The new cast for the NHK Asadora drama series "Kaze,Kaoru ," starring Ai Mikami and Juri Kosaka , which will air in the first half of 2026, has been announced on the official NHK drama website (＠nhk_dramas), and it has been revealed that singer Naoko Ken (72) will be appearing. This will be Ken's first appearance in an Asadora, and she will play the mysterious and elusive fortune teller Maji.
Ken commented, "When I first heard about the role, I couldn't believe my ears and thought, 'Me?' I am extremely honored that they chose me for this role. I also felt it was a connection as it marks the 55th anniversary of my debut in the entertainment industry. I will do my best to make use of my experience and intuition. My role is to watch over the protagonist, who survives the turbulent Meiji era, from a mysterious angle. I hope that people will be able to feel the winds of a new era through this production."
When asked about her connections and memories with work related to nursing, the theme of the work, she said, "I have been nursed myself, and my family has also been taken care of by nurses. Aiming for and working in the nursing world is not an easy thing. It is not something that many people can do. I believe that the opportunities for nurses to be active as professionals who support people's lives and livelihoods are expanding rapidly. I hope that through this work I will be able to see for myself the era that built this."
"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. The two graduated from the same nursing school, but struggle with how to interact with patients and doctors, and grow as they clash, eventually becoming the "strongest buddy."
