The NHK Taiga drama 'Hikaru no Genji', starring Yuki Takahashi as the iconic author Murasaki Shikibu, has wrapped up its successful run with record viewership on streaming platforms. The series aired its final episode on November 15, 2023, and according to NHK, it achieved historical highs for its online audience.
With the final tally reflecting average unique browsers (UB) reaching 379,000, the show significantly outperformed the previous record of 252,000 viewers held by 'Dosuru Ie Yasuku'. This dramatic increase highlights the shifting patterns of media consumption as audiences increasingly turn to digital platforms for their entertainment.
'Hikaru no Genji', the 63rd installment of NHK's long-running Taiga drama series, delves deep not only to portray the life of Murasaki Shikibu but also the opulent yet turbulent world of the Heian-era aristocracy. Scripted by the esteemed Shizuko Oishi, famed for her ability to craft engaging love stories, the series has been lauded for its dramatic depth and historical fidelity.
The drama captured the hearts of viewers by bringing Murasaki Shikibu's experiences to life, showcasing her creation of the thousand-year-old literary masterpiece 'The Tale of Genji'. Oishi, recognized for previous hits such as 'Futari-tako' and 'Second Virgin', has carefully woven together Shikibu's trials and her pivotal role within the courtly life of her time.
While streaming success is notable, traditional household viewership has faced challenges, with the average rate for 'Hikaru no Genji' landing at 10.7%—the second-lowest for the Taiga series following 'Idaten', which garnered 8.2%. The decline reflects broader trends affecting television viewing; with the total household average share (HUT) dropping from 58% to approximately 49% over the past few years.
NHK's media director, Hironobu Yamana, commented on this changing viewing dynamic during a press conference, stating, "The rise of streaming services has changed the way audiences engage with television; people now prefer to watch shows at their convenience.” This sentiment echoes across the media industry as platforms like 'NHK Plus' and 'NHK On Demand' become increasingly central to audience engagement.
Fans of the show quickly took to social media to express their thoughts on character arcs and memorable scenes, praising Takahashi's powerful performance as Shikibu and the richness of Heian-era culture depicted throughout the series. "Thank you for all your support during the airing of 'Hikaru no Genji,' as we explored the historical significance and cultural impact of Murasaki Shikibu's writings," commented Yuki Takahashi.
Overall, the phenomenon of 'Hikaru no Genji' marks not just the end of another acclaimed season of Taiga drama but serves as testimony to the evolution of viewer preferences and the increasing significance of digital media platforms. The series has not only bridged the gap between historical narrative and modern storytelling but also introduced many to the beauty of Japan's foremost literary works—reminding everyone of the timeless relevance of Shikibu’s masterpiece.
Looking back at 'Hikaru no Genji', it stands as both entertainment and cultural exploration, shedding light on Murasaki Shikibu's extraordinary life and urging new generations to appreciate the depth of the arts and literature born from Japan's imperial past.
