Rena Matsui Stars in NHK Night Drama Blue Flower, Forest of Vessels
NHK announced production of the night drama "Blue Flower, Forest of Vessels," a live-action adaptation of Yuki Kodama's manga, starring Rena Matsui. The 32-episode series, each 15 minutes long, will air on NHK General from Monday to Thursday at 22:45 starting in fall 2026. Matsui plays Aoko Baba, a pottery painter in Hasami-cho, Nagasaki Prefecture, whose work is challenged by a Finnish ceramic artist named Tatsuki. The story follows their relationship as they create vessels together. Most filming takes place on location in Hasami-cho. Matsui took up pottery for the role, saying she felt the clay fit into her hand and imagined Aoko's excitement. Yoko Izumisawa writes the script, and Hiroe Fukagawa directs. Kodama, a Nagasaki native known for "Kids on the Slope," said she is thrilled to see her work adapted faithfully. The drama will also stream on NHK ONE.