NHK’s “Toyotomi Brothers” features kabuki star Ichikawa Danko as Mori Ranz

Ichikawa Danko, a young kabuki performer, made her first appearance in the NHK historical drama “Toyotomi Brothers.” She portrays Mori Ranz, a close attendant of Oda Nobunaga, and discusses key scenes, including a sumo match where Nobunaga orders “you may face them” and she replies with a decisive “ha.” Danko explains how the brief line conveys the attendant’s awareness of the plot against Nobunaga.

She also recounts working with co‑star Shun Oguri (小栗旬), who plays Nobunaga, noting his supportive advice: “You can do it any way you like; I’ll back you up.” Danko hopes viewers will sense her character’s inner conflict as the series moves toward the imminent Honno‑ji Incident.