Natsuzora (2019)
A landmark NHK asadora drama following a war orphan's journey from the fields of Hokkaido to the animation studios of Tokyo.
Natsuzora - Series Information
- Original Title: なつぞら
- First Air Year: 2019
- Last Air Year: 2019
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Comedy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (15 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 156
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese, Spanish
- Networks: NHK G
- Alternative Titles: NHK連続テレビ小説 なつぞら (JP)
- Production Companies: NHK
- Production Countries: Japan
Natsuzora - Plot
Okuhara Natsu was born in Tokyo in 1937. In 1945, she loses both parents to war and becomes an orphan, but her father's comrade, Shibata Takeo, takes her in and moves to Tokachi in Hokkaido. In an unfamiliar land surrounded by unfamiliar people, Natsu feels lost at first, but surrounded by Tokachi's vast nature and its strong, yet compassionate people, she grows up to be a strong girl. When Natsu enters elementary school, she meets Yamada Tenyo who draws lovely pictures of horses. Tenyo tells her that in America, animation in which pictures move is becoming popular, Natsu's curiosity is piqued. Upon graduating high school, Natsu goes to Tokyo to look up her brother, and takes a jump into the world of animation.
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Natsuzora - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Suzu Hirose
- Masaki Okada
- Momoko Fukuchi
- Nanako Matsushima
- Naohito Fujiki
- Kiara Minegishi
- Kaho Mizutani
- Kie Kitano
- Lily Franky
- Kaya Kiyohara
Natsuzora - FAQs
Is Natsuzora based on a true story?
Natsuzora is a fictional story, but it draws inspiration from the real history of Japanese animation. The heroine's journey into the animation industry reflects the experiences of pioneering women who worked at Toei Animation during Japan's postwar era, giving the drama a strong grounding in historical reality.
What is Natsuzora about?
Natsuzora follows Okuhara Natsu, a girl orphaned by World War II who is raised by a farming family in Hokkaido's Tokachi region. Inspired by a childhood encounter with hand-drawn pictures, she moves to Tokyo after high school to reunite with her brother and chase her dream of working in animation.
Who plays the lead role in Natsuzora?
Suzu Hirose plays Okuhara Natsu, the spirited protagonist at the heart of the series. Hirose's warm and expressive performance anchors the show across its 156 episodes, carrying Natsu from a displaced wartime child through to a determined young woman forging her path in Tokyo's animation world.
What is an asadora and how does Natsuzora fit?
Asadora — literally 'morning drama' — is NHK's flagship daily serial format, airing short episodes each weekday morning. Natsuzora is a classic example: a warm, multigenerational story of a woman overcoming hardship to pursue her passion, set against the backdrop of postwar Japan's social and cultural transformation.
Where can I watch Natsuzora?
Natsuzora originally aired on NHK G in Japan. For international viewers, streaming availability varies by region. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date options in your country, as availability on digital platforms can change over time.
How many episodes does Natsuzora have?
Natsuzora ran for 156 episodes across a single season, airing in 2019. Each episode is approximately 15 minutes long, following the asadora format of short, daily installments. There is also one special episode included in the series' overall release.
What makes Natsuzora stand out among NHK asadora dramas?
Natsuzora was NHK's 100th asadora, making it a landmark production. The series celebrated this milestone with an unusually rich cast and a storyline that pays tribute to Japan's animation heritage. Its blend of postwar nostalgia, Hokkaido's sweeping landscapes, and a pioneering female lead gave it a distinctive emotional resonance.
What are similar shows to Natsuzora?
Fans of Natsuzora often enjoy other NHK asadora series such as Hanako & Anne, Chiritotechin, and Himawari, which share its warm multigenerational storytelling. For something with a similar spirit of female ambition and perseverance, Imo Tako Nankin and Tenka are also well-regarded entries in the genre.
More About Natsuzora
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