Anpan

Set in wartime Japan, Anpan follows Nobu Asada, a headstrong schoolgirl raised in a militarist household who slowly shifts her outlook and ambitions as the world around her changes. She pursues journalism in Kochi, becoming the region's first female reporter while trying to reconcile personal losses and family strain. Her childhood friend Takashi stays close, and their shared history shapes how they respond to shifting social expectations, news censorship, and economic hardship. The series keeps its focus on character and atmosphere, showing everyday choices and moral grey areas without revealing later plot twists or outcomes.

Anpan premiered in 2025, created by Miho Nakazono. The Japanese drama stars Mio Imada as Nobu Asada, with Takumi Kitamura as Takashi Yanai, Ryo Kase, Noriko Eguchi, and Yuumi Kawai rounding out the central family and community cast.

As of its release the series has not picked up major industry awards or high-profile nominations. That may change in future seasons or festival cycles, but initial coverage has emphasized performances and storytelling over prize recognition.

Even in its first run Anpan has sparked conversations about how wartime histories are remembered, particularly the roles women played in local pressrooms and civic life. Viewers and commentators have pointed to its regional setting in Kochi as a counterpoint to Tokyo-centric wartime narratives, and the show has encouraged interest in lesser-known historical figures and archives.

Early reception praises the cast, especially Imada's portrayal of Nobu, and notes the series' willingness to show moral ambiguity as characters weigh ambition, duty, and personal loyalty. With an 8.3/10 user rating so far, critics highlight themes of identity, resilience, and the tension between social expectation and personal truth, saying the drama balances intimate family scenes with wider social change.