The new cast for the NHK morning drama "Kaze, Kaoru," starring Ai Mikami and Juri Uesaka, which will air in the first half of 2026, has been announced on the drama's official website (@asadora_nhk), revealing that actress Yukie Nakama will be joining the cast. She will play Izumi Chikako, a patient of the Marquise who will be treated by Rin (Mikami).
Nakama plays Chikako, a patient of the Marquise who Rin will be taking care of. She has closed her heart due to certain circumstances.
Nakama commented, "I will be playing Chikako, the wife of a marquis. When I read the script, I was impressed by how dignified she is at all times, and felt a sense of respect and admiration for her, thinking how proud she must be. From the outside, she may appear to be a selfish wife of the nobility, but even though she struggles to accept the reality in front of her, she continues to hold on to her pride in her heart. Chikako has lived her life clinging to that pride, but when she interacts with Rin, she realizes something important. I will do my best to portray what she feels when she sees Rin by her side. I'm looking forward to it."
When asked about her thoughts on appearing in a morning drama, she recalled, "In my first morning drama, I was in my teens, and I played the heroine's love rival. In 'Hanako to Anne,' I played the heroine's best friend, and we were able to live together over a long period of time. Unlike back then, when I was constantly nervous, I was able to immerse myself in the role, and I also enjoyed the usual flow of starting on location outside and then moving on to studio filming (laughs)."
"And Chimudon traveled to Okinawa with his young children as if he were actually moving to the area with his family during the filming period. On set, the cast and staff became one big family, and everyone worked together to create the film in a loving atmosphere. I was really happy to be on such a set. This time my stay is short, but I hope you will enjoy it," he commented.
"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, as its two protagonists. The two graduated from the same nursing school, but struggle with how to interact with patients and doctors, and grow through clashes, eventually becoming the "strongest buddy." Migami plays the lead role of Ichinose Rin, while Uesaka plays Oya Naomi.
