"Drama Week" brings you the latest drama news from the past week. This time (November 1st to 7th), we'll be covering the news that Sakura Ando will be narrating the NHK Taiga drama "Toyotomi Brothers!", which will be broadcast in 2026, and that Sota Fukushi will be starring in the Fuji TV drama series "Tokyo PD: Metropolitan Police Department Public Relations Division 2," which will begin airing in January 2026. We'll be covering these topics in two parts.
On November 5th, the third episode of NHK's evening drama "Hira Yasumi" (Monday-Thursday, 10:45 PM), starring Amane Okayama, aired, with Riho Yoshioka making her debut as Tachibana Yomogi. Yomogi, played by Yoshioka, works at a real estate company. She's a dedicated worker and considered an ace at work, but she's so consumed with work that she can't afford to waste her time. In the third episode, Yomogi arrives at the fishing pond where Hiroto (played by Okayama) works part-time. Hiroto is curious about Yomogi, who is busy making work calls while fishing, but something Hiroto says or does angers her. Social media reactions included, "Riho Yoshioka has finally arrived! She's so cute!" and "Wow, 'Hira Yasumi' is so funny. Riho Yoshioka is the best in that kind of role."
On the 5th, the 28th episode of the NHK Asadora drama "Bakebake " (Monday-Saturday 8:00 AM and other times), starring Takaishi Akari, aired. Akari Takaishi were captivated by the shocking appearance of Tae ( Keiko Kitagawa), who reappeared towards the end of the episode. One day, while walking through town, Toki witnesses Tae, who supposedly had left Matsue, sitting on the ground in a tattered kimono, begging. Born into a distinguished family and raised as a princess with no hardships, Tae is unable to bow to someone who has given her charity. Angered by Tae's attitude, the man takes the money back and slaps her across the cheek. Toki is left speechless at the shocking sight. Social media accounts have been flooded with comments such as, "Her reappearance is beyond imagination," and "How has she fallen so far?"
On the 6th, the members of "TORINNER," the rival boy band to "NAZE," starring Tomoya Nakamura in the drama series "DREAM STAGE" (TBS, Fridays at 10 PM), which will air from January 2026, were announced. TORINNER is an elite group renowned for their newcomers and rising stars in the K-pop world, and their name is a play on the abbreviations of "TOP/RUN/WINNER." Ryo, the center, will be played by Yoji Iwase. His character is an overwhelmingly popular member of the group, but NAZE actually has a younger brother... Yeon-woo, who harbors a rivalry with Ryo, will be played by Korean-born KAJA member HOJIN. Nick will be played by ISAAC, also from KAJA. Ike will be played by Shiga Riku of ICex, and Iro will be played by Matsuse Taiko, leader of The Right Light.
On the 7th, it was announced on the program's official website that Sakura Ando will be narrating the NHK Taiga drama "Toyotomi Brothers!" starring Taiga Nakano, scheduled to air in 2026. It was also revealed that the first episode will be extended by 15 minutes and will begin airing on January 4th. Ando commented, "When I first saw the opening scene, I was moved to tears by the director's dynamic and warm worldview and Taiga Nakano's dynamism and sense of security." A key visual was also released. It captures a moment of heartwarming laughter in the light rain between the protagonist Koichiro (later Toyotomi Hidenaga, played by Nakano) and his older brother Tōkichirō (later Toyotomi Hideyoshi, played by Sosuke Ikematsu). Their positive smiles, undeterred by the rain, evoke the bond between the brothers and the worldview of the drama.
On the 7th, new behind-the-scenes and stills were released for the film adaptation of "Last Man: The Blind Investigator," starring Masaharu Fukuyama, which aired on TBS's "Sunday Theater" (Sundays at 9 PM) in April 2023. Filming for the film began at the end of December last year. On the first day, Oizumi, Nagase, Imada, Matsuo Satoru, Oku Tomoya Oku, and other members of the First Investigation Division were present. Also appearing was Rowoon, a popular Korean actor who joined the team this time. Oizumi arrived at the studio and immediately greeted everyone, saying, "I'm Rowoon from Korea," creating a relaxed atmosphere on set. Rowoon then greeted everyone again, welcoming the team with a smile.
On the 7th, 27 new cast members were revealed for the WOWOW drama series "Kitakata Kenzo: Suikoden" starring Yuji Oda (starting February 15, 2026, broadcast and streaming on WOWOW Prime and WOWOW On Demand). Actors Kenji Kaneko, Jin Shirasu, Seishiro Kato, Jyutaro Yamanaka, and Tsuyoshi Ukaji will appear. It has also been announced that the series will be streamed simultaneously on Docomo's video streaming service, Lemino. The story is set in China at the end of the Northern Song Dynasty (early 12th century). The story is about the rebellion of "outcasts" who, bemoaning the corruption of the world, seek justice even if it means breaking the law. It is a grand ensemble drama that depicts the "will to resist unreasonable power" and "bonds with friends," which are relevant even today. The cast includes Song Jiang (Oda), Chao Gai (Sorimachi Takashi), Lin Chong (Kamenashi Kazuya), Yang Zhi (Mitsushima Shinnosuke), and his wife, Ji Renmei (Haru).
On the 7th, it was revealed that Sota Fukushi will be starring in the Fuji TV drama series "Tokyo PD: Metropolitan Police Department Public Relations Division 2" (Tuesdays at 9 PM), which will begin airing in January 2026. The socially conscious police drama is a completely original story depicting the pride and dignity, as well as the conflicts and struggles, between public relations officers and detectives on the scene. It has also been announced that Ogata Naoto Ogata up with Fukushi for the first time, will appear. Fukushi will play Imaizumi Rintaro, who is transferred from a detective at Kuramaebashi Police Station to the Public Relations Division 2. Ogata will play Ando Naoji, the section chief of the Public Relations Division 2 to which Imaizumi has been transferred. He likes drinking and parties, but he also has the insight of a former detective from the First Investigation Division. While he may appear absent-minded, he is actually a shrewd man who controls the reporters. He supports Imaizumi behind the scenes after he has just been transferred.
