Hidden Gems: Underrated Japanese Web Series You Need to Stream Now

Japanese television has long been celebrated for its diverse genres, compelling narratives, and unique aesthetic. While anime and mainstream dramas often dominate international attention, a wealth of captivating web series remains largely undiscovered by global audiences. These hidden gems, often produced with smaller budgets and greater creative freedom, offer a refreshing alternative to traditional television formats. This article delves into some of the most underrated Japanese web series currently available, highlighting their distinct qualities and why they deserve a spot on your streaming watchlist.

1. Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories (深夜食堂 – Shin’ya Shokudō)

• Genre: Slice-of-Life, Drama, Food
• Availability: Netflix
• Why It’s Underrated: Despite its international availability on Netflix, Midnight Diner hasn’t achieved the widespread recognition it deserves. It’s a quiet, introspective series that requires patience and appreciation for subtle storytelling, which may deter some viewers accustomed to faster-paced narratives.

Midnight Diner centers around a small, late-night diner in Shinjuku, Tokyo, run by a mysterious chef known only as “Master.” Each episode focuses on a different patron who visits the diner and orders a specific dish, often one not on the regular menu. Through these dishes, the series explores the lives, dreams, and struggles of the characters, offering a poignant glimpse into the everyday realities of Tokyo residents.

Key Aspects:

• Character-Driven Narratives: The strength of Midnight Diner lies in its well-developed characters, each with their own unique backstory and motivations. The series avoids melodrama, instead focusing on authentic and relatable human experiences.
• Thematic Exploration: The series delves into themes of loneliness, connection, memory, and the importance of simple pleasures. Food serves as a catalyst for these explorations, acting as a bridge between characters and their past.
• Atmospheric Cinematography: The series boasts a distinctive visual style, characterized by warm lighting, intimate camerawork, and a focus on the details of the food preparation. This creates a comforting and immersive viewing experience.
• Cultural Nuances: Midnight Diner offers a subtle but insightful look into Japanese culture, from the importance of food in social interactions to the unspoken rules and customs of urban life.

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2. Garo: Vanishing Line (牙狼 -VANISHING LINE-)

• Genre: Action, Fantasy, Horror
• Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
• Why It’s Underrated: While the Garo franchise has a dedicated following in Japan, Vanishing Line, a standalone entry in the series, often gets overlooked. Its initial mixed reception, due to a departure from the traditional medieval setting, may have contributed to its lower profile.

Garo: Vanishing Line is a visually stunning and action-packed anime series set in a fictional American metropolis called Russell City. The story follows Sword, a Makai Knight tasked with protecting humanity from demonic creatures known as Horrors. He teams up with Sophie, a young woman searching for the meaning of the enigmatic “El Dorado,” and a mysterious man named Luke, to uncover a dark conspiracy threatening the city.

Key Aspects:

• Dynamic Action Sequences: Vanishing Line is renowned for its fluid animation and exhilarating fight scenes. The series seamlessly blends traditional animation techniques with CGI, creating a visually arresting and dynamic experience.
• Western Setting: The series’ unique setting in a fictionalized American city distinguishes it from other Garo installments and allows for exploration of themes related to cultural identity and globalization.
• Engaging Characters: The main characters are well-developed and compelling, each with their own motivations and vulnerabilities. Their interactions and relationships form the emotional core of the series.
• Intriguing Plot: The series features a complex and layered plot that gradually unfolds, keeping viewers engaged and invested in the characters’ journey.

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3. Erased (僕だけがいない街 – Boku Dake ga Inai Machi)

• Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Supernatural
• Availability: Netflix, Crunchyroll, Hulu
• Why It’s Underrated: While the anime adaptation of Erased is well-known, the live-action web series often gets overshadowed. Some viewers may dismiss it due to preconceived notions about live-action adaptations of anime.

Erased tells the story of Satoru Fujinuma, a struggling manga artist with the ability to travel back in time to prevent tragic events. When his mother is murdered, Satoru is sent back to his childhood, where he must uncover the truth behind a series of kidnappings and murders that occurred in his hometown.

Key Aspects:

• Intense Suspense: The series is a masterclass in suspense, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats with its intricate plot twists and psychological tension.
• Emotional Resonance: Erased explores themes of trauma, loss, and redemption, resonating with viewers on an emotional level. The characters are well-developed and their struggles feel authentic and relatable.
• Strong Performances: The cast delivers compelling performances, bringing the characters to life with nuance and depth.
• Faithful Adaptation: While the live-action adaptation takes some liberties with the source material, it remains largely faithful to the core themes and plot of the manga and anime.

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4. Switched (宇宙を駆けるよだか – Sora o Kakeru Yodaka)

• Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Body Swap
• Availability: Netflix
• Why It’s Underrated: Switched tackles sensitive themes of bullying and self-esteem, which may make it a difficult watch for some viewers. Its limited marketing and availability in certain regions may also contribute to its lower profile.

Switched tells the story of Ayumi Kohinata, a popular and attractive high school student who mysteriously switches bodies with Zenko Umine, a classmate who is bullied and considered unattractive. As Ayumi struggles to navigate her new life in Zenko’s body, she uncovers the dark secrets and insecurities that led to the body swap.

Key Aspects:

• Exploration of Identity: The series delves into themes of identity, self-esteem, and the pressures of societal expectations. It explores how appearance can shape a person’s perception of themselves and how others perceive them.
• Social Commentary: Switched offers a scathing critique of bullying and its devastating effects on victims. It also examines the superficiality of beauty standards and the importance of inner beauty.
• Compelling Story: The body swap premise is used effectively to explore the characters’ inner lives and motivations. The series keeps viewers guessing as Ayumi tries to uncover the truth behind the swap and find a way to return to her original body.
• Thought-Provoking Themes: Switched raises important questions about self-acceptance, empathy, and the power of compassion.

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5. Good Morning Call (グッドモーニング・コール)

• Genre: Romantic Comedy
• Availability: Netflix
• Why It’s Underrated: While romantic comedies are popular, Good Morning Call might be overlooked due to its perceived simplicity or association with the shojo manga genre, which can sometimes be dismissed.

Good Morning Call follows Nao Yoshikawa, a high school student who is forced to live with Hisashi Uehara, the most popular boy in school, after they both accidentally rent the same apartment. As they navigate their unexpected living situation, they develop a close bond and eventually fall in love.

Key Aspects:

• Lighthearted and Charming: Good Morning Call is a feel-good series that offers a lighthearted and charming escape from reality.
• Classic Romantic Comedy Tropes: The series utilizes classic romantic comedy tropes in a way that is both familiar and refreshing.
• Relatable Characters: The characters are relatable and easy to root for, making the series enjoyable for viewers of all ages.
• Comforting and Wholesome: Good Morning Call is a comforting and wholesome series that is perfect for viewers looking for a feel-good romance.

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These five web series represent just a small fraction of the hidden gems available in Japanese streaming. By exploring these underrated titles, viewers can discover a wealth of compelling stories, diverse genres, and unique perspectives that often go unnoticed in the mainstream. They offer a glimpse into the richness and creativity of Japanese television beyond the usual suspects