Junjo Kirari (2006)
A heartfelt NHK Asadora drama following one young woman's passionate pursuit of jazz piano through the trials of wartime Japan.
Junjo Kirari - Series Information
- Original Title: 純情きらり
- First Air Year: 2006
- Last Air Year: 2006
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (15 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 156
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Networks: NHK
- Alternative Titles: Junjo Kirari (JP)
- Production Companies: NHK
- Production Countries: Japan
Junjo Kirari - Plot
The 74th NHK Asadora Drama is Junjo Kirari, which means something along the lines of "pure-hearted Kirari." The story is set in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture in the era around the Second World War. When the story opens in 1928, the heroine, Sakurako, is a very active seven-year-old girl. Indeed, even in the first episode she exhibits her confidence and enthusiasm. But above all else, Sakurako is interested in becoming a jazz pianist, and music features extensively in the plot.
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Junjo Kirari - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Aoi Miyazaki
- Shigeru Muroi
- Hidetoshi Nishijima
- Seiji Fukushi
- Shinobu Terajima
- Haruka Igawa
- Keiko Takeshita
- Tomokazu Miura
- Kie Kitano
- Nobuo Yana
Writers
- Taeko Asano
Junjo Kirari - FAQs
What is Junjo Kirari about?
Junjo Kirari follows Sakurako, a spirited young girl growing up in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, during the turbulent era surrounding World War II. Beginning in 1928, the story traces her fierce determination to become a jazz pianist against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Japan.
What does the title Junjo Kirari mean?
The title Junjo Kirari translates roughly to "pure-hearted Kirari" in Japanese. It reflects the heroine Sakurako's earnest, unguarded spirit and her unwavering passion for music — a warmth and sincerity that define her character throughout the series.
Who plays the lead role in Junjo Kirari?
Aoi Miyazaki stars as Arimori Sakurako, the story's determined and music-loving heroine. Miyazaki brings remarkable depth to the role, portraying Sakurako's journey from a confident seven-year-old to a young woman chasing her dream of becoming a jazz pianist in wartime Japan.
Where can you watch Junjo Kirari?
You can explore streaming and viewing options for Junjo Kirari on JustWatch, which lists current availability across platforms in your region. Availability may vary depending on your location, so checking JustWatch is the easiest way to find where the series is currently accessible.
Is Junjo Kirari part of the NHK Asadora tradition?
Junjo Kirari is the 74th installment in NHK's beloved Asadora (morning drama) series, a long-running tradition of short daily episodes that have been a cornerstone of Japanese television since 1961. These dramas typically follow a young woman's coming-of-age story against a historical backdrop.
How many episodes does Junjo Kirari have?
Junjo Kirari ran for 156 episodes across a single season in 2006, with each episode averaging around 15 minutes — a format typical of NHK's Asadora morning dramas. This compact runtime makes it easy to follow daily while still delivering a rich, emotionally layered narrative.
Who wrote the screenplay for Junjo Kirari?
The series was written by Taeko Asano, who crafted the story of Sakurako's musical ambitions and family life against the dramatic social changes of pre- and wartime Japan. Asano's writing balances intimate personal drama with the sweeping historical forces shaping the era.
What are similar shows to Junjo Kirari?
Fans of Junjo Kirari often enjoy other NHK Asadora dramas such as Oshin (1983), Hanako & Anne (2014), Natsuzora (2019), and Scarlet (2019). Himawari (1996) and Chiritotechin (2007) are also beloved entries in the genre, sharing the same spirit of resilience and coming-of-age storytelling.
More About Junjo Kirari
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