The latest news from Japan's television landscape reveals that the morning drama Omusubi is set to reach its finale amidst unusually low viewer engagement. Scheduled to conclude during the week of March 24, 2025, many anticipate it might establish a record for the worst average viewership in history of morning dramas.
As fans of Japanese television await the conclusion, they're noticing a troubling trend: the excitement commonly felt during such climactic moments has been replaced with a sense of relief that the show is finally coming to an end. Social discourse around the show has dwindled significantly, with viewers expressing indifference rather than anticipation.
A recent episode of the morning program Asaichi, which aired on March 19, brought in guests Win Morisaki and Rie Miyamura. Despite being significant figures in the current programming, discussions surrounding Omusubi did not gain traction. Instead, the focus rapidly shifted towards another drama, Kojak's Dance, Who Saw It?, which features Morisaki. This striking change in narrative spotlight further encapsulates the prevailing disinterest in Omusubi.
During the opening segment of Asaichi, hosts and guests, Hana Maru and Daikichi, shared remarks that hinted at this growing distraction. "It’s not cool, is it?" asked Hana Maru, signaling his discontent with the hype surrounding competitors. "I’m telling you straight, you guys are being led around by the peacock. Let’s watch 'Omusubi.' It’s all just about the peacock." Daikichi's comments reveal how even within the show’s own programming space, Omusubi is overshadowed by the appeal of other productions.
This new drama, Kojak's Dance, Who Saw It?, has attracted a dedicated following for its intricate plotting and suspenseful developments. Based on a manga by Rito Asami, serialized in Kiss published by Kodansha, the show is met with excitement as it finds its own reader base and demonstrates unpredictable twists. It appears that there is more enthusiasm surrounding its final chapter expected in April 2025 than anything Omusubi has offered.
While Asaichi was featuring discussions around Morisaki's invaluable experiences from the gripping narratives of Kojak's Dance, the earlier drama had not even been afforded a passing mention worthy of address, with hosts Hana Maru and Suzuki Ana using their airtime to probe Morisaki about story arcs from the series.
The audience's response, or lack thereof, might reflect deeper sentiments prevalent among viewers. In an ultimate analysis: what does Omusubi really stand for? Finishing its run without fanfare, there are notions that maybe it is receiving closure as unceremoniously as the story unfolded.
In the past, Asaichi would echo sentiments from viewers about ongoing morning dramas, frequently engaging with their emotional unraveling. However, with Omusubi striding towards its conclusion, even traditional segments such as the morning cheer send-off have become a rarity. Gone, too, are the emotional remarks that often mark the end of such shows.
As described in some viewer reflections, one might find the visual of a cold rice ball, untouched and unmoved, to resonate well with how Omusubi could be perceived; a missed opportunity that ended too soon without leaving many impressed or engaged.
With an audience preoccupied by other narratives, it begs the entirely ironic question as this once-celebrated morning drama reaches its finality: What did it mean to be 'Omusubi' in the end? Will it merely fade into memory like a snack left unrefrigerated or will it emerge from the depths of low ratings to find its niche retrospectively appreciated?
As viewers attempt to reconcile their feelings towards a finale that lacks a crescendo, one must remember that this program, despite its challenges, contributed to Japan's vast schedule of morning dramas aimed at captivating audiences day by day. And perhaps this era marks a turning of the page, paving the way for invigorating narratives that truly capture the hearts and minds of its public.
