NHK has officially announced its 2027 Taiga drama, titled "The Reverse Scroll," with popular actor Tori Matsuzaka featured as the lead. This exciting new title marks the 66th installment of the long-running series, promising to offer insights from the less-explored side of Japan's turbulent Bakumatsu period.
Matsuzaka takes on the role of Oguri Kozuke-no-Suke Tadamasa, one of the most intriguing figures of the era. Born in 1827, Oguri was not just any shogunate official; he was known for his brilliance, famously recognized as Japan's first envoy to the United States. His forward-thinking vision contributed to the foundational designs of Japan's modernization. Yet, tragically, he was later branded as a "traitor" by the newly established Meiji government, and his legacy was buried under historical obfuscation.
During the recent press conference, Matsuzaka expressed his mix of excitement and nerves. "I never imagined the day would come for me to play the lead role in a Taiga drama, and I was genuinely surprised when I heard about this opportunity," he stated. This marks his debut as the leading actor within this prestigious series.
Matsuzaka's career has been filled with diverse and impactful roles, often highlighting his talent across various genres. The actor first captured the audience's attention as Shinken Red, the leader of the Samurai Task Force, in the 2009 series "Samurai Sentai Shinkenger". Since then, he has gained recognition for his performances, winning several awards, including the Japan Academy Prize for Outstanding Performance as a leading actor.
With his deep connection to the historical narrative, Matsuzaka reflected on the significance of portraying Oguri at this stage of his life. "My hope is to portray the character again, now through the eyes of someone who has lived life to the fullest at 36 years old, as opposed to when I was just 20," he shared, hinting at the emotional depth he hopes to bring to the role.
What makes "The Reverse Scroll" particularly appealing is its focus on the shogunate's perspective during the Bakumatsu period. Matsuzaka added, "I believe we can depict the allure of the Bakumatsu era from the shogunate side, as it has not been widely understood." This fresh angle aims to shed light on the previously underrepresented narratives of those labeled as "traitors" and how their legacies were unjustly treated by history.
The drama promises to be thrilling, portraying Oguri’s hidden contributions and the complexity of historical figures who fought against the tide of change. With rich storytelling and compelling characters, viewers can expect to see not only the personal dilemma of Oguri but also the societal shifts of the time.
NHK’s Taiga dramas have long been regarded as important cultural commentaries on Japanese history, and "The Reverse Scroll" seeks to continue this tradition by providing audiences with captivating insights reminiscent of past works. It aims to captivate viewers with its unique storytelling approach, as it brings light to the emotional journeys of individuals overlooked by mainstream historical narratives.
Fans of Matsuzaka and historical dramas alike are eagerly awaiting the debut of "The Reverse Scroll" as it prepares to air sometime in 2027. With such rich material to draw upon and the compelling performances anticipated from Matsuzaka and his co-stars, this upcoming drama is set to be both entertaining and illuminating.
Although it's still early days, the excitement is palpable, and the groundwork is being laid for what could be another iconic entry within the Taiga series. This latest offering demonstrates NHK's continued commitment to developing history-themed programming with depth and artistic merit.