Manpuku (2018)
The inspiring true-story drama of the woman behind instant ramen, told through NHK's beloved asadora format.
Manpuku - Series Information
- Original Title: まんぷく
- First Air Year: 2018
- Last Air Year: 2019
- Created by: NHK
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Content Rating (US): NR
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 15 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 151
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese, English, Spanish
- First Air Date: October 1, 2018 (United States - NR), October 1, 2018 (Mexico - B), October 1, 2018 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: NHK
- Alternative Titles: Mampuku (JP)
- Production Companies: NHK
- Production Countries: Japan, United States of America, Philippines
Manpuku - Plot
Based on true story of the wife of Ando Momofuku, the businessman who founded Nissin Food Products Co. Ltd. and the inventor of instant ramen, the 99th Asadora follows the life of Tachibana Fukuko, a young woman who tries to survive tough times in Osaka with her husband from before WWII to the rapid economic development era. Together they overcome various setbacks before they succeed in creating instant noodles. (Source: MDL)
Where to Watch Manpuku
Looking for where to watch Manpuku?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Manpuku - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Sakura Ando
- Hiroki Hasegawa
- Keiko Matsuzaka
- Sara Ogawa
- Motoki Nishimura
- Inoue Takuya
Manpuku - FAQs
Is Manpuku based on a true story?
Yes. Manpuku is inspired by the real life of Masako Ando, wife of Ando Momofuku, the Japanese businessman who founded Nissin Food Products and invented instant ramen. The series fictionalizes her story through the character of Tachibana Fukuko, tracing her journey from pre-WWII Osaka to the creation of instant noodles.
Where can you stream Manpuku?
Manpuku is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, including via the Amazon Prime Video with Ads tier. For a full list of current viewing options in your region, JustWatch provides up-to-date availability across all platforms.
What is Manpuku about?
Manpuku follows Tachibana Fukuko, a spirited young woman from Osaka, and her husband Manpei as they navigate poverty, wartime hardship, and postwar reconstruction. Their perseverance ultimately leads to a world-changing invention: instant ramen. The series is the 99th installment in NHK's beloved asadora morning drama tradition.
Who plays the lead role in Manpuku?
Sakura Ando stars as Imai (Tachibana) Fukuko, the determined protagonist at the heart of the story. Hiroki Hasegawa plays her husband Tachibana Manpei, and Keiko Matsuzaka portrays Fukuko's mother, Imai Suzu. Together they anchor the emotional core of this multigenerational drama.
How many episodes does Manpuku have?
Manpuku consists of 151 episodes across a single season, each running approximately 15 minutes. The series aired on NHK from October 1, 2018, through March 2019, following the classic asadora format of short daily morning episodes broadcast on weekdays.
What is the asadora format used in Manpuku?
Asadora — short for asa no renzoku terebi shosetsu, or morning serial television novel — is NHK's flagship daily drama format, airing weekday mornings in roughly 15-minute episodes over six months. Manpuku is the 99th entry in this iconic tradition, which typically centers on a resilient woman navigating a pivotal era of Japanese history.
What are shows similar to Manpuku?
Viewers who enjoyed Manpuku often appreciate other NHK asadora series such as Amachan (2013), Massan (2014), Gochisousan (2013), and the classic Oshin (1983). These dramas share Manpuku's focus on resilient female protagonists navigating significant chapters of modern Japanese history.
When did Manpuku first air?
Manpuku premiered on October 1, 2018, on NHK in Japan. The series concluded in March 2019 after 151 episodes. It was also released in the United States on the same date, with additional regional releases in Mexico and South Korea following simultaneously.
More About Manpuku
Explore further details about Manpuku on these authoritative resources.