Unique Features of Drama Series by Japanese Broadcasters
Japan’s Broadcasting System
Japan has seven main television channels. Two are operated by NHK (the public broadcaster), while the remaining five belong to major commercial networks.
Each of the major commercial networks have local affiliate stations across the country, broadcasting a mix of nationwide broadcast programmes and regional content. Occasionally, some local programs air nationwide.
In this article, I will introduce the unique characteristics of each of the major commercial networks: Nippon TV, TV Asahi, TBS (Tokyo Broadcasting System), TV Tokyo, and Fuji TV.
© Nippon TV
Nippon TV
Nippon TV drama series are especially popular among teenagers and young women. Traditionally, its Saturday night slot features school dramas — acting as a gateway for many teens into the world of Japanese TV series, and Wednesday night drama has long been known for depicting each generation’s working women.
Adding to these strengths, recently, Nippon TV has collaborated with Bakarhythm, a comedian and scriptwriter, to produce successful series such as Rebooting and The Hot Spot.
The Hot Spot is set in a rural town near Mt. Fuji, where the protagonist encounters an alien disguised as an ordinary middle-aged man. Its quirky tone with Japanese countryside vibe perfectly captured many audiences.
TV Asahi
TV Asahi is renowned for its long-running drama series. Many of its hits have continued for numerous seasons and earned enduring popularity. The best-known example is AIBOU: Tokyo Detective Duo, which has reached 24 seasons to date.
Other notable successes include Doctor X, which follows a highly skilled freelance female surgeon and has seven seasons and a feature film, and Emergency Interrogation Room, which centres on intense interrogation-room conversations to solve crimes in each episode, is launching its fifth season in October and has a feature film scheduled for release this winter.
While most Japanese dramas end after one season, TV Asahi is distinctive for producing multi-season series that are beloved by audiences across Japan.
© TV Asahi
© TBS (Tokyo Broadcasting System)
TBS (Tokyo Broadcasting System)
TBS is famous for its high-quality drama production. It features three major drama time slots: Tuesday 10 PM, Friday 10 PM, and Sunday 9 PM, each with its own theme. Tuesday dramas often being romantic comedies, Friday dramas are often a blend of different genres – like romance-suspense, and Sunday dramas are the network’s flagship, big-budget productions. TBS strategically brands each slot and has created numerous hit drama series.
VIVANT was aired for Sunday 9 PM slot in 2023 and will return for a second season in 2026. The first season follows Yusuke Nogi, who is unexpectedly blamed for a remittance error at his company, and follows his thrilling journey to the fictional Republic of Balka.
TV Tokyo
TV Tokyo is known for its creative, affordable, and highly original dramas. Its late-night drama slots are especially popular, showcasing a wide variety of unique series that offer new perspectives on life and entertainment. These dramas often focus on themes such as food, sake, saunas, and solo activities, reflecting simple yet meaningful pleasures in everyday life.
One of its most iconic series is Solitary Gourmet. It captures the quiet joy of eating through a protagonist who tries various delicious dishes during his lunchtime. With no dramatic twists, each episode celebrates the little things in life through his monologue.10 seasons in, this series resonated deeply with viewers, even inspiring a feature film in 2025.
© TV Tokyo
© Fuji TV
Fuji TV
Fuji TV has long been renowned for its Monday 9 PM dramas, often centered on urban romance. In the 1990s, people would say that “women disappeared from the streets on Monday nights” because all the women were watching the “Monday 9”. Fuji TV is known for producing drama series that portray romance and heartfelt human relationships.
A recent example is Second to Last Love, whose third season aired 11 years after the second. Set in the scenic seaside town of Kamakura, the series portrays the everyday lives of middle-aged characters with witty, heartfelt dialogue.
While every broadcaster produces a wide range of drama series, each maintains a distinctive character that keeps Japanese audiences excited for what comes next.
I hope you enjoyed discovering the unique styles of each Japanese TV network and will dive further into the fascinating world of Japanese drama.
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