On the 1st, NHK announced that Nanako Matsushima, Kazunari Ninomiya of Arashi, Motoki Nakazawa, Himari Hitomizu, Naho Toda, and Yutaka Takenouchi will appear in the morning drama series “Anpan” (to be broadcast in the first half of 2025), starring actress Mio Imada. The six will play the family and relatives of Taka Yanai, the husband of the heroine played by Takumi Kitamura.

The 112th morning drama is an original work based on the life of Takashi Yanase, a manga artist from Kochi Prefecture who is known as the original author of the popular anime “Anpanman,” and his wife Nobu Komatsu. Nakazono Miho will be in charge of the script for the second time since “Hanako to Anne” (broadcast in the first half of 2014). Imada will play the heroine, Nobu Asada.

Matsushima plays Tomiko, Taka’s mother. She is a beautiful, strong-willed and intelligent woman with a rich cultural background. She lost her husband, Kiyoshi, when Taka was a child. She behaves in a free-spirited manner, and leads Taka to confusion.

Ninomiya, who will be making his first appearance in a morning drama, will play Taka’s father, Kiyoshi. After working for a publishing company, he died of an illness while working overseas for a newspaper company. Taka’s father was well-versed in literature and art, and was loved by Taka. The story begins with Kiyoshi having already passed away.

Takenouchi plays Taka’s uncle, Hiroshi. He is a local doctor who serves as the director of Yanai Clinic. He is also the adoptive father of Taka and Chihiro, and he always encourages them and shows them the way forward.

Nakazawa will also appear as Takashi’s younger brother, Chihiro. Hitomi will play Uto Shin, a maid at the Yanai household, and Toda will play Takashi’s aunt, Chiyoko.

Comment from Nanako Matsushima

“I will be playing the role of Yanai Takashi’s mother, who is modeled after the writer Takashi Yanase. I heard that she lost her husband early and left her two children with relatives for a period of time. Her way of thinking about family is reflected in the work, and I think she is one of the people who had a major influence on the story of ‘Anpanman,’ which is filled with Yanase’s thoughts. I would like to play the role with care, while gaining a deeper understanding of Yanase’s love for family and his outlook on life.”

Comment from Kazunari Ninomiya

“I was really surprised. I never thought I’d be able to appear in a TV series or a novel, so I hope to create a rich and gentle story with my co-stars that will live up to everyone’s expectations.”