Kyoko Yoshine, a prominent Japanese actress, is set to star in the upcoming Fuji TV drama Nami Urara ka ni, Meoto Biyori, premiering on April 24, 2025. This series marks her second consecutive lead role in a drama following her performance in Madoka 26-sai, J研修医やってます!, which wrapped up just days before on March 18, 2025.
The story of Nami Urara ka ni, Meoto Biyori is a heartwarming love comedy set in 1936, showcasing a newlywed couple who enter an arranged marriage. Yoshine will portray Natsumi Esumi, the third daughter in a family of four sisters, while Yuki Izumisawa, a rising star known for his role in the NHK morning drama Torani Tsubasa, will play her husband, Akira Esumi.
Filming for shows like these typically starts one to two months before the premiere, and entertainment insiders suggest that the involvement of Yoshine might have been facilitated by an unfortunate circumstance related to a previous casting choice. "一般的な連ドラの撮影スケジュールとして、クランクインするのは初回放送の1～2カ月前。中居正広氏の女性トラブルが発覚したのが昨年12月ですから、キャスト陣はまだクランクインしていなかった。芸能関係者の間では、当初出演が決まっていたある大物女優がドタキャンしたため、代役として芳根さんに声がかかったのではないかとささやかれています。" (According to entertainment writers, the casting of Yoshine may follow a last-minute withdrawal by an established actress.)
Yoshine’s rise to lead roles has been clouded by her previous reputation as the 'Queen of Low Ratings,' as many of the dramas she starred in, including Omotesando High School Chorus Club! (2015), Beppin-san (2016), and Princess Jellyfish (2018), have majority underperformed in terms of viewership. Most recently, her role in Madoka 26-sai also saw lackluster ratings, with the final episode securing only 5.8% viewership, making it the second lowest performance of the series.
Despite these challenges, sources speculate that the policies of Yoshine's talent agency, Japan Music Entertainment, might be influencing her opportunities. "芳根が所属している芸能事務所は『ジャパン・ミュージックエンターテインメント』で、大手とは言えない規模感。大手の中には、“中居問題”で揺れるフジの出演オファーを拒否している事務所もあります。女性トラブルが解決しない限り、フジの番組に出演すればタレントのイメージに傷がつきかねませんからね。芳根が2クール連続で連ドラ主演できるのは、事務所の方針が大きいかもしれません。" (Yoshine's agency's strategies likely contributed to her consecutive lead roles.)
This upcoming role is particularly significant as it places Yoshine at the center of a storyline that ties to traditional values, underscoring themes of arranged marriage and family dynamics. Natsumi finds herself unexpectedly married after her father informs her that her partner has been chosen. Initially, her husband is absent, leading to humorous and heartfelt moments where Natsumi navigates this new life.
The timing of this drama comes amidst a challenging period for Fuji TV, as issues concerning former talent Masahiro Nakai have stirred controversy over casting in the network’s key programs. The late announcements regarding new series have raised eyebrows, with industry insiders noting the potential impacts this situation has on production quality and casting personnel.
Commentators within the television industry have remarked on the pressures that come with Yoshine's continued lead roles amidst her previous low ratings history, noting her growth into a prominent male lead and the burden that usually accompanies such expectations. Some speculate that her recent performances have not just been a test of endurance but could mark a potential turning point in her career.
As the actress takes on these trials, her ability to shed the heavy label of 'Low Ratings Queen' will be scrutinized by critics and audiences alike. Many hope that her work in Nami Urara ka ni, Meoto Biyori will deliver not only a good story but also good ratings—a necessary step for her career revival.
With a compelling plot and engaging characters, Yoshine's new role is not just about overcoming past failures but embracing an opportunity to redefine her place in the competitive landscape of Japanese television dramas.
