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Timeless Appeal: Oshin, Ama-chan, and the History of NHK Morning Dramas

  • Nōnen Rena, who plays Aki, the main character in Ama-chan. Raised in Tokyo, the shy Aki comes to a rural town in Iwate Prefecture with her mother and trains to become a female diver (ama) like her grandmother. She becomes the darling of the town before returning to Tokyo, where she battles to succeed on a bigger stage. (Broadcast on NHK General at 8:00–8:15 am, Monday to Saturday, and other times. Photo courtesy of NHK.)

    Nōnen Rena, who plays Aki, the main character in Ama-chan. Raised in Tokyo, the shy Aki comes to a rural town in Iwate Prefecture with her mother and trains to become a female diver (ama) like her grandmother. She becomes the darling of the town before returning to Tokyo, where she battles to succeed on a bigger stage. (Broadcast on NHK General at 8:00–8:15 am, Monday to Saturday, and other times. Photo courtesy of NHK.)

  • Kashiyama Fumie in Ohanahan (broadcast in 1966). The main character, Hana, lives through the major events of modern Japanese history, never losing her cheerful outlook on life despite a string of tragedies, including the loss of her army officer husband in the war. (Photo courtesy of NHK.)

    Kashiyama Fumie in Ohanahan (broadcast in 1966). The main character, Hana, lives through the major events of modern Japanese history, never losing her cheerful outlook on life despite a string of tragedies, including the loss of her army officer husband in the war. (Photo courtesy of NHK.)

  • Kobayashi Ayako as the young heroine in Oshin (broadcast in 1983). Oshin is born into rural poverty and is sent out to work at the age of seven. After many hardships, she eventually finds success as the manager of her own business. (Photo courtesy of NHK)

    Kobayashi Ayako as the young heroine in Oshin (broadcast in 1983). Oshin is born into rural poverty and is sent out to work at the age of seven. After many hardships, she eventually finds success as the manager of her own business. (Photo courtesy of NHK)

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