Buzz
Youth and high school, with their pure yet profound stirrings of life, have long been a captivating subject for filmmakers and audiences. If you think only Korean or Chinese high school dramas are compelling, think again.
1. Heroine Shikkaku – No Longer the Leading Lady
Rita and Hatori have grown up together, as close as can be. Hatori's heart has long been set on Rita, always thinking she's the leading lady in his life. One day, when Rita declares his affection for the unremarkable Adachi, it throws Hatori into a panic, leading her to quickly devise a plan to win him back. Meanwhile, Kosuke – the school's heartthrob – begins to develop feelings for the unassuming Hatori. Where will all this lead?
2. Ao Haru Ride – The Path of Spring (2016)
Yoshioka Futaba, a charming and adorable girl since junior high, has secretly admired Tanaka-kun but never dared to confess. When Tanaka suddenly transfers schools, Futaba finds herself ostracized and shunned by her female classmates. Upon entering high school, she decides to change her image in hopes of starting a new life. Here, they coincidentally meet again, but everything has changed. Tanaka now lives under the name Kou Mabuchi and has become quieter, while she has transformed from a feminine girl to a more dynamic one, yet their feelings for each other remain unchanged. How will they confront these feelings?
3. Love for Beginners – Today We Start Loving (2012)
Tsubaki Hibino, a girl with a fashion sense that's out of style, has a hobby of styling hair for everyone, especially her younger sister. However, she is constantly teased by her classmates for her hairstyle and fashion taste. Kyota Tsubaki, a handsome and academically talented male student with a trendy fashion sense, is a notorious playboy. He enjoys teasing her for her outdated style and finds amusement in it every day. They engage in epic battles, refusing to yield to each other. However, somehow they fall in love. Where will their love take them?
4. Kimi ni Todoke – Sending Love to You (2010)
Sawako Kuronuma, a kind-hearted girl who finds joy in helping others every day. She cares for everyone but is shunned by her peers and labeled as 'Sadako'. Her life begins to change when she meets Shota Kazehaya. Unlike Sawako, he is lively, outgoing, and treats everyone with respect, making him very popular at school.
5. Sensei ni Koishita Natsu – That Summer I Fell in Love (2016)
This film tells the innocent love story and the first stirrings of youth of 17-year-old high school student Hibiki Shimada, who fell in love with her teacher from the moment they met. Like many other teacher-student romances, Kosaku Ito - the handsome and warm-hearted teacher - straightforwardly rejects her confession. However, Hibiki is determined not to give up. Will they have to overcome obstacles of status, age, school regulations, and societal prejudices? What will be the outcome of this teacher-student romance?
6. Orange – The Miracle of Orange (2015)
The story begins when Naho receives a letter from herself 10 years in the future. In the letter are instructions guiding her to save the friendship and pure love between her and her friend Kakeru. Through Naho's journey, audiences will witness a beautiful picture of friendship, a deeply human and precious emotion. The plot is somewhat tinged with sadness but filled with the light of youthful stirrings, innocent emotions, and even the tears of farewell and regret.
7. Koizora – The Sky of Love (2007)
The film revolves around the high school love story between Mika and the most arrogant boy in school, Hiro. Mika, a gentle and naive girl, leads a peaceful life until she meets Hiro. After getting to know Hiro, the serene days of Mika become incredibly sweet but also bring her a lot of pain.
8. My Boss, My Hero – My Boss Goes to School
The film follows the story of Makio, a young man who is destined to inherit his father's position as the leader of a notorious underworld gang. To expedite his inheritance, he delves into the world of organized crime, dropping out of school early to apprentice under his father. However, his decision leads to a major failure in a high-stakes mission due to his inability to perform simple calculations. This infuriates his father, who insists that Makio return to high school to brush up on his knowledge. From there, a series of unexpected situations unfold, much to the audience's amusement.
9. Wolf Girl and Black Prince - She-Wolf and the Dark Prince (2016)
Shinohara Erika, a first-year high school student, constantly talks about her 'boyfriend' to her friends, even though she doesn't actually have one. When the truth is in danger of being exposed, she becomes extremely anxious. One day, while walking down the street, she sees a handsome guy and takes a picture of him. Coincidentally, the guy she photographed attends the same school as Erika, so she asks him to pretend to be her boyfriend. However, behind his handsome exterior lies a dark side.
10. High School Debut (2011)
Haruna, a high school girl just stepping into adolescence, dreams of finding a boyfriend. However, reality doesn't match her dreams. Her naive thoughts and lack of dating experience make her unappealing to any guy. By chance, Haruna meets Yoh Komiyama, a popular senior. She proposes that Yoh teach her how to attract boys, in exchange for her agreeing not to develop feelings for him. This hilarious high school comedy will have you laughing at every turn.
Here are the top Japanese high school dramas, most viewed and highly rated. Wishing you all enjoyable entertainment moments.
