It has been revealed that a special summer drama based on the NHK Drama 10 series " Shiawase wa tabete nete mate , and Waiting," which starred actress Yuki Sakurai and aired from April to May last year, will be broadcast on NHK General on August 18th at 10 p.m. under the title " Shiawase wa tabete nete mate, and Waiting ~Early Spring Health and Wellness Edition~".
The drama is based on the manga of the same name by Mizunagi Tori. The story follows Satoko Mugimaki (Sakurai), the protagonist who has lost many things such as her health, job, apartment, and future plans, as she regains her physical and mental well-being through delicious medicinal meals and the gentle relationships with people in her housing complex, and realizes that happiness is something close at hand and within her control. It is a heartwarming story that will warm you from the bottom of your stomach.
"Early Spring Wellness" is a special episode that wasn't told in the main series, showing what happened after the sixth episode of the nine-episode drama. One winter day, Satoko hears about moving to the countryside from her boss, Mr. Kara (Seiji Fukushi), at her part-time job. She dreams of a life in the countryside where she can improve her health with the power of hot springs and abundant nature, but she gives up on that idea. "I like living in the housing complex, but I wanted to be someone who could challenge herself," she thinks, and from time to time, this thought rears her head, causing her to be overcome with melancholy and weakness...and that's the story.
Hio Miyazawa, and Kaga Mariko will continue to appear as Suzu Miyama. An off-shot photo of them with Sakurai, who plays Satoko, has also been released.
Sakurai revealed, "This special drama started with filming at that housing complex. I still clearly remember the moment I stood on set and realizing, 'I've finally made it home.'"
"And every time the cast members, including Mariko Kaga as Suzu and Hio Miyazawa as Tsukasa, appeared in their respective roles, I was filled with joy and relief. I had a truly wonderful time during filming. We also have new cast members joining us this time, and I myself am very much looking forward to seeing what kind of chemistry will be created," she said, expressing her anticipation.
On the other hand, he said, "That being said, just because it's a special drama doesn't mean anything extraordinary will happen (laughs). I just hope that viewers will watch it with the feeling that they want to see the people in that housing complex again and feel that warm atmosphere. I hope that everyone will have healthy and peaceful days this summer. The entire cast and crew put their hearts into filming it. I would be happy if you enjoy it."
