The meaning behind the title "The Kaze,Kaoru"

The press conference for the start of filming for the NHK Asadora drama "Kaze,Kaoru, " which will begin next spring in the first half of 2026 and stars actors Ai Mikami Ai and Juri Kosaka, was held on September 14th at Daioji Temple (Otawara City, Tochigi Prefecture). Chief producer Matsuzono Takehiro, who is in charge of production, spoke in an interview before the press conference about the meaning behind the title of the series.

" Kaze,Kaoru" is the 114th serial TV drama. Set in the Meiji era, it is a buddy drama featuring two trained nurses, Ozeki Chika and Suzuki Masa, as its two protagonists. The two graduated from the same nursing school, but struggle with how to interact with patients and doctors, and grow through clashes, eventually becoming the "strongest buddy." Migami plays the lead role of Ichinose Rin, while Uesaka plays Oya Naomi.

Regarding the title of the film, Matsuzono said, "When I think about the lives of Rin and Naomi, the Meiji era was a very turbulent time, and there were headwinds that were not in their favor, but there were also times when the wind was in their favor. I hope that this drama will show how the women themselves catch the wind and soar, and that this wind will eventually become fragrant, or a very pleasant breeze that reaches everyone."

Filming for the series began on September 8th in Otawara, Tochigi Prefecture. On this day, scenes were shot of Rin enjoying a festival with her family and childhood friend, Takeuchi Torataro (Kobayashi Toranosuke), which are scheduled to air in the first week. Mikami began filming on the 8th. Matsuzono declined to say when filming would begin for Uesaka, who plays the other main character, Naomi, saying it would be "a little while from now."

Matsuzono said, "We've been plagued by the weather, but miraculously the first day of filming was sunny, and the whole team was able to start the year united in their determination to work hard. Today's filming at Daioji Temple also borrowed the energy of this space, and with the participation of nearly 50 local extras, it was a very exciting day. We hope to convey the charm of this area, including its nature and people, with the best performance we can."

Mikami attended the press conference.