6 Recommendations of Japanese Dramas about Mental Health, Exciting Stories - Touching

Kapanlagi.com - Japanese dramas are starting to show something no less than Korean dramas or drakor. Japanese dramas are loved by viewers because they often present unique and different stories, including exploring rare themes. One of the frequently explored themes is mental health. Yes, there are several Japanese dramas about mental health that are interesting to watch.

These Japanese dramas feature characters who face mental health disorders in their lives. Japanese dramas about mental health have their own appeal to viewers. These Japanese dramas not only provide deeper insights into mental health issues, but also present deep, interesting, and often touching stories.

Interested in watching Japanese dramas about mental health? If so, let's take a look at some recommendations and brief reviews below.

1. GOOD DOCTOR (2018)

GOOD DOCTOR (2018) (credit: imdb)

GOOD DOCTOR is one of the Japanese dramas about mental health. The story of this drama follows the life journey of Minato Shindo, a young doctor who has his own uniqueness. Shindo is a sufferer of savant syndrome which affects his communication abilities. However, on the other hand, he has exceptional memory abilities. Since childhood, he has dreamed of becoming a dedicated doctor.

Everything changes when he meets Doctor Akira Shiga, who is impressed by Shindo's knowledge of anatomy. With Akira's support, Shindo goes through a long journey in medical school and successfully passes the national exam.

2. ATARU (2012)

ATARU (2012) (credit: imdb)

Recommendation for a Japanese drama about mental health titled ATARU. Ataru is an autistic and intelligent person. However, Ataru also has extraordinary abilities in a specific field. Ataru has a sad past, which is gradually revealed as the story unfolds.

The story begins when a chemical factory experiences an explosion that causes one death. Investigators conclude that this is just a normal accident, but Ebina Maiko doubts it. Maiko visits the site and finds a man who calls himself Ataru.

After uttering a series of words that he cannot understand, he suddenly falls asleep. Feeling something strange, Maiko observes what Ataru said. From there, Maiko discovers something very surprising.

3. SATORARE (2002)

SATORARE (2002) (credit: imdbb)

The Japanese drama SATORARE tells the story of Kenichi, a kind-hearted young doctor who suffers from a rare syndrome that makes it impossible for him to hide his emotions. People with this condition are then known as Satorare.

Because of his condition, Kenichi's thoughts will unconsciously reveal all his thoughts and emotions. This drama portrays the touching humanity around Kenichi as his friends and family support and try to help him face those difficult situations.

4. ALGERNON NI NATABA WO (2015)

ALGERNON NI NATABA WO (2015) (credit: imdb)

Another Japanese drama recommendation about mental health is ALGERNON NI NATABA WO. This Japanese drama tells the story of Shiratori Sakuto, a 28-year-old adult man. However, Sakuto has an IQ like a six-year-old child. He works at Dream Flower Service, which employs young people with mental disorders as flower couriers.

One day, Sakuto and his colleague deliver a bouquet of roses to the apartment building of Mochizuki Haruka. There, he meets Professor Hahisuka, who is researching brain performance enhancement at the physiology research center where Haruka works. Professor Hahisuka has successfully tested his invention on algernon, a laboratory white mouse. Now, Professor Hhisuka is determined to perform the operation on Sakuto. The operation is successful and makes Sakuto a genius.

5. SACHIIRO NO ONE ROOM (2018)

SACHIIRO NO ONE ROOM (2018) (credit: imdb)

SACHIIRO NO ONE ROOM is a Japanese drama that addresses issues of depression, bullying, and mental health. This drama tells the story of an anonymous man who always wears a mask to save a 14-year-old girl who tries to commit suicide after being physically abused by her parents, bullied by her classmates, and attacked by her teacher.

The girl then escapes to live with the anonymous man whom she later calls Tuan. Sachi, which means happiness, is the name she gives to the masked man. The police investigate Sachi's disappearance as a kidnapping and begin searching for the two of them. However, they both agree to run away with two options, first, they will get married, or if caught, they will end their lives.

6. BOKU NO ITA JIKAN (2014)

BOKU NO ITA JIKAN (credit: imdb)

Another Japanese drama that addresses mental health issues is BOKU NO ITA JIKAN. This Japanese drama tells the story of Sawada Takuto, a fourth-year student struggling to find a job. As the eldest son of a hospital director, his parents initially hoped Takuto would become a doctor.

However, Takuto's parents later paid more attention to his younger brother, Rikuto. One day, he discovers that he has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that predicts his life expectancy to be short. After a life filled with vague dreams, Takuto begins to explore what is left and live positively.

Those are some recommendations for Japanese dramas about mental health. Some of the above dramas have quite depressing stories. So, it is highly recommended to watch it when your mental condition is stable. Enjoy watching!

(kpl/psp)