Best Japanese movies and series to watch on Netflix

OTT platforms have made the world smaller for cinephiles. Now you can watch tons of international content like never before. Netflix, with its huge library of international content, is home to some of the best movies and shows, whether you want to be swept off your feet with impassioned romantic dramas or salivate over mouth-watering dishes in food documentaries, you’ll find almost everything you’re looking for, on this platform.

From gripping new thrillers to heartfelt anime and food shows, OTTplay has made a list of some of the best Japanese movies and series that you can watch on Netflix.

Ju-On: Origins

Ju-On is a spine chilling horror film that was such a hit that it sparked a number of American adaptations under the title The Grudge. The movie revolves around a paranormal researcher who looks into the sinister history of a house where a mother’s corpse was found with no sign of her child. People claim that the house is cursed, but no one seems to know or understand the truth of the terrible events surrounding it.

Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories

A man who is only known to those around him as ‘Master’ runs a small restaurant from midnight to 7 am daily. The series features a host of scenes with mouthwatering home-style dishes cooked by Master. The restaurant welcomes a mixed group of clientele every night who open up about their fascinating personal stories as the chef serves them dinner. During these hours, the Master becomes a trusted confidant as well as a master chef, listening to his diners as they contemplate their personal dilemmas over a soulful dish.

Little Miss Sumo

This short yet stunning documentary explores the beautiful traditions and ugly gender biases behind Sumo Wrestling, Japan's oldest sport, where women are still barred from entering the dohyo wrestling ring. Although sumo is not officially recognised as a women's sport in Japan, aspiring sumo wrestler, Hiyori Kon, pursues it anyway, with the goal of becoming the world's best female sumo wrestler.

The Naked Director

Loosely based on the true story of adult film director Toru Muranishi, The Naked Director tells the story of an unsuccessful salesman, who tries his luck in the porn industry after getting fired from his job and discovering his wife is having an affair. Despite his lack of experience, Muranishi quickly learns the rising potential of the VHS and goes on to build an empire for himself while revolutionising the porn industry in Japan. The series became an overnight hit and Netflix has already confirmed The Naked Director will be renewed for a second season.

Samurai Gourmet

Recently retired Takeshi Kasumi struggles to find a new routine for himself after years of being employed. While his wife carries on with her usual day-to-day activities, Kasumi goes out looking for a bite to eat, whereupon he discovers his inner samurai who encourages him to live each day and each meal to the fullest without any inhibitions. Starring Naoto Takenaka as Takeshi Kasumi and ‘Naked Director’s Tetsuji Tamayama as the samurai, Samurai Gourmet will make you think about the way you eat, in a good way.

Rilakkuma and Kaoru

This beautiful stop motion animation follows the life of Kaoru, an office worker in her twenties, who lives with her pet chick and two bears. This lighthearted series will make you fall in love with Rilakkuma and his friends who will go to any lengths such as lose weight or save money to imitate Kaoru and feel included. While Kaoru may not have too much in common with her fluffy roommates, the animals try their best to cheer her up when she’s down and help out around the house.

A Whisker Away

This emotional and meaningful animated film revolves around Miyo Sasaki, a Middle school student who struggles with a stepmother with whom she doesn’t get along and a crush at school who doesn’t reciprocate her feelings. One day, Miyo comes across a stranger who gives her a cat-shaped Noh mask. When Miyo discovers that the mask gives her the ability to transform into a cat, she uses it to spend time with the boy she likes without him knowing his new feline companion is really Miyo.

Giri/Haji

Following the killing of a yakuza boss’s nephew, Japanese detective Kenzo Mori travels to London to track down his brother, Yuto. Yuto is also a member of the yakuza and was charged for murder before he mysteriously vanished and was presumed dead. Though the series was made in the UK, Giri/Haji is one of the best movies based on Japan’s notorious mafias, a riveting tale of deceit, corruption and brotherhood.

The Way of the Househusband

Tattoo-clad mafia boss Tatsu has abandoned his position in the yakuza to become a full-time homemaker. While other members of the yakuza still talk about Tatsu’s fearsome disposition that earned him the nickname ‘Immortal Dragon’, the ex-mafia member now spends all his energy going on grocery runs and crafting cutesy bento to please his beloved wife, Miku. The series features a strong cast of voice actors including Kenjiro Tsuda (One Punch Man) and Shizuka Ito (Nodame Cantabile).