It was announced on May 29th that the NHK Asadora drama series for the second half of 2026 will be "Blossom," based on the life of author Chiyo Uno, and that actor Shizuka Ishibashi will play the lead role.
Uno Chiyo was born in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture in 1897. At the age of 23, she entered a novel contest and won, marking her debut as a writer.
After moving to Tokyo and working as a writer, he launched the fashion magazine "Style" in 1936. Although the essays and columns gained popularity, the magazine was forced to cease publication as the war intensified. After the war ended, he revived "Style" and also began designing and selling kimonos.
Her representative work, "Ohan," won the Noma Literary Prize in 1957. At the age of 85, she published her autobiographical novel, "Ikite Iku Watashi," which became a best-seller, selling over one million copies.
The title "Blossom" means to bloom, and was chosen with the idea of "blooming proudly." The protagonist, Ha-no Tama, who is modeled after Uno Chiyo, uses these words to affirm and inspire herself. The other is "Sakura" from Cherry Blossom. Uno Chiyo's trademark was the cherry blossom, and she left behind many cherry blossom designs, not only on kimonos but also on her red chanchanko.
It is said that this also overlaps with the carefree lifestyle of Uno Chiyo, who was likened to the "flower-blooming grandma" who brought happiness to people through her novels and fashion.
"Blossom," the 115th serial TV drama, is based on the story of writer Uno Chiyo, who continued to seek freedom throughout the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras. She leaves her hometown of Iwakuni, Yamaguchi, meets fascinating people, and pursues her dreams, moving forward into the turbulent times of the Taisho and Showa eras. The script is written by Tsuyoshi Sakurai, known for "Your Goods Are Here" and "Boogie Woogie."
Despite being engulfed in many hardships, including the Great Kanto Earthquake, war, marriage and divorce, bankruptcy and debt, Tama faced life as a writer. At times she made enemies and was misunderstood, hurt others and was hurt herself, but she remained true to herself in her pursuit of freedom, and by incorporating her feelings into her novels, she brings "happiness" to readers.
