Have you already checked out the summer dramas airing in the July 2026 season? This season also features a hot lineup, including sequels to popular dramas like "GTO" and "VIVANT," BL works, and a love suspense starring Hokuto Matsumura from SixTONES.
In this article, an entertainment writer introduces 10 recommended Japanese summer dramas. We’ll also share synopses and highlights, so be sure to find a show that catches your interest!
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July Season Begins! The Appeal of Japanese Summer Dramas
The biggest highlights of the summer dramas airing in the July season are, without a doubt, the sequels to popular series like "GTO" and "VIVANT."
"GTO," starring Takashi Sorimachi, is making a comeback for the first time in about 28 years after its original 1998 broadcast. "VIVANT" is returning for a sequel three years after its 2023 run, with two consecutive cours already confirmed.
In addition, there are many must-see works, including BL dramas and the latest work by screenwriter Miku Ubukata, known for "Silent."
Where Can You Watch Japanese Summer Dramas? Broadcast Schedules Explained
The 2026 summer dramas will air from around June to July. In Japan, terrestrial TV broadcasts are mainly after 9:00 PM.
In addition to TV broadcasts in Japan, you can also watch them on streaming services such as TVer, Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime.
If you are watching from overseas, please note that some streaming services may have regional restrictions, so be sure to check the available areas in advance.
10 Recommended Japanese Summer Dramas Premiering in July 2026
VIVANT (Suspense): Masato Sakai, Hiroshi Abe
Yusuke Nogi (Masato Sakai), a member of the top-secret unit "Beppan" operating under the direct command of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, faces a new international conspiracy. The story picks up immediately after the final scene of the previous season, depicting an even grander adventure filled with love, betrayal, and overwhelming mysteries.
Main Cast
Masato Sakai, Hiroshi Abe, Fumi Nikaido
Broadcast Period
TBS Network / Air date TBD / Every Sunday 21:00–
Highlights
"VIVANT" caused a huge sensation when it aired in 2023. As a sequel three years in the making, expectations are high for an even more expansive world and scale than the previous installment. Will the secrets of Beppan, still shrouded in mystery, finally be revealed? Who are the new characters? There are plenty of points to look out for! With an unprecedented two-cour run, you'll be glued to the screen all summer long.
- Official Website (Japanese)
👉 Search for "VIVANT" Blu-rays and more on Yahoo! Shopping
GTO (School/Action): Takashi Sorimachi, Meru Nukumi
Eikichi Onizuka (Takashi Sorimachi), a former biker gang member turned teacher, is assigned to the private Seishin Academy. Now in his 50s, his unconventional and passionate teaching style remains unchanged as he faces head-on the bullying, family issues, and injustices that his students deal with. This school drama shows how his unconventional actions inspire and change the lives of his students.
Main Cast
Takashi Sorimachi, Meru Nukumi, Asuka Kudou, Maryjun Takahashi, Tomohiro Ichikawa
Broadcast Period
Fuji TV Network / Starts July 20 (Monday, national holiday) / Every Monday from 10:00 PM
Highlights
Takashi Sorimachi returns as the lead in "GTO" after 26 years! It will be exciting to see how Onizuka, now in his 50s, interacts with high school students of the Reiwa era. Also, keep an eye on the student cast, who were selected through an audition limited to the high school generation. The next big star may be born from here.
- Official Website (Japanese)
👉Search for "GTO" DVDs, Blu-rays, comics, and more on Yahoo! Shopping
The Secret After 25 Years (Love Suspense): Hokuto Matsumura, Sae Okazaki
Sota Yukimura (Hokuto Matsumura) has secretly loved one woman for 25 years. When he finally gets a chance to connect with her, his peaceful life begins to change dramatically. Behind it all lie a gruesome incident from 25 years ago and multiple hidden secrets. This is a love suspense drama depicting the boundary between pure love and obsession.
Main Cast
Hokuto Matsumura, Sae Okazaki, Akihisa Shiono, Nozomi Sasaki, Miki Mizuno, Ken Ishiguro, Tetsuji Tamayama
Broadcast Period
Nippon TV Network / Air date TBD / Every Saturday 21:00～
Highlights
Known for his subtle and nuanced performances, this marks Hokuto Matsumura's first solo leading role in a terrestrial television drama. The "25 years of unrequited love" setting seems to perfectly suit Matsumura's aura. Expectations are high for the thrilling development where romance and a past incident intertwine.
- Official Website (Japanese)
Shimobe no Oujisama (BL): Fumiki Ogawa, Toshiki Seto
During their school days, Naoya (Fumiki Ogawa) was the absolute "prince," and Takaaki (Toshiki Seto) always followed him. Ten years later, Naoya, who has lost everything due to a failed business, and Takaaki, who has found success, meet again. This is a bittersweet yet comical reunion love story about two people whose former master-servant relationship has been reversed.
Main Cast
Fumiki Ogawa, Toshiki Seto
Broadcast Period
TOKYO MX1 / Starts July 3 (Friday) / Every Friday 23:00～
Highlights
This drama marks the first lead role in a television series for Fumiki Ogawa, leader of the dance and vocal group "BUDDiiS," and features a double lead alongside Toshiki Seto, who has appeared in several BL dramas. While it follows the classic BL "reunion" trope, the twist of a reversed master-servant relationship is intriguing! It should be fun to compare their school days with the present.
- Official Website (Japanese)
Ichijigen no Sashiki (Suspense): Ryosuke Yamada, Sei Shiraishi
Yu Nanase (Ryosuke Yamada), a researcher in genetics, learns the puzzling fact that the DNA of a 200-year-old human skeleton excavated in the Himalayas matches that of his missing stepsister, Ajisai. As he pursues a series of related deaths and the stolen skeleton, Yu draws closer to a massive conspiracy and a shocking truth.
Main Cast
Ryosuke Yamada, Sei Shiraishi, Taisei Kido, Shiori Doi, Masato Wada
Broadcast Period
Yomiuri TV / Nippon TV Network / Starts July 5 (Sunday) / Every Sunday 22:30～
Highlights
This suspense drama stars Ryosuke Yamada, known for his striking visuals and acting ability. Nicknamed the "chameleon actor," fans are eager to see what kind of performance Yamada will deliver. The cast also includes up-and-coming young actors Sei Shiraishi, Taisei Kido, and Shiori Doi, making for an exciting ensemble.
- Official Website (Japanese)
Kimi no Suki wa Muteki (Romantic Comedy): Wakana Matsumoto, Hayato Sano
Anna Kusakabe (Wakana Matsumoto), a former consultant who doesn’t really understand the feeling of “love,” and Fuzuki Seo (Hayato Sano), an eccentric character designer overflowing with passion for all things “cute.” These two complete opposites team up to take on the challenge of creating a character beloved around the world. A workplace romantic comedy where work and romance intertwine.
Main Cast
Wakana Matsumoto, Hayato Sano
Broadcast Schedule
TBS Network / Air date TBD / Every Tuesday 22:00～
Highlights
This is the first collaboration between Hayato Sano from the hottest idol group “M!LK” and Wakana Matsumoto. The chemistry between a high-powered career woman and an eccentric designer with his own quirks is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. There’s no doubt this will further fuel the popularity of M!LK!
- Official Website (Japanese)
Until the T-shirt Dries (Human Drama): Yu Aoi, Ayumu Nakajima
Sakiko (Yu Aoi) works as an editor for a bridal magazine at a publishing company and enjoys peaceful days with her husband. However, after a certain accident, the fates of two couples become intertwined. As their hidden loves and secrets come to light, their relationships are shaken in this human drama.
Main Cast
Yu Aoi, Ayumu Nakajima, Fumiya Takahashi
Broadcast Schedule
TBS Network / Air date TBD / Every Friday 22:00～
Highlights
This is the latest work by screenwriter Miku Ubukata, known for “Silent” and “Umi no Hajimari.” Yu Aoi stars in her first terrestrial TV drama lead role in 18 years! With two couples at the center, this promises to be a more mature story compared to Ubukata’s previous works.
- Official Website (Japanese)
Last Note (Love Story): Yuki Uchida, Takuto Teranishi
At 49, Aoi (Yuki Uchida) has experienced the ups and downs of life and no longer seeks change, while 30-year-old Sumiharu (Takuto Teranishi) lives having given up on his dreams. After a chance encounter, the two are drawn to each other and, overcoming differences in age and circumstances, face what may be the last passionate love of their lives in this mature romance drama.
Main Cast
Yuki Uchida, Takuto Teranishi
Broadcast Schedule
Fuji TV Network / Starts July 9 (Thursday) / Every Thursday 22:00～
Highlights
This is the first starring role in a commercial TV drama for “timelesz” member Takuto Teranishi. With a May-December romance alongside Yuki Uchida, this is sure to be a showcase for Teranishi, known as “the nation’s ex-boyfriend.” This is a must-see romance drama guaranteed to make your heart flutter.
- Official Website (Japanese)
Crossroad: The Promise of Emergency Medicine (Medical): Mio Imada, Hayato Isomura
Young emergency physician Haruka Haruki (Mio Imada) is constantly reminded of her own inexperience as she faces patients’ lives head-on. Nevertheless, holding firm to her belief of “never giving up on any life,” she grows as she works together with paramedics and police officers in this coming-of-age medical drama.
Main Cast
Mio Imada, Hayato Isomura, Kanichiro, Yuki Izumisawa
Broadcast Schedule
TV Asahi Network / Starts July 7 (Tuesday) / Every Tuesday 21:00～ *First episode is an extended special
Highlights
Mio Imada, who played the heroine in the morning drama “Anpan,” continues her rise in popularity. In this series, she takes on her first role as a doctor. All eyes are on how Imada, known for her fresh and energetic image, will portray a young emergency physician facing life-and-death situations.
- Official Website (Japanese)
Black Trick: The Lawyer Who Manipulates Justice (Legal Entertainment): GACKT
Naoto Uramawashi (GACKT), a brilliant lawyer and first-class architect, is known as a “genius of fabrication.” Using his own skillful lies as weapons, he takes on the falsehoods and cover-ups orchestrated by powerful forces, exposing the truth in this exhilarating legal entertainment drama.
Main Cast
GACKT
Broadcast Schedule
Fuji TV Network / Starts July 20 (Monday, holiday) / Every Monday 21:00～
Highlights
Many people in Japan were likely surprised to hear that GACKT would be starring in the lead role of a major Japanese primetime drama, the "Getsu9" drama slot. The protagonist he plays has a unique background, working both as a lawyer and an architect. After captivating audiences with his charismatic and commanding performance in the film "Fly Me to the Saitama", fans are eager to see what kind of performance GACKT will deliver in this new series.
- Official Website (Japanese)
List of Japanese Summer Dramas Starting in July 2026
| Title | Main Cast | Broadcast Schedule |
| Midnight Taxi | Kotone Furukawa, Ao Nakamura | NHK General, starts Monday, June 1 / Every Monday–Thursday 22:45–23:00 |
| My Offset Diary | Ano, Airu Kubozuka | Starts Friday, June 5 / Every Friday 24:52– |
| What If the Four Kings of the Yankee Battleground Were Reborn as an Idol Group? | Nanakaze Tomita, Momo Sakurai | Nippon TV, starts Wednesday, June 10 / Every Wednesday 25:09– (Kanto region only) |
| Emiri and Maria | Marika Matsumoto, Maryjun Takahashi | MBS, starts Thursday, June 18 / Every Thursday 24:59– and more |
| Shall We Stop Being Best Friends Now? | Natsumi Okamoto, Rei Sawamura | MBS, starts Thursday, June 25 / Every Thursday 25:29– and more |
| Double Edge: The Man Who Returned | Yuji Oda, Karin Ono | TV Asahi Network, starts Saturday, June 27 / Every Saturday 21:00– |
| Contrast | Yuhi Inouchi, Atsusei Akune | Fuji TV, starts Tuesday, June 30 / Every Tuesday 24:45– (Kanto region only) |
| Meeting Up with a Serial Killer Again Tonight | Yu Yokoyama, Nagisa Sekimizu | Kantele / Fuji TV Network, starts Wednesday, July 1 / Every Wednesday 23:00– |
| If You Fall, It's Over | Misato Ugaki, Mariko Shinoda | Chukyo TV / Nippon TV Network, starts Wednesday, July 1 / Every Wednesday 24:24– |
| You Are in the Summer | Tomoya Oku, Kazuto Mokudai | TV Tokyo and others, starts Wednesday, July 1 / Every Wednesday 24:30– |
| Dear Husband: The Perfect Wife's Lie | Rena Tanaka, Yudai Furukawa | Yomiuri TV / Nippon TV Network, starts Thursday, July 2 / Every Thursday 23:59– (First episode 24:09–) |
| Married Couple and a 16-Year-Old: The Neighbor of Madness | Rino Katase, Issei Mamehara | TV Tokyo and others, starts Thursday, July 2 / Every Thursday 24:30– |
| Strange: Junji Ito's Nightmarish Tales | Nijiro Murakami, Kanata Hosoda | TV Tokyo and others, starts Friday, July 3 / Every Friday 24:12– |
| My Fiction | Yuta Tamamori, Aoi Morikawa | ABC TV / TV Asahi Network, starts Sunday, July 5 / Every Sunday 22:15– |
| Is It Bad to Have a Sexy Butt? | Shou Sakai, Yuuki Kimisawa | TOKYO MX1, starts Monday, July 6 / Every Monday 25:20– |
| I Thought I Killed My Husband | Rio Uchida, Keisuke Watanabe | TV Tokyo and others, starts Monday, July 6 / Every Monday 23:06– |
| Masamune-kun Who Wants to Be Happy | Motoki Nakazawa | MBS, starts Tuesday, July 7 / Every Tuesday 24:59– and more |
| Goodbye Noir | Eiko Koike, Kana Kita | Fuji TV Network, starts Tuesday, July 7 / Every Tuesday 21:00– |
| The Summer-Colored Clouds Stir Up Love and Storms | Tatsuki Fukada, Hidaka Ukisho | TV Asahi Network, starts Saturday, July 11 / Every Saturday 23:00– |
| First Cry: Mother and Child Emergency Rescue Team | Manami Higa | Nippon TV Network, broadcast date TBD / Every Wednesday 22:00– |
| Big Airport: GATE24 | Shuri | TV Asahi Network, broadcast date TBD / Every Thursday 21:00– |
| After the Seat Change, Apparently the Guy Behind Me Likes Me | Eito Konishi, Motonosuke | Broadcast station and date TBD |
| Zenigata Heiji | Kazuya Kamenashi | NHK General, broadcast date TBD |
| The Books Bought with Taxes | Daiken Okudaira | NHK General, broadcast date TBD / Every Monday–Thursday 22:45– |
| Lilac Blossoms on the Beast Road 2 | Anna Yamada, Ami Touma | Broadcast date TBD |
July 2026 Drama Season Packed with Hit Titles Like "GTO" and "VIVANT"!
The July 2026 drama season is packed with highly anticipated titles, including sequels to popular series like "GTO" and "VIVANT," as well as live-action adaptations of BL manga. The lineup features a wide variety of genres, from love stories and suspense to school dramas.
If you find a show you love, we recommend visiting the filming locations during your trip to Japan or trying out the foods featured in the dramas for an even more immersive experience.
Immerse yourself in the world of Japanese dramas and enjoy the summer to the fullest!
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