The new cast of the NHK Taiga drama "Toyotomi Brothers!" starring Taiga Nakano, which will be broadcast in 2026, was announced on the official NHK drama X (formerly Twitter) on April 8th, revealing that Nogizaka46 member Nagi Inoue will play the role of Chacha, and former Sakurazaka46 member Yuka Sugai will play the role of Matsu, making her first appearance in a taiga drama.
Additionally, Leo Matsumoto, who appeared in the NHK Asadora drama "Omusubi" that aired its final episode in March, will be appearing in his first taiga drama as Ishida Mitsunari. It was also announced that Hamada Tatsuomi will be appearing in a taiga drama as Saito Tatsuoki, marking his first appearance in a taiga drama in 16 years since "Ryomaden" (2010), in which he played the young Sakamoto Ryoma. The five new cast members, including So Kaku who will play Todo Takatora, were selected through auditions for young actors.
Producer Yukako Takahashi said, "The taiga drama 'Toyotomi Brothers!' is set in the Warring States period and is a turbulent entertainment. One of the highlights of this work is the performance of the younger generation. Starting with the main character, young people who were still nobodys meet in a turbulent time, grow together, and eventually become people who leave their mark on history. In order to cast this generation, we held a large-scale audition, mainly for actors in their 20s and 30s. We received more than 1,600 applications, and met with about 400 of them, and we are now announcing five cast members. Todo Takatora is played by Yoshihisa Hajime, who left an impression with his overwhelming physique and aura. Ishida Mitsunari is played by Matsumoto Reo, whose delicate acting was wonderful. We asked Hamada Tatsuomi, who plays difficult roles accurately, to play Saito Tatsuoki, and Nagi Inoue, who showed a calmness and seductiveness beyond his age, to play Chacha. Yuka Sugai Yuuka, who is pretty but has a core, will play Matsu. We hope you will look forward to seeing how their youthful energy and brilliance will be displayed in the play. We appreciate your support.
"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 "the ruler of Japan," as the main character. The script is written by Hiroyuki Yatsu, who is known for "Naoki Hanzawa" and the TV drama series "Ochoyan."
The roles of the five new cast members are as follows:
◇Takatora Todo (by So Kaku)
One of Hidenaga's senior vassals. Known for his large size, he initially served Azai Nagamasa, a feudal lord in Omi, but moved from one lord to another. After meeting Hidenaga, he learned that learning was just as important as martial prowess, and he learned a lot, including arithmetic, firearms, and fortification. He eventually distinguished himself, and participated in Toyotomi Hideyoshi's invasion of China and the Battle of Shizugatake. He not only fought on the front lines, but was also entrusted with logistics, becoming a military commander of both wisdom and bravery. He was also known as a master of fortification construction. "A confidant of Hidenaga who excelled in both the arts and the military."
◇Mitsunari Ishida (Leo Matsumoto)
A feudal lord born in Omi Province who was highly valued by Hideyoshi. He played an active role in the Battle of Shizugatake, where Hideyoshi fought against Shibata Katsuie, and was also good with numbers, demonstrating his strength in the Taiko Land Survey and other events. In Hideyoshi's later years, at the young age of 25, he became one of the Five Commissioners and played a central role in the Toyotomi government. "A loyal retainer of Hideyoshi who supported the Toyotomi government."
◇Tatsuoki Saito (played by Tatsuomi Hamada)
A feudal lord in Mino Province. After his father Yoshitatsu suddenly died, at the young age of 14 he inherited the position of head of the Saito clan of Mino. He was blessed with excellent retainers, such as Hanbei Takenaka, a senior vassal from his father's generation, and the Mino Triumvirate (Yoshimichi Inaba, Moriyasu Ando, and Naomoto Ujiie), but due to his young age he struggled to control them. Oda Nobunaga, who had been targeting Mino for some time, took this opportunity to intensify his offensive, but Tatsuoki put up a full resistance, tormenting Nobunaga. "Grandson of Saito Dosan of Mino, who put up a full resistance against Nobunaga."
◇Chacha (Nagi Inoue)
Born to Azai Nagamasa and Oda Nobunaga's younger sister Oichi, she was the eldest of the "Azai Three Sisters" - Chacha, Hatsu and Go. Eventually her father came into conflict with Nobunaga and was defeated and killed. When Oichi remarried Shibata Katsuie, she moved to Echizen. After Katsuie was defeated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the Battle of Shizugatake and Oichi and Katsuie committed suicide at Kitanosho Castle, she came under his protection in Higoka and became a concubine to her sworn enemy, Hideyoshi. "The eldest of the Azai Three Sisters, tossed about by a strange fate."
◇ Matsu (Yuka Sugai)
The wife of Maeda Toshiie, a feudal lord in Kaga Province (southern Ishikawa Prefecture). Skilled in both academics and martial arts, she supported her husband Toshiie and worked hard to protect the family. She was deeply involved with the Toyotomi brothers and their families, and when Toshiie began to support Hideyoshi under the Toyotomi government, Matsu and Nene also built a close relationship. "A wise wife who walked alongside and supported her husband, Maeda Toshiie."
