The "passing of the baton" ceremony for the NHK Asadora drama series was recently held at the NHK Broadcasting Center in Shibuya, Tokyo, attended by Kanna Hashimoto , the heroine of the currently airing " Omusubi ," and Mio Imada , who will star in " Anpan ," which begins on March 31. Imada spoke about her recent situation, saying, "It's been six months since filming began, and I'm already feeling lonely with only about six months left. I've had so much fun filming every day, and I'm very happy to be playing the role of Asada Nobu."
Imada, who received the baton from Hashimoto, said, "It's been six months since filming began, and now that I've taken the baton from Hashimoto, who spent the last year playing the positive Yui-chan in ' Omusubi,' I feel like we're finally starting. I'm still being watched over by all the staff I work with on a regular basis, so I want to take that to heart and continue to work hard with everyone in the future." She renewed her determination and praised Hashimoto, saying, "Thank you so much for all your hard work."
Hashimoto said, "I was relieved to meet you today and see that you look as healthy as ever. When I took over from Sari Ito, she also talked about health, and I think eating well and sleeping well is very important to get through a year. I hope you do your best and avoid illness and injuries." Imada responded enthusiastically, "I think that Hashimoto and all the previous heroines have been able to get through by taking care of their health, so I would like to carry on that spirit."
Imada presented Hashimoto with Naruko, a local product of Kochi, the setting of "Anpan," and an Anpan. At the Yosakoi Festival, which began as a tribute to postwar reconstruction, dancers in all sorts of costumes hold Naruko in their hands as they dance wildly with smiles on their faces. Imada sent Hashimoto, who plays the heroine who moves forward while bringing happiness to those around her, an original design Naruko made in Kochi and an Anpan specially made by the Asada family, with the message, "Thank you for your hard work in filming."
Upon receiving the rattle, Hashimoto was delighted, saying, "It makes quite a lot of noise! This is the first time I've held a rattle. It's really cute with the "Omusubi" (rice ball) and "Anpan" (bean paste bun) logos on the back. Thank you very much. I think I'll be able to keep the fun going until the very end (ringing the rattle)!"
"Omusubi" is a "Heisei youth graffiti" about a heroine born in 1989 who always values her own individuality and connects people's hearts and futures as a nutritionist with her "gal spirit". It is an original work by Nonji Nemoto, a screenwriter known for NHK's drama "Shijiki Fudosan".
"Anpan" is based on the married couple Takashi Yanase(1919-2013) and Nobu Komatsu(1918-1993), the manga artist and picture book writer who created "Anpanman." It is a "story of love and courage" that will make you feel the joy of living, depicting how these two, who were once nobody, overcame all sorts of rough seas to become "Anpanman," the embodiment of "unreversible justice." The script was written by Miho Nakazono, who is known for the "Doctor X: Surgeon Daimon Michiko" (TV Asahi) series.
The baton passing ceremony took place on the set of Nobu's home, the Asada family home.
