The highly anticipated NHK morning drama 'Anpan' is set to premiere on March 31, 2025, and it already promises to stir excitement among fans of Japanese television. Starring actress Mio Imada as the heroine Nobu, the series also unexpectedly features Kanjani Tsubaki as Shinnojo Yagi. This marks Tsubaki's first appearance as he celebrates 27 years since his acting debut, making this opportunity all the more special.
At the press conference held on March 10 at the NHK Broadcasting Center in Shibuya, Tokyo, the producers revealed the details of this engaging narrative. Imada portrays Nobu, who lives through turbulent times, providing support to her husband Mashio Iwao, portrayed by Kazuki Kitamura. This production is the 112th installment of NHK's morning drama series and promises to showcase the resilient spirit of its characters.
The show is based on the real-life couple of Takashi Yanase, the creator of the beloved children's anime 'Anpanman', and his wife Bienko Komatsu. The story passionately reflects their struggles and achievements through the lens of 'Anpanman,' representing the never-reversing nature of justice.
Chief Producer Kaori Kurazaki expressed his ambitions for the series, indicating, "NHK is celebrating 100 years of broadcasting. We want to present this production as something truly special, featuring a cast of luxurious talent to commemorate this milestone." The plot will tackle the values and ideals espoused by Yanase, depicted through the beloved character of 'Anpanman'.
During the event, Tsubaki shared his feelings about joining the drama, stating, "Appearing in morning dramas is the goal for every actor. I am feeling joy as my long-held wish has finally come true, especially for this production, 'Anpan.'" He added, "I believe this wonderful story of 'Anpan' will leave light in the hearts of the viewers."
Recalling the significance of delivering messages across generations, Kurazaki highlighted the narrative’s universal themes, indicating how 'Anpan' could resonate deeply with audiences of all ages. The show aims to contact viewers' emotions and generate discussions on compassion and justice, principles very dear to Yanase.
The script for 'Anpan' is penned by Miho Nakazono, renowned for her captivating writing showcased across previous hits like 'Doctor X'. This will mark Nakazono's second foray as the scriptwriter for NHK’s morning dramas, following 'Hanako to Anne' aired back in 2014. Her unique narrative style aims to intertwine humor, drama, and hope.
During the first-week preview, Imada praised her young co-stars, calling their performances vibrant and enriching to her portrayal of Nobu. "The energy they brought to their characters laid the groundwork for my role. I truly enjoyed watching their performances," she says.
Kitamura echoed Imada's sentiments about their younger counterparts, remarking on the convincing portrayals and how well they depicted the roots of their characters.
One of the notable aspects of 'Anpan' is how the story incorporates the features of Kochi dialect. Nobu's character often uses this dialect, emphasizing its cultural significance. Imada recalls her initial struggles with the dialect but found joy in its nuances as the story progressed.
Back to Tsubaki’s character, Yagi is depicted as the 'superior soldier' who supports Iwao during the war, emphasizing camaraderie. He plays the role of someone who later reconnects with Iwao post-war, having had significant effects on the direction of both Nobu and Iwao's lives. Tsubaki teases about Yagi's character depth, stating, "He appears strict but observes with clarity. I'm excited to portray how he supports Iwao’s pure heart amid challenging circumstances."
Listeners will witness how the bond between these characters evolves and how their stories of resilience develop, especially as they face trials presented by their historical backdrop.
With such strong themes and memorable characters, 'Anpan' aims to entertain and educate viewers about sincerity, bravery, and the importance of supporting one another during challenging times. Chief Producer Kurazaki promises audiences will see high-quality visuals, with hints at the creative direction focusing not just on the domestic audience but with aspirations for overseas expansion as well.
Expecting to enthrall viewers weekly from Monday through Saturday at 8:00 AM on NHK, 'Anpan' will invite fans to enjoy not merely the story but the culturally rich narrative carried from one generation to the next. The combination of heartfelt performances and enlightening messages will undoubtedly establish 'Anpan' as another cherished entry within Japan's historical morning drama legacy.