It has been announced that NHK's popular night drama "Hira Yasumi," starring actor Amane Okayama and co-starring Nana Mori, will be rebroadcast on New Year's Day in 2026. Episodes 1-12 will be rebroadcast on NHK General TV from 11:25 PM on January 1st, and episodes 13-20 (the final episode) will be rebroadcast from 12:10 AM on January 2nd. It will also be available for simultaneous viewing and catch-up streaming on NHK ONE.
The drama is based on the manga of the same name by Shinzo Keigo, which has been serialized in Weekly Big Comic Spirits since 2021. The story follows 29-year-old part-time worker Ikuta Hiroto (Okayama) who inherits a single-story house from his neighbor, Wada Hanae (Negishi Tokie), and begins living with his 18-year-old cousin Kobayashi Natsumi (Mori), who has moved to Tokyo from Yamagata. People with difficult life problems gather around them...
Okayama commented, "I have always been deeply moved by the work Hirayasumi, so playing the role of Hiroto through the drama was an irreplaceable experience for me. I hope everyone will enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the New Year in the clear and sparkling world of Hirayasumi."
Production Director Sakabe Koji said, "We are very happy that we can return to everyone at such an unexpectedly soon timing. We have received so many comments! From people who were immersed in the world of the drama, saying things like, 'I want to keep watching it forever' and 'It touches my heart every night', to people who felt the show was like a breakwater for their hearts, saying things like, 'I want to watch it again and again when I'm feeling mentally exhausted'... We ourselves are saved by these kinds of comments. We feel that the rebroadcast was made possible thanks to the encouragement and support of our viewers. And what's more, it's surprising that it will be aired on the nights of January 1st and 2nd, on New Year's Day, but we also feel that it is very much like 'Hira Yasumi' that it will be aired in the slightly more relaxed atmosphere of the New Year. Of course, for those who are unable to get away from work, school, childcare, or other commitments even over the New Year, we would be happy if you could watch it at a time when you feel like you can let go of the burden you are carrying in your body and mind a little."
