NHK’s Morning Drama Omusubi Starring Kanna Hashimoto Sparks Debate Over Its Earthquake Depiction
Kanna Hashimoto, the heroine of Omusubi, has also been chosen to host NHK’s Kohaku Uta Gassen (The Red and White Song Contest).Omusubi follows the heroine, Yonekida Yui (played by Kanna Hashimoto), born in 1989, who pursues her career as a nutritionist with a strong gal spirit, always staying true to herself. It’s portrayed as a “Heisei youth graffiti,” focusing on her energetic journey.
Despite casting Kanna Hashimoto, already considered a national actress, the drama seems to lack the expected excitement. The question remains: why isn’t the audience more engaged?
The year marks the 30th anniversary of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.
In long-running morning dramas, it has traditionally been common to focus on historical figures from both pre- and post-war periods, such as in Tora ni Tsubasa, Boogie Woogie, Ranman, and Eire. These have been considered the classic formula for morning dramas. On the other hand, original contemporary dramas have often faced difficulties in gaining widespread popularity.
The scriptwriter for Omusubi, Nonji Nemoto, admitted that “recent original contemporary dramas for morning TV have been both good and bad, and they attract attention for many reasons. Honestly, I hesitated to write an original drama.” However, he felt strongly that it was important to create such a drama, especially since 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.
This sense of responsibility is even stronger given that the drama is being produced by NHK Osaka Broadcasting Station. Despite the challenges, the team is tackling the project with determination. However, it’s not all headwinds.
When thinking of original contemporary dramas about earthquakes, Amachan—written by Kankuro Kudo and broadcast in the first half of 2013—immediately comes to mind. It successfully addressed the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and became popular, providing inspiration to the Omusubi team, including the writer and staff.
Evidence of Amachan’s influence can be found in Omusubi, which includes several scenes that seem to be tributes to the earlier drama.
In Omusubi, the heroine Yui and Amachan’s protagonist Aki (played by Reina Kanno, now known as Non) share a key trait: they are both high school students without dreams. A memorable moment in Omusubi occurs in the first episode, where Yui jumps into the sea, which evokes the image of Aki’s dive from the seawall in Amachan, sparking discussion. Furthermore, Yui’s older sister, Ayumi (played by Risa Nakamura), is portrayed as a legendary gal, while in Amachan, Aki’s mother, Haruko (played by Kyoko Koizumi), is considered a legendary delinquent. Additionally, Ayumi’s room is filled with gal-related items, mirroring how Haruko’s room is packed with idol memorabilia, illustrating several common points between the two works (Director, Production Company).
However, despite both dramas tackling the theme of the earthquake, there is a decisive difference between the two.
In Omusubi, the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake is depicted in flashbacks, while in Amachan, the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake significantly disrupts the dreams and hopes of the characters.
In Amachan, Aki’s best friend, Yui (played by Ai Hashimoto), is set to move to Tokyo to pursue her dream of becoming an idol when her father falls ill, leading her down a rebellious path. After slowly recovering, she attempts to return to Tokyo, but the Great East Japan Earthquake obstructs her journey. The powerful scene where Yui, caught in a tunnel near the Kitakata Station, sees the devastating aftermath of the earthquake, causing her to lose all hope of becoming an idol, was written just two years after the disaster, showcasing the staff’s passionate dedication (Director, Production Company).
Eventually, Yui and Aki, motivated by the desire to help their community recover, reform the local idol group Shiosai no Memories. In the finale, they successfully perform on a train, filled with hope as they head towards the tunnel that had trapped them during the disaster. This scene remains one of the most iconic moments of the series.
The tunnel at Kitakata Station, which became a symbol of the tragedy and the area’s recovery, continues to be a pilgrimage site for Amachan fans, attracting numerous tourists.
Something is different.
In contrast, the portrayal of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in Omusubi feels different.
At the Itoshima Festival, Yui performs a para-para dance as a member of the Hakata Gal Union (Hagyarens). Afterward, Shoya expresses his thoughts.
“I was moved.”
“You looked so happy.”
When Yui is asked why she always looks so sad, she responds:
“Probably since that day. Nine years ago. January 17, 1995.”
The following week, in episode 5, Yui confesses her experience from nine years ago, and the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake is depicted in a flashback.
“The staff carefully researched the lives of those who lived in evacuation shelters. Some people moved forward the day after the disaster, while others are still deeply shaken by the grief of losing loved ones. Even though they experienced the same tragedy, the sorrow is not something easily shared. Director Kensuke Matsuki, who oversaw the direction in week 5, revealed that he wanted to convey those emotions” (Producer, Production Company).
Even if one didn’t experience the earthquake, there are things that can only be depicted in a drama. So, I wonder if there could have been a different approach to portraying the disaster. Am I the only one who feels this way?
Interview and text by： Ukon Shima (Broadcaster/Video Producer) PHOTO： Kazuhiko Nakamura
