8 Recommendations for Meaningful Coming of Age Japanese Dramas Filled with Valuable Life Lessons

Japanese coming-of-age drama, OKAERI MONE (2021) tells the story of Momone Nagaura growing up on an island in Kesennuma Bay. After failing to enter university, she starts working as a forest guide assistant. Her life changes after meeting a famous weather forecaster. She eventually becomes a professional weather forecaster and returns to her hometown as a big typhoon approaches Japan.

BOKU DAKE GA 17-SAI NO SEKAI DE (2020) tells the story of Kota and Mei, childhood friends who must separate because Kota passes away. Seven years later, Mei returns to her hometown and reunites with Kota, who is still 17 years old. However, Kota can only stay in this world as long as the cherry blossoms are still blooming.

NAGI NO OITOMA (2019) tells the story of Oshima Nagi, a 28-year-old woman who always tries to adjust to her surroundings. However, the pressures of life lead her to experience hyperventilation attacks. After that incident, she decides to reset her life. She quits her job, disappears from her old life, and tries to find true happiness.

KOI DESU: YANKEE-KUN TO HAKUJOU GARU (2021) tells the story of Akaza Yukiko, a visually impaired student with a high zest for life. She meets Kurokawa Morio, a young delinquent. At first, Yukiko does not like Morio, but gradually they begin to understand each other. Their closeness develops into a meaningful love story.

The story BOKURA WA KISEKI DE DEKITE IRU (2018) focuses on Aikawa Kazuki, an ethologist who is extremely obsessed with the animal world. His unusual behavior often leads to conflicts with colleagues and students. However, in his unique way, he teaches those around him to live life with curiosity and without prejudice.

GRACE NO RIREKI (2023) tells the story of a woman who experiences a bus accident on her way to Narita. Her husband, Kikuo, discovers his wife's travel history through the car's GPS. He realizes that his wife often visited places he did not know about. With great curiosity, he begins to investigate the mystery hidden behind her travels.

UNMET: ARU NOGEKAI NO NIKKI (2024) tells the story of Kawauchi Miyabi, a former neurosurgeon who has lost her short-term memory. She now works as a nurse assistant. Her life changes when she meets Sanpei Tomoharu, an eccentric surgeon. Together, they uncover the big secret behind Miyabi's memory loss.

The story of the drama KONTO GA HAJIMARU (2021) follows the journey of five young people trying to rise from life's failures. Haruto, Shunta, and Junpei form a comedy group called Macbeth that is not very popular. They often gather at the restaurant where Rihoko works. Together, they try to find new meaning in a life full of twists and turns. Find more interesting Japanese drama recommendations at kapanlagi.com. If not now, when? KapanLagi?