Manpuku

Tachibana Fukuko grows up in a struggling Osaka household and marries a man with big ideas, then tries to keep their family afloat through wartime scarcity and the chaotic years that follow. The series follows her steady work, practical problem solving, and the small acts of sacrifice that keep hope alive while her husband chases an unconventional dream. Episodes trace everyday hardships, the grind of restarting after disasters, and the couple's repeated experiments and setbacks as they push toward an invention that will change how people eat. The story is grounded in real events but focuses on the domestic and social pressures the family endures, not on sensational moments.

Released in 2018, Manpuku was presented as the 99th Asadora on NHK, and it draws from the life surrounding Ando Momofuku's pioneering work. The production features lead performances by Sakura Ando, Hiroki Hasegawa, and Keiko Matsuzaka, who are also credited among the creative names attached to the show.

The series renewed public interest in the origins of instant noodles and highlighted how small-scale innovation can ripple outward. In Japan it sparked conversations about postwar rebuilding, food culture, and the often overlooked roles that spouses and families played in business histories, leading to renewed media coverage of Nissin's early days.

Critics and viewers responded warmly, reflected in its high fan ratings, with strong notices for the central performances and period detail. Reviewers pointed to its humane depiction of resilience, the ethics of entrepreneurship, and family bonds during rapid social change. The show's tone balances everyday realism with moments of quiet optimism, and the cast's chemistry keeps the longer serialized format engaging.

Domestically, Manpuku drew award attention, earning nominations and honors at several Japanese television ceremonies, particularly recognizing acting and production design, which helped cement its reputation among recent Asadora entries.