A press conference announcing the production and lead cast of the NHK Asadora drama series for the first half of 2027 was held on November 21st at the NHK Broadcasting Center in Shibuya, Tokyo, where it was announced that the title would be "Mawaru Swan" and that Misato Morita would play the lead role. Production director Kuwano Tomohiro explained that Morita was not selected through an audition, but was instead offered the role, and explained the reason for her casting.
Regarding the casting of Morita, Kuwabara revealed, "When we decided to portray a character in their late 20s to 30s, I couldn't imagine choosing someone through an audition," and reflected, "More than that, when the role and theme became clear, and the age group became clear, I thought to myself that I wanted to work with Morita."
He went on to praise her talent, calling her "extremely talented," and explained the reason for choosing her, saying, "None of the roles she plays in each film or drama are alike, and she is able to differentiate them brilliantly. Her incredible power is great, and she is able to create an everyday atmosphere. Those two were the main points."
Comedian Bakarhythm, who wrote the screenplay for this film, also gave her stamp of approval to her acting ability, saying, "I think she's a really charming actress and has overwhelming talent, so she's able to play different roles in each of her various works as if she were a completely different person."
He said that this was his first meeting with Morita, and said, "I've never worked with him before, but I knew he would create a wonderful piece of work. I had a feeling that somehow his style would be a good match for mine."
The 116th serial TV drama, "Meguru Swan," is set in modern-day Nagano Prefecture. The protagonist, who aspires to become a detective and becomes a police officer, is assigned to the "Public Safety Division," where he spends his days feeling dissatisfied with his mundane job. He is not someone who has accomplished anything, nor is he someone who is desperately pursuing his dreams. This human comedy follows the protagonist, who lives an ordinary, everyday life, as he finds his way to "protecting an everyday life where nothing happens."
