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Popular 18 Business Japanese Dramas recommended for business Japanese learners!

January 24, 2018

Many foreigners like learning Japanese through various media such as comics and animations. But, some business people may feel this is not enough. Given that, we have selected some business-theme related Japanese TV dramas that both Japanese learners and business people enjoy. The following are my favorite Top 3 and other popular dramas.

 

No１

“Hagetaka”

It’s a business drama that depicts the battle between Japanese bankers trying to prevent buyouts by foreign investors. It is said that the awareness of the threats to acquisitions raised among Japanese businesspeople after broadcasting this drama. Recommended for those who are interested in the topics like M&A, corporate rehabilitation and foreign fund.

 

Watch this program on DVD

http://amzn.to/2r3AM8G

 

No２

“Hanzawa Naoki”

The drama follows the story of Hanzawa Naoki, a banker working for the largest bank in Japan, faces numerous obstacles from upper management as he climbs his way up the ranks.

The story is interesting that it offers an in-depth look at the constraints of those close-knit in bank’s internal structure. It is one of the super popular TV drama with a consistent high rating of 42.2%. A popular signature phrase of Hanzawa, “Yararetara yarikaesu! Bai gaeshi da!!” (An eye for an eye! I will just fight back twice as much!!”), was also chosen as a buzzword for 2013.

 

Watch this program on DVD

http://amzn.to/2r3v1YK

 

No３

“SoratobuTaiya”

A drama with the theme of a flying tire accident and hiding recalls by major automakers. It gives a realistic depiction of the conflict between people working in an organization called “company”, and the relationship between large companies and their subcontractors.

 

Watch this program at AmazonPrime(30 days free trial). https://goo.gl/PsFH3b

Watch this program on DVD http://amzn.to/2r3nf0L

 

“Kabuka Bōraku”

It depicts a restructured mega supermarket targeted by bombings terrorism, and the widespread darkness among its main bank. It’s a drama that combines various elements of financial drama, corporate suspense and police drama.

 

Watch this program at AmazonPrime(30 days free trial). https://goo.gl/ss0mGb

Watch this program on DVD http://amzn.to/2r37pmY

 

“Kansa Hōjin”

It’s an economic drama that depicts the battle between a company and an audit corporation.

With the theme of accounting audit, it’s recommended for people involved in accounting and auditing.

 

Watch this program on DVD http://amzn.to/2r3m5ma

 

 

“Genkai Shuraku Kabushikigaisha”

The story is about reconstruction of rural areas where have experienced depopulation. A management consultant has appeared in rural areas and tries to reconstruct the area though agriculture with a group of young people from city. It’s recommended for people who are interested in topics like regional reconstruction, consulting, as well as Japanese mentality in the countryside.

 

Watch this program at VideoMarket(1 month free trial). https://goo.gl/GkYCxB　

 

“Saisei Kyoryu”

A human drama that takes place in logistics industry, depicting the conflict and regeneration of a man who, although has abilities, is still suffering a demotion transfer after his failure. You may be drawn into the story because of its detailed description of the restraints of Japanese companies.

 

Watch this program at AmazonPrime(30 days free trial). https://goo.gl/RG0gci　

Watch this program on DVD http://amzn.to/2r38sTW

 

“Shitamachi Rocket”

The story is related to the development of domestic rocket engine, depicting a small factory in downtown fighting against a huge company. It’s recommended for those who are interested in small and medium-sized manufacturers which support the Japanese manufacturing.

 

Watch this program at VideoMarket(1 month free trial). https://goo.gl/GkYCxB　

Watch this program on DVD http://amzn.to/2r3mZPl

 

“Cheisu: Kokuzei sasatsukan”

The story is about a huge asset of 600 billion yen, depicting the battle between the National Tax Inspector and the tax evasion consultant. It’s recommended for those who are interested in tax consulting or tax havens.

 

Watch this program at VideoMarket(1 month free trial). https://goo.gl/GkYCxB　

Watch this program on DVD http://amzn.to/2s60kR2　

 

“Hanasaki Mai Speaks Out”

The story follows a female employee working for the bank 5 years, overcomes many challenges one after another within the Bank. Although it’s a comic origin story that lacks reality, everyone can easy to enjoy.

 

Watch this program at VideoMarket(1 month free trial). https://goo.gl/GkYCxB　

Watch this program on DVD http://amzn.to/2r3tima　

 

“Made in Japan”

It’s a drama that depicts a giant electric manufacturer, just before bankruptcy, attempts to rebuild in the lithium ion battery market. It’s recommended for those who are interested in Japanese manufacturing industry and international competition with foreign enterprises.

 

Watch this program at VideoMarket(1 month free trial). https://goo.gl/GkYCxB　

Watch this program on DVD http://amzn.to/2r3F3sJ

 

“Roosevelt Game”

Medium-sized precision instrument manufacturers on the verge of bankruptcy are facing the crisis of absorption merger. The story depicts a miracle reversal play “Roosevelt Game” by overlapping the fight against competitors with the struggle of company’s baseball team.

 

Watch this program at AmazonPrime(30 days free trial). https://goo.gl/cK14kk　

Watch this program on DVD http://amzn.to/2r3sFsB　　

 

“LEADERS”

The story is based on Toyota’s founder, Kiichiro Toyoda, depicts the people who spend their whole lives on domestic automobile manufacturing. It’s recommended for those who are interested in Japanese manufacturers, automobile manufacturing, Toyota etc.

Watch this program at VideoMarket(1 month free trial). https://goo.gl/GkYCxB　

Watch this program on DVD http://amzn.to/2r3zMkP

 

 

“Kanryotachi no Natsu”

It tells the story of the industries and government officials, who are carrying out their mission to make Japan, the defeated country, as affluent and wealthy as the western world. It’s recommended for people who are interested in Japan at the time of high economic growth.

 

Watch this program on DVD http://amzn.to/2r3hhwW　

 

“Shizumanu Taiyō”

The drama depicts the battle of company labor union modeled on Japan Airlines in the 1960 – 1980s. With the theme of labor unions, it’s recommended for people involved in personnel affaires and labor.

 

Watch this program on DVD vol 1 http://amzn.to/2r3m8hS　

Watch this program on DVD vol 2 http://amzn.to/2r3tEsW

 

“Taiyo no Wana”

It’s a romantic-suspense story that depicts the protagonist is suspected of being an industrial espionage in relation to the technology of solar power generation. It’s recommended for those who are interested in themes such as intellectual property or patent warfare.

 

Watch this program on DVD http://amzn.to/2s69NYv

 

“Top sales”

A story of a woman who changes her career and eventually becomes a president of a car sales company in a male-oriented society of the 1970’s. It’s recommended for people who are interested in Japanese car industry after the war, or successful career woman in Japan. Since Japanese famous cars such as Toyota 2000 GT are also appeared, car fans can also enjoy the story.

 

Watch this program on DVD http://amzn.to/2s67JA2

 

“Rich Man, Poor Woman”

It’s a romantic comedy drama, tells a love story between the president of an IT venture company and a student from the University of Tokyo right out of college. Although some business people may feel the content is not enough, IT-related people may enjoy, since it’s a story taken place in an IT company.

 

Watch this program at FujiTV on demand https://goo.gl/ORjIRw　

Watch this program on DVD http://amzn.to/2r3u9TI　

 

Some occupations and industries that I’d like to recommend are listed. All the stories are interesting, and I do believe everyone else can enjoy the stories. Let’s practice listening skills while enjoying Japanese TV dramas!