Carnation (2011)
A deeply moving NHK Asadora drama tracing the life of a trailblazing fashion designer in Osaka, whose legacy shaped three world-renowned daughters.
Carnation - Series Information
- Original Title: カーネーション
- First Air Year: 2011
- Last Air Year: 2012
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 15 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 151
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Networks: NHK BS Premium
- Production Companies: NHK
- Production Countries: Japan
Carnation - Plot
Carnation is a Japanese television drama that aired in the Asadora slot on NHK from 3 October 2011 to 31 March 2012. It is the 85th Asadora. It is based on the life of the fashion designer Ayako Koshino in Kishiwada, Osaka. Ayako was the mother of the internationally famous designers Hiroko Koshino, Junko Koshino, and Michiko Koshino.
Carnation - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Mari Natsuki as Itoko Ohara (older)
- Machiko Ono as Itoko Ohara
- Akari Ninomiya as Itoko Ohara (child)
- Chiaki Kuriyama as Natsu Yoshida
- Akira Takarada
- Yumi Aso as Chiyo Ohara
- Masahiro Komoto as Eisaku Kinomoto
- Takamasa Suga as Taizo Yasuoka
- Yukiyo Toake as Sadako Matsuzaka
- Kaoru Kobayashi as Zensaku Ohara
Writers
- Aya Watanabe
Carnation - FAQs
Is Carnation based on a true story?
Yes, Carnation is based on the real life of Ayako Koshino, a pioneering fashion designer from Kishiwada, Osaka. She is celebrated as the mother of internationally acclaimed designers Hiroko Koshino, Junko Koshino, and Michiko Koshino, all of whom achieved global recognition in the fashion world.
Who plays Itoko Ohara in Carnation?
The protagonist Itoko Ohara is portrayed across three life stages: Akari Ninomiya plays her as a child, Machiko Ono depicts her in her adult years, and Mari Natsuki takes on the role in her later life, together providing a seamless portrayal of the character's remarkable journey.
What is Carnation about?
Carnation follows the life of Itoko Ohara, a fictional counterpart of real-life fashion designer Ayako Koshino, as she pursues her passion for dressmaking in Kishiwada, Osaka. The series chronicles her perseverance through personal and societal challenges, ultimately raising three daughters who become world-famous fashion designers.
When did Carnation first air?
Carnation premiered on 3 October 2011 on NHK, airing in the beloved Asadora morning drama slot. The series concluded on 31 March 2012, spanning a full broadcast season of 151 episodes across approximately six months of daily programming.
Who are the main actors in Carnation?
The principal cast includes Machiko Ono, Mari Natsuki, Akari Ninomiya, Chiaki Kuriyama, Akira Takarada, Yumi Aso, Masahiro Komoto, Takamasa Suga, Yukiyo Toake, and Kaoru Kobayashi, forming an ensemble that brings the drama's multi-generational story to life.
How many episodes does Carnation have?
Carnation consists of 151 episodes across its single season, plus 2 special episodes. Each episode runs approximately 15 minutes, following the short-form daily format characteristic of NHK's Asadora morning drama series, which has been a cornerstone of Japanese television since 1961.
Did Carnation win any awards?
Carnation was widely praised by Japanese critics and audiences alike. Machiko Ono's performance earned significant acclaim, and the series received recognition at major Japanese television award ceremonies, including the Television Drama Academy Awards, where it was celebrated for its writing, direction, and lead performances.
Who wrote the screenplay for Carnation?
The screenplay for Carnation was written by Aya Watanabe, who crafted the series' deeply personal and historically grounded narrative. Her writing earned widespread critical praise for its emotional authenticity and nuanced portrayal of a woman's ambition and resilience across several decades of twentieth-century Japan.
More About Carnation
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