NHK's upcoming drama, Kotokoto: A Journey to Discover Delicious Hearts, is set to premiere on January 6, 2025, and the excitement is palpable after its recent talk show held on December 22, 2024, at Toyama City. The event featured lead actors Yudai Furukawa, Noritaka Hamado, and Rie Shibata, alongside producer Yusuke Horiuchi, who discussed the drama's highlights and behind-the-scenes experiences.
With snow falling outside, 681 attendees packed the venue, eager to hear insights about the show. A warm welcome awaited the guests as audience members applauded when the cast took the stage. The strong interest reflects not only the drama's appeal but also how it resonates with the local audience, many of whom had previously watched the series on BSP4K.
During the event, producer Horiuchi shared his vision for Kotokoto, saying, “I wanted to create dramas set across various regions to rediscover the charm of those areas and inspire viewers to visit them.” His initial vision set the drama's first episode along the Japan Sea coast. After visiting Toyama, the production team was captivated by its delicious cuisine and beautiful scenery.
The production faced challenges when filming was initially scheduled for March 2024 but had to be postponed due to the Noto Peninsula earthquake. Horiuchi acknowledged the support from local filming locations, which motivated the team to continue. “Thanks to encouragement from Shiminato Fishing Port and other filming sites, we pushed through,” he noted.
Insights about character development added depth to the talk. Furukawa, who plays the enigmatic protagonist, highlighted the intricacies of his role: “He’s a buyer at a department store but socially reserved. Viewers might wonder about his aloofness, which will be explained as the series progresses.” Notably, he confessed to pre-shoot jitters about convincingly portraying satisfying food scenes, indicating the careful communication with the director to nail expressions.
Shibata also shared her experiences, commenting on how Toyama locals display humility about their cuisine. “When I ask locals about great food, they always say, ‘There’s nothing special.’ It’s not true—it’s just their culture to be modest,” she shared. Hiding behind the humor is the show's thoughtful exploration of local issues reflective of Toyama Prefecture.
Hamado added depth to his character, Sota Abiko, asserting the pride he and his co-star, Sho Hayama, have for their hometown. “The tension between our characters grows from mutual respect for our local products, bridging our stories,” he explained. He brought along protective charms (netting needles) gifted to him by local fishermen, emphasizing community bonds formed through filming.
The drama, filmed entirely within Toyama Prefecture, captures beautiful locations such as Matsukawa, Imizu, Takayama, and Kamiichi. Furukawa and Hamado both mentioned the significant places with fondness. “The scenes shot at Shiminato Fishing Port were astounding,” Furukawa noted, appreciating the fishermen’s contributions, which added authenticity to the fish auction scenes.
Hamado reminisced about his character's defining moment with warmth. He said, “When my character’s grandfather says, ‘The fish always carries the fisherman's spirit,’ it created genuine empathy with the fishing community.” These interactions not only shape the story but also weave together cultural narratives.”
Food plays a pivotal role, highlighted by the 'Kotokoto Soup' created by the lead character, representing Toyama's culinary essence. Food coordinator Atsuko Koiri drew inspiration from the gastronomic region of Basque Country connecting Toyama's geography of sea and mountains. The infusion of local flavours showcases collaborative creativity, enhancing the viewer's appetite for exploration.
A sneak peek of the ‘Kotokoto’ soup recipe will be displayed at the program presentation exhibition at NHK Toyama Broadcasting Station until January 10, 2025. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the culinary theme showcased throughout the drama.
Kotokoto: A Journey to Discover Delicious Hearts - Toyama Edition airs from January 6 to 9, 2025, at 10:45 PM. The series captures the true essence of local culture, promising viewers both entertainment and culinary inspiration.