NHK has kicked off excitement for its upcoming 2026 Taiga Drama titled 'Shōgun no Kyōdai!' with the recent casting announcement featuring renowned actors Taiga Nakano and Shun Oguri. The historical drama will depict the legendary achievements and struggles of the Toyotomi brothers during Japan's tumultuous Sengoku period.
Taiga Nakano, who will portray the lead role of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's younger brother, Toyotomi Hidetaka, expressed his enthusiasm about the project, excited to bring to life the historical bond shared by the Toyotomi siblings. "This is going to be significant for me," he noted. "The story of the Toyotomi family is one of unity and ambition, and I am eager to take on this role."
Shun Oguri, playing the formidable role of Oda Nobunaga, echoed similar sentiments. "Being cast as Nobunaga for the second time is both thrilling and challenging. The complexity of his character—often referred to as the 'lonely charismatic leader'—is something I look forward to exploring more deeply," Oguri stated. His first portrayal of Nobunaga, previously depicted for another network, captivated viewers and placed high expectations on his return.
Alongside them, Kohei Matsushita will step onto the screen as Tokugawa Ieyasu, marking his debut in the Taiga drama genre. Matsushita shared, "I hope to convey the life of Ieyasu not just as a historical figure but as someone who navigated the chaotic streets of his time with immense depth. I can't wait to immerse myself in learning and adapting my portrayal as we approach filming."
The star-studded cast also includes Aoi Miyazaki as Oda Nobunaga's sister, Oichi, who commented, "I have always admired this family saga, and to be part of it after 18 years since my last NHK Taiga appearance is incredibly surreal and fulfilling."
Additional cast members consist of Jun Wantanabe as Akechi Mitsuhide, Shunsuke Daito as Maeda Toshiie, Aya Nakamura as Azai Nagamasa, and many more distinguished actors, each tasked with portraying influential characters from Japanese history.
With the show expected to depict Hideyoshi's rise alongside his elder brother—to showcase their bond and struggles to unify Japan—the Taiga drama will air from January through December, premiering after its scheduled shoot begins this June.
Hiroshi Yatsu, known for works like 'Hanzawa Naoki' and 'Shitamachi Rocket,' has been appointed as the scriptwriter for 'Shōgun no Kyōdai!'. His resume promises thought-provoking, engaging content which reflects varied perspectives of Japan's historical figures.
Reflecting on his past experiences, Oguri noted, "It's rare to participate consistently over ten times in such impactful dramas. Each role has taught me how to depict characters through various lenses, especially over nearly fifty episodes per season—this is not something you find just anywhere."
Notably, this Taiga drama will also challenge conventional narratives by focusing on hidden aspects of these historical giants' lives as families, friends, and rivals, which has many fans eager to witness the fresh take.
Set against the backdrop of fierce battles and political intrigue, fans are already buzzing with anticipation. Social media platforms exploded with excitement upon hearing the cast announcement, with fans sharing their enthusiasm for the actors and the depth of storytelling they expect.
With filming set to commence shortly, the mix of historical exploration and dramatic storytelling is bound to bring excitement not only to long-time fans of samurai dramas but also to newcomers intrigued by Japan's rich history. How will Nakano, Oguri, and their co-stars bring life to this era, and what surprises will 'Shōgun no Kyōdai!' hold?