1. "Unnatural" (2018)

This drama, "Unnatural," which always appears in articles recommending Japanese dramas, is about a drama in which the cause of death is investigated by examining the dead. The story unfolds as the main character, Misumi Mikoto (三澄 ミコト), solves cases one by one with her belief in forensic science. Nakado Kei (中堂 系), who works with Misumi Mikoto (三澄 ミコト), is a character who searches for the truth behind the death of his former lover by searching for a corpse with a goldfish shape in his mouth, and though he has a grumpy personality, he helps the main character and cooperates with her to solve cases.

Cases in the drama, such as death by overwork, school violence, and infectious diseases, highlight social problems and make us reflect on our own society. Although the setting is Japan, the cases are relevant to any country, making it a must-see Japanese drama.

The theme song, "Lemon," with lyrics that seem to express Nakado Kei's (中堂 系) story, has become incredibly popular, and many people have watched the drama because of the song.

2. "Strawberry Night" (2012)

The Japanese drama "Strawberry Night" is a drama based on a novel, in which the main character, Himekawa Reiko (姫川 玲子), works as a police officer and solves cases. She suffered from trauma after being sexually assaulted as a high school student, but she decided to become a police officer after seeing a female police officer who had been a great support to her at that time. Himekawa becomes a police officer who leads a team at a relatively young age. Despite being young and female, she is discriminated against and ridiculed by the detectives around her, but she works hard to investigate and solve cases, proving her skills.

Because the main character is a detective, this drama is a good way to learn about the Japanese police, and it allows you to experience the basics of the crime, investigation, and mystery genres. Since it deals with murder cases, it includes graphic scenes and is only suitable for adults.

3. "SPEC: Birth" (2010)

Subtitle: Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Public Security Bureau, Public Security Division 5, Unknown Case Special Measures Division Case Department

The Japanese drama "SPEC: Birth" is a mystery drama with fantasy elements. There are people with superpowers called "specs" in the world. Cases involving these people cannot be solved scientifically, so the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's Special Measures Division Case Department is assigned to handle them.

The main character, Touma Saya (当麻 紗綾), also has "specs" and is a genius with an IQ of over 200. Her superpower is that when she investigates a case she has been requested to handle, she writes down the keywords related to the case on paper, tears it up, and then she understands the truth of the case. She also chases after Ninomae Juichi (一 十一), the absolute villain, while solving mysterious cases.

The other main character, Sebumi Takeru (瀬文 焚流), is caught up in a strange incident where a bullet that was flying towards him during a mission suddenly changes direction and heads towards his friend. His friend becomes a vegetable as a result of this incident, and Sebumi is transferred to the same department as Touma. He also searches for a "spec" holder who can cure any disease for his friend.

The drama "SPEC: Birth," with its unique atmosphere thanks to the inclusion of superpowers, unlike typical mystery dramas, may be polarizing, but it's a popular Japanese drama recommended by many people because it's a clear departure from dramas that only handle real-world cases.

4. "The Locked Room" (Kagi no kakatta heya, 2012)

The Japanese drama "The Locked Room" is a drama about locked room mysteries. Enomoto Kei (榎本 径), who worked for a security company, solves locked room mysteries in collaboration with a lawyer. Enomoto, who loves locks, is able to handle locked room cases easily and starts working with lawyers. This drama is unique in its direction, showing the process of the main character solving mysteries by creating a miniature of the scene, making it easier to understand. With one case happening and being solved in each episode, it's a drama that I recommend for anyone who loves locked room mysteries.