Japanese Web Series: A Guide to Different Genres

Japanese web series, or “netto dorama” (ネットドラマ), have exploded in popularity, offering a compelling alternative to traditional television formats. Platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu Japan, and even YouTube are brimming with diverse content catering to a wide range of tastes. This guide explores the prominent genres within Japanese web series, providing insights into their unique characteristics and highlighting some notable examples.

Romance (恋愛 – Ren’ai)

Romance remains a cornerstone of Japanese entertainment, and web series are no exception. These series often delve deeper into the complexities of relationships, exploring themes of love, loss, heartbreak, and the challenges of modern dating.

• Hallmarks: Expect emotionally charged narratives, relatable characters grappling with romantic dilemmas, picturesque settings, and a focus on character development. Common tropes include love triangles, forbidden love, destined encounters, and the exploration of different stages of a relationship.

  

• Subgenres:

  • Pure Love (ピュア愛 – Pyua Ai): These series focus on innocent and idealistic romance, often depicting first loves and the beauty of youthful affection. Expect minimal explicit content and a strong emphasis on emotional connection.
  • Office Romance (オフィスラブ – Ofisu Rabu): A popular subgenre that explores the dynamics of workplace relationships, often mixing romantic tension with professional challenges.
  • Romantic Comedy (ラブコメ – Rabu Kome): Blending humor with heartwarming romance, these series offer lighthearted entertainment with quirky characters and comedic situations.
  • BL (Boys’ Love): A genre specifically focused on romantic relationships between male characters, often exploring themes of self-discovery and acceptance. BL web series have gained significant international popularity.

• Examples:

  • Followers (Netflix): A visually stunning series that explores the lives of women in Tokyo’s fashion and influencer scene, intertwining romantic relationships with themes of self-discovery and ambition.
  • Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories (Netflix): While primarily a slice-of-life drama, subtle romantic narratives often unfold within the backdrop of the diner, showcasing the connections between the regulars.
  • Good Morning Call (Netflix): A lighthearted romantic comedy about two high school students forced to live together due to a housing scam.

Sci-Fi & Fantasy (SF・ファンタジー – SF・Fantajī)

Japanese creativity shines in the realms of science fiction and fantasy, and web series offer a platform for exploring imaginative worlds and thought-provoking concepts.

• Hallmarks: Expect visually impressive special effects, intricate world-building, exploration of futuristic technologies or magical systems, and narratives that often grapple with philosophical or ethical dilemmas.

• Subgenres:

  • Cyberpunk: Inspired by classic cyberpunk literature, these series often depict dystopian futures dominated by technology, corporate power, and social inequality.
  • Isekai (異世界): A popular genre where characters are transported to another world, often a fantasy realm resembling a video game. These series often involve themes of adventure, heroism, and adapting to a new environment.
  • Alternate History: Exploring “what if” scenarios, these series reimagine historical events with a sci-fi or fantasy twist.
  • Superhero: While not as prevalent as in Western media, Japanese superhero web series offer a unique perspective on the genre, often incorporating elements of traditional Japanese folklore and mythology.

• Examples:

  • Alice in Borderland (Netflix): A thrilling and visually stunning series where a group of gamers are transported to a deserted Tokyo and forced to compete in deadly games to survive.
  • Erased (Netflix): A gripping time-travel mystery where a young man with the ability to prevent tragedies must go back in time to solve a childhood murder.
  • Ultraman (Netflix): A reboot of the classic Japanese superhero franchise, featuring updated visuals and a compelling storyline.

Thriller & Mystery (スリラー・ミステリー – Surirā・Misuterī)

Japanese thrillers and mysteries are known for their intricate plots, suspenseful atmosphere, and psychological depth. Web series in this genre offer a captivating viewing experience with unexpected twists and turns.

• Hallmarks: Expect suspenseful narratives, complex characters with hidden motives, dark and atmospheric settings, and a focus on unraveling secrets and solving crimes. Common themes include murder, deception, psychological manipulation, and the exploration of the darker aspects of human nature.

• Subgenres:

  • Psychological Thriller: These series focus on the mental and emotional states of the characters, often exploring themes of paranoia, obsession, and the fragility of the human psyche.
  • Crime Thriller: Centered around crime investigations, these series often feature detectives, police officers, and forensic experts working to solve complex cases.
  • Suspense: Building tension and anticipation through carefully crafted storytelling, these series keep viewers on the edge of their seats with unexpected plot twists and cliffhangers.

• Examples:

  • Ju-On: Origins (Netflix): A chilling prequel to the iconic Ju-On horror franchise, exploring the origins of the curse and its devastating effects.
  • The Journalist (Netflix): A gripping political thriller about a determined journalist who uncovers a web of corruption within the Japanese government.
  • Jimmy: A True Story (Netflix): While a biographical comedy, the series delves into darker themes of addiction and mental health, adding elements of suspense and drama.

Horror (ホラー – Horā)

Japanese horror is renowned for its psychological approach, focusing on atmosphere, suspense, and the exploration of inner demons rather than relying solely on gore. Web series offer a unique platform for delivering chilling tales that linger long after the credits roll.

• Hallmarks: Expect unsettling imagery, eerie sound design, a focus on psychological horror rather than graphic violence, and narratives that often draw upon Japanese folklore and mythology. Common themes include ghosts, spirits, curses, and the exploration of the supernatural.

• Subgenres:

  • J-Horror (Japanese Horror): A distinct subgenre characterized by its emphasis on psychological horror, slow-burn suspense, and the use of traditional Japanese imagery and folklore.
  • Supernatural Horror: Exploring encounters with ghosts, demons, and other supernatural entities, these series often delve into themes of grief, loss, and the afterlife.
  • Psychological Horror: Focusing on the mental and emotional states of the characters, these series explore themes of paranoia, madness, and the disintegration of the human psyche.

• Examples:

  • Ju-On: Origins (Netflix): As mentioned above, this series provides a terrifying glimpse into the origins of the Ju-On curse.
  • Yami Shibai: Japanese Ghost Stories (Crunchyroll): An anthology series featuring short, animated horror stories based on Japanese urban legends and folklore.
  • Many independent Japanese horror web series can be found on YouTube and other platforms, often featuring amateur filmmakers experimenting with the genre.

Comedy (コメディ – Komedi)

Japanese comedy is diverse and often incorporates elements of slapstick, satire, and observational humor. Web series offer a platform for exploring comedic situations in a variety of settings and styles.

• Hallmarks: Expect quirky characters, absurd situations, witty dialogue, and a focus on creating lighthearted entertainment. Common tropes include misunderstandings, physical comedy, and the subversion of social norms.

• Subgenres:

  • Sitcom: Featuring recurring characters and storylines, these series offer comedic takes on everyday life.
  • Sketch Comedy: Consisting of short, self-contained comedic segments, these series often feature a variety of characters and situations.
  • Parody: Imitating and exaggerating the style and themes of other genres or works, these series offer satirical commentary and comedic relief.
  • Stand-up Comedy: While less common in web series format, some platforms feature recordings of stand-up performances by Japanese comedians.

• Examples:

  • Jimmy: A True Story (Netflix): A biographical comedy based on the life of comedian Jimmy Onishi, showcasing his rise to fame and the challenges he faced along the way.
  • Kantaro: The Sweet Tooth Salaryman (Netflix): A quirky comedy about a salaryman who secretly indulges in sweets during his lunch breaks.
  • Many Japanese YouTubers create comedic web series, often featuring vlogs, skits, and parodies.

Slice of Life (日常 – Nichijō)

Slice-of-life dramas offer a glimpse into the everyday lives of ordinary people, focusing on the small moments and subtle nuances that make up the human experience.

• Hallmarks: Expect realistic characters, relatable situations, a slow and deliberate pace, and a focus on character development and emotional resonance. Common themes include family, friendship, personal growth, and the exploration of everyday struggles and joys.

• Examples:

  • Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories (Netflix): As mentioned above, this series offers a heartwarming portrayal of the lives of the regulars who frequent a small diner in Tokyo.
  • Rilakkuma and Kaoru (Netflix): An animated series about a woman who lives with a cuddly bear named Rilakkuma, showcasing the simple joys of everyday life.
  • Many independent Japanese web series on YouTube focus on slice-of-life themes