Anpan:[Character introduction] Will she behave unrestrainedly and lead her son astray? Tomiko, the mother of Takashi Yanai, is Nanako Matsushima's Asadora since "Natsuzora"

" Anpan " is the NHK Asadora drama series starring Mio Imada , which will begin airing on March 31st in the first half of the 2025 fiscal year. It is a "story of love and courage" based on the married couple Takashi Yanase(1919-2013), the manga artist and picture book writer who created "Anpanman," and Nobu Komatsu(1918-1993). There are four days left until the series begins airing. Here, we will introduce Yanai Tomiko, played by Nanako Matsushima.

◇ Culturally educated, beautiful, strong-willed and intelligent

Tomiko Yanai is the mother of Takashi Yanai(Takumi Kitamura). She is a beautiful, strong-willed and intelligent woman with a rich cultural background. She lost her husband, Kiyoshi, when Taku was young. She behaves unrestrainedly and leads Taku to confusion. This is Matsushima's first appearance in a Asadora in six years, since "Natsuzora" in the first half of 2019.

When her role was announced in August last year, Matsushima commented, "I will be playing the role of Takashi Yanase's mother, who is modeled after Takashi Yanai. I heard that she lost her husband at an early age and left her two children with relatives for a period of time. Her family structure is reflected in the work, and I think she is one of the people who had a major influence on the story of 'Anpanman,' which is filled with Yanase's thoughts. I would like to play the role with care, while gaining a deeper understanding of Yanase's love for family and his outlook on life."

◇What about the drama's script, narration, music, and theme song?

The drama depicts how Nobu Asada(Imada) and Takashi Yanai, "two nobodys," overcome all sorts of rough seas and arrive at "Anpanman," the embodiment of "irreversible justice."

The script is written by Miho Nakazono, known for the TV Asahi series "Doctor X: Surgeon Michiko Daimon." The narrator is NHK announcer Risa Hayashida Risa, and the music is by composer and musician Izutsu Akio. The theme song is a new song by rock band RADWIMPS called "Tamamono."

It will be broadcast on NHK General TV from March 31st, Monday to Saturday at 8:00 a.m. and other channels.