Synopsis
A makeshift Tokyo family takes in a small girl they find shivering on a balcony.
What makes Shoplifters worth watching
Hirokazu Kore-eda's Palme d'Or winner.
Shoplifters represents a strong example of japan drama from the 2018 production cycle. Japanese studios have spent the past decade refining the kind of long-form storytelling on display here — careful character work, restrained pacing in the early episodes, and a willingness to let emotional beats land without overstatement. The blend of Drama and Family elements gives the show its tonal signature, sitting somewhere between mainstream comfort viewing and prestige drama.
The cast is led by Lily Franky, Sakura Ando, Matsuoka Mayu, with strong supporting work from Jyo Kairi. It originally aired on Magnolia Pictures, and has since travelled internationally through the streaming partnerships listed above.
Where to watch Shoplifters online
You can currently stream Shoplifters on the following platforms (regional availability varies):
- Hulu — see all Hulu Asian drama listings on DramaSeek.
- Prime Video — see all Prime Video Asian drama listings on DramaSeek.
Streaming rights for Asian dramas shift constantly. We update each title page when a new platform picks up a series or a contract expires. If a service is geo-locked in your region, see our guide to legitimate options for international drama viewers.
If you liked Shoplifters
Viewers who enjoy Shoplifters typically also enjoy other japan drama. Below are six closely related titles drawn from our catalogue, ranked by genre and country overlap.
