Season 1 • Episode 297
LatestOshin is a Japanese serialized morning television drama, which aired on broadcaster NHK from April 4, 1983 to March 31, 1984. The series follows the life of Shin Tanokura during the Meiji period up to the early 1980s. Shin was called "Oshin", which is an archaic Japanese cognomen.
Acting
Three actresses make Oshin feel like one continuous soul across 78 years.
Writing
Turns selling hair and salted fish into Shakespearean tragedy.
Production
NHK's budget built entire Meiji villages; you can smell the poverty.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Oshin achieved 62.9% ratings—meaning most of Japan literally stopped working to watch. It reshaped national conversation about women's unpaid labor.
The real Oshin was based on a supermarket owner's mother; writer Sugako Hashida interviewed her for years. The hair-selling episode caused a nationwide spike in donations to elderly care facilities.
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