Hanako & Anne
A NHK Original
Hanako grows up in a family with limited means and big dreams. When she earns a chance to study at a girls Christian school in Tokyo, she leaves home to try it. In Tokyo she discovers a spark for English and works toward turning a distant goal into something real. Each small victory over... Read more
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About Hanako & Anne
Hanako grows up in a family with limited means and big dreams. When she earns a chance to study at a girls Christian school in Tokyo, she leaves home to try it. In Tokyo she discovers a spark for English and works toward turning a distant goal into something real. Each small victory over classwork and language gives her courage, and the new environment reveals how education can widen a person's world. The story traces her adjustments to city life, the friendships she forms, and the steady push to make school a path out of hardship without losing her sense of self. Her resolve evolves alongside the school and its people, quietly testing loyalties and dreams.
Created by Miho Nakazono, the 2014 drama features a standout ensemble led by Yuriko Yoshitaka as Hanako and includes Haru Kuroki, Tao Tsuchiya, Masataka Kubota and Yukie Nakama in pivotal parts. Its storytelling centers on character growth and language.
No major awards are documented for this title in widely available records. There are no reported wins or nominations from major award bodies such as the Oscars, Emmys, or Golden Globes. The series has been noted by some fans for its performances, but it remains low on award lists.
The show's premise centers on a girl from a poor background pursuing study at a Tokyo girls school, which speaks to questions of opportunity and resilience. It suggests language learning as a bridge to new communities, friendships and a broader sense of possibility across class boundaries for many viewers.
Critically speaking, the series is seen as a tight character study that foregrounds the pull of education against economic hardship. Its core themes include perseverance, identity formation, and the tension between hometown roots and urban ambitions, all filtered through intimate performances. These elements have sparked thoughtful talk among viewers online.
Details
- Release Date
- March 31, 2014
- Episode Length
- 15m
- User Ratings
- 3 votes
- Type
- TV Series
- Seasons
- 1
- Episodes
- 156
- Network
- NHK
- Status
- Ended
- Genres
- Drama
- Country
- Japan
- Studio
- NHK
- External Links
- View on IMDB
Cast
Yuriko Yoshitaka
Ando Hana / Muraoka Hana
Haru Kuroki
Ando Kayo
Tao Tsuchiya
Ando Momo
Masataka Kubota
Kiba Asaichi
Yukie Nakama
Hayama Renko
Rie Tomosaka
Fukuyama Taki
Rin Takanashi
Daigo Ayaka
Mitsu Dan
Yukino
Mariko Tsutsui
Yamamoto Tami
Taiyo Yoshizawa
Created by: Miho Nakazono
Seasons (1 season, 156 episodes)
Season 1
156 episodes - 2014