A man dares to dream in 156 bite-sized episodes. Japan's soap opera revolution starts here.
Season 1 • Episode 156
LatestThe 32nd NHK Asadora. Starring Takaaki Enoki as a young man who becomes a film director. The first Asadora with a male lead since 1967.
Acting
Enoki's transformation from nobody to director feels lived-in.
Production
NHK gambled on a male lead after 17 years of women.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Asadora were mandatory housewife viewing; Romansu broke format to capture Japan's bubble-era male anxiety about purpose.
Takaaki Enoki later became famous for samurai roles, making this gentle origin story wild in retrospect.
JP
