It was revealed on May 21st that Ran Murakami will play the childhood version of the main character, Tama Hano (played by Shizuka Ishibashi), in the 2026 second-half NHK Asadora drama "Blossom ," starring Shizuka Ishibashi . Furthermore, it was announced that Yoshiko Komatsu, who has worked on dramas such as "Zenryoku Rikon Soudan" and the film "Sensen Fukoku," will also be joining the scriptwriting team.
Murakami is 12 years old, born on January 29, 2014. She was selected after an audition with 426 participants. The character she plays, Tama Hano, is a girl who attends an elementary school in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture, and loves reading.
Murakami commented, "Appearing in a Asadora was a big goal of mine. When the audition results came out, I hugged my family in joy. I am so happy to have found ' Blossom.' With that joy and a sense of responsibility as the young Hano Tama, I will do my best to properly connect with Shizuka Ishibashi! I hope you will all watch along as Tama confronts her family. Thank you."
Shunpei Murayama, the production supervisor, said, "Leading the team alongside lead actress Shizuka Ishibashi is Ran Murakami, who plays the young Tama, the main character. The two are good friends, and what they have in common above all else is the power in their eyes! The determined eyes that pierce both Tamas have naturally given strength to the staff and fellow actors on set."
"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 and Komatsu, known for their work on "Your Things Are Here" and "Boogie Woogie."
