The expectation for the 2026 Japanese drama season is already moving the public and the entertainment industry in the Japão. As the new year approaches, fans of television productions are beginning to speculate about which big hits will dominate the screens, and a recent survey offers the first clues about viewers’ preferences for the months of January to March.
Carried out between December 18th and 22nd, 2025, the survey heard from 1,356 people about which series they are most looking forward to. Preliminary results indicate a strong inclination towards the mystery, suspense and romance genres, in addition to a growing appreciation for original scripts, which promise new and surprising stories for the public.
Analysis of the data collected shows that the combination of casts with established actors and engaging plots is a decisive factor in generating anticipation. Broadcasters, in turn, prepare their programming schedules with strategic titles, seeking to capture the audience’s attention from the first weeks of the year, in a fierce competition for the best ratings.
The research methodology and audience profile
The study that mapped out expectations for 2026 dramas was designed to reflect a diverse sample of the television-consuming public in the Japão. The choice of the collection period, at the end of 2025, was strategic to capture viewers’ sentiment while the marketing campaigns for new productions were in full swing, ensuring that respondents had enough information to form their opinions.
Survey participants were invited to select up to three titles from a list of more than 50 productions confirmed for the first quarter. Essa methodology allowed us to not only identify favorites, but also understand which genres and types of stories generate the most interest in different demographic segments, such as young people and adults.
The results showed that although romantic dramas continue to be popular, there is a significant increase in interest in psychological thrillers and complex mysteries. Essa trend suggests an audience that seeks more challenging narratives that stimulate reasoning, moving away from predictable formulas and exploring deeper themes about the human condition.
Another highlight was the strong presence of works with original scripts among the most voted. In a market often dominated by adaptations of manga and novels, the appreciation of stories created specifically for television signals the public’s desire for novelty and creativity, which represents an incentive for screenwriters and producers to invest in new ideas.
The highlights of the initial ranking
In tenth place in the ranking, with 96 votes, appears “AKIBA LOST”. The science fiction plot takes place in the famous district of Akihabara, in Tóquio, and follows a group of young people who find themselves involved in a mysterious incident that threatens the border between the real and the virtual world. The premiere is scheduled for January 13th and promises an innovative visual approach.
Soon after, in ninth place, with 99 votes, is “Kyoshutsu wa Uso wo Tsuku” (O Depoimento Mente). Este is an original mystery drama that revolves around a family forced to confront secrets from their past after an unexpected event. The series, starring Kaito Umi and Misa Homura, is scheduled to premiere on January 8th and focuses on a dense psychological thriller.
Occupying eighth place, with 107 votes, the romantic comedy “Gojussai no Koibito” (Lover at 50) brings a story about a man and a woman who rediscover love in middle age. Protagonizada by veterans Ren Sudo and Rina Matsuki, the production, which opens on January 18, explores the challenges and joys of relationships in a more mature phase of life.
Productions that near the top of the list
Advancing in the ranking, the seventh position is occupied by “Fuyu no Nioi, Haru no Nioi” (Cheiro of Este human drama, starring the acclaimed actress Kaori Yoshimura, narrates the journey of overcoming a woman who, after a significant loss, needs to rebuild her life. The series, which premieres on January 14, is described as an emotional and sensitive work, with great potential to touch the public through its realistic approach to family relationships.
With a considerable margin, sixth place went to “Subete wa Ano Daikoukai no Tame ni” (All for Aquele Grande Arrependimento), which received 133 votes. Este suspense thriller stars Hiroshi Aikawa and Mizuki Nishino, who play two brothers involved in a dangerous conspiracy. The plot promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats with constant twists and turns and a fast pace, with its premiere scheduled for January 10th, positioning itself as one of the big bets for the start of the season.
Genres that dominate expectations
An in-depth analysis of the most anticipated titles for 2026 reveals a television landscape rich in diversity, but with a clear dominance of the mystery and suspense genres. Essas productions, which often explore the psychology of characters and construct tension-filled narratives, have demonstrated lasting appeal among the Japanese public, who value intelligent scripts and well-crafted puzzles. The anticipated success of series such as “Kyoshutsu wa Uso wo Tsuku” and “Subete wa Ano Daikoukai no Tame ni” reinforces how the ability to surprise and intellectually engage the viewer is a competitive advantage. In parallel, romance remains a fundamental pillar of entertainment, but with more mature and realistic approaches, as seen in “Gojussai no Koibito”, which moves away from teenage clichés to explore the complexities of love after the age of 50. Essa duality between the adrenaline of suspense and the comfort of stories of affection shows that broadcasters are attentive to the audience’s multiple desires, putting together a balanced programming schedule to captivate different viewer profiles simultaneously.
The role of big stars
The presence of established actors and actresses in the cast continues to be one of the main attraction factors for Japanese dramas. Nomes as Kaori Yoshimura and the duo Ren Sudo and Rina Matsuki are synonymous with quality and guarantee a loyal fan base even before the premiere, which increases visibility and initial interest in the productions.
These veteran performers bring credibility and depth to their roles, appealing to a more mature audience looking for consistent performances. Choosing protagonists with established careers is a safe strategy for broadcasters to guarantee not only an audience, but also a positive impact on specialized critics.
Japanese broadcasters’ strategy
Competition among Japão television networks for the 2026 winter season is fiercer than ever. Broadcasters are investing heavily in high-budget productions, scheduled for the “golden time”, prime time on Japanese TV, in order to maximize the reach and impact of their main bets for the period.
