Heroes' Choice:Did Tsutaya Juzaburo, the protagonist of the 25-year-old taiga drama " UNBOUND ," change Edo through entertainment? A thrilling look into the truth

NHK's program "Heroes' Choices," which focuses on heroes who made decisions that greatly changed history, will broadcast a special episode, "The Great Edo Entertainment Revolution: The True Story of Tsutaya Juzaburo ," on NHK BS from 7:30 pm on January 1st. The episode will feature Tsutaya Juzaburo , the protagonist of the 2025 taiga drama " UNBOUND ." As a publisher in the mid-Edo period, he brought about a revolution in Edo culture by helping to bring out the talents of Utamaro, Sharaku, Hokusai, and others. We will get closer to his thrilling true story.

This special program focuses on the true character of Tsutaya Juzaburo, who changed Edo with entertainment. Born in the mid-Edo period in the Yoshiwara red-light district, Juzaburo gained popularity by publishing kibyōshi and sharebon books, which were the origins of manga. However, he was punished by Matsudaira Sadanobu, a senior councilor of the shogunate who banned entertainment and luxury, and had half of his assets confiscated. Despite this, Juzaburo continued to revolutionize ukiyo-e, along with Kitagawa Utamaro and Toshusai Sharaku.

This film conveys the great achievements of this rare producer who excited the common people.