New NHK Drama "Blossom" Brings Story Twists and a Returning Star
Listen to the story
NHK's new morning drama series "Blossom" is getting attention for an important story moment. The main character, Tama, receives a confession from someone she admires.
According to the show's fifth-week story summary, Tama meets a person she has long looked up to. In this episode, that person confesses their feelings to her.
Fans have reacted with excitement online. One comment said, "The atmosphere has completely changed since coming to Tokyo! It seems like things are getting interesting."
"Blossom" is part of NHK's long-running asadora series, a type of morning drama that has told daily stories for decades. These shows are very popular in Japan.
The series also features a notable return. Actress Ryoko Kuninaka plays Ryo, the mother of the drama's heroine.
This marks Kuninaka's return to the asadora format after 25 years. She previously appeared in a morning drama role in the past.
Speaking about getting the part, Kuninaka said, "When I heard it was decided, I cried." She expressed deep emotion about returning to this type of role.
Kuninaka is known for her acting skills, and she has portrayed the mother character with strong dedication, according to reports.
Her role as Ryo is considered central to the family story shown in "Blossom." Viewers are watching closely how her character supports the heroine.
Meanwhile, the Tama storyline is also gaining interest. The fifth week focuses on her meeting this admired figure for the first time.
With both storylines developing, "Blossom" continues to build interest among its morning TV audience in Japan.
Vocabulary4 words
- drama
- a TV or film story performed by actors
- confession
- telling someone openly about your feelings, often love
- asadora
- a Japanese morning TV drama shown as a daily series
- portrayed
- played a character in a performance
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Quiz
Answer key
1. She receives a confession from someone she admires 2. 25 years 3. She cried
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Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
NHK's new morning _____ series "Blossom" is getting attention for an important story moment.
The main character, Tama, receives a _____ from someone she admires.
According to the show's fifth-week story summary, Tama meets a person she has long _____ up to.
Fans have reacted with _____ online.
"Blossom" is part of NHK's long-running _____ series, a type of morning drama.
Actress Ryoko Kuninaka plays Ryo, the _____ of the drama's heroine.
This marks Kuninaka's return to the asadora format after 25 _____.
Speaking about getting the part, Kuninaka said, "When I heard it was decided, I _____."
Kuninaka has _____ the mother character with strong dedication, according to reports.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think asadora dramas are so popular in Japan?
- How do you think it feels for an actress to return to a role type after 25 years?
- Why might fans be excited about a confession scene in a drama?
- Do you watch any long-running TV dramas? What keeps you interested in them?
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