Mariko Kaga to appear in the NHK morning drama series "Blossom"

It was revealed on March 19th that actress Mariko Kaga will appear in the 2026 NHK morning drama series " Blossom ," starring Shizuka Ishibashi. Kaga will play the protagonist, Tama Hano (Asadora ), who becomes a bestselling author after turning 80. This will be Kaga's first appearance in a Asadora in 22 years, since "Tenka" in the first half of 2004.

Kaga will be playing Tama in the 1980s. Even now that she has become a popular author, she continues to write every day and is very active.

Kaga recalls, "In the Asadora'My Blue Sky' 26 years ago, I played the heroine's mother, a character called Tama-chan. This time, I'm also playing 'Hano Tama.' Tama-chan, whom I played at the age of 56, is the wife of a tuna fisherman in Oma, a strong-willed mother. A woman who is devoted to her husband. It was a role I loved. I still remember the character's name, so I guess I felt a sense of accomplishment from it!!"

"Hano Tama is a woman with a strong personality, but my plan is to make her a charming 85-year-old who might suddenly start skipping around, protected by the name Tama!" she commented.

"Blossom" is a story modeled after Chiyo Uno, a writer who lived through the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras and constantly sought freedom. The protagonist, Tama Hano, leaves her hometown of Iwakuni, Yamaguchi, and, through encounters with fascinating people, pursues her dreams and plunges into the turbulent times of the Taisho and Showa eras. The screenplay is written by Tsuyoshi Sakurai, known for works such as "Your Things Are Here" and "Boogie Woogie."