about professional athletes is DRAFT KING. This story follows Gohara Aura, a scout for the Yokohama Bay Golds team, known for her firmness and self-confidence, despite being respected as a hero. She travels throughout Japan to discover hidden talents in order to select the Draft King, the number one player in this year's draft.

Together with Kamiki Ryosuke, a former professional player, and Shimobe Rikuo, the division head, Gohara engages in intense discussions to strengthen their team. They must face competition from Busujima Ryuji, an ambitious veteran scout from the White Tiger Osaka. Can Gohara and her team identify hidden talents and select the right Draft King?

Those are some Japanese dramas about professional athletes that you can watch. These dramas depict that behind the glamorous stage, athletes' personal lives are often filled with sacrifices and struggles.

(kpl/dhm)