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| NHK’s 114th Asadora Kaze, Kaoru Unveils New Cast Led by Sano Masaya and Fujiwara Kisetsu |
NHK has unveiled the fourth wave of cast members for its upcoming 114th morning drama, Kaze, Kaoru, and it’s a line-up that blends fresh faces with seasoned names.
The asadora, fronted by Mikami Ai and Kosaka Juri, will begin filming in autumn 2025 and is scheduled to air from spring 2026.
A Double-Heroine Story Set in the Meiji Era
Kaze, Kaoru takes inspiration from the real lives of Ozeki Chika and Suzuki Masa, two pioneering nurses trained in Western medicine during the fast-changing Meiji period.
The drama follows fictionalised counterparts — Ichinose Rin (Mikami Ai) and Ooya Naomi (Kosaka Juri) — two women with very different temperaments who graduate from the same nursing school.
As they clash over values and methods, the pair slowly grow into a formidable team.
Viewers will watch them battle prejudice, navigate relationships with patients and doctors, and carve out a new place for women in society.
It’s pitched as both a buddy drama and an adventure story, spotlighting resilience and friendship in turbulent times.
New Cast Members Revealed
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The latest additions bring depth to the ensemble:
Sano Masaya (Aぇ! group) as Shimada Kenjiro, a bright young man fascinated with new words and foreign languages, who becomes a close confidant of Rin.
Fujiwara Kisetsu as Kohinata Eisuke, a naval lieutenant returning from America whose fateful meeting with Naomi sparks a turning point.Hayashi Yuta as Makimura Taichi, Kenjiro’s loyal student friend.
Bando Yajuro as Shimizu Usaburo, owner of a thriving import shop Mizuho-ya, who develops ties with both heroines.
Uchida Chika as Yanagawa Fumi, a knowledgeable store clerk fluent in serving foreign customers.
Ogura Fumiya as Matsubara Kisuke, another employee of Mizuho-ya, trusted with major responsibilities.
Kataoka Tsurutaro as Katsu Kaishū, a historical figure and old acquaintance of Usaburo who occasionally drops by.
Matsukane Yoneko, Hirooka Yuriko, and Haruma Shihou as residents and landlords in the tenement where Naomi lives, adding warmth and humour to the community backdrop.
Sano Masaya’s Milestone Moment
For Sano Masaya, this marks his first-ever asadora role. The idol-actor shared his excitement in NHK’s announcement:
“When our group first formed, my grandma always asked, ‘So, when will you be in a morning drama?’ Now I can finally say, ‘Grandma, it’s happening!’ I’m proud to make this a gift for my family.”
He added that his character, Kenjiro, represents hope and intellect in a restless age:
“I want every scene to carry warmth, like a morning breeze for viewers starting their day.”
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Asadoras are more than just daily dramas — they’re cultural staples watched across generations.
Kaze, Kaoru promises a fresh take by placing nurses, rather than merchants or teachers, at the centre of a Meiji story. With a double-heroine format, historical inspiration, and a lively supporting cast, expectations are high for this 2026 entry.