The Ghost Writer's Wife

In Meiji-era Matsue, the story follows Matsuno Toki, the daughter of a disgraced samurai, who lives in a household marked by quiet rules and lingering shame. Toki keeps to herself until Lefcada Haven, a reserved foreign teacher, arrives and begins to tell local ghost stories that unsettle and intrigue the town. Their connection grows slowly through shared nights of storytelling, small acts of kindness, and the awkward negotiation of language and custom. Family members and neighbors press on them with expectations and suspicion, while private grief and curiosity pull them toward a fragile friendship that changes how they see home and belonging.

Created and written by Mitsuhiko Fujiki, the series premiered in 2025 and stars Akari Takaishi, Tommy Bastow, Ryo Yoshizawa, Takashi Okabe, and Chizuru Ikewaki. It’s an original television drama set against authentic Meiji-period production design, with a strong emphasis on atmosphere and period detail.

Critical response has leaned positive, reflected in a high user rating of 9.333 out of 10 from a small sample. Reviewers highlighted the lead performances and the way the script balances quiet domestic scenes with moments of eerie storytelling. Major themes include cultural exchange, family duty, isolation, and how stories shape memory and identity.

Though still new, the show has sparked conversation about Meiji-era settings on television and renewed interest in ghost-story motifs tied to real historical change. Viewers and commentators have pointed out its careful pacing and strong visual sense, and Takaishi’s portrayal of Toki has been singled out in social media discussions for bringing emotional clarity to a restrained character.

As an early entry in 2025 television, it had not accumulated major international awards by the end of its initial run. Any future festival recognition or nominations would likely focus on its performances, period production elements, and blending of intimate family drama with supernatural storytelling.