Haruka Fukuhara Joins NHK Taiga Berabou as Oiran—Following Fuka Koshiba’s Path?

Former child actors shine in “Berabou”

“The drama ultimately fell short of expectations. While it wasn’t as poorly received as the currently airing Omusubi, it faced criticism similar to Chimudondon, as the storyline gradually lost focus, causing viewers to drift away. Of course, this wasn’t Fukuhara’s fault, but it likely had some impact on her career,” says a TV magazine writer.

In the industry, it’s often said that starring in an Asadora leads to a big break, but that isn’t always the case. Similarly, there’s a long-standing belief that child actors don’t achieve lasting success. Fukuhara later took on roles that aimed to shift her image, but the reception was lukewarm.

A veteran film journalist explains:

“Berabou also features former child actors like Fuka Koshiba (27) and Yumi Adachi (43). Many child actors have youthful features, which can limit the types of roles they’re cast in as they grow older. Adachi only began securing steady roles in her 30s. Koshiba, too, is said to have ‘transformed’ with her role as the courtesan Segawa in this drama. Both of them must have worked incredibly hard to get to this point.

In contrast, Fukuhara has continuously acted in dramas and films without any major breaks. Some roles may not have suited her, but she has refined her craft through sheer experience. Her natural talent, combined with years of work, has undeniably strengthened her as an actress. In that sense, she might be incredibly lucky. I’m eager to see what she brings to the Taiga drama.”

However, with Koshiba’s performance receiving widespread acclaim, Fukuhara is bound to be compared to her.

“That said, Fukuhara has been in the industry since her Maine-chan days and has plenty of experience. She might even be inspired by Koshiba’s success and deliver a breakthrough performance of her own. Tagasode will be a completely different type of courtesan compared to Segawa,” the journalist adds.

Last year, Fukuhara won the Best New Actor Award at the 47th Japan Academy Awards for her role in the film If Only I Could Meet You Again on That Hill Where the Flowers Bloomed, taking her first steps toward becoming a respected actress.

In an interview with ZakZak back in August 2010, when she was still a child, she expressed:

“My dream is to star in a Taiga drama.”

Now, over a decade later, that dream is finally coming true—perhaps in the most spectacular way.