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| The Most Anticipated Japanese Dramas of December 2025 (Photo: Ameblo) |
December 2025 is shaping up to be a lively month for J-drama fans, with several long-anticipated titles finally hitting screens. As always, keep in mind that broadcast schedules may shift depending on the networks’ or production teams’ decisions — even confirmed premiere dates can still move around.
To help you plan your watchlist, here’s a closer look at every Japanese drama currently slated for December 2025, plus what you can expect from each title.
Top Japanese Dramas to Watch This December 2025
Kokoro (こころ) — A Heart-Twisting Friendship Drama Premiering 8 December
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Cast:
Kusakawa Takuya (Main), Higuchi Kouhei (Main), Natsuko (Support)
Synopsis:
A novelist recalls the summer he met his future wife and his best friend. The trio grow close, but hidden feelings slowly shift their bond, revealing truths that shape their lives a decade later.
What to expect:
A quiet, emotional drama centred on memory, regret, and the delicate balance of friendship and love. Expect moody cinematography, reflective narration, and strong performances from a tight main cast.
Kaban Ya no Sozoku (かばん屋の相続) — WOWOW Anthology Premiering 27 December
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Cast:
Machida Keita, Sugou Araki, Ito Atsushi, Fujiwara Joichiro — each leading different episodes. Guest appearances by Nagashima Shinji (Ep 1), Yamada Hajime (Ep 2), Kitamura Yukihiko (Ep 3), Ogura Taro (Ep 4)
Broadcast: WOWOW
Synopsis:
An anthology set in downtown Tokyo, following men working in financial institutions as they face pressure, conflict, and small glimmers of hope in their everyday struggles.
What to expect:
Short, sharp, character-driven stories with a grounded slice-of-life tone. Ideal for viewers who enjoy mature, realistic themes and different leads each episode.
Human Specimens (人間標本) — Prime Video Thriller Premiering 19 December
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Cast:
Nishijima Hidetoshi (Main), Ichikawa Somegoro VIII, Miyazawa Rie, Ito Aoi, Araki Towa, Yamanaka Jyutaro, Kurosaki Kodai, Matsumoto Leo, Akiya Ikuho
Broadcast: Amazon Prime Video
Synopsis:
A butterfly researcher admits to turning six boys, including his son, into “specimens.” Through shifting viewpoints, the truth behind his actions emerges, exploring family ties and the desire to preserve beauty.
What to expect:
A dark, psychological puzzle told through layered perspectives. Expect atmospheric directing, complex character work, and a story that leans into moral grey zones without graphic detail.
Hoshi Gari Joshi to Wakeari Danshi (欲しがり女子と訳あり男子) — Life Reset Drama Premiering 22 December
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Cast:
Taguchi Junnosuke (Main), Park Yoo Chun (Support), Hisada Riko (Support), Sugi-chan (Support)
Broadcast: Tokyo MX
Synopsis:
After being blamed for misconduct he didn’t commit, Daichi loses everything and is reassigned to manage a share house. There, he meets four women with their own scars and slowly rebuilds his confidence.
What to expect:
A healing, character-focused drama centred on second chances, fresh starts, and learning to reconnect. Expect slow-burn growth, light humour, and a warm ensemble energy.
Queen of Mars (火星の女王) — NHK Sci-Fi Adventure Premiering 13 December
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Broadcast: NHK G
Synopsis:
Set in 2125, decades after humans settled on Mars, a mysterious object appears and disrupts the fragile order between Earth and the Martian colony, altering the path of humanity.
What to expect:
Classic NHK sci-fi vibes: political tension, world-building, and an overarching mystery. Expect a grounded futuristic tone rather than flashy space battles.
Nikotama (にこたま) — FOD Romance Premiering 26 December
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Cast: Hashimoto Ai, Seto Koji, Higa Manami
Synopsis:
A quiet love story about a man and woman who’ve known each other for 12 years. Their long, unspoken connection finally begins to shift as they confront what they truly mean to one another.
What to expect:
A slow-burn, adult romance with gentle pacing and understated chemistry. Perfect for viewers who enjoy grounded relationships and emotional subtlety.
Last Man SP — TBS Investigative Special Airing 28 December
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Cast: Fukuyama Masaharu, Oizumi Yo, Nagase Ren, Imada Mio, Yoshida Yo, Matsuo Satoru, Kimura Tae, Oku Tomoya, Matsumoto Wakana
Runtime: Sunday, 9 PM
Genre: Investigative
Synopsis:
The special episode follows the Last Man team tackling a new high-stakes case, bringing back familiar dynamics and sharp teamwork as they push through limited time to uncover the truth.
What to expect:
A tighter, faster-paced story than the main series, packed with teamwork moments, clever reveals, and polished TBS production style. Ideal for fans wanting one last case with the original cast.
Kasei no Joo — NHK Sci-Fi Mini-Series Starting 13 December
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Cast: Suri Lin, Suda Masaki, Shim Eun Kyung, Kishii Yukino, Sugawara Koharu, Miyazawa Hio, Takito Kenichi
Runtime: Saturday, 10 PM
Genre: Sci-fi | Episodes: 3
Synopsis:
Set on Mars in the near future, a mysterious object disrupts the colony’s fragile balance. As tensions rise, a group of residents must uncover its purpose before it reshapes both Mars and Earth.
What to expect:
A compact, high-concept three-episode sci-fi run with strong acting power and NHK’s signature world-building. Expect tension, political shifts, and a mystery that unfolds quickly.
Which December 2025 J-Drama Are You Most Excited For?
From heartfelt slice-of-life to unsettling thrillers and full-blown space drama, December brings a surprisingly diverse line-up. More titles may be added or rescheduled, so keep your watchlist loose for now.