NHK’s Hit Mature Dramas: The Reason Behind Their Success
Even R18-rated and boys’ love-themed works
However, in recent dramas like Berabou and the highly acclaimed Ōoku (aired in 2023), there have been intense scenes that could almost be mistaken for R18-rated content, delving deeper into romantic relationships between men and women. At times, there are even portrayals of boys’ love and LGBTQ themes. These scripts seem tailor-made to appeal to adult drama fans.
What exactly is behind this shift? We asked an NHK insider.
“In the past, we didn’t really focus on viewership ratings and tended to produce the shows we wanted to make. However, when it came to dramas, there were certain self-imposed restrictions that made it difficult to push boundaries. On top of that, we would often hear commercial broadcasters say, ‘NHK doesn’t have to worry about ratings, so they have it easy.’ In reality, many drama creators at NHK felt frustrated, believing they could produce much more engaging, compelling, and widely appealing programs.”
Recently, however, the situation has changed, as NHK’s licensing fees have come under greater scrutiny.
“With more people watching less television and an increasing number saying, ‘We don’t need NHK,’ the organization is facing more than just difficulties—it’s a matter of survival. That’s why we’ve shifted our focus to appealing not just to younger viewers but also to generations that have long been devoted to television, particularly women, by creating dramas that truly engage them.” (NHK insider)
