Kaze, Kaoru: Major plot developments in NHK morning drama

The NHK morning drama series ‘Kaze, Kaoru’ is reaching pivotal narrative turning points. In recent episodes, the character Mitsu, played by Miki Mizuno, passes away after a life of resilience, marking a significant shift in the story’s timeline. Mizuno reflected on her role, noting the challenge of portraying a woman of samurai lineage through strict traditional etiquette and expressing how the character’s adaptability resonated with her own personality.

As the story progresses into the Tokyo era, the protagonists Rin (Ai Mikami) and Naomi (Juri Uesaka) face new professional challenges. While their nursing agency, Keifu Nursing Association, sees increased demand, they encounter issues with malicious, unqualified nursing groups operating in the area. Naomi seeks intervention from Yagyu (Tomoya Nakamura) of the Ministry of Home Affairs' Bureau of Health to address these fraudulent practices.

Earlier plot developments focused on the emotional toll of the First Sino-Japanese War, specifically the death of Naomi’s husband, Goro, which left her to raise their child, Akira, alone. The series continues to depict the struggles and triumphs of women carving out professional paths in Meiji-era Japan.