It was announced on April 8 that Nogizaka46 member Nagi Inoue will appear in the 2026 NHK Taiga drama "Toyotomi Brothers!" as Chacha. This will be Inoue's first time appearing in a taiga drama, and also her first time appearing in an NHK drama. She won the role of a key figure in the Warring States period, who later became a concubine of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and was called "Yodo-dono", through an audition.
Inoue is 20 years old, born on February 17, 2005. She will join Nogizaka46 as a 5th generation member in 2022 and is the group's "next generation ace" who will also serve as the center for the single. Regarding her appearance in this work, she commented, "I was very surprised and still can't believe it. I was watching as a viewer the show "What Will Ieyasu Do?" (2023) in which my senior in Nogizaka46, Kubo Shiori, appeared, and seeing her live on screen made me want to be as active as her someday. I'm really honored to have been chosen in this way, and I'm very excited to think that I'll be able to spend exciting days."
Chacha has been played by many popular actors, including Keiko Kitagawa in "What Will Ieyasu Do?" and the late Takeuchi Yuko in "Sanadamaru" (2016). Inoue said enthusiastically, "I still don't have much acting experience, so I'm a bit nervous about playing the character of Chacha, but at the same time, I'm excited about this opportunity. I'll do my best to portray the charm of this woman who lived an intense life in a turbulent era."
She also sent a message to viewers in Fukui Prefecture, who has a connection to Chacha, saying, "I feel that Chacha's time in Echizen has a very strong connection to her, even in her harsh life. I would be very grateful if everyone in Fukui Prefecture could watch over Chacha's emotional changes and thoughts!"
For "Toyotomi Brothers!", a large-scale audition was held, mainly for actors in their 20s and 30s. From over 1600 applicants, Inoue was selected for the role of Chacha, So Kaku for the role of Todo Takatora, Leo Matsumoto for the role of Ishida Mitsunari, Hamada Tatsuomi for the role of Saito Tatsuoki, and Yuka Sugai for the role of Maeda Toshiie's wife Matsu. Producer Takahashi Yukako said of Inoue, "She showed a calmness and seductiveness beyond her years."
"Toyotomi Brothers!" is a success story of hope and dreams depicting the miracle of the Toyotomi brothers who accomplished the great feat of unifying the country with their strong bond, with Hidenaga, the younger brother of "Japan's ruler" Toyotomi Hideyoshi, as the protagonist. Hidenaga is played by Nakano Taiga and Hideyoshi is played by Ikematsu Sosuke. The script is written by Yatsu Hiroyuki, who is known for "Hanzawa Naoki" (TBS) and the NHK Asadora drama "Ochoyan".
