Ryōmaden

Ryōmaden follows the lives and ambitions of key figures who reshaped Japan in the 19th century, centering on Sakamoto Ryoma as he grows from a provincial samurai into a restless reformer. The series tracks his alliances, rivalries, and the personal costs of political change while also tracing the rise of Iwasaki Yataro, a pragmatic businessman who helps lay the foundations of modern industry. Across 48 episodes the drama balances intimate character moments with broader historical developments, showing how ideas, loyalty, and commerce collided during the Bakumatsu era without revealing later twists or outcomes.

The show aired on NHK from January 3 to November 28, 2010 as the network's 49th Taiga drama. Keishi Otomo directed and co-created the series with Yasushi Fukuda, and it stars Masaharu Fukuyama as Ryoma Sakamoto alongside an ensemble that includes Tatsuomi Hamada, Kiyoshi Kodama, Shinobu Terajima, and Tao Tsuchiya.

There isn't a clear record of major international awards tied to Ryōmaden, though as a high-profile Taiga drama it attracted considerable attention at the time of broadcast. Any specific prize claims are not included here to avoid inaccuracies.

Ryōmaden reached audiences beyond Japan, with broadcasts reported in Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand, helping to widen interest in the late shogunate period abroad. Its depiction of historical figures and cinematic staging made certain scenes and performances widely discussed among fans of period drama and Japanese history.

Critics and viewers praised the series for strong performances, especially Fukuyama's portrayal of Ryoma, and for its careful blend of political intrigue and human drama. With a user vote average of 9.1/10 based on 13 votes, it resonates for its focus on modernization, the clash between tradition and reform, and the interplay of idealism and practical strategy during a pivotal moment in Japan's transformation.