From Tokyo to Busan: A Drama Worth Roaring About
Japanese Friday night series ‘The Lion’s Den’ is going global, making waves across Asia with nominations from three major international drama awards—the 2025 Global OTT Awards in Busan, the Seoul International Drama Awards, and China’s Golden Panda Awards. Altogether, the TBS series received six nods, proving that its quiet, emotional storytelling is resonating far beyond Japan.
What Is ‘The Lion’s Den’ About?
Originally aired in October 2024, ‘The Lion’s Den’ is a four-episode suspense drama built on family, mystery, and emotional nuance. It follows Kōmori Kōto (played by Yuya Yagira), a mild-mannered city worker whose life takes a turn after his autistic younger brother Mirito (Ryota Bando) meets a mysterious boy named “Lion.” The trio get entangled in a missing-person case involving their half-sister (actress Machiko Ono), resulting in both tender and tense moments that captivated Japanese audiences.
One viewer described it best: “The bond between the brothers and Lion just hits different.”
Award Season Roar: What Did It Get Nominated For?
- Global OTT Awards (Korea): Best Screenplay (Koji Tokuo, Yoshino Ikuto), Best Supporting Actor (Ryota Bando), Best Supporting Actress (Machiko Ono)
- Seoul Drama Awards: Best Miniseries — the only Japanese finalist among 262 entries from 50 countries
- Golden Panda Awards (China): Best Drama, Best Supporting Actor (again, Bando)
That’s not just impressive—it’s a clean sweep of some of Asia’s most competitive TV honors.
Emotions Without Borders
Surprisingly, ‘The Lion’s Den’ wasn’t crafted with international acclaim in mind. But maybe that’s what makes its success so genuine. According to executive producer Yuka Matsumoto, “It wasn’t made to chase global trends—it’s a story about universal emotions, about family and connection. That’s what people respond to.”
Ryota Bando has drawn particular praise for his portrayal of Mirito. With minimal dialogue and powerful microexpressions, he brought a remarkably sensitive performance that critics called “achingly human.”
Why This Matters for Japanese Dramas
Japan has long been known for its quality filmmaking, but dramas often take a backseat to the global storm that is K-drama. But that dynamic may be shifting. With shows like ‘The Lion’s Den’ earning global nominations, Japanese TV is carving out a new international fanbase—one quietly but steadily.
So, could this be the beginning of a new era for J-dramas? We’ll be watching. And maybe crying.
