The 113th episode of the NHK morning drama "Omusubi," which aired on March 12, 2025, brought to the forefront the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, portraying the daily struggles and resilience of its characters against the backdrop of social distancing and community support.
The episode illustrated how, during the COVID-19 state of emergency, local businesses are affected, particularly highlighting the plight of barber shops. Seijin (played by Arisa Kitamura), the owner of the barber shop, faces uncertainty about whether he should keep his shop open. His concern leads him to consult Wakabayashi (played by Shinya Nuno), who works at the city hall. Wakabayashi reassures Seijin, stating, "Barber shops are necessary to maintain social life and can remain open," reflecting the importance of such establishments during the pandemic.
With scenes focusing on social distancing, the characters engage with each other humorously. For example, the two men utilize "air finger pointing" to maintain distance, highlighting how interpersonal interactions have been transformed during these uncertain times.
The portrayal of healthcare staff is particularly poignant. Musubi (played by Kanna Hashimoto), who works at the hospital, is depicted revising meal offerings for COVID-19 patients. She and her colleagues grapple with the increasing numbers of patients, which leads to the implementation of new measures to support both morale and nutrition. Ishida, one of Musubi's colleagues, suggests they write handwritten notes for patients, expressing support and providing nutritional information. Musubi embraces this idea, and the staff begin handwritten message cards, though it becomes clear some patients feel too overwhelmed to eat after reading the messages. "It's tough, but let's hang in there," Musubi inspires her team, showcasing her dedication to maintaining hope.
Throughout the episode, the physical barriers set by the pandemic are highlighted, as Musubi wears her mask even at home, demonstrating the pervasive influence of COVID-19 on personal lives. Seijin expresses his frustrations about the lack of customers visiting his shop, reflecting the economic challenges many businesses have faced since the pandemic began.
Meanwhile, social interactions among the younger characters provide some joy. Musubi encourages her daughter Hana, who eagerly anticipates returning to school and reconvening with friends. The slice-of-life aspect of children's excitement juxtaposed against the seriousness of adult struggles emphasizes the interconnectedness of community during the pandemic.
A turning point in the episode occurs when the healthcare team receives lavish bento boxes from local business owners as tokens of support, acknowledging the hard work of those battling COVID-19 on the front lines. Tsubasa remarks, "To those who are working hard now..." bridging compassion and gratitude during challenging times.
After two care team members become necessary close contacts and take time off, Musubi and Ishida spring to action, managing meal deliveries to both the yellow and red zones of the hospital, ensuring patients have access to the nourishment they need. This is met with the nurses from the red zone collecting meals, illustrating the solidarity and shared responsibility within the healthcare community.
Reflecting on the episode's themes, NHK production supervisor Sae Mashima noted the balance of humor and real-life challenges, saying, "So versatile! I didn't expect this scene to be so funny. Shinya and Arisa were working together to create this dynamic perfectly." Their comedic timing with social distancing practices led to relatable moments for the audience, which is especially relevant considering the year 2020's uncertainties.
The long-term effects of the pandemic were also evident, as characters processed emotions about the continual changes brought by COVID-19. Some scenes induced laughter, juxtaposed with reminders of isolation, providing commentary on the importance of connection and community even when physically apart.
Social media reactions to the episode were overwhelming, with some applauding the show's representation of healthcare struggles. Users expressed nostalgia, sharing moments from their experiences during the pandemic with handwritten messages received during hospitalization. For example, one Twitter user reminisced about receiving handwritten notes with meals during their hospital stay, saying it made their experience feel more personal. Another user noted the team's effort to connect with isolated patients through handwritten notes, even if the task felt tedious.
Despite some audience concern about the feasibility of writing messages for every patient, this storyline has sparked dialogue about compassion during times of crisis. The caregivers' efforts are not merely self-satisfying but represent sincere solidarity with patients, demonstrating the lengths individuals will go to support one another even amid health crises.
With its blend of humor, social commentary, and heartfelt moments, "Omusubi" continues to address both the effects of the pandemic and the strength of human connections. It captures the essence of perseverance illustrated through its characters, reminding viewers to cherish the bonds forged even when separated. The engaging narrative showcases the triumph of the human spirit during challenging times, encouraging audiences to reflect on their experiences.