NHK’s ‘Toyotomi Brothers’ drama generates nationwide events and exhibitions

NHK’s historical drama “Toyotomi Brothers!” (豊臣兄弟！) continues to air on Sunday evenings, depicting the Sengoku era from the viewpoint of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s younger brother. The series has spurred a series of promotional activities across Japan. Actors Yō Jūn (who plays Akechi Mitsuhide) and Naito Gōshi (who plays Saitō Ritsuzō) appeared at a talk event in Tokyo’s Nihonbashi district, recounting their on‑set experiences, including a wire‑action fight scene with co‑star Oguri Shun that they likened to the manga‑adapted film “Kingdom.”

The drama’s popularity also led to a special exhibition at Osaka’s History Museum, running from July 8 to August 31, showcasing 149 historical artifacts related to Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s brother and the broader Toyotomi family. The exhibition highlights rare documents, portraits, and tea‑related items, linking the TV narrative to tangible history.

Viewer reactions have focused on the series’ reinterpretations of key events such as the Battle of Yamazaki and the “tea‑offering” scene with Mitsuhide, prompting online discussion about historical accuracy versus dramatic licence.