The key visual for the 2026 NHK Taiga drama "Toyotomi Brothers!" starring actor Taiga Nakano was released on November 7th. It was also revealed that the first broadcast will be 15 minutes longer and will start on January 4th.
The key visual captures the moment when the main character, Koichiro (later Toyotomi Hidenaga, played by Nakano) and his older brother, Tōkichirō (later Toyotomi Hideyoshi, played by Ikematsu Sosuke), are laughing out loud in the rain. Their positive smiles, undeterred by the rain, express the bond between the brothers and the worldview of the drama.
The photography was handled by Kawashima Kotori, and the art direction was by Sakawaki Kei. Kawashima commented, "From the meetings, photography, and photo selection, Taiga and Ikematsu took the initiative in coming up with ideas and pulling us along. Just like in the film, the two of them are one and the same, and the staff all worked together to create this very special photo!" It was also announced that the narration will be handled by actor Sakura Ando, and the music will be handled by Kimura Hideaki.
"Toyotomi Brothers!" is a success story of dreams and hopes that depicts the miracle of the Toyotomi brothers, who achieved the great feat of unifying the country with their strong bond, with Hidenaga, the younger brother of the "great ruler of Japan," as the protagonist. The script is written by Hiroyuki Yatsushi, who is known for "Naoki Hanzawa" and the TV drama series "Ochoyan."
◇Comment from Production Director Yusuke Horiuchi
The time has finally come to announce the key visual that will be the "face" of the 2026 Taiga drama "Toyotomi Brothers!", as well as the two people who will be in charge of the narration and music that will enrich the story!
First, the key visual. Nakano Taiga plays Toyotomi Hidenaga and Ikematsu Sosuke plays Toyotomi Hideyoshi. These young men, nobodies from a small farming village, rise through the turbulent Sengoku period and eventually unify Japan. Photographer Kawashima Kotori and art director Sakawaki Kei have captured this "miraculous moment" that symbolizes the bond between these two men. We hope that you can look beyond their overflowing smiles and imagine the various difficulties, joys, sorrows, and hopes that will befall them in the future.
The narrator who guides us into the story is actress Sakura Ando. Active both in Japan and overseas, her acting skills are undeniable. Ando sometimes watches over the brothers Hidenaga and Hideyoshi from afar, and other times tenderly supports them, accompanying them through their turbulent lives. Be sure to pay attention to Ando's unique, sensitive narration.
Furthermore, the composer who will be in charge of the music this time is Kimura Hideaki. He is one of the most active musicians at the forefront of Japanese film productions today. When you listen to the music that Kimura creates, which is of an overwhelming scale and combines delicacy and boldness, you will surely be drawn into the world of "Toyotomi Brothers!" before you know it. There are many songs that make you feel that way from the bottom of your heart, and you can't wait for everyone to hear Kimura's music as soon as possible. The taiga drama "Toyotomi Brothers!" will start on January 4, 2026! Stay tuned!
