151 episodes of a dude fighting his dad with electric guitars and clay dolls. Japan said 'yes, this is morning TV.'
Season 1 • Episode 151
LatestSet in Hakata, the series is about a young man who wants to play rock music even though his father expects him to follow him in making Hakata ningyou (a traditional Japanese clay doll). One of the few Asadora starring a male character.
Acting
Yoshiko Tanaka absolutely devours every scene as the complicated mother.
Production
Hakata location shooting makes Fukuoka a character. You will want to visit.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Asadora are NHK morning dramas traditionally aimed at housewives; this rare male-led entry helped shift the format toward broader family appeal in the mid-90s.
Hakata ningyou craftsmanship shown in the series is real—master artisans consulted, and some props were actual collectible dolls worth millions of yen.
JP
