Critically Acclaimed 'Osumusubi' Faces Backlash Ahead Of Finale

The NHK serial TV novel Osumusubi, featuring actress Kanna Hashimoto in the lead role, is set to conclude on March 28, 2025, but not without a storm of critical reviews questioning the drama's execution. Despite the high-profile cast and poignant themes drawn from Japan's historical disasters, including the Hanshin-Awaji and Great East Japan Earthquakes, the show has struggled with viewer engagement and storytelling quality.

The drama follows the journey of Hashimoto's character, Musubi, a nutritionist who endeavors to connect people through food, all while tackling serious themes of resilience in the face of adversity, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, viewers and critics have not hesitated to voice their disappointment with the show's script and direction. TV columnist Miki Kakeyama remarked, "このドラマを見せられている私たち視聴者が犠牲者かもしれないですね," indicating a sense of loss for the audience.

Kakeyama attributes some of the concerns regarding the drama's narrative flaws to the phenomenon of “掛け持ち” or concurrently managing multiple projects. Screenwriter Nonji Nemoto, responsible for Osumusubi as well as other popular series such as Hakozume! and the upcoming film adaptation of Paripi Koumei, is balancing several commitments which may have hindered his ability to refine the script thoroughly. With so much on his plate—including projects airing simultaneously—specific transitions and arcs in Osumusubi have arguably suffered.

The final week of the show, which began airing on March 25, features character focuses that include Ayumi, played by Eri Nakari, who finds herself in a situation where she must consider adopting Uta, a character previously depicted struggling with homelessness due to her circumstances. This plot is designed to provide moments of empathy and connection, yet there are whispers among viewers that deeper character development has not been convincingly portrayed. A viewer lamented, "1000年に1度の美少女と呼ばれ、紅白歌合戦でも司会に抜擢されるなど期待感の大きかっただけに、今作はちょっとがっかり," reflecting the collective disappointment emanating from fans.

Furthermore, episodes 16 and 17 have also caught attention for their peculiar handling of the narrative, where Musubi unexpectedly disappears from her own story for two weeks, leaving viewers puzzled. During her absence, the storyline shifted to a spinoff-like focus on subcharacters, which was interpreted by some as an indication of the narrative's scattered focus. Critics have been left questioning if NHK and the production team genuinely prioritize this beloved franchise, which has traditionally been a staple of morning television.

As the show marches toward its finale, discussions among viewers and critics alike have turned to the implications of Osumusubi's current reception. Many are expressing concern that the erosion of such a beloved morning drama could be emblematic of broader trends in Japan, where audiences feel divided over what constitutes quality storytelling. In an environment where viewership for dramas has been declining markedly, there’s anxiety that Osumusubi, with its sense of collective memory and cultural cohesion, is diminishing the shared experience that traditionally binds audiences.

Viewers will have their eyes peeled as the series wraps on March 28 to see if the drama can deliver a satisfying conclusion or if, instead, it will leave a lasting sense of uncertainty. Many wonder if upcoming morning dramas, beginning with Anpan, can restore the trust and interest of the audience, or if they too will succumb to the pressures of concurrent productions and narrative pitfalls.

The challenges faced by Osumusubi serve as a reflection of ongoing shifts within Japanese television, where the balance between quality and quantity remains a tightrope act. As it stands, the production team may need to reconsider their strategies to engage an audience that holds deep connections to the stories told through morning dramas.