# NHK drama ‘Kaze, Kaoru’ explores nursing in Meiji era > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nhk-morning-drama-kaze-kaoru > Updated: 2026-09-08T01:50:58.000Z. Sources: 21. Developments: 10. The NHK morning drama ‘Kaze, Kaoru’ continues its portrayal of the nursing profession during the Meiji era, focusing on the challenges faced by the Keifu Nursing Association as it navigates a growing market and the emergence of unregulated, low-quality organizations. Recent plot developments have centered on the reappearance of Kamekichi (played by Takahiro Miura), the former husband of the protagonist Rin (played by Ai Miage). While his sudden arrival in episode 117 initially caused suspicion from Naomi, his role has since evolved into providing pivotal guidance. In episode 119, Kamekichi suggests to Rin and Tamaki (played by Nanami Taki) that Rin’s efforts to provide education were intended to grant Tamaki the luxury of having life choices and future worries. This interaction serves as a significant turning point, helping Tamaki realize her true passion for painting. Viewers and commentators have noted this shift in Kamekichi’s demeanor, observing his impact on the younger generation. The narrative continues to explore themes of career paths, social expectations, and personal growth, alongside ongoing threads involving Shimaken’s life as a postal worker and Setsu’s search for a new path after being a former courtesan. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-08: Kaze, Kaoru: Kamekichi's reappearance sparks discussion in NHK drama The NHK morning drama ‘Kaze, Kaoru’ sees heightened viewer engagement following the reappearance of character Kamekichi, whose guidance sparks pivotal character developments. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nhk-drama-kaze-kaoru-sparks-discussion-over-character-reappearance ### 2026-09-06: Kaze, Kaoru: NHK drama explores nursing in Meiji era The NHK drama ‘Kaze, Kaoru’ explores the evolving nursing profession in Meiji-era Japan, featuring character developments for Rin, Naomi, and the return of key figures like Shimaken and Kamekichi. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kaze-kaoru-nhk-drama-features-new-plot-twists-and-viral-cast-moments ### 2026-09-04: Kaze, Kaoru: Episode 116 features Shimaken's return and a mysterious visitor The NHK drama ‘Kaze, Kaoru’ features the return of Shimaken in episode 116, while a mysterious man arrives at the Keifu Nursing Association. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kaze-kaoru-episode-116-features-shimakens-return-and-a-mysterious-visitor ### 2026-08-30: Kaze, Kaoru: Major plot developments in NHK morning drama The NHK drama ‘Kaze, Kaoru’ sees major character shifts as Mitsu passes away and protagonists Rin and Naomi face fraudulent nursing competition in Meiji-era Japan. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nhk-drama-kaze-kaoru-depicts-nursing-life-in-meiji-era-japan ### 2026-08-27: NHK drama ‘Kaze, Kaoru’ depicts tragic loss of character Ogawa The NHK drama ‘Kaze, Kaoru’ depicts the tragic death of Ogawa, who dies from beriberi in a Hiroshima hospital, leaving behind a military uniform button as a final memento for his wife, Naomi. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nhk-drama-kaze-kaoru-depicts-tragic-loss-of-character-ogawa ### 2026-08-25: NHK drama ‘Kaze Kaoru’ receives praise for character developments The NHK drama ‘Kaze Kaoru’ sees character Sutematsu defend nurse Tae against misunderstandings, earning praise from viewers for the character's decisive actions and Erika Ikuta's performance. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nhk-drama-kaze-kaoru-receives-praise-for-character-developments ### 2026-08-19: NHK drama ‘Kaze, Kaoru’ faces viewership and narrative criticism NHK’s morning drama ‘Kaze, Kaoru’ faces mixed reactions as viewers debate its romantic plotlines and the recent departure of a key character, Shimaken, amid its focus on Meiji-era nursing. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nhk-drama-kaze-kaoru-reaches-turning-point-in-episode-103 ### 2026-08-17: Kazekazeoru drama features major character developments The NHK drama ‘Kazekazeoru’ enters its 21st week, featuring Shimaken’s literary success and Naomi’s new marriage amidst the historical tensions of the Meiji era. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nhk-drama-kaze-kaoru-depicts-characters-facing-life-altering-choices ### 2026-08-02: NHK morning drama 'Kaze, Kaoru' delves into character fates and previews new episode The NHK drama 'Kaze, Kaoru' links character Tamaki to historical figure Oozeki Shin’s early death and teases a 19th‑episode preview featuring actor Nakamura Tomoya as a patient and new nursing storylines. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nhk-morning-drama-kaze-kaoru-delves-into-character-fates-and-previews-new-episode ### 2026-07-31: Comedian Ota Hikari makes first asadora appearance in NHK drama “Kaze, Kaoru” NHK confirmed comedian Ota Hikari and actress Aida Shoko will join the asadora “Kaze, Kaoru”, marking Ota’s first morning‑drama role as Endō Heizō. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/comedian-ota-hikari-makes-first-asadora-appearance-in-nhk-drama-kaze-kaoru --- Cite as: NHK drama ‘Kaze, Kaoru’ explores nursing in Meiji era. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nhk-morning-drama-kaze-kaoru