It was revealed on Getsuku that "Hirayasumi," the NHK nighttime drama starring actor Amane Okayama and co-starring Nana Mori, which garnered much attention, won the Best Drama Award at the 52nd Broadcast Culture Foundation Awards. It was also announced that Okayama and Mori received acting awards.
"Hirayasumi" is based on the manga of the same name by Keigo Shinzo, which has been serialized in "Weekly Big Comic Spirits" since 2021. It is a slice-of-life drama depicting the lives of 29-year-old part-timer Hiroto Ikuta (played by Okayama) and his 18-year-old cousin Natsumi Kobayashi (played by Mori), who live in a single-story house a 20-minute walk from Asagaya Station in Tokyo. Riho Yoshioka, Kaito Yoshimura, Nazuna Mitsushima, and Kie Negishi also appeared in the drama.
The Broadcast Culture Foundation Award recognizes outstanding programs and streaming content that have impressed viewers, as well as individuals and groups who have made remarkable achievements in the fields of broadcast culture and broadcast technology.
Okayama commented, "I am deeply honored to receive the Broadcast Culture Foundation Award for Best Acting. I struggle with myself every day on set, but on the set of the drama 'Hirayasumi,' I was guided and encouraged by the wonderful cast and staff, and I deeply feel that I have been blessed with this opportunity. The work itself also won the Best Drama Award, and I am very happy to have been able to share this honor with Mori Nana, who played the role of Nacchan. Thank you very much."
Mori said, "I am so happy to receive this award. The summer I spent with the drama 'Hirayasumi' team will always remain a shining treasure in my heart. The time I spent creating something together with everyone on set who loves anything fun allowed me to discover new things and find new joys within myself. I believe I received this award thanks to the irreplaceable team and Mr. Shinzo. Thank you so much. I will continue to strive to contribute to each and every project so that I can continue to encounter such wonderful sets in the future."
Executive producer Koji Sakabe said, "I sometimes describe this drama as 'a story where nothing happens.' There are no dramatic developments or intense emotional shifts. It's a quiet, slice-of-life story. On the other hand, while I say 'nothing happens,' I'm proud to say that it contains everything that's important. Shining moments in life, subtle emotional fluctuations, someone thinking of someone else—it may not fit the current drama trends, but that's precisely why this innovative drama is receiving such praise, and I'm very happy about it. I express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved."
