"Omusubi" is the NHK morning drama series starring Kanna Hashimoto, which will begin airing in the second half of fiscal year 2024 on September 30th. The heroine, born in 1989, is a powerful "Heisei youth graffiti" who pushes forward with a "gal spirit" that values her individuality at all times. There is one day left until the show starts. Here, we introduce Himiko, played by Shinnosuke Ikebata.
◇Himiko aspires to be a calligrapher who will revolutionize the image of calligraphy.
Himiko is the owner of "Snack Himiko" in Itoshima. She is a mysterious person whose age, gender, and background are all unknown. For some reason, she knows the circumstances of each and every resident of Itoshima.
This will be Ikebata's first appearance in a morning drama as Himiko.
Ikebata commented, "Himiko runs a snack bar in Itoshima. What kind of past does she have, and why did she open a bar in Itoshima? She's a mystery to me. And her name is Himiko!? This is my first time appearing in a morning drama. When I heard about the role, I thought, 'Am I the right person for this role?' It's a very interesting cast, from the morning onwards (laughs). Above all, I'm happy that the story is set in Itoshima, a place I love. Together with my co-stars and the people who live hard in the community, I hope to bring a bright and cheerful morning to the viewers."
◇The first morning drama in four years to start in the Heisei era - who will sing the theme song and narrate?
The drama is an original work by screenwriter Nemoto Nonji, known for NHK's "Shojiki Real Estate," among others. The theme song is "Illumination" by "B'z," and is said to be a song that will add even more power to the world of the story, in which the main character encounters gal culture.
The main story will be narrated by illustrator and actor Lily Franky, while the Saturday edition will be narrated by the station's announcer Takase Kozo. This will be the first morning drama to be set mainly in the Heisei era since "Maiagare!" in the second half of 2022.
The series will be broadcast on NHK General TV from September 30th, Monday to Saturday at 8am and other times.
