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5 best travel shows about Japan

Explore Japanese food, culture and landscapes with Elliot Page, Joanna Lumley, James May and more

Okay, so international travel isn’t completely feasible yet, but you can still look for some inspiration to start planning your next big trip. Whether you’re tagging along with Elliot Page to explore the ins and outs of Shinjuku Nichome , or getting to know the delights of the Japanese onsen with Top Gear’s James May, these whimsical travel shows are bound to fuel your wanderlust.

Covering Japan from the eccentricities of modern Tokyo to the most traditional elements of Japanese culture, here are the best travel shows to take you on a whirlwind adventure without leaving home.

RECOMMENDED: The best documentaries about Japanese food

Travel at home

Joanna lumley's japan.

In this series, beloved British actress Joanna Lumley (Absolutely Fabulous) starts her journey in the sub-zero temperatures of Hokkaido before making her way to Honshu, Japan’s cultural heartland. Taking boats, planes and speedy bullet trains to make her 2,000-mile journey, Lumley is a delightfully charming travel companion, always ready with a witty quip. 

From the spectacular views of natural world heritage sites to jetting over some of Japan’s most active volcanoes, the series is an excitement-packed feast for the eyes. After taking part in a karate class and swinging fire for a festival in Akita, Lumley concludes her trip in Tokyo by attending a riotous ‘girl band’ concert where the average age is 84. 

Available on Netflix in some regions outside of Japan. 

Prime Japan

Discover the joys of staying in a traditional ryokan and ponder the nation’s obsession with cats in this extensive series about Japan on Amazon Prime . If an itinerary of lugging heavy bags through crowded streets and tourist hotspots sounds like a far cry from a holiday to you, be soothed by these scenes of calming natural landscapes and private sushi counters. 

Rather than a surface-level introduction to iconic dishes like sushi and ramen, viewers are shown the history and origins of each food as well as the meticulous process of sourcing ingredients to make them. An exploration of old and new, this series takes you from the traditional Buddhist practice of Zen meditation to the cutting-edge designs that put Japan on the map for modern technology.

James May: Our Man in Japan

Follow Top Gear’s former host James May as he journeys across Japan from the busy streets of Tokyo to the shrines and temples of Kyoto. Far from the average travel show with dry narration and slow filler shots of landscapes, May’s antics make this cultural exploration as funny as it is informative. 

Curious to learn about what goes down at the annual Kanamara Matsuri Penis Festival? What all the fuss for pachinko parlours is about? May sets out to investigate all that and more in six wildly entertaining episodes. Sure, there are genuinely beautiful scenes featuring venues like Odaiba’s teamLab Borderless Museum and a traditional tea ceremony hosted by a real geisha, but it’s the comical social faux pas and mishaps that make the show one of the best of its kind. 

Gaycation: Japan

In this series , actor Elliot Page (Umbrella Academy) and his friend Ian Daniel explore different corners around the world to better understand how LGBTQ+ communities vary across cultures. Though the series doesn't shy away from dealing with the marginalisation of LGBTQ+ people, Page and Daniel also cover significant ground touring the most distinctive parts of each city they visit. In the Japan episode, Page begins by exploring a traditional shrine before heading to Shinjuku Nichome’s smallest lesbian bar.

Queer Eye: We're in Japan!

Queer Eye’s mini-series set in Japan is high on our list of the best shows on Netflix for its feel-good factor and style inspo, but the episodes also introduce viewers to a more local side of Tokyo through Japanese cooking sessions and ikebana workshops. Along the way, TV icons Kiko Mizuhara and Naomi Watanabe join in to teach the Fab Five a thing or two about Japanese customs and traditions.

Best Japanese movies and series with English subtitles on Netflix

Locally produced, binge-worthy titles to add to your watch list

The best Japanese horror films

Forget the Hollywood remakes – Japan produces some of the best and most original horror movies around

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We’ve compiled this list of the studio’s best anime films. Spoiler: it’s not all about Miyazaki

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15 Best Documentaries About Japan To Watch

• by Jonny Duncan
• November 12, 2023 December 15, 2023

These are 15 of the best documentaries about Japan selected for different genres to help understand the country better. They give a very good insight into Japanese culture and Japan as a whole and I highly recommend all of them.

Do not be surprised that there are a bunch of food-based documentaries as Japan’s food culture is a big part of Japanese tradition and Japanese food is famous all over the world.

After spending several months travelling around Japan and writing travel guides for the places I visited I decided to write articles about Japanese culture, books, movies, and more (links in this article to some of those posts).

So if you’re planning a trip to Japan or are just interested in Japan, then these will all give a good insight into the Japanese way of life.

Disclaimer : I own none of the images in this post. They are used in fair usage terms to publicly discuss the documentaries about Japan.

Note: I’ve added links in the article to where you can watch some of these documentaries on Japan at Amazon and they are affiliate links which means I get a small commission at no extra cost to you if you watch them there. Thanks .

Jiro Dreams Of Sushi (2011)

If you love sushi then you will love this documentary. Jiro Dreams of Sushi is about Jiro Ono an 85-year-old sushi master (his age when the documentary was made in 2011) and his son who is learning the business from his father.

Jiro has a tiny sushi restaurant in Tokyo that only takes 10 people at a time. Watch this especially if you are interested in sushi and exploring parts of Tokyo.

Watch it here:

Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan (2019)

Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan is one of the best new historical documentary series about Japan based around the samurai.

It explores the tumultuous period of Japanese history known as the Sengoku period, which lasted from the late 15th century to the early 17th century and was characterized by political upheaval and almost constant military conflict among various daimyo (feudal lords) vying for control over Japan.

The series uses a combination of dramatic reenactments, expert interviews, and historical analysis to look into the lives of key figures from the Sengoku period.

It also explores the strategies and battles that shaped the course of Japanese history during this time. If you want to learn more about the age of the samurai in Japan, this is the documentary series for you.

You can watch this series on Netflix:

Japan: Earth’s Enchanted Islands (2015)

Japan: Earth’s Enchanted Islands is a nature documentary series that consists of three episodes, each focusing on a different aspect of Japan’s diverse natural environment. The series explores the wildlife, landscapes, and ecosystems that make Japan unique.

The three areas explored in the three episodes are:

• Honshu : This episode explores the main island of Honshu, where Tokyo and Kyoto are located. It showcases the contrast between the bustling urban areas and the serene natural landscapes. You get to see iconic landmarks such as Mount Fuji and the snow monkeys of Jigokudani.
• Hokkaido : This episode focuses on Hokkaido, the northernmost and least developed of Japan’s major islands. It highlights the island’s wildlife, including the brown bears and the red-crowned cranes, as well as the winter landscapes that attract skiers and snow enthusiasts.
• Kyushu : The final episode explores the southern island of Kyushu, known for its volcanic landscapes and unique wildlife. It showcases the active volcanic region of Aso, the hot springs of Beppu, and the marine life around the island.

This series is easily my favourite out of these documentaries about Japan for the nature of the country.

Clip from episode one:

The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness (2013)

This is one for the  Japanese animation  fans.

It follows one year in Studio Ghibli, the most famous of all Japanese animation movie studios.

It’s where Hayao Miyazaki (see another documentary below) has made his famed animation movies over the decades, such as Spirited Away.

If you’re in Tokyo and love Japanese animation then going to the  Studio Ghibli Museum  is a must. Be aware though it gets booked up weeks/months in advance so get your tickets beforehand.

Joanna Lumley’s Japan (2016)

Joanna Lumley is one of my favourite TV travel presenters and in the documentary series that consists of 3 episodes she travels across different parts of Japan exploring all she can see.

She starts in the far north in Hokkaido, then visits some of the main sights on Honshu, before ending in Kyushu in the far south.

This will give you a great insight into some of the best things to see and do in Japan while having a look at the culture and people of the country.

Mifune: The Last Samurai (2015)

Ok, I’m biased on this one as I love Japanese samurai movies .

This documentary focuses on the career of Toshiro Mifune the ultimate samurai actor in chinbara (sword fighting) movies in Japan.

He’s the actor in many of Akira Kurosawa’s (legendary Japanese filmmaker) movies, such as Seven Samurai.

If you have any interest in Japanese samurai movies and Japanese movies then watch this.

The Birth of Sake (2015)

Set at the Tedorigawa Brewery in northern Japan this one is for those interested in traditional sake making, which is part of Japanese culture.

It follows the family-run sake business for one winter season.

Tip: You can get a 1-month free trial of Amazon Prime (get with that link) where you can watch these documentaries about Japan if you don’t already have an account.

Never-Ending Man: Hayao Miyazaki (2016)

As mentioned in the previous documentary Hayao Miyazaki is the most famous of all Japanese animation movie creators.

This follows the last days of his time making animation. An intimate portrait of a Japanese animator legend.

Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo (2009)

Did you know Japan likes insects? Or has an obsession with insects you could say.

This takes a look at the culture and history, such as the insect-selling businesses in Japan from the early 1800s, all the way to today.

Japan has some strange fascinations and this shows just one aspect of that and shows it beautifully. This is one of my favourite documentaries about Japan.

Fun Japanese insect fact: The first emperor of Japan named Japan the ‘Isle of the Dragonflies’.

The Inland Sea (1991)

The Inland Sea is based on the same book written by an American (Donald Richie) in Japan in the 1970s where he wrote about his travels on Japan’s western coast.

The documentary follows in the footsteps of his time spent there and shows good insight into rural Japan and the traditional culture that is slowly disappearing.

Get The Inland Sea on Amazon.

This is the link for the book on Amazon that the documentary is based on.

The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom (2011)

After the disastrous tsunami of 2011 in Japan survivors and residents of some of the hardest-hit areas are inspired by the cherry blossom season and the new hope it brings.

A look at the tsunami of 2011 and the courage of the Japanese people to rebuild their lives. It’s a short documentary but a good one to watch about the tsunami.

Budo: The Art of Killing (1979)

Budo: The Art of Killing is a great Japanese documentary about martial arts in Japan, such as karate, aikido, and judo.

It shows the philosophy of martial arts as well as the history behind them and the ultimate budo samurai way of life.

If you have any interest in Japanese martial arts then watch it in high quality on Amazon:

You can also watch the documentary for free on YouTube but the quality is very low (240p).

A Normal Life. Chronicle of a Sumo Wrestler (2013)

A Normal Life follows a teenager as he joins a sumo-wrestling stable only to be confronted with the hardships of life as a sumo wrestler.

This is a good one to watch if you want to learn more about the traditional sport of sumo in Japan.

You can watch the trailer here .

Miso Hungry (2015)

Miso Hungry is a great food documentary about Japan from a foreigner’s perspective as it follows comedian Craig Anderson for 12 weeks in Japan where he just eats Japanese food.

Watch this documentary about Japan if you love Japanese food and have an interest in the Japanese diet.

James May: Our Man in Japan (2020)

I’m adding just one more to the list that isn’t a documentary on Japan in the strictest sense as it’s a travelogue series but it is a lot of fun to watch.

James May, a British journalist and TV presenter, has always had a fascination with Japanese culture and in this series, he explores everything he can about Japan.

It’s funny, interesting and recent (released in 2020) so gives an up-to-date view of all things Japanese.

One extra for the foodies…

Ramen Heads (2017)

Looking for the perfect ramen?

The ramen dish (soup and noodles) is a staple of Japanese food and is found everywhere in Japan, with most regions having their speciality.

Osamu Tomita, the ‘king’ of ramen, shows you his life in the creation of making the best ramen in Japan, if not the world.

Love Japanese food ? Then watch Ramen Heads.

Top tip: There is an excellent channel on YouTube called NHK World-Japan that has many documentaries about Japan, some short and some long.

Some are news style, some are travelogue style, but most cover various aspects of Japanese life, from the old traditions to the modern.

They have so many documentaries which are more web-based and not famous which is why I didn’t add them here, but you can find some of the best information on Japan there.

This is my favourite channel on YouTube for everything Japanese-related.

Best Documentaries About Japan

There are lots of other documentaries about Japan to watch but these are my favourites that I have seen so far and that I recommend to you.

If you have a favourite documentary on Japan that is not shown here then mention it in the comments.

More Japan reading:

10 of the best movies about Japan

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10 Japanese Documentaries That Shed Light On The Hidden Sides Of Japan

Japanese documentaries to watch

Despite what true-to-life locations would have us believe, anime series rarely portray the entirety of Japan. So for those who are looking to open their eyes to a side of Japan that’s not often seen in anime, it’s time to binge through these Japanese documentaries and deepen your understanding of the Land of the Rising Sun.

1. Hafu (2013)

Derived from the word “half”, the term hafu (ハーフ) refers to people who are ethnically half-Japanese or mixed race. Documentary film Hafu follows the lives of 5 ethnic minorities and their multiracial experiences in contemporary Japan.

From a half-Mexican child who is bullied in school for being different to a Ghana-born Japanese, the film spotlights on their struggles and personal experiences with discrimination. As they seek to navigate their identity in a society that claims to be monoethnic, it implores the important question of what it means to be Japanese and deeper issues of nationality.

Video credit: Hafu Film  

Length: 1 hour 25 minutes Available on: Amazon Prime, iTunes, DvD

2. Jiro Dreams Of Sushi (2011)

Featuring the formerly Michelin-starred sushi restaurant that got a seal of approval from Barack Obama, Jiro Dreams Of Sushi follows the then 85-year-old chef Jiro Ono and his pursuit of sushi-making craft. A fascinating look into the behind-the-scenes of sushi-making and what it takes to perfect one’s craft, the documentary is a homage to the fastidious focus of the master artisan, shedding light on Japanese work ethics and discipline.

Aside from mouth-watering close-up shots of sushi, the film also explores Jiro’s relationship with his son Yoshikazu, the eventual inheritor of the restaurant. As Yoshikazu tries to catch up with his father’s legacy, issues of family dynamics and how Jiro’s mastery casts a long shadow over his son are brought to surface.

Video credit: Netflix  

Length: 1 hour 23 minutes Available on: Netflix

3. Tokyo Idols (2017)

Exploring idol culture in Japan, Tokyo Idols digs beyond the glitz and glamour of being a pop star in Japan’s entertainment industry. It focuses on underground idols, specifically Rio Hiiragi, an aspiring 19-year-old idol who is working hard to make it big in the industry.

Hiiragi is affectionately dubbed “RioRio” by her fans – a small but fervent group of men aged 20 to 40 years old. From fans spending a hefty sum of money annually on concert tickets to attending every handshake event, the documentary is a fascinating glimpse into the world of such obsessive idol fan behaviour.

Tokyo Idols delves into issues such as young female sexuality, gender roles, and consumerism inherent in the pop cultural phenomenon.

Video credit: BELDOCS – International Documentary Film Festival Belgrade

Length: 1 hour 30 minutes Available on: Amazon Prime

4. Queer Japan (2019)

Peering into the lives of artists, activists, and more from the LGBTQ+ community in Japan, Queer Japan is a film that celebrates queer and trans culture in modern Japan. The 3-hour-long documentary features prominent figures such as Vivienne Sato, an actress and drag queen based in Tokyo, and Aya Kamikawa, Japan’s first openly transgender councilwoman.

Be it through flashy pride parades or covert parties, the film provides a glimpse of the unconventional lives of the interviewed members of the LGBTQ+ community and how they live unapologetically as themselves.

Video credit: hollywoodstreams

Length: 2 hour 47 minutes Available on: DVD

5. Minamata: The Victims And Their World (1971)

In 1956, the first case of Minamata Disease was reported in Minamata, Kumamoto Prefecture. After investigation, it was revealed that the unknown disease was caused by mercury poisoning stemming from improper disposal of factory waste.

Minamata: The Victims And Their World is centred on the victims who filed lawsuits against Chisso, the factory responsible for one of the worst industrial pollution in modern Japan.

Patients affected by the disease, from those born with disease-induced abnormalities to those suffering from life-threatening effects such as brain damage, are shown in the documentary. Even villagers who were spared from physical side effects are shown to be suffering from discrimination by virtue of being associated with the disease.

Though heart-wrenching, the documentary is worth a watch as it reveals some deep-seated issues, such as corporate negligence and slow government responses, that are still pertinent in Japanese society today.

Video credit: zakkafilms

Length: 2 hour 14 minutes Available on: Amazon Prime

6. The Emperor’s Naked Army Marches On (1987)

Released in 1987, the widely acclaimed The Emperor’s Naked Army Marches On follows Kenzo Okuzaki, a war veteran who’s investigating the unexplained execution of his comrades after the end of WW2.

Hell-bent on finding out who was responsible for their deaths, Kenzo goes around and visits former surviving soldiers in his unit to uncover the truth. Beware – the documentary can get pretty gruesome as Kenzo often resorts to violence to get former soldiers to talk.

Video credit: Open City Documentary Festival 

Length: 1 hour 41 minutes Available on: Amazon Prime

7. The Kingdom Of Dreams And Madness (2013)

Documented during the period when Studio Ghibli was producing The Wind Rises and The Tale of the Princess Kaguya , The Kingdom Of Dreams And Madness gives us an insight into the creative process of animated film production.

The film primarily focuses on the revered Hayao Miyazaki, but also features other equally important co-founders of Studio Ghibli , such as long-time friend and producer Toshio Suzuki, as well as fellow filmmaker Isao Takahata.

Unlike the fantasy-like and ethereal visual that’s distinctive of Studio Ghibli films, the documentary is anything but. While Miyazaki’s devotion to his craft is widely commended, the documentary shows how his fastidious focus can sometimes cause conflicts with his colleagues.

Video credit: Madman Anime

Length: 2 hours Available on: Amazon Prime

8. The Tsunami And The Cherry Blossom (2011)

On 11th March 2011, the devastating Great East Japan earthquake struck, followed by the consecutive disasters of a tsunami and a nuclear meltdown. The Tsunami And The Cherry Blossom shares stories from survivors from affected areas and focuses on the sakura season that arrived shortly after the disaster.

Symbolising a time of renewal and new beginnings, the cultural significance of Japan’s national flower cannot be overlooked. Though the documentary is filled with grief and sorrow for the most part, the cherry blossoms that bloom amidst the ruins bring hope to the people in Tohoku and inspire them to move forward.

Video credit: Asian Documentaries

Length: 41 minutes Available on: iTunes, Vimeo

9. The Great Happiness Space: Tale Of An Osaka Love Thief (2006)

They say money can’t buy love, but at Cafe Rakkyo, spending a copious amount of money on champagne can pretty much guarantee you the attention and affection of good-looking hosts. The Great Happiness Space: Tale of an Osaka Love Thief offers a look into what goes on in one of the most popular host clubs in Osaka.

Within that space, the concept of love between charming hosts and the female clientele is built on monetary transactions. Through sweet talk and flattery, the male escorts sell manufactured dreams and compete for customers, while women who patronise the club invest money to win their love. Watch the documentary to get a look into the intricacies and facets of Japan’s entertainment district.

Length: 1 hour 15 minutes Available on: DVD

10. The Birth Of Sake (2015)

Established in 1870, Yoshida Saké Brewery has been producing quality sake by hand for more than 150 years, despite the rise of automation in the industry. Every year, a group of brewers will spend 6 months living and working at the brewery to go through the arduous process of sake making.

Starting from polishing rice to supervising the fermentation process, The Birth Of Sake walks us through the ancient craft of sake production. Determined to continue the legacy and pass on the 2000-year-old art, the master brewers devote all they can to make sake the old-fashioned way. Even if you’re not a big drinker, you’ll never look at the national drink of Japan the same way ever again after watching this film.

Video credit: Movieclips Indie

Length: 1 hour 34 minutes Available on: Amazon Prime, iTunes

Japanese documentaries you should watch

From a war veteran’s frenzied chase to hunt down the culprits responsible for his comrades’ death to the age-old tradition of saké brewing, the multifaceted documentaries on our list will shed light on aspects of life in Japan you don’t usually think about. So grab some popcorn, snuggle up, and enjoy our curation of Japanese documentaries.

For more series to watch, check out:

• New anime series in Spring 2021
• New Japanese movies in 2021
• Best fantasy anime series
• Workplace Japanese dramas
• New Japanese dramas to binge on

Cover image adapted from: Amazon Prime , Amazon Prime , and IMDb

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The 22 Best Documentaries About Japan

Jul 11, 2023 | Best Of , Culture , History

The Land of the Rising Sun, Japan is a mesmerizing country that captivates all who visit. From its majestic mountain ranges to its vibrant urban environment in Tokyo and its unique cultures and customs, it’s no wonder why Japan has been an intriguing destination for travellers throughout history. Not to mention, you can find some of the best sushi around!

But there’s more to learn about this remarkable country than what meets the eye. To truly understand its past and present, one must dive deeper into Japanese culture through various documentaries. Here are 22 of the most illuminating films that explore different aspects of Japan’s fascinating history and culture.

1. Beautiful Japan

Japan is a country with an incredible history and culture. From its stunning temples and shrines to its iconic landscapes, Japan has something special for everyone. In this documentary, we’ll take you on a journey through some of the best places in Japan and explore its rich history along the way!

2. Religion in Japan

This video explores the unique coexistence of two major religions in Japan: Shinto and Buddhism. Discover how these faiths have existed harmoniously for centuries, and how they are still present in everyday life today. Learn about religious rituals at ceremonies like birth, weddings, funerals, New Year’s celebrations, and local festivals.

3. Japanese Traditional Diet

Explore the traditional Japanese diet and its emphasis on natural flavors that make up a balanced meal. From steamed rice, noodles, fish, tofu, natto and seaweed to eggs, dairy or meat – we’ll take you through this healthy eating plan with its expansion of small dishes. Learn how to incorporate these ingredients into your own meals while reducing added sugars and fat for a healthier lifestyle!

4. Japanese Food guide

Explore the history of Japan and discover the secrets behind its unique culture! This documentary takes you through a journey to uncover some of the nation’s most fascinating stories. We’ll look at traditional Japanese toys, like the spinning pinnacle, and learn about their significance in everyday life. You will also get an inside look into Japanese cuisine, from grain-based dishes to milk and fruit. Plus, discover why physical activity is so important for overall health. Join us as we explore Japan’s past and present – it promises to be an unforgettable experience!

5. Japanese Food and Diet Requirements

Discover the secrets of traditional Japanese cuisine and how it can help you lead a healthier lifestyle. In this documentary, we explore the “washoku” diet plan that relies on simple, fresh ingredients such as fish, seafood and plant-based elements with minimal amounts of animal protein, sugar or fat. Go on an exploration through Japan’s history to learn more about the culture behind this unique weight loss program.

6. Memoirs Of A Secret

Take a journey through Japan’s turbulent history with this documentary. Learn about the powerful samurai and daimyo warlords who once ruled the country, and how Portuguese merchants introduced Christianity to Japan in 1543. Follow Tokugawa Ieyasu’s life as he is taken hostage at an early age, later reclaiming his family’s land and allying himself with two of the most powerful rulers in Japan: Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Discover more about this fascinating period of Japanese history!

7. Japan: Shedding Light On The Hidden Sides of Japan

If you’re looking to gain a deeper understanding of Japan, its culture and history, then this video is for you. It showcases the best documentaries about Japan that explore the country’s unique customs and traditions from mouth-watering closeup shots of sushi to family dynamics within Jiro’s restaurant dynasty. Dive into these insightful films and discover what makes Japan such an incredible place!

8. Japanese Customs: Bowing

Japan is a culture of art and etiquette. From its deep and ancient history to its modern-day customs, Japan has many unique ways of expressing respect. Bowing is one such way – ranging from the most subtle nod of the head to a full waist bend, bowing can be both an art form and a cultural necessity. In this documentary, we explore the various forms of bowing in Japan as well as their origin in order to gain insight into this fascinating culture!

9. A journey between tradition and modernity

Discover the unique beauty of Japan with us! From iconic temples to traditional geishas, explore all that this country has to offer. Start your journey by visiting the Kiyomizu Dera Temple and admire its breathtaking view of the city. Then head over to Kinkakuji’s Golden Pavilion, known for its grandiose pillars. Afterwards, enjoy a peaceful atmosphere at Ginkaku-Ji temple surrounded by stunning gardens and cherry blossoms. And don’t forget to visit Nansen-Ji where you can spot some Koi fishes in tranquil ponds amid lush bamboo groves. Join us on an unforgettable tour around Japan!

10. Japanese Music Instruments Documentary

Are you interested in learning about the fascinating history of Japan? This video takes a deep dive into the culture and music of this beautiful country. We explore the traditional shamisen, shakuhachi flute, and koto instruments. Learn how these unique instruments have evolved over centuries and hear their distinct sounds that make them so special! Discover why they are still appreciated today as we uncover Japan’s rich history through its music.

11. How The Birth Of Japanese Audio Technology Changed The World

This documentary takes a look at two revolutionary products from Japan and how they changed the world. Through interviews with artisans, DJs, and other experts in the industry, we explore the history of technology that these products have helped to shape. Featuring Alex Rosner, Bill Adler, Bobbito Garcia, Dan Pucciarelli and many more! Join us as we discover how these little items made their way around the globe – leaving an unforgettable mark on our culture.

12. Minamoto Vs Tiara Rivalry

Japan has a long and fascinating history that is worth exploring. This video dives into the 22 best documentaries about Japan and its past, from the Gempei War in 1180 to Minamoto Yoritomo’s rise as shogun of Kamakura in 1192. Learn more about the Taira clan’s dominance over Imperial authorities, and how their defeat by Yoshitomo’s son led to a new era of military dictatorship. Discover an amazing land full of captivating stories waiting to be revealed!

13. Ainu Documentary

This documentary explores the fascinating history of Japan and its Ainu people. Learn how this distinct indigenous population has been culturally and physically different from their Japanese neighbors for centuries, up until the early 20th century. Discover how they were connected to Japan’s prehistoric Jōmon culture, and how a language-revitalization movement in the 1980s sought to preserve their heritage by introducing formal training in Ainu. A must-watch for anyone interested in learning about the unique cultures of Japan!

14. Japanese Art Documentary

Explore the world of Japanese history and culture through the lens of one of its most celebrated artists – Taki Katei. In this documentary, we will take a closer look at his life and works, from his time in Tokyo to the international exhibitions that showcased his paintings. We will also delve into World Museum’s rare archive of preparatory drawings used by Taki Katei for teaching, commissions and as an aide-mémoire. Join us on an unforgettable journey as we discover the beauty behind Japan and its vibrant culture!

15. Dolphin in Japan Documentary

The picturesque Japanese fishing village of Taiji in southwestern Honshu has become infamous for its annual dolphin hunt, which sees thousands of dolphins and other small cetaceans killed. This documentary takes an in-depth look at the pressure fishing technique used by hunters to create a ‘wall of sound’ between the dolphins and open ocean. Learn more about how sonar navigation is disrupted and how terrified dolphins try desperately to escape the deafening noise.

16. Tradition and Culture

Explore the fascinating history of Japan with this documentary! Get an in-depth look at how Japan rose from a country heavily influenced by China to one that experienced rapid modernization. Learn about the Meiji Restoration, Sino-Japanese Wars, Russo-Japanese War and more as we trace the timeline of Japanese culture leading up to World War II. Discover both the benefits and costs associated with rapid modernization in Japan and get a unique perspective on its complex dynamics.

17. Suicide Forest in Japan

Are you looking to learn more about the fascinating culture and history of Japan? This documentary will take you on an in-depth exploration of some of the most unique aspects of Japan, from the samurai ritual suicide known as seppuku to Aokigahara Forest, one of the world’s most popular places for suicides. From this film, viewers will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for Japanese culture and its long-standing traditions.

18. Voices of the past

Japan’s history is full of fascinating and complex stories that often go untold. From the Meiji Restoration to the beginnings of World War II, this documentary explores Japan’s rapid modernization process and its costs and benefits. Discover how Japan quickly “caught up” with the West in a profound transformation, while also uncovering some of its hidden complexities. Get ready to dive into 22 documentaries about this unique country’s avant-garde movements!

19. Empire of Japan

Discover the fascinating history of Japan and its imperial rule with this documentary. We explore the Meiji Restoration, which saw a young emperor Mutsuhito take power in 1868 and initiate a period of enlightened rule. The tumultuous period leading up to World War II is also examined, as well as the subsequent enactment of Japan’s postwar constitution on May 3 1947. With our comprehensive coverage, you can gain an understanding into how power was nominally vested inside the imperial house during this time.

20. Japan: History, Geography, Economy & Culture

Japan is a land of contrast, with an ancient history and modern culture. From its legendary shoguns to the devastating atomic bombs of World War II, Japan’s story has been one of extraordinary transformation. In this video we explore the highs and lows of Japanese history, from its rise as a global superpower in electronics to natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis that have shaped its geography over time. We’ll also look at some of the cultural aspects that make Japan unique – from martial arts to ikebana flower arrangements, manga comics to sumo wrestling. Get ready for an immersive journey into the fascinating world of Japan!

21. The Dark Side of Japan: The Lost Generation

Japan has the 3rd largest economy in the world and is renowned for its advanced technology, but there’s a darker side to this success. Millions of people have failed to make it through Japan’s job market and are left struggling with no safety net. This video explores the story behind Japan’s Lost Generation – how they fell through the cracks of society and what it means for Japan’s future. Learn why this is an important issue that needs our attention!

22. The Entire History of Ancient Japan

Discover the amazing history of Japan and its people in this documentary. From ancient times to modern day, explore the diverse culture and traditions that have shaped one of the world’s most fascinating nations. Learn about great leaders who led Japan through wars, dynasties, and economic booms – all while preserving its unique identity. Get an inside look at how Japanese society has evolved over time, as well as how it continues to thrive today!

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The 30+ Best Documentaries About Japan, Ranked

Immerse yourself in the captivating allure of the Land of the Rising Sun through our compelling collection of documentaries about Japan. Each distinctive selection is painstakingly curated to offer a rare glimpse into the enigmatic beauty of Japan's culture, history, and society.

Coupled with our user-generated voting system, our compilation goes beyond a mere list. Each entry is meticulously detailed, giving you an engaging synopsis of what to expect. The power of shaping this list is at your disposal, making your interaction integral to our platform.

To gratify your viewing needs, we offer you immediate access to popular streaming platforms. Beneath every entry, you will find handy buttons for Amazon Prime, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Paramount+, and Max. These facilitative features lead you straight to an unparalleled viewing experience on your preferred platform.

Our aim is to facilitate nuance exploration for both casual viewers and steadfast Japanophiles. Our user-engagement voting system holds testament to our inclusivity. As you peruse through the documentaries, realize that each click, each vote contributes to the narrative and changes the course of the listing. 

Dive into this ocean of knowledge and let every documentary unravel another layer of the intriguing Japanese culture. Your vote impacts the rankings and helps others choose what to watch. Inquisitive, insightful, and interactive – your journey into the heart of Japan starts here. So, engage, learn, and contribute to the ever-evolving narrative of our list.

Jiro Dreams Of Sushi

Diving into the world of sushi mastery, this documentary profiles Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old sushi chef who operates a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Tokyo. With a relentless pursuit of perfection, Jiro's passion for his craft and unwavering dedication to the traditional art of sushi-making are beautifully captured through interviews and behind-the-scenes looks at his daily life. The film offers a fascinating glimpse into the devotion required to excel in one's chosen profession, as well as a mouthwatering introduction to the intricacies of sushi preparation and presentation.

• # 45 of 118 on Life-Changing Documentaries You've Got to See
• # 34 of 277 on The Greatest Documentaries of All Time
• # 13 of 14 on The Best Japanese Movies Streaming on Hulu

The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom

This heart-wrenching documentary showcases the resilience of Japanese people following the devastating 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, using the cherry blossom as a symbol of hope and renewal. The film presents intimate stories of survivors grappling with loss while trying to rebuild their lives amidst the beautiful yet transient nature of cherry blossoms. Ultimately, it powerfully illustrates the human spirit's strength in the face of disaster and the deep-rooted cultural appreciation for life's fleeting beauty.

Abduction: The Megumi Yokota Story

Chronicling the shocking story of Megumi Yokota, a 13-year-old girl abducted by North Korean agents in 1977, this documentary delves into the harrowing experiences of her family as they search for answers and seek justice. Through emotional interviews and archival footage, it offers a revealing look at North Korea's secretive abduction program designed to train spies in Japanese language and culture. The film raises awareness about the plight of abducted citizens, the complex geopolitics between Japan and North Korea, and the indomitable spirit of a family fighting for their loved one's return.

Pray for Japan

In the aftermath of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, this documentary shines a light on the real-life heroes who stepped up to help rebuild their communities. Combining intimate interviews and observational footage, it highlights the resilience, altruism, and determination of survivors and volunteers alike. The film serves as a touching tribute to the people of Japan, showcasing their strength and unity in the face of unprecedented adversity.

The Sword Maker

Focusing on the revered art of Japanese swordsmithing, this documentary offers an intimate portrait of Yoshindo Yoshihara, a master craftsman carrying on the centuries-old traditions of his ancestors. The film provides a detailed account of the labor-intensive process behind forging a samurai blade, revealing the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication that have elevated this art form to near-mythical status. By examining the role of the sword in Japanese history and culture, the documentary underlines the importance of preserving these time-honored skills in a fast-paced modern world.

The Great Happiness Space

Venturing into the late-night world of Tokyo's host clubs, this documentary tells the story of Cafe Rakkyo, where charismatic young men cater to the fantasies and desires of female clients. By offering an insider's perspective on this unique subculture, the film peels back the layers of illusion and reveals the emotional complexities at play - both for the hosts and their customers. Straddling the line between fantasy and reality, it exposes the darker side of Japan's service industry and the fragile nature of human relationships within it.

Suicide Forest in Japan

Delving into the dark beauty and chilling mystery of Aokigahara, a dense forest at the base of Mount Fuji infamous for its high number of suicides, this documentary uncovers the tragic tales and haunting allure associated with this so-called "Sea of Trees." Through interviews with local authorities, visitors, and individuals personally affected by suicide, the film unravels the complex social and psychological factors that have turned this eerily quiet forest into a hotbed of despair. With its ethereal cinematography and thought-provoking narrative, it paints a poignant picture of a place where nature's serenity serves as a backdrop for the depths of human anguish.

Tokyo Olympiad

This classic documentary by legendary filmmaker Kon Ichikawa captures the spirit and spectacle of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, the first Games held in Asia. Using innovative techniques and creative framing, Ichikawa immerses the viewer in the excitement and drama of the competitions while also highlighting the athletes' human stories. More than a mere sports documentary, it serves as a testament to the power of the Olympic Games to unite nations and inspire personal triumphs.

ANPO: Art X War

Examining the influence of Japan's post-WWII security treaty with the United States (ANPO) through the lens of art, this documentary presents the work of various Japanese artists who have used their creativity to critique and resist the political implications of the treaty. The film juxtaposes the provocative artwork with historical footage and interviews with both artists and activists, providing a multifaceted exploration of the intersection between artistic expression and political activism. At its core, it is a testament to the power of art as a form of resistance and a catalyst for social change.

The Emperor's Naked Army Marches On

Blurring the lines between documentary and drama, this film follows Kenzo Okuzaki, a World War II veteran and activist seeking to expose the atrocities committed by the Japanese military during the war. Driven by a relentless quest for truth and justice, Okuzaki confronts former comrades and superiors, revealing hidden secrets and provoking explosive reactions. Daring and controversial, it tackles the complex issue of Japan's wartime past and the collective amnesia that has allowed it to remain largely unexamined.

Ending Note: Death of a Japanese Salesman

Delicately balancing humor and pathos, this deeply personal documentary chronicles the final months of Tomoaki Sunada, a retired salesman diagnosed with terminal cancer. Directed by his daughter Mami, the film captures Sunada's determination to make the most of his remaining time by organizing his own funeral, reconnecting with family and friends, and reflecting on the meaning of life. With its candid portrayal of death and dying, it serves as a poignant meditation on the universal human experience, while providing an intimate glimpse into the often-unspoken realities of aging and end-of-life care in Japan.

Fast Future Generation

Taking viewers on a whirlwind tour of Tokyo's thriving youth culture, this documentary captures the energy and creativity of Japan's millennial generation through the eyes of British rock band Good Charlotte during their 2005 tour. Featuring interviews with young people across various subcultures - from punk rockers to street fashion aficionados - the film delves into the ways in which they navigate societal expectations while forging their own identities. As much a showcase of Japan's distinctive trends as a snapshot of a generation in flux, it offers a fascinating insight into the vibrancy, diversity, and resilience of youth in an ever-changing world.

God Speed You! Black Emperor

This raw and gritty documentary offers a rare glimpse into the world of Japan's fearsome biker gangs, known as Bosozoku, who rebel against societal norms and authority with their customized motorcycles and brazen displays of aggression. By following the exploits of the Black Emperor gang, the film provides an insider's perspective on this closed-off subculture that emerged in the 1970s as a countercultural force in defiance of Japan's strict social hierarchy. Engrossing and provocative, it captures the chaotic spirit of rebellion while examining the deep-seated frustrations and disaffection that drive young people to seek solidarity in such dangerous pursuits.

Budo: The Art of Killing

This insightful documentary delves into the depths of budo, the ancient martial way that forms the foundation of Japan's traditional combat arts such as judo, karate, and kendo. Through mesmerizing demonstrations, expert interviews, and historical context, the film explores the philosophy, techniques, and rituals that have shaped these martial disciplines for centuries. Not merely a showcase of physical prowess, it reveals the spiritual essence of budo, emphasizing the principles of self-discipline, respect, and harmony with nature.

Children Full of Life

Capturing the magic and poignancy of childhood, this heartwarming documentary follows a fourth-grade class in the Japanese city of Kanazawa as they learn valuable life lessons under the loving guidance of their inspirational teacher, Toshiro Kanamori. With a focus on empathy, friendship, and emotional intelligence, Kanamori nurtures a supportive classroom environment where students openly discuss their feelings and support one another through hardships. As much a reflection on the power of education as a celebration of the human spirit, it reminds us of the fundamental experiences and emotions that unite us all, regardless of age or nationality.

Dear Pyongyang

Exploring the complex ties between Japan and North Korea, this documentary follows filmmaker Yong-hi Yang, a daughter of pro-Pyongyang Korean residents in Japan, as she grapples with her family's divided loyalties and the impact of her father's unwavering political allegiance. Through a mix of personal interviews and archival material, the film highlights the struggles faced by Japan's Korean minority and illuminates the ideological tensions at the heart of one of Asia's most enigmatic relationships. At once intimate and thought-provoking, it is a powerful testament to the resilience of family bonds amidst the tumult of geopolitics.

A Man Vanishes

A groundbreaking work of experimental filmmaking, this documentary begins as an investigation into the baffling disappearance of Tadashi Oshima, an ordinary Japanese man who vanished without a trace. Seamlessly blending fact and fiction, director Shohei Imamura raises questions about the nature of truth, identity, and filmmaking itself, while probing the hidden undercurrents of Japanese society that may have contributed to Oshima's absence. As much a philosophical treatise as a detective story, it offers a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition and the elusive concept of reality.

Interview with a Cannibal

Taking us into the darkest corners of the human psyche, this chilling documentary features an exclusive interview with Issei Sagawa, a Japanese man who gained notoriety for killing and cannibalizing a fellow student in Paris in 1981. Despite the grisly subject matter, the film portrays Sagawa as a complex and conflicted individual who grapples with his own heinous actions, while also exploring the broader cultural reaction to his crime and subsequent celebrity status. Intriguing and unsettling in equal measure, it raises uncomfortable questions about society's fascination with the macabre and the blurred lines between abhorrence and fascination.

The Japanese Version

This fascinating documentary explores how American pop culture has been adapted and reinterpreted by Japan, creating a unique blend of East and West that permeates everything from television to music to fashion. Through interviews, clips, and firsthand accounts, the film delves into the ways in which Japanese creators have used American cultural imports to forge their own distinct identities and forms of expression. By examining the intricate process of cultural exchange, it reveals the resilience and creativity of Japan's artistic landscape in the face of globalization.

A Normal Life: Chronicle of a Sumo Wrestler

Offering a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the life of a sumo wrestler, this intimate documentary follows the 18-year-old Takuya Ogushi as he navigates the demanding world of Japan's most iconic sport. From grueling training regimens to strict dietary rules, the film examines the physical, mental, and emotional challenges faced by these athletes, as well as the deep-rooted traditions and rituals that govern their lives. In doing so, it provides a window into a world that is at once ritualized and fiercely competitive, where strength and determination are tested to their limits.

Minamata: The Victims and Their World

This powerful documentary exposes the devastating impact of Minamata disease, a severe neurological disorder caused by mercury poisoning due to industrial pollution in Japan. Through deeply moving interviews with survivors and their families, the film sheds light on the long-fought battle for justice and corporate accountability, while also examining the broader implications of environmental destruction in the name of progress. With its compassionate storytelling and unflinching commitment to truth, it serves as a stark reminder of humanity's capacity for both cruelty and resilience.

Battling the Yakuza

This gripping documentary delves into the dangerous world of Japan's infamous Yakuza crime syndicate, exploring the lives of those caught in its web – from high-ranking mob bosses to ex-gang members struggling to rebuild their lives. Through candid interviews and cinematic reenactments, the film provides a unique insight into the inner workings of a secretive criminal underworld that often operates in the shadows of Japanese society. As it exposes the human cost of vice and corruption, it also highlights the courage of those who dare to stand up to the powerful forces that rule their world.

Torn Memories of Nanjing

Delving into the traumatic legacy of the 1937 Nanjing Massacre, during which thousands of Chinese civilians were brutally slaughtered by Japanese soldiers, this documentary uncovers the stories of survivors and the ongoing struggle for recognition and remembrance. Through gripping interviews, archival footage, and personal testimonies, the film explores the complex emotions and historical controversies surrounding this tragic event. Ultimately, it serves as a testament to the power of memory and the importance of bearing witness to the darkest chapters in human history.

Showcasing the beauty and craftsmanship of Japan's traditional wooden farmhouses, this documentary tells the story of American journalist John Roderick and his adopted Japanese son as they work to restore a 250-year-old thatched-roof minka in rural Japan. As the pair navigate the challenges of restoration and cultural differences, the film delves into the deep-rooted values and skills that shape the architectural heritage of these ancient dwellings. With its lyrical cinematography and gentle storytelling, it celebrates the enduring spirit of craftsmanship and the rich tapestry of human connections that span generations and cultures.

Boldly tackling the issue of Japan's controversial Yasukuni Shrine, this documentary examines the political, historical, and emotional undercurrents that swirl around the site, which honors Japan's war dead – including convicted war criminals. Through interviews with shrine visitors, nationalist activists, and Chinese protesters, the film presents a multifaceted narrative that explores themes of memory, guilt, and reconciliation. By refusing to shy away from difficult questions and uncomfortable truths, it promotes dialogue and understanding across historical divides.

Rokkasho Rhapsody

Centered around the controversial construction of a nuclear reprocessing plant in Rokkasho village, this documentary explores the hopes, fears, and moral dilemmas facing the local community as they weigh the promises of economic growth against the potential dangers of nuclear power. By showcasing the perspectives of residents, politicians, and environmental activists, the film delves into the complex web of decision-making and debate that surrounds Japan's energy policies. Insightful and thought-provoking, it raises important questions about the balance between development and environmental sustainability in a rapidly evolving world.

A Trace of the Sun

Following the life and work of anti-nuclear activist Kenichi Hasegawa, who lost his home and livelihood in the wake of the 2011 Fukushima disaster, this documentary provides a powerful portrait of an individual's quest for justice and accountability. The film is both a personal journey and a broader exploration of the devastating impact of nuclear power on communities and ecosystems, offering a timely reminder of the real-life consequences of our energy choices. With its unflinching honesty and emotional weight, it serves as a wake-up call for a world dealing with the growing specter of environmental catastrophe.

Wine Road of the Samurai

Tracing the history of Koshu, a unique grape variety native to Japan, this documentary takes viewers on a centuries-old journey through the country's rich winemaking traditions and the samurai who played a crucial role in their development. By interweaving stories of historical figures, local winemakers, and the distinctive terroir of Japan's wine-producing regions, the film paints a vivid portrait of a lesser-known facet of Japanese culture. As it uncorks the captivating history of Koshu, it also celebrates the resilience and innovation that define Japan's enduring relationship with the grape.

Samurai and Idiots: The Olympus Affair

This gripping documentary delves into one of Japan's most high-profile corporate scandals – the 2011 Olympus Corporation fraud case, which exposed widespread corruption and collusion at the heart of the esteemed camera manufacturer. Through interviews with key players, dramatic reenactments, and expert analysis, the film explores the complex web of deceit and cover-ups that brought the company to its knees. Both a cautionary tale and a riveting investigation, it shines a light on the shadowy underbelly of Japan's business world and the systemic failures that allow such crimes to persist.

At the Edge of the World

This visually stunning documentary transports viewers to the remote Ogasawara Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for their unique biodiversity and pristine beauty. Through breathtaking cinematography and expert commentary, the film reveals the islands' delicate ecosystems, endemic species, and the efforts of local conservationists to protect this fragile paradise from the encroachment of human development. At once inspiring and thought-provoking, it serves as a poignant reminder of the preciousness and vulnerability of our planet's natural wonders.

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The best inventors, lawyers, actors, producers, and bands from Japan. Also, fun tourist attractions in Tokyo, the craziest Japanese game shows, and the best beers to drink in Japan

Kristen Abroad

Exploring everything Japan has to offer

21 Great Shows and Documentaries about Japan to Watch Now

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This post may have been slightly inspired by the current state of affairs of stay-at-home orders and quarantine with COVID-19 running amok. I tend not to be a big TV watcher but when you are stuck inside all the time, it helps to know about some shows to watch during quarantine (or in general!). Here at Kristen Abroad, we’re all about Japan so, what do you think I’ve been watching (besides my normal Crunchyroll anime binges)?. Starting with my favorite documentaries about Japan we’ll move into some TV shows and finish out with some fun manga adaptations.

Whether it’s learning something about the culture or just watching some silly slice-of-life inside view with these shows and documentaries about Japan, these options should keep you busy for a while. I know for me they give me a multitude of items to check off my bucket list when we’re all back to traveling and exploring. You may want to take some notes!

Update January 2021: Since the time I originally wrote this post about documentaries about Japan earlier in the quarantine, I’ve watched even more documentaries and shows about Japan that I’d like to share with you. What started as 11 documentaries and shows about Japan (or actually 9 if you look at the permalink for this post), is now 21. Only because I’m not counting the countless resources that NHK World has to offer on-demand in the total.

Stay healthy out there everyone and even when we can go back to traveling normally, these shows and documentaries about Japan are great for giving you a glimpse into Japanese culture at any time.

9 Documentaries About Japan

12 shows to watch about japan, nhk world app, what streaming service to use have you heard of kanopy, which are your fave shows or documentaries about japan.

Disclosure: Kristenabroad.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs. For some links to products or services in this article, I may earn a small commission by you using my link.  The price for you is not affected.

Just as a heads up, all three of these documentaries about Japan have Japanese tracks with English subtitles. If that’s not your thing, know that these documentaries are worth it! If that still doesn’t get you, there are a few English track options in the next section (look for the *). However, note that while learning even basic Japanese, hearing native speakers does wonder with your pronunciation, comprehension, and your speaking abilities .

I’ve tried to mark if any come from a specific streaming network for these shows and documentaries about Japan but the easiest way I find to do that is to check the search function on my Roku for where they reside.

Jiro Dreams of Sushi

This 2011 documentary by David Gleb about Japan’s 3-star sushi chef might have been what got me interested in documentaries in the first place. 85-year old Jiro Ono (小野 二郎, Ono Jiro – remember in Japanese, last names come first!) is amazing to watch.

His restaurant, Sukiyabashi Jiro, has a total of 10 counter seats and serves omakase sushi only. For what is a $400 meal (as of 2020), people like to comment on it being “just in some subway station!”. It is in Ginza though, Tokyo’s ritziest upscale shopping area.

While it held the award of a 3 star Michelin star for a decade, it actually recently lost it, not due to a decline in quality, but that it has become so exclusive to get in the original store that even Michelin can’t get in! That being said, Jiro still holds the title of oldest chef to earn a 3-star ! Most recently updated in March of 2019 at a ripe old age of 93 years and 128 days.

Thanks to the near impossibility to get into Sukiyabashi Jiro, which has been in business since 昭和40年 (Showa 40, or 1965 to the rest of us), it makes it an even more special to watch as far as documentaries about Japan go.

This documentary of Japan’s probably most recognized sushi chef delves a lot into what it means to be a 職人 (しょくにん, shokunin). A title that is earned that can be used for any profession that means you have mastered your craft. Jiro started working in a kitchen at 9 years old, and as you’ll see through the film, he’s never given up on becoming his best.

The Birth of Sake

The film makers (Director Erik Shirai was a cinematographer for ‘No Reservations’ with Anthony Bourdain), lived through a full season of sake brewing to capture this film. Staying at the brewery with the workers to see what it truly means to make sake in the traditional manor as it has for thousands of years.

This documentary about sake is set in Tedorigawa Yoshida Brewery , a small family-run brewery in Ishikawa Prefecture founded in 1870. Once Yachan Yoshida takes over for his father, the company’s president, he will be the sixth generation of his family to lead the brewery.

The movie is very artistic and shows how much craftmanship (that 職人, shokunin, again) that goes into making sake. The head brewer, Teruyuki Yamamoto who was 68 at filming, uses his senses instead of just a formula and machine to make their premium brand.

It’s a grueling half a year in which the workers must leave their families from October to April, waking at 4:30 a.m., eating, and working together, most days past dinner. The dedication is intense.

Ramen Heads

Ramen Heads showcases Osamu Tomita, who opened Chuka Soba Tomita (中華蕎麦 とみ田) in 2006. At the time of the film, Tomita’s had earned best ramen in Japan four years in a row.

The documentary reveals Tomita’s unfaltering desire to have great ramen. He LIVES ramen, and even when they do segments with his family, that’s what they eat – ramen . Notably, the film makes a big deal of him showing everything that goes into his broth. Tantalizing quantities of high-quality ingredients that he totes “shops that won’t share what they do is because they don’t want to show you that it’s nothing special” (I’m paraphrasing).

The movie also takes you to five other shops (bucket list of ramen anyone?) so you get a feel for several different types of ramen and the history of some of the great ramenya’s (ramen shops) of Japan.

Really it just makes me want to go try them all out for myself!

Miso Hungry

I have a soft spot for food/transformation documentaries, combine that with my love of Japan and voila, you have Miso Hungry (and it doesn’t hurt I love the play on words with “ miso ” in the title)! Australian award-winning actor and comedian Craig Anderson stars in this documentary in a quest to get healthy eating only Japanese food for 12 weeks. How does he learn how to do that? He heads to Japan for the first several weeks, of course!

In Miso Hungry he learns about what the typical Japanese diet is, how to make it and what “home-cooked” Japanese food looks like, information about green tea including a 茶道 or tea ceremony, and even some shojin ryori, the traditional vegetarian dining of Buddhist monks.

Instead of making a conscious effort to do more exercise, he just lives like the Japanese, and well, walks everywhere. He uses a wearable to track his steps (I love my Garmin Fenix 6s that I upgraded to for my birthday) so he can continue the same back in Australia during the later part of the experiment.

Like any good diet documentary, it has the pre-and post-health specs, but for me, I really like the dive into Japan’s food culture with the quirky humor mixed in.

Wa-shoku Dream: Beyond Sushi

More food documentaries about Japan! This one is not diet focused but focused on the Japanese food itself. After all, UNESCO did name it on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritages. It starts with Noritoshi Kanai who is credited with bringing Japanese food, especially sushi – he apparently was the one that coined the term “sushi bar”, to America. In that aspect, a good chunk of the documentary is peering into Japanese food culture in America.

It might be worth watching just for the ridiculous sushi restaurant with people dancing around yelling about sake bombs, not something you would see in Japan.

It does delve into shojin ryori momentarily so it can be transitioned into kaiseki (which is based off shojin ryori), and the plating will have you salivating for some of your own. But just as soon as you are there, next you are seeing sushi food trucks and ramen burgers.

As such, I’ve seen some comments that people think it jumps around a lot but I like it as far as documentaries about Japan go if nothing else for the wide range of Japanese food it shows. There are many tokens of information that I learned from watching this documentary about Japan, and to me, that’s what makes it worth it. Always learning.

Naration is in English, but many of the interviews are in Japanese with subtitles.

James May Our Man in Japan

You probably know of James May from one of his various TV shows. Usually car related though I do like his cooking show, but this one is him running North to South in Japan. What it does well is go into different aspects of Japanese culture that aren’t normally highlighted except for specials on NHK. Though even there, I think it’s the first time I’ve ever heard about competitive snowball fighting!

He meets a train melody composer – lots of train stations in Japan have special songs! Something you may notice in Japan and wonder who comes up with that?! There’s a lot of “typical” Japan travel scenes of ordering from a ramen machine or trying Kobe beef , checking out the famous fancy toilets of Japan , but there is a small treasure trove of extra experiences that are available that may not be thought about.

Or there are things travelers may have heard about, like the Kanamara Matsuri fertility festival but never been able to experience. At just six episodes, it’s an easy binge-watch of Japan.

Prison Life: Justice in Japan

As part of my orientation to living in Japan, they spent a good chunk of time warning us of the conditions of Japanese prisons. Mainly stemming around scare tactics for not drinking and driving (Japan’s legal limit is 0.03 vice American where it is 0.08, making even one evening drink suspect the next morning) but not only. As you can be thrown in for weeks “on miso alone” without being told while you are there. Needless to say, when I found this title I was curious to see the actual conditions and what it meant to be in prison in Japan.

They start by going over the particulars of the difficult hoops they had to jump through for this documentary about Japan prisons could even get off the ground. Two prisons allowed them under strict circumstances.

Of course, everything looks orderly, like the slippers outside their doors because why wouldn’t you have a genkan? Curiously, they are woken up not just by the guards but by classical music, which amusingly reminded me of my friend’s toilet room that played classical music when you entered.

Regulation is key though. Everything timed, everything precise. Each day they clean their own cells, much like school children clean their own class rooms (yikes, if that’s not a comparison, I don’t know what is). If everything isn’t perfect, they can be punished. With the likes of having to sit 正座 (seiza, Japanese style kneeling) or 胡座 (agura, cross-legged), in the middle of their room, with no books, no TV for UP TO SIXTY DAYS!

Touching on Charles Ghosn’s fleeing Japan, a festival “celebrating” prisons, as well as the increasing older population, it’s an interesting watch into the lives of inmates as well as the judicial system of Japan.

This documentary about Japan focuses on the lives of five “hafu” Japanese. Hafu (ハーフ) is the term used in Japan for someone of mixed-race, or “half” Japanese. It’s a very candid look and touches on some tough topics. With the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare reporting that one in forty-nine babies in Japan have one non-Japanese parent, the number is growing. When you hear all the time that Japan’s population is dwindling, it is something to look at.

And while not indicative of all experience, as someone that knows many half-Japanese/half-American children (Yokosuka has an American base, after all) and friends, now that I’ve seen the movie, I’d like to delve more into understanding their experiences. As an outsider to the experience, I found it well done.

Big in Japan

One of the weirdest documentaries about Japan features a few Australian guys and their quest to make one of the “famous in Japan” is absolutely ridiculous but I loved it. As someone that always wanted to get into the modeling scene, but didn’t have the time to hop to Tokyo on a Wednesday at 9 am – hello engineering job – it’s an interesting foray into not just modeling, but what it means to “be famous”.

With some interludes from university professors on the topic, it mostly revolves around the crazy antics of what they do over nearly two years in Japan to try and make it big, to which they ultimately fall short but make a good crack at it.

Watch it for the ridiculousness but also for the Japan scenery.

While I love documentaries about Japan, there’s plenty of other varieties of programming to keep you busy, namely mini-documentaries, a few travel shows, a cooking show, and some manga adaptions.

Chef’s Table (*)

Hear me out on this one. While the show (available on Netflix) is not entirely Japan, if you liked Jiro, David Gleb is also the creator of the Netflix original series “Chef’s Table”. Consider them mini documentaries showcasing a different chef each episode. Fantastically produced, I’m a little jealous that David is only a couple of months older than me.

Where’s this fit in with Japan? The first season has an episode showcasing Niki Nakayama who is chef and owner at Michelin-starred n/naka in Los Angeles. Specialization? Kaiseki. Japan’s traditional course meal. If a star wasn’t enough to get you curious about it, Food and Wine also named n/naka one of the best restaurants in the world in 2019 .

Japanese Style Originator

The original name is 和風総本家 (wafuu souhonke) and it is a Japanese TV program that began in April of 2008. Some translations are available on Netflix under the name “Japanese Style Originator”, which is an interesting choice of translation but I get it.

If you are familiar at all with Japanese television, you will know that they LOVE panel shows. This is where a group of celebrities watch clips together and weigh in on what is learned/seen. They were popular back in the 50s and 60s in America and are still going strong in Japan. There is usually a quiz component which Japanese Style Originator definitely deploys. In this case, it greatly adds to your understanding of each cultural aspect. The panel has a few consistent members and several guest panelists each episode.

On Netflix, you’ll find a subtitled version of the first season, though episodes list from 1 – 54, they skip a bunch and in total there are 27 episodes available. In Japan, it ran every Thursday evening for 12 years! If Netflix could do the rest, I’d definitely watch them! It had it’s last episode on March 19, 2020.

Each episode starts with a cute interlude where a Shiba Inu named Mamesuke (豆助, which is literally “soy bean” “help” which amuses me) goes shopping at a Japanese sweets store for it’s owner. In total through the history of the show, there were 23 animals that played this role. From there, a mix of culture, food, craftsman, etiquette and unique Japanese customs are presented.

If you love Japan, this should definitely be added to yours shows to watch about Japan.

No Reservations by Anthony Bourdain (*)

I like this play on directors/creators that’s working out. As I mentioned above, the director for The Birth of Sake also worked on No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain. While this show goes all around the world, more than a few times, No Reservations makes quite a few appearances in Japan.

Season 2 has a two-hour special shared with China that focuses mainly on Osaka. Season 4 takes you to Tokyo for one episode; Season 7 to Hokkaido and in Season 8 he heads to the “Cook it Raw” event.

If you have never seen No Reservations, they are fun episodes to watch and are available on Hulu, Amazon Prime and YouTube.

Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories

Possibly one of my favorite shows ever. Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories or 深夜食堂, (Shinya shokudō) as it’s known in Japan is set in a small 12-seat izakaya in Shinjuku. It’s based off a manga of the same name and has 5 seasons, the two that are available on Netflix are actually seasons 4 and 5.

Don’t let that deter you, as each episode mostly stands on it’s own. It follows “Master” in his daily openings from midnight to 7 am. Quick note, calling the bar proprietor “Master” is very common in Japan (there’s other words for izakaya proprietors but I’ll explain that another time).

There are some regular customers with a few visiting and each episode generally focuses on one of them, with a heavy hand to play by the food of the evening as well. Usually the highlighted customers favorite.

If nothing else, it will make you hungry for izakaya food and enjoying a window into the night life of Japan. Being a regular at the local izakaya is something of a warm happy glow (one day I’ll tell you about Sakatoya, a 100+ year old establishment in Yokosuka).

Another mouth watering manga/anime adaption is Wakakozake. I originally found it in it’s anime form which are short 3-minute animations. Surprisingly there’s many anime’s of that length with how Japanese television time slots are set up. The anime as well as the first two seasons of the drama are available on Crunchyroll.

The story follows Murasaki Wakako (where the Wakako in the title comes from), a 26-year-old that’s hobby is to go eat and drink my herself after work. The second part of the name is “sake” but in this case, when it gets added to the first, the pronunciation changes it to a “z”. (I love Japanese, if you want to learn it, I highly recommend starting with my hiragana and katakana post and checking out Minna no Nihongo )

The ridiculousness that is this show is that when Wakako has something – whether food or beverage – she likes, she makes this silly “Pshuuu” sound. It’s worth it just to watch an episode to experience that!

Samurai Gourmet

Similar to Wakakozake is Samurai Gourmet. The 12 episode original Netflix program based off a manga by Masayuki Kusumi of the same name follows another person on the hunt for good food. This time a newly retired businessman named Takashi Kasumi.

Parts of it are cute and him trying to figure out this new life. You may be wondering about the “samurai” part though. That’s where this one gets fun.

The only way I can describe it is he gets into weird situations in which he wants to help but doesn’t have the guts to do it. So he hallucinates a samurai coming and saving the day, which inspires him to act.

For instance, the first episode he realizes he’s retired and can have a beer with lunch if he wants! But can’t get the courage, so the samurai waltzes in with an “Edo period” styling and then, tada, he can have a beer!

It’s something you have to see. Really cute and entertaining.

Prime Japan (*partially in English)

Prime Japan is a series of 12 hour long episodes that I would consider mini documentaries about Japan doing a deep dive into different cultural aspects of the country that you can watch on none other than Amazon Prime! (The irony is not lost on me).

The name in Japanese is a bit more eloquent at “にほんのこころに出会う” or “Meet Japan’s heart”.

Very well put together it follows Jonathan Sherr around the country. Personally, the narration is what brings out the best in it. Topics include sushi, ryokan, ramen, design, Japanese tea, Japan’s love of cats, wagashi (Japanese sweets), shrines, zen, swords and sake.

Pick your favorite topic and have at it!

Sachie’s Kitchen (*)

Another available from Amazon Prime for those cooking show lovers amongst my readers is Sachie’s Kitchen.

Sachie is the chef behind New Zealand’s most Awarded cooking school based in Auckland, New Zealand. She was born in Japan and immigrated to New Zealand and like’s to discover new recipes.

For Sachie’s kitchen, she does quick interludes in Japan checking out ingredients or trying a new dish and then segways into showing you how to make your own. They’re quick episodes with tricks if you can’t find the right ingredients which is always a plus if you don’t have the easiest access to an Asian market!

Midnight Diner

The original post talked about Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories, as it was released first on Netflix, so that’s why it is listed first. However, Tokyo Stories is actually season 4 and 5 of the Midnight Diner story. Midnight Diner brings you back into the small izakaya “めし” (meshi means meal but also rice harkening to the fact it is often the main ingredient of a meal) and the antics of its patrons.

If you liked Tokyo Story, you’ll like these as well. Don’t forget to pay attention to the end where you can get quick tips on making Japanese food dishes.

Street Food Asia: Osaka Episode

One of Netflix original series, get a glimpse at this tiny street side izakaya, known as Isakaya Toyo in Osaka. He’s been there for 26 years at the time of filming. A quick watch and the proprietor Toya is so energetic and fun to watch, it makes you want to run off to Osaka right this second to experience it. You also get a small look at Osaka. Osaka is known as Japans kitchen. Where as Okinawans may eat “hara hachi bun me“, food historian Mana Kumagai at the beginning talks about how Osakan’s “eat till they drop”.

The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes: Japan Episode

Another Netflix original, the Japan episode of “The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes” takes you to four different homes around Japan, and while they are not like most homes you will find in Japan, they are definitely Japanese characteristics incorporated. If you like interesting architecture, definitely check this episode out.

Enter the Anime

This is not a recommendation, this is a warning that you may be hitting your head against a table if you watch this. Netflix original that is painful to watch if you know even a smidge about anime. Just ask my friend I made watch it with me, it hurts. In the end, we both looked at each other and concurred it was a glorified hour long advertisement for Netflix’s anime programs – but only the most violent of them.

The director and narrator “newbie” to anime, who just apparently discovered it in her late 20s as she tells you early on does, in fact, prove she blatantly knows nothing of the subject. (My first question, why did they pick her???). So I guess there’s the “documentary” part of it.

While this may be directed at other newcomers in a jest to get them interested in Netflix’s shows, it doesn’t do any service to what anime truly is. And seriously, who are these people living under rocks and haven’t at least heard of them? Or at least harkening back to days when it was referred to as “japanimation” [cringe].

There are a few highlights, like the segments at TOEI Animation and a look at music’s connection with anime. While I liked the interview with Yoko Takahashi who sung the theme song from Evangelion, I don’t recall them mentioning the -name- of said anime, but a newby is supposed to know what it is from clips from a show that came out in the 90s??? Sigh.

This is not the anime documentary I hoped for by the title but if you want to make a drinking game out of how many times the girl curses, have at it.

First of all, if you don’t have the NHK World App for your Roku , get it now – so many options for shows and documentaries about Japan. It’s not the best but it is nice having it already preloaded. Their streaming website is actually better so if you like to Cast to your TV (I have a Chrome Cast but find it just as easy at that point to watch things on my laptop), that’s also a good option.

There are tons of options on NHK. You can just stream “live” TV but depending on the program, you can actually choose to watch some of them out of order. Additionally, there are plenty of documentaries about Japan as well as cute shorter regular programs. Some that I’ve enjoyed lately:

• The Tale of Granny Mochi: Kuwata Misao – Follow Kuwata Misao, 92 years old, on how she makes 50,000 mochis a year.
• Japan Railway Journal – This one gives you lots of information on the trains in Japan, the railways and also shows some places to go.
• Trails to Oishii Tokyo – Focuses each episode on a different ingredient.
• Journeys in Japan – I bet you can guess what this one may be about!
• Train Cruise – I love traveling by train so these ones are great! Follow the host on a small train journey bouncing through several locations.

There is a search function, but you can also look by categories such as Art & Design; Biz/Tech; Culture & Lifestyle; Current Affairs; Debate; Disaster Preparedness; Documentary; Drama; Entertainment; Food; Interview; Learn Japanese; Pop Culture & Fasion; Science & Nature; Sport; and Travel.

Shows range from a few minutes to over an hour and you won’t run out of things to watch. If you can’t decide, check out the playlist options. I like the ones in different cities which will show you several programs for the area.

You definitely have your pick with these! Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll each have a few but not all of these. Seems like most people have more than one streaming service (or can borrow a friends in a pinch). I’ve tried to include where each is offered but as we all know, that can change from day to day.

Crunchyroll is hands down the best if the majority of what you are looking for is Anime – and they simulcast!

But here’s some important information for you — did you know if you have a library card you can use a service called Kanopy for free? Kanopy has over 30000 documentaries, classic and indie films! It’s officially my go to place for documentaries about Japan or any topic! Especially when you like documentaries as a lot of time you have to pay for some of the lesser known films with other services.

I’d love to hear what you think of any of these shows and documentaries about Japan or if you have some more suggestions for me to add to the list. Let’s have a conversation, leave me a comment below :).

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4 thoughts on “ 21 Great Shows and Documentaries about Japan to Watch Now ”

We have flights booked to Japan in November, who knows if the are going to be able to go or not but these will give me some inspiration!

I severely hope it’s well over by then and you have an awesome trip! Please feel free to reach out if you have questions. Do you know where you’re planning on going yet?

Yes, give me all of the Japanese shows to watch! I watched Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories last year, though I can’t quite recall if I finished all the episodes or not, I’ll have to check on that. I had no idea it was technically a sequel, so I will have to check out the original series. I absolutely love watching documentaries but I think anime is my top thing to watch currently, there are so many great shows out there!

Anime is my top thing too, and there are sooooooo many great shows currently, so I feel you there! I’m glad this list gave you some extra “about japan” things to watch :).

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8 Japan Related Documentaries on Netflix

Japanophiles can satiate their passion for the country through this selection of documentaries

August 9, 2022

For those interested in learning more about Japanese culture, Netflix has a great selection of documentaries about the curious land of the rising sun. While some exclusively focus on Japan, others feature a deep dive into one aspect of the culture in a single episode. From samurai and street food to kabuki and idols, there is something for everyone in these Japan documentaries.

Netflix Documentaries About Japan

Editorial credit: Cream Productions / Netflix

1. Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan

This historical Netflix docuseries tells the story of 16th-century feudal Japan starting with Nobunaga Oda becoming the head of the Oda clan after the death of his father. It involves well-known historical figures such as Hideyoshi Toyotomi, who unified the nation, and Ieyasu Tokugawa, the powerful daimyo who became the shogun after Toyotomi. This dynamic, fast-paced series delivers a rich and compelling story about the eventual birth of the Tokugawa shogunate, which lasted for over 250 years.

2. Sing, Dance, Act: Kabuki Featuring Toma Ikuta

In this documentary, popular actor and idol Toma Ikuta joins his childhood friend and kabuki artist Matsuya Onoe in the final season of an independent kabuki production called “Idomu” (Challenge). He fulfills his dream of acting in a kabuki play while trying to master the fundamentals of kabuki over the course of a few short months. Not only can fans of Ikuta watch their idol learn a new skillset, they can also catch a rare glimpse into the world of kabuki from rehearsal to the pre-show make-up room. This is a movie about passion, friendship and the ancient art of kabuki.

3. Daiki Tsuneta Tokyo Chaotic

This documentary follows Daiki Tsuneta, the leader of Japanese rock group King Gnu, as he works on the musical collective “Millennium Parade.” King Gnu are one of the most famous rock bands in Japan. Their song “Kasa” was number one on the Billboard Japan Download Chart in October 2019, while their album “Ceremony” was one of the 10 best-selling records of 2020 worldwide, selling around one million copies. Their tracks “Ichizu” and “Sakayume” are also in the popular anime movie  Jujutsu Kaisen 0 . The film crew documents from the start to the finish, the entire three months of the creation of Millennium Parade’s special track “2992.” Fans of King Gnu and those interested in the Japanese music scene will enjoy this enlightening documentary. 

4. Ride on Time

This four-season docuseries follows a different top male idol group produced by Johnny & Associates each season. Those interested in peeking behind the scenes at a top idol agency in Japan will appreciate the insight of this docuseries that tracks the groups over several weeks. It’s named after a Tatsuro Yamashita track that is also the theme song of the show.  Yamashita is a city pop artist  whose hits remain popular alongside songs by Mariya Takeuchi and Miki Matsubara . The male idol groups in this docuseries, such as Johnny’s West, Naniwa Danshi and SixTONES, are more contemporary artists.

Netflix Documentaries With Episodes About Japan

Editorial Credit: Kosuke Arakawa / Netflix

5. Street Food: Asia: Osaka Episode

Episode two of Street Food: Asia introduces Netflix’s global audience to stalls, shops and izakaya in Osaka , a city known for its famous street food that includes okonomiyaki and takoyaki. In the 32-minute episode the audience learns about the owners of the popular Izakaya Toyo, one of Osaka’s oldest takoyaki stalls Umai-ya and an okonomiyaki shop called Fue. This documentary inspires both an appetite for food and travel.

6. Dark Tourist: Japan Episode

New Zealand filmmaker and journalist David Farrier travels to morbid destinations in Japan, including Fukushima, Aokigahara and Hashima Island, in episode two of season one of the docuseries Dark Tourist . Fukushima was hit by three deadly disasters on March 11, 2011 when a tsunami, earthquake and subsequent nuclear disaster devastated the prefecture. Aokigahara is known as the suicide forest in Japan while Hashima Island (commonly known as Gunkanjima) is a tiny abandoned island near Nagasaki that used to be a coal mining island until 1974. Farrier speaks with locals about the macabre history behind each location, bringing to life the stories tied to each place.

7. Midnight Asia: Eat. Dance. Dream: Japan Episode

Episode one of this docuseries throws viewers into the diverse, adrenaline-inducing world of Tokyo at night. The audience gets a sneak peek into the lives of the oldest professional club DJ in the world, 87-year-old Sumiko Iwamuro, renowned bartender Rogerio Igarashi Vaz and fetish partygoers at Department H, Tokyo’s longest-running fetish club. If viewers want to know what life is like once the trains stop running in Japan’s capital, then they should try living vicariously through the Tokyoites in this episode.

Editorial credit: Netflix

8. Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Salt Episode

In episode two, chef and cookbook author Samin Nosrat introduces viewers to the wide variety of salt in Japan and teaches them that salt tastes different depending on where it comes from and how it’s produced. Amazingly, Japan has over 4,000 different types of salt and each one has its own special flavor. Viewers also learn how miso, dashi and soy sauce provide saltiness and umami to Japanese dishes.

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Joanna Lumley's Japan on BBC Select

In this Joanna Lumley documentary, the Absolutely Fabulous actor and activist turns adventurer on her latest epic journey, visiting the magical islands of Japan by boat, train, plane and foot.

The world’s second-largest economy is a beautiful and perplexing country of extremes and Joanna is on a mission to meet some of its most fascinating citizens as she explores the uncharted corners of Japan’s 6,800 islands.

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3 TV Shows to Watch Before Your Japan Trip

They say preparation for a big trip is half the fun. I love browsing travel magazines, reading travel blogs, and watching TV shows that talk about the next big destination I will be visiting. Especially for a long-haul trip like to Japan, it is great to get some inspiration before booking the trip so I know what kind of sights and experiences to look for in a tour or tour package. Luckily, there are many TV shows about all kinds of subjects that have featured Japan. What are some of the best TV shows to watch before you travel to Japan to get you in the mood?

Joanna Lumley’s Japan (tour through Japan)

This lovely 3-part series shows a curious Joanna Lumley who travels all the way from Hokkaido to Okinawa in an amazing journey past many of Japan’s most beautiful sights and cultural curiosities. Japan’s unspoiled nature features heavily in the series, and you are going to want to get off the beaten path to immerse yourself in the natural bounty the country has to offer to find your inner peace.

We organize tours that include pristine nature as seen in the series in Hokkaido and Kyushu .

You can watch Joanna Lumley’s Japan here .

Netflix Shows : Midnight Diner

In this cute, somewhat nostalgic series you will be told somebody’s private story in each episode while they are eating at a place called Meshiya which simply means ‘meal shop’ in Japanese. It is the humanity in the stories that make the series interesting, and the typical Japanese vistas and cultural elements you will see will make you want to dive deeper.

The very Japanese dishes that are cooked during the story will definitely induce your appetite, each episode focuses on the dish that is requested by the person whose story you will hear. Most of the dishes are typical home-cooked meals that you won’t find in an average Japanese restaurant abroad, so be prepared to learn a lot more about Japanese cooking while watching this heart-warming series.

We organize tours that include Shinjuku, the area where the story takes place.

You can watch Midnight Diner on Netflix .

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

In season 2, episode 7 the late Anthony Bourdain takes you to the underbelly of Tokyo in his famous series where gourmet food plays a central role. Tokyo’s most interesting and extreme subcultures also play a prominent part in the episode, and Mr. Bourdain makes his viewers wonder whether what antics you see displayed in the underworld of Tokyo are really that different from what goes on behind closed doors and in the back of our minds in other parts of the world. The connection with the perfectionism of high-end Japanese sushi chefs is also made, as nowhere in the world are chefs so serious about the tiniest detail and the honing of a skill until it is nothing but perfect.

We organize tours that include off-beat locations in Tokyo like in the Parts Unknown Tokyo episode.

You can watch Parts Unknown, Tokyo here .

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we can help you create your perfect Japan tour including destinations you have seen in TV series or movies. Contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

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Japan with Sue Perkins

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Inspired by a childhood friendship Sue Perkins travels around Japan experiencing a nation caught between the demands of a high-tech future and the pull of a traditional past. Inspired by a childhood friendship Sue Perkins travels around Japan experiencing a nation caught between the demands of a high-tech future and the pull of a traditional past. Inspired by a childhood friendship Sue Perkins travels around Japan experiencing a nation caught between the demands of a high-tech future and the pull of a traditional past.

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JRailPass.com » Japan Travel Blog » Best Japanese TV shows to watch before visiting Japan

Best Japanese TV shows to watch before visiting Japan

June 15, 2022

When you think of TV series from Japan , the first thing that comes to mind is most likely the huge output of anime processed in the country.

However, aside from quality animation, there is also a huge range of television content produced in the country , from entertaining reality shows to high-class dramas.

Below you’ll find a list of the 15 best Japanese TV shows produced in the country that are essential viewing to get a good sense of local culture before your trip.

Read more : 15 best movies to watch before traveling to Japan

A single-season Japanese TV series released on Netflix in 2015, Atelier is a classy drama that all fashion lovers will enjoy , as well as fans of the film The Devil Wears Prada (2006) .

Also known as ‘Underwear’, the series follows Mayuko Tokita, a new employee at high-class lingerie design house Emotion , based in the Ginza district of Tokyo, and her clashes with the owner, who has been compared to Vogue editor Anna Wintour.

IMDB | JustWatch (US) |  Trailer (Netflix)

One of the best examples of Japanese anime available on Netflix, Beastars is an adaptation of the popular Japanese manga series of the same name.

Similar in concept to the well-received Disney feature film Zooptopia (2016), the story follows the budding relationship between a wolf and a rabbit and takes place in a world of civilized anthropomorphic animals where a divide between carnivores and herbivores threatens the peace.

IMDB | JustWatch (US) | Trailer (Netflix)

A live-action series based on a Japanese manga also known as “The Town Where Only I Am Missing”, Erased is a popular story that has also spawned an anime adaption and theatrical film, all of which are available on Netflix.

The 2017 live-action series is the most faithful to its source material, and follows a young man called Satoru who possesses an ability called “Revival” . This allows him to travel 18 years into the past, where he tries to solve a mystery surrounding the death of his childhood friends.

Although Giri/Haji (which translates to ‘Duty/Shame’) is a British-produced series , it takes place in both Tokyo and London and features dialogue in Japanese as well as English.

Described by Rotten Tomatoes as a ‘near-perfect crime thriller’, the series follows Kenzo Mori, a Japanese detective who travels to London to search for his missing brother, who has become mixed up with the Yakuza in the city’s dangerous criminal underworld.

The series was praised for its vibrant depiction of both of the cities where it is set and the performances, as well as for having a surprisingly enjoyable dark sense of humor .

James May: Our Man in Japan

Perhaps one of the best series you can watch to get an idea of what it’s like to travel in Japan as a foreigner , this Amazon travel documentary follows former Top Gear host James May as he journeys through the whole country from north to south.

As well as providing insight into popular destinations such as Mount Fuji , Kyoto’s many temples and shrines, and the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima , the series is well-worth watching for May’s priceless reactions to Japanese phenomena like cat cafés and J-pop concerts.

IMDB | JustWatch (US) | Trailer (YouTube)

Ju-On: Origins

If you’re a fan of Japanese movies like Ringu (1998) and Dark Water (2002), then the name Ju-On will probably ring a bell. The legendary horror series has already spawned a Hollywood franchise (known as The Grudge ), and now even has its own TV show.

The first series adaptation of Ju-On features all of the familiar spooky elements of the franchise that fans have come to expect, from a creepy cursed house in suburban Tokyo to the terrifying ghost of a little boy who screams like a cat.

However, the extended length of the story allows a more complex narrative to unfold.

Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories

A hit show in Japan since 2009 , Midnight Diner was picked up by Netflix in 2016 and the two latest seasons were produced by the streamer for international distribution under the subtitle Tokyo Stories .

Exclusively set in a small bar-restaurant in the bustling Shinjuku district of Tokyo , the series centers on “The Master”, a sympathetic chef who attempts to bring comfort to his patrons by preparing their favorite meal and offering life advice.

The series blends touching drama and delicious food to mesmerizing effect, and each episode ends with Master giving a demonstration of how to prepare the Japanese dish he served the main character in the story.

A perfect way to brush up on Japanese cuisine before your trip!

IMDB | Netflix

Samurai Gourmet

Another series from Japan that emphasizes the importance of food in Japanese culture, Samurai Gourmet is a slice-of-life drama based on a popular manga by Masayuki Kusumi.

The show follows a recently retired man struggling to adjust to his new life and quieter routine, until he discovers his inner persona: an ancient samurai warrior .

However, instead of inspiring violence, this spirit guide encourages the man to live life to the fullest . This largely involves indulging in extravagant, delicious-looking meals that will leave you eager to travel to Japan to do the same!

Rilakkuma and Kaoru

An ideal series to watch with kids before traveling to Japan, Rilakkuma and Kaoru is an adorable story told through sublime stop-motion animation and brings one of Japan’s most beloved characters to new life.

Rilakkuma is a cute bear who lives with his owner Kaoru, a thirtysomething office worker Kaoru, and always tries his best to help her overcome life problems and cheer her up.

Charming and beautifully animated , this is a lovely show the whole family can enjoy.

10 Years with Hayao Miyazaki

If you’re a fan of classic Japanese animated features like My Neighbor Totoro (1988) and Spirited Away (2001), and are planning to visit the Studio Ghibli museum while in Japan, then this biographical documentary is a must-watch .

Over 4 episodes, the series closely follows master animator Hayao Miyazaki through his creative process over 10 years, giving a behind-the-scenes look into the production of Ghibli’s later classics like Ponyo (2008) and The Wind Rises (2013)

IMDB | Trailer (YouTube)

Terrace House

Often cited as Japan’s answer to Big Brother, Terrace House focuses on a group of young people who agree to live together in a house , primarily located in Nagano prefecture , which is completely rigged with cameras.

Although this sounds like the typical reality TV premise, Terrace House stands out for the hilarious commentary provided by a panel of Japanese comedians , who poke fun at the interactions between the housemates.

Terrace House is also a rare opportunity for international audiences to observe how Japanese people interact in an informal (although heightened) setting and pick up conversation patterns and slang they might not otherwise hear.

The Naked Director

A popular Japanese comedy-drama produced by Netflix, The Naked Director is based on the real-life story of Japanese adult film director Toru Muranishi.

Taking place in the late 1980s , the series follows the initially unassuming Muranishi, who, after losing his job and finding out his wife is cheating on him, decides to take a stab at producing adult videos.

After finding great success in distributing his content in the booming age of VHS tapes, he embarks upon a surreal and unlikely rise to the top of the adult film industry in a time when such things were still very taboo in Japan.

The Queen’s Classroom

The Queen’s Classroom follows teacher Maya Akutsu and her 12-year-old students over a year in her class. A strict perfectionist who seeks to wake the children up to the realities of the world, she inflicts strange punishments on the kids , who slowly begin to unfold under the pressure.

This thought-provoking Japanese drama series first aired in 2005 and has since gone on to spawn a prequel series as well as a South Korean remake in 2013.

IMDB | JustWatch (JP)

Wild Hokkaido

If you’re planning to visit the northernmost island of Hokkaido while traveling to Japan, then this adventure documentary series produced by NHK is a must-watch.

The 4 seasons of the show currently available cover a wide range of popular destinations on the Hokkaido, from the capital of Sapporo to the lavender fields of Furano, and gives an in-depth look at the variety of wildlife and stunning landscapes you can expect to enjoy.

Why did you come to Japan?

Hosted by Japanese comedy duo Bananaman, this entertaining reality show follows presenters as they interview passengers arriving in Japan , particularly at Narita Airport , to find out their reasons for coming to the country.

This leads to some interesting, and often hilarious, responses , and has even resulted in some surprise run-ins with international celebrities such as Doctor Strange actor Benedict Cumberbatch.

In some cases, the crew continue to follow the tourists on their journey around Japan, giving travelers insight into some of the top destinations and activities they can expect to enjoy during their own trip.

IMDB | Website (JP)

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