NHK’s upcoming morning drama, “Anpan,” which premieres on March 31, 2025, has been highly anticipated after much buzz surrounding its cast and storyline. The official SNS for the show has released off-shots featuring the heroine, Mei Nagano, who plays Nobu Asada, along with her younger sisters portrayed by Yumi Kawamura and Noa Harada. These images showcase the chemistry among the three actors and have generated excitement among viewers eagerly waiting for the series.
The drama is penned by Miho Nakazono and is inspired by the lives of Takashi Yanase and his wife, Shoko Komatsu—creators of the beloved character, Anpanman. The narrative deeply explores the couple’s trials to find purpose in their lives and their determination to keep their dreams alive even amidst hardships. It highlights their resilience and embodies the unwavering justice that Anpanman represents.
The show’s SNS post featured delightful snapshots of Nagano as the strong-willed Nobu, Kawamura as the responsible and capable younger sister Ran, and Harada as the cheerful and spirited Meiko, also showcasing the various dynamics among the sibling trio. Fans have expressed delight in the comments, describing the siblings as “cute” and expressing their eagerness to watch the show. Comments like “I can’t wait to see this!” and “This is the best off-shot!” reveal the viewers’ brewing enthusiasm.
In an official press conference held on March 19, 2025, NHK’s Media General Director, Tetsuya Yamana, shared his thoughts about the drama. After previewing the first week of episodes consisting of five episodes, he was eager to comment on the performances, especially by the child actors. “The child actors gave wonderful performances,” he stated, reflecting on the engaging talent displayed. “I enjoyed imagining what it must have been like for Mr. Yanase to be small,” he adds, hinting at a nostalgic connection to the characters’ childhood portrayals.
Media Director Yamana also shared his expectations as the show progresses, noting that “from the second week onwards, the story will focus on the two adults,” maintaining a tone of excitement for viewers. This narrative clarification promises maturity and depth as the characters transition from their formative years into adulthood.
Yamana emphasized the significance of Takashi Yanase’s contributions beyond just Anpanman. “Mr. Yanase is famous for Anpanman, but he also wrote the lyrics for ‘Tenohira wo Taiyou ni’ (Putting Your Palms to the Sun), and that kind of thing is also depicted in the background,” he noted. This statement suggests that audiences will not only understand the origins of Anpanman but also the broader reflections of Yanase's thoughts and messages throughout the story. Yamana expressed his hope that audiences would grasp the deeper meanings from watching the initial week’s episodes.
The Asada family will feature an impressive supporting cast, alongside the main trio. Ryo Kato and Noriko Eguchi will portray Nobu's parents, while Kotaro Yoshida and Miyoko Asada will assume grandparental roles. Furthermore, Kenta Takeda will also join the cast, embodying Gen Hao, the brother of Nobu's grandfather, living within the Asada family home.
“Anpan” is set to broadcast every Monday through Saturday at 8:00 AM on NHK General TV, with a recap airing at 12:45 PM. The drama spans 26 weeks, comprising 130 episodes. This extensive format aims to deepen the audience's engagement with the characters and their journeys.
The buzz is undoubtedly increasing as the premiere approaches, with social media platforms lighting up and families discussing their anticipation for the new show that aims to resonate with viewers of all ages. It seems “Anpan” not only seeks to reflect the tale of its renowned creators but also embodies the dreams and struggles of many families, inviting viewers into its heartwarming narrative.
With only days until its release, fans are excitedly counting down, eager to dive into the touching and inspiring world of “Anpan.” If the promotional excitement is any indication, this morning drama is poised to make a significant impact on the landscape of Japanese television storytelling.
