New Cast Rounds Out the Azumino Hospital Staff
The Fukumoto Riko-led drama set in the mountains of Nagano now has a much fuller roster. Eiga Natalie reported six new cast additions, each paired with specific roles at the fictional Azusagawa Hospital:
- Tsuchimura Kaori as Ōtaki Nao (大滝菜緒), the head nurse whom protagonist Mikoto relies on — described as a bold, considerate mood-maker who keeps the ward running smoothly.
- Honda Hirotarō as Endō Takumi (遠藤拓海), the hospital director who balances regional healthcare needs with institutional management, despite a reputation for conflict-avoidance.
- Tomita Yasuko as Tsukioka Satomi (月岡里美), Mikoto's warm and supportive mother.
- Tanabe Momoko as Sawano Kyōko (沢野京子), a nurse who graduated alongside Mikoto.
- Nonami Maho as Wada Hamako (和田浜子), the nursing supervisor overseeing Mikoto's team.
- Shirakawa Rei as Hanzaki Mina (半崎美奈), a tearful rookie nurse.
Additional cast members named include Okayama Hajime, Hirooka Yuriko, Sawayanagi Yūdai, Seto Toshiki, Muraoka Nozomi, Nakayama Shōki, Itose Nanaha, and Yamashita Yorie.
What the Show Is About
Based on the novel of the same name by Natsukawa Sōsuke — the author behind In His Chart (Kamisama no Karte) — the drama is set at a small general hospital in Azumino, Nagano Prefecture. It follows young medical workers facing impossible decisions while fighting to care for their patients and community.
Fukumoto Riko stars as Tsukioka Mikoto, a young nurse, while Sugō Araki (菅生新樹) plays Katsura Shōtarō, a slightly awkward medical resident who loves flowers. Fukikoshi Mitsuru and Naitō Takeshi round out the previously announced main cast, with a new key visual showing the four leads together.
Kotringo Composes the Soundtrack
Musician Kotringo has been tapped for the series' score. In her official comment, she described drawing on personal memories of being cared for in medical settings: "I wanted to convey not just the tension of a hospital, but the quiet kindness of those trying to support others, and a sense of hope." She added that the music carries encouragement for young healthcare workers still building their experience.
Behind the Camera
The screenplay comes from Habara Daisuke, who previously wrote NHK's morning drama Massan. Direction is handled by Ikezawa Tatsuya, Naganuma Makoto, and Nagao Kumiko. Production is supervised by Ishii Marina (AX-ON) and Higuchi Shunichi (NHK), with Motonobu Katsunori producing for Union Eiga.
Looking Ahead
Wasurenagusa no Saku Machi de Azumino Shinryōki premieres June 28, 2026 on both NHK BS Premium 4K and NHK BS, airing Sundays at 10:00 PM for eight episodes. NHK has noted that 4K broadcasts may shift due to the 2026 FIFA World Cup schedule.
The source novel is published by Kadokawa Bunko and released in Japan in March 2026. No international streaming or English-language publication has been announced. NHK dramas have historically appeared on NHK World or through third-party licensing deals, but nothing is confirmed for this title yet.