Machiko Ono cast in NHK morning drama Blossom

Actress Machiko Ono has been cast in the NHK morning drama series ‘Blossom’, scheduled to begin broadcasting on September 28, 2026. This marks her return to an NHK morning drama produced by the Osaka station 15 years after her lead role in ‘Carnation’.

Ono will portray Fuko Dobashi, a popular writer modeled after the real-life author Nobuko Yoshiya. The character is described as a strong-willed individual who breaks through the social norms of her time, serving as an inspiration to the series protagonist, Tamu Hayano (played by Shizuka Ishibashi).

The series itself is inspired by the life of writer Uno Chiyo, following her journey through the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras as she seeks freedom and pursues her career as a novelist. The script is written by Tsuyoshi Sakurai.