Wind, Clouds, and Rainbow (1976)
A sweeping NHK taiga drama tracing the legendary rise of Heian-era samurai Taira no Masakado across 52 episodes.
Wind, Clouds, and Rainbow - Series Information
- Original Title: 風と雲と虹と
- First Air Year: 1976
- Last Air Year: 1976
- Created by: Chogoro Kaionji
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 45 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 52
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Networks: NHK
- Alternative Titles: Kaze to Kumo to Niji to (JP), 风云虹 (CN)
- Production Countries: Japan
Wind, Clouds, and Rainbow - Plot
Kaze to kumo to Niji to deals with the Heian period in Japan. Based on Chōgorō Kaionji's novels Taira no Masakado and Umi to Kaze to Niji to. The drama was made by Go Kato's request. The story chronicles the life of Taira no Masakado. The story begins with Masakado's childhood. Masakado happens to meet Fujiwara no Hidesato, and he thinks that he want to be great Samurai like Hidesato in the future.
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Wind, Clouds, and Rainbow - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Chogoro Kaionji
Main Cast
- Toyoshi Fukuda
- Yōsuke Kondō
- Joe Shishido
- Masakane Yonekura
- Keiju Kobayashi
- Masako Mori
- Masao Kusakari
- Gō Katō
- Kenji Takaoka
- Michiyo Aratama
Wind, Clouds, and Rainbow - FAQs
Who is Taira no Masakado in Wind, Clouds, and Rainbow?
Taira no Masakado was a 10th-century samurai warrior who led a famous rebellion against the central government of Heian Japan. In the series, his life is traced from childhood through his rise as a formidable military figure, portrayed by actor Gō Katō in a career-defining performance.
What is Wind, Clouds, and Rainbow about?
Set during Japan's Heian period, the series follows the life of Taira no Masakado from his childhood encounters with the warrior Fujiwara no Hidesato through his ambitions to become a great samurai. Based on Chōgorō Kaionji's novels, it blends historical drama with vivid character study across 52 episodes.
Is Wind, Clouds, and Rainbow based on a true story?
The series draws from real history. Taira no Masakado was an actual 10th-century samurai whose rebellion against the Heian imperial court became one of the most dramatic events of the era. The drama adapts Chōgorō Kaionji's novels, which themselves are rooted in historical records and legend.
What is the NHK taiga drama format?
NHK's taiga dramas are prestigious annual historical series that have aired since 1963. Each year, a new production explores a different era or figure from Japanese history. Wind, Clouds, and Rainbow was the 1976 entry, bringing the turbulent Heian period to life with a large ensemble cast and sweeping storytelling.
Who are the main actors in Wind, Clouds, and Rainbow?
The ensemble cast includes Gō Katō as Taira no Masakado, Keiju Kobayashi as Taira no Yoshimasa, Joe Shishido as Gendō, Michiyo Aratama as Masako, Masao Kusakari as Genmei, Masako Mori as Kikyo, Toyoshi Fukuda, Yōsuke Kondō, Masakane Yonekura, and Kenji Takaoka.
How many episodes does Wind, Clouds, and Rainbow have?
The series ran for a single season of 52 episodes, each approximately 45 minutes long. It aired on NHK throughout 1976 as part of the broadcaster's celebrated taiga drama tradition, offering an expansive portrait of Taira no Masakado's life and the turbulent Heian era.
What are similar shows to Wind, Clouds, and Rainbow?
Fans of this series may enjoy other jidaigeki and samurai dramas such as Shōgun (2024), Sword of the Demon Hunter (2025), and Ooku: The Beginning (2012). For more NHK-style historical epics, Ryoma ga Yuku (1968) and Tsukahara Bokuden (2011) offer similarly rich period storytelling.
On which network did Wind, Clouds, and Rainbow air?
Wind, Clouds, and Rainbow aired on NHK, Japan's national public broadcasting service, in 1976. It was produced as part of NHK's long-running taiga drama series, which remains one of the most prestigious formats in Japanese television history, known for high production values and historical storytelling.
More About Wind, Clouds, and Rainbow
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