Hello. Disclaimer first, I did not learn Japanese from these TV series. My Japanese knowledge is limited to basic greetings only 😁. But some of the series may have a bit explanation on some terms in Japanese. Anyway, I think they are enjoyable and good to watch.

1 Litre of Tears

This is a story of a high school student, Ikeuchi Aya, who is a happy girl surrounded by loving family and friends. Everything is normal until her mother notice that she has been falling down often and walk strange. Her mother then takes her to see a doctor. Doctor says that Aya has a rare incurable disease that affects her brain. This is based on a true story, and you can see the picture of the real Aya during the series. If you decide to watch this, don’t forget to bring tissue with you because the title is no kidding.

Hanazakari no Kimitachi e

Ashiya Mizuki, a Japanese girl who lives in US, has idolized a young Japanese high jump athlete for a long time, named Sano Izumi. Something happened to Izumi and he stopped competing in high jump. Mizuki is determined to raise his spirit back and make him compete in high jump again. Mizuki then flies to Japan and try to find Izumi. However, Izumi goes to an all-boys school. This does not stop Mizuki, she disguises herself as a boy and enrolls at the school. This is a comedy drama TV series. Some jokes may seem absurd but it is still a nice thing to watch.

Proposal Daisakusen

Ken is at his best friend wedding since childhood, Rei. He has been in love with her for years but he never seemed able to tell her that. At the wedding, he seems so frustrated and sad and makes a spirit pities him. The spirit suddenly appears in front of him and tells him that he can go back to the past if he wishes to. My friend said to me “where have you been in your life?” when I said I never watched this series. And seriously, if you haven’t watched this, where have you been in your life?

Rich Man, Poor Woman

I admit that I only watched this because of Oguri Shun. This is a classic story about a very rich successful man who doesn’t like to socialize and has a deep secret that he keeps from everyone else. I remember that I quite enjoyed watching this series but I don’t really remember the storyline.