Maiko-san Chi no Makanai-san (2023)

If you became interested in the life of maiko and geisha in Kyoto, this drama explores the topic further. They are both sweet feel-good stories.

healing slice-of-life stories set in the countryside with cinematic cooking and eating scene. hashimoto ai and matsuoka mayu stars in both projects.

healing slice-of-life stories set in the countryside with cinematic cooking and eating scene. hashimoto ai and matsuoka mayu stars in both projects.

healing slice-of-life stories set in the countryside with cinematic cooking and eating scene. personally, the cinematography of the makanai closer to korean adaptation of little forest rather than the japanese adaptation.

Same actress (Deguchi Natsuki) and also a coming-of-age series. There is no romance in this but it also tackles friendship like in Ao Haru Ride.

Both takes place in Kyoto, while one focus on the work lives in Maiko House, the other focus on the work lives in a Ryokan. Suited for those who loves Kyoto and Japanese culture.

Same director and female centered plots. Both are slice of life and focus on the relationships that the characters have with each other.

-sismance
-food
-Japanese tradition

I guess makanai-san mangaka took inspiration from it it's a classic story to begin with. There are many versions but I would choose the Haru Kuroki version anyday.

Modern times but traditional values still used. Might not be logical but when I was wounding why I liked this show besides the underdog plot.... I decided it was the traditions staying the same. This other drama popped right into my head as being the same style.

Both are a slow paced slice of life taking place mostly in the kitchen.
Nagatan to Aoto: Ichika no Ryourijou has more romance, but in both of them, the focus is on character growth and not love.