NHK drama “Toyotomi Brothers” adds new cast and sparks emotional reactions in episode 28

Actor Hirota Matsuoka was announced on July 20 as the new cast member of NHK’s historical drama “Toyotomi Brothers,” playing merchant‑turned‑retainer Yoshikawa Heisuke. The same cast announcement introduced Hey! Say! JUMP star Ryosuke Yamada as Toyotomi Hideji, making his first appearance in the series’ “unification arc” from episode 26.

Episode 28, aired July 19, focused on the aftermath of the Honno‑ji Incident. Lead actor Taiga Nakano, who plays Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s brother Hachisaburo, said the scenes were especially moving: “感情が忙しかった…本能寺の変で小栗旬さんが退場したのは本当にさみしかった” and “この草履は、豊臣兄弟と信長をつなげた絆の象徴”. Viewers reacted with tears, praising the return of Oda Nobunaga’s sandals as a poignant symbol.

A photo‑cut list of episode 28 is available through U‑NEXT and NHK On‑Demand, and a separate interview with scriptwriter Hiroyuki Yatsu discussed the drama’s themes of ambition and destiny.