NHK drama 'Kaze, Kaoru' sparks viewer buzz over mother‑daughter revelations

NHK’s ongoing historical drama “Kaze, Kaoru,” set in Meiji‑era Japan, follows the parallel journeys of two heroines – Rin Ichinose and Naomi Ohya. In episode 17, Naomi cares for a patient, Bun Tsuchida, and suspects she may be her mother; the suspicion is confirmed, and Bun is revealed to be suffering from terminal cancer. Naomi decides to leave the Imperial University Hospital and consider joining a traveling nurses’ group. The episode also shows Rin receiving a proposal from Yokozawa and other suitors, including Torataro and Shima Ken, prompting lively discussion online.

The preview for episode 18 highlighted Naomi’s resignation and her plan to work with a mobile nursing association, while Rin’s circle of three male admirers is set to appear together. Social‑media commentary described the plot twists as “over‑the‑top” and expressed surprise at the rapid developments, indicating strong viewer engagement with the storyline.