NHK revealed on January 24 the highly anticipated casting announcement for the heroine of the upcoming 2026 Morning Drama, titled "Kaze, Kaoru". The role will be played by actress Ai Mikami, known for her impactful performances including her recent role in the series "Hikaru Kimi e". This series will be the 114th installment of NHK's continuous morning dramas, and will focus on two nurses who faced significant challenges during the Meiji period of Japan.
The narrative centers on Mikami's character, who graduates from the same nursing school as the second lead, yet their perspectives are vastly different. Together, they explore the uncharted waters of their profession at a time when nursing was only beginning to gain recognition. The show's creators aim to depict the personal growth and challenges faced by these women as they strive to support and protect their patients.
Mikami, visibly emotional during the announcement, shared, "Upon stepping out, I felt the reality of the moment sink in, and it brought tears to my eyes. I had heard about this opportunity just a week ago, and it is something I never truly expected." Her experience reflects her determination, having auditioned multiple times for previous morning dramas. Mikami continued, "I've worked hard to keep my goals fluid to embrace new opportunities without restrictions."
The story sources inspiration from historical figures Waza Oozeki and Masa Suzuki, who were pivotal in establishing the nursing profession during the Meiji era. Both characters embody the attributes of resilience and innovation as they tackle the social limitations placed on women at the time.
During the press conference held at the NHK broadcasting center, Yujiro Yoshizawa, the scriptwriter, and Takahiro Matsuzono, the production supervisor, were also present. They expressed their vision for the drama, emphasizing its structure as a buddy story exploring both characters' individual struggles and unexpected camaraderie.
The second lead, who will also play the role of another nurse, will be selected through auditions starting from January 24, with the application window closing mid-February. This dual-lead dynamic is seen as an exciting and fresh approach to the morning drama format, which has previously featured dual heroines but has never showcased two entirely non-related female leads.
The creative team has expressed hope for discovering new talent through these auditions, with Matsuzono stating, "The pairing of our two protagonists will be one of the main attractions of this series, and I believe this provides us with the perfect opportunity to showcase exceptional talent."
A series of discussions arose surrounding the challenges women faced historically, paralleling contemporary issues with gender roles and professional identities. The drama allows for the exploration of not only the medical field but also the broader societal changes occurring during the Meiji Restoration.
"Kaze, Kaoru" is set to begin filming this autumn, and as part of NHK's tradition, it contributes to the cultural awareness of women’s roles within Japanese society. The previous series before this upcoming installment will feature prominent stars such as Kanna Hashimoto and Mio Imada, prepping audiences for Mikami's debut as the first lead.
Mikami also shared her personal aspirations as she approaches this project, emphasizing the importance of creating a comfortable filming environment for everyone involved. She highlighted the collaborative spirit she wishes to cultivate, aiming to deliver warmth and strength through this story to the viewers, believing it can inspire positive beginnings for daily life.
With the show slated to air next spring, anticipation builds not only for the performances but also for the historical narrative it aims to convey, shedding light on the lives and contributions of nurses during formative years of modern Japan.