10 Japanese Dramas To Watch Like First Love That Will Keep You Hooked Till The End

If First Love left you yearning for emotional love stories, unforgettable characters and beautifully shot moments, there are plenty of Japanese dramas waiting to be discovered. Netflix’s Japanese romance became popular for its moving story of lost love, nostalgia and destiny, but its appeal also lies in the quiet way it explores relationships and human emotions.

From heartbreaking romances and second chances to light-hearted relationships and intriguing mysteries, these 10 Japanese dramas like First Love offer something for every viewer. If you are looking for your next emotional binge-watch, add these J-dramas to your list.

10 Japanese Dramas Like First Love That Will Keep You Hooked From Episode 1

1. Silent (2022)

Cast: Haruna Kawaguchi, Ren Meguro, Ouji Suzuka, Kaho

If the nostalgia and emotional depth of First Love stayed with you, Silent is a natural choice. The story follows Tsumugi, who unexpectedly reconnects with her former high school sweetheart, Sou, eight years after they separated.

She soon learns that Sou has been losing his hearing, forcing the two to find new ways to communicate while confronting the feelings they never completely left behind.

Where to Watch:

• India: Viki

• International: Viki, Netflix (select regions)

2. Eye Love You (2024)

Cast: Fumi Nikaido, Chae Jong-hyeop, Taishi Nakagawa

Looking for something romantic but slightly different? Eye Love You adds a fun supernatural twist to the Japanese romance genre.

Yuri has the ability to hear people's thoughts whenever she looks into their eyes. This makes relationships difficult until she meets Tae-oh, a Korean student whose thoughts are in Korean — a language she cannot understand.

Their unusual connection gradually turns into a sweet romance filled with humour, misunderstandings and emotional moments.

Where to Watch:

• India: Netflix

• International: Netflix

3. An Incurable Case of Love (2020)

Cast: Mone Kamishiraishi, Takeru Satoh, Kensei Mikami

What happens when a five-year crush turns out to be completely different from what you imagined?

Nanase decides to become a nurse after falling for doctor Kairi, whom she once saw saving someone's life. However, when she finally meets him again, she discovers that the kind-hearted man she admired is actually strict, cynical and nicknamed the "Devil".

Their relationship forms the heart of this entertaining romantic drama.

Where to Watch:

• India: Viki

• International: Viki, Netflix (select regions)

4. Long Vacation (1996)

Cast: Takuya Kimura, Tomoko Yamaguchi, Takako Matsu, Yutaka Takeshi

For viewers who want to explore classic Japanese dramas, Long Vacation is worth adding to the watchlist.

The story follows Sena, a struggling pianist, and a woman whose wedding plans fall apart after she is abandoned at the altar. As the two begin living under the same roof, their friendship slowly develops into something deeper.

The drama explores heartbreak, career struggles and the unexpected ways people can become important to each other.

Where to Watch:

• India: VIU (availability may vary by region)

• International: Amazon Prime Video (select regions), Viki

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5. Love Like The Falling Petals (2022)

Cast: Kento Nakajima, Honoka Matsumoto, Kento Nagayama

If the emotional side of First Love is what drew you in, prepare for another bittersweet love story.

Haruto falls for Misaki, a talented hairstylist who encourages him to pursue his dream of becoming a photographer. Their relationship begins beautifully, but their happiness is threatened when Misaki is diagnosed with a rare condition that causes her to age rapidly.

The film blends romance, dreams and heartbreak into an emotional story about making the most of the time you have with someone you love.

Where to Watch:

• India: Netflix

• International: Netflix

6. Mystery To Iu Nakare (Don't Call It Mystery) (2022)

Cast: Masaki Suda, Sairi Ito, Matsuya Onoe

Not every recommendation for First Love fans has to be a romance. If you enjoyed its quieter storytelling and character-driven approach, Mystery To Iu Nakare offers a compelling change of pace.

The series follows Totonou, an eccentric college student with an impressive afro and an unusual ability to solve mysteries through observation and conversations about human behaviour.

Its thoughtful storytelling makes it a good pick when you want something more than a straightforward romantic drama.

Where to Watch:

• India: Viki

• International: Viki, Crunchyroll

7. Hold My Hand At Twilight (2023)

Cast: Suzu Hirose, Ren Meguro, Kenichi Endo

Dreams, growing up and unexpected romance come together in Hold My Hand At Twilight.

Asuka moves to Tokyo from her rural hometown after her engagement ends. There, she crosses paths with Oto, an aspiring musician. While both are trying to find their place in the world, their friendship gradually develops into a meaningful relationship.

The drama is particularly appealing if you enjoy romances where the characters are also figuring out their careers and futures.

Where to Watch:

• India: Viki

• International: Viki

8. The Full-Time Wife Escapist (2016)

Cast: Yui Aragaki, Gen Hoshino, Ryohei Otani

What starts as a practical arrangement slowly becomes a genuine relationship in The Full-Time Wife Escapist.

Mikuri, who is unemployed, enters into a contractual marriage with Hiramasa, an introverted salaryman who hires her as his live-in housekeeper. Their relationship initially exists purely as a business arrangement, but living together gradually changes the way they see each other.

It is a lighter watch compared with First Love, making it a good option when you want romance without constant heartbreak.

Where to Watch:

• India: Netflix

• International: Netflix, Viki

9. Turn To Me Mukai-kun (2023)

Cast: Eiji Akaso, Erika Karata, Haruka Igawa

What happens when someone who has not dated for years suddenly decides to understand modern relationships?

That is the central premise of Turn To Me Mukai-kun. Mukai is a 33-year-old office worker who has been single for a decade following a painful breakup. When he decides to return to the dating scene, his interactions with the women around him force him to rethink love and relationships.

The series combines romance with an honest look at dating, expectations and emotional connections.

Where to Watch:

• India: Netflix

• International: Netflix, Viki

10. Erased (2017)

Cast: Yuki Furukawa, Tomoka Kurotani, Jin Shiranai

If you want something darker with the emotional pull of First Love, Erased is an intriguing choice.

Satoru has a mysterious ability called "Revival", which sends him back in time moments before a tragedy occurs. After his mother is murdered, he finds himself transported 18 years into the past, where he gets the chance to prevent her death and save a former classmate.

The time-travel mystery keeps the story moving while its emotional relationships give it added depth.

Where to Watch:

• India: Netflix

• International: Netflix

Are These Japanese Dramas Worth Watching?

First Love works because its romance is closely tied to memory, timing and the idea of people finding their way back to each other. If those themes appealed to you, these Japanese dramas offer plenty of emotional stories to explore next.

Whether you want the heartbreaking romance of Silent, the lighter chemistry of Eye Love You, the classic charm of Long Vacation or the suspense of Erased, there is something here for every J-drama fan.

So, if you have finished First Love and are wondering what to watch next, start with one of these Japanese dramas and prepare for another emotional binge.