The NHK Drama Festival 2025 Spring, titled "NHKドラマフェスティバル2025春 in 横浜 / in 佐賀," is set to take place on May 10 and 11, 2025, at the Yokohama Shin-Toshi Plaza in Kanagawa, and on May 31 and June 1, 2025, at the NHK Saga Broadcasting Station in Saga. Admission is free, and no prior application is required.
This exciting event promises attendees a chance to immerse themselves in the world of NHK dramas through various engaging activities. Highlights include commemorative photo spots, a section where visitors can interact with props used in filming, and a virtual reality (VR) experience allowing attendees to explore filming locations. Additionally, participants can create original can badges and coasters, engage in production experiences, and view photo exhibitions.
One of the unique features of the festival is a project where visitors can experience filming alongside the drama staff. Attendees will also be treated to video messages from the cast, adding a personal touch to the event.
The schedule for the Yokohama venue includes May 10 (Saturday) and May 11 (Sunday), 2025, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Meanwhile, the Saga venue will welcome visitors on May 31 (Saturday) from 1:30 PM to 8:00 PM and June 1 (Sunday) from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Among the dramas featured at the festival is the drama 10 series "Shiawase wa Tabete Nete Matte," airing every Tuesday from 10:00 PM to 10:45 PM on NHK General, comprising a total of nine episodes. Another highlight is the Saturday drama "Angel Flight," broadcast every Saturday from 10:00 PM to 10:49 PM, totaling six episodes. Additionally, the night drama "Watashi tte Sabasaba shiteru kara 2" airs from Monday to Thursday at 10:45 PM to 11:00 PM and consists of 20 episodes.
Furthermore, the continuous TV novel "Anpan" is available for viewers every Monday to Saturday at 8:00 AM to 8:15 AM on NHK General, with a Saturday episode serving as a recap of the week. The show is also aired on NHK BS and NHK BS Premium 4K from Monday to Friday at 7:30 AM to 7:45 AM.
Finally, the Taiga drama "Bera Bo ~Shogun no Eiyuu Naru Yume~" can be enjoyed every Sunday at 8:00 PM to 8:45 PM on NHK General, with additional broadcasts on NHK BS every Sunday at 6:00 PM to 6:45 PM and on NHK BS Premium 4K at 12:15 PM to 1:00 PM.
In another segment of NHK's programming, the "Asaichi" show aired on May 8, 2025, featuring the "Minna! Gohanda yo" segment, which presented a delicious recipe for "Pork and Green Pepper Negi Ponzu Sauce." Cooking researcher Edajun shared the recipe, which includes 250g of sliced pork, 2 teaspoons of sake, an appropriate amount of potato starch, 3 green peppers, 4 tablespoons of salad oil, half a leek (40g), 3 tablespoons of ponzu sauce, 1 teaspoon of grated daikon radish, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil.
The preparation begins with cutting the green peppers in half lengthwise, removing the seeds and stems, and then cutting them into three equal widths. The leek should be minced. Next, the leek, ponzu sauce, grated daikon radish, and sesame oil are mixed together.
The pork is marinated with sake, rolled into bite-sized balls, and coated with potato starch. The cooking process involves heating salad oil in a frying pan, cooking the meat over medium heat for about 5 minutes, and then stir-frying the green peppers for an additional minute. Finally, the dish is plated and topped with the prepared sauce, resulting in a crunchy texture that holds the sauce well.
On the same day, the "Asaichi" program featured a segment where the MCs discussed their impressions of the continuous TV novel "Anpan." The 29th episode aired on May 8, 2025, showcasing the send-off party for Isao (played by Yuta Hosoda). The character Ranshi (Yumi Kawai) is encouraged by Nobu (Misaki Imada) to approach Isao. During the send-off party, Isao expresses his gratitude to the Asada family amid a celebratory atmosphere.
As the party unfolds, Isao leaves abruptly, prompting Ranshi to chase after him. She expresses her concern for his safety, saying, "Isao-chan is slow, I'm worried if you get hit by a bullet. Be sure to come back. You definitely will." In a heartfelt moment, Isao confesses, "If I come back safely, please become my bride," to which Ranshi responds affirmatively, revealing her own feelings.
The emotional culmination of the episode sees Ranshi's mother, Hamako, bringing her a change of clothes and urging her to spend the night with Isao before his departure. The scene concludes with the couple sharing a tender moment in a train car, gazing at each other happily.
The "Asaichi" MCs reacted warmly to this touching scene. Hanamaru Hakata (55) expressed his approval with applause, while Naho Suzuki (43) reflected on the emotional connection between the characters. Daikichi Hakata (54) humorously noted the lively interaction with the guests, including actor Kato Leary (35) and comedian Rei Maruyama (27), who contributed their own entertaining commentary.
As the show wrapped up, Daikichi mentioned that Yuta Hosoda, who plays Isao, would be a guest on the following day's "Premium Talk" episode, expressing hope for Isao's safe return. Hanamaru echoed this sentiment, confidently asserting that Isao would be fine since he was scheduled to appear as a guest.
