Morning Drama 'The Wind Smells Fragrant' Becomes a Hit for Its Moving Story of Growth

A new wave of critical acclaim is washing over Japan's television landscape, thanks to NHK's morning drama, 'The Wind Smells Fragrant.' This series, starring Ai Miyake and Juri Uesaka, has captivated audiences since its broadcast on MyVideo, rapidly climbing the charts in popularity and discussion. Far from a typical romance, the drama delves into the profound journey of two young women navigating their uncertainties, ultimately discovering their life's purpose. Its delicate portrayal of emotional growth has earned it the title of the strongest 'healing and growth drama.'

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The Wind Smells Fragrant has a dark horse emerging! It's not a love story, but it's even more moving.

The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the Meiji era, a period when women pursuing careers in nursing faced significant societal hurdles. The protagonists, burdened by familial and societal pressures, are initially swept along by fate. However, through confronting pain and the needs of others, they gradually find their direction. Ai Miyake describes their evolving relationship as akin to 'the spring breeze beginning to blow,' while Juri Uesaka's powerful declaration, 'This is my life!', encapsulates the pivotal shift from a predetermined existence to an actively chosen future.

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The drama, from 'two lost girls' to 'finding their life missions,' has drawn viewers in with its delicate emotions, earning it the title of the strongest 'healing and growth drama.'

A standout performance comes from Miyako Wakana, who returns to morning dramas after nearly 17 years. She embodies the role of Oyama Sutematsu, a forward-thinking nurse educated abroad, whose presence is described as the 'Flower of the Rokumeikan.' Wakana notes the immense challenge of portraying such a character, requiring precise control over every gesture and even breath to convey a commanding yet nuanced presence. Notably, she avoids overshadowing the younger leads, instead choosing to support their journey, sharing her past conviction that 'the person who knows the character best is oneself.' This philosophy empowers Miyake and Uesaka, allowing them to lead the narrative forward, with Wakana acting as a guiding force.

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Ai Miyake describes this relationship as 'the spring breeze beginning to blow,' while Juri Uesaka's 'This is my life!' directly points to the character's turning point: 'not a predetermined life, but a future chosen proactively.'