45 minSeason 1 • Episode 48
LatestRyōmaden is the 49th NHK Taiga drama. It was shown on NHK from January 3 to November 28, 2010 spanning 48 episodes. The story centers on the life of 19th-century Japanese historical figures Iwasaki Yatarō and Sakamoto Ryōma. It has been announced that the series will be aired in several other countries, for example Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.
Acting
Fukuyama's Ryoma redefined the rebel archetype for a generation
Production
NHK spared no yen on recreating chaotic Bakumatsu era
Writing
Turns bureaucratic reform into genuinely gripping television
Creator
Keishi Otomo
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Ryoma became a post-bubble economy icon for Japanese salarymen dreaming of escape — this drama fueled the revival.
Fukuyama was so synonymous with Ryoma afterward that he performed the character's actual favorite song at Kohaku.
JP
