Pre-reading questions:
- Do you watch morning dramas? Please explain your answer.
- What do you usually look for in a story?
Vocabulary:
- airing /AIR/
- twisted /TWIST-ed/
- struggle /STRUGH-uhl/
- model /MOD-/
- founder /FOUN-der/
[noun] a radio or television broadcast
A new drama starring my favorite actor will air this season.
[adjective] mentally or emotionally disturbed
The story is about a twisted character who does bad things to his neighbors.
[verb] to work hard to do something
Mako has been struggling with her entrance exams.
[verb] to create something by basing its form or appearance on something else
The novel is modeled after the author’s personal experiences.
[noun] someone who establishes an organization
Leonhard Euler is considered as the founder of modern mathematics.
Sakura Ando is currently leading NHK’s (Nippon Hoso Kyokai, Japan Broadcasting Corporation in English) 99th morning drama, “Manpuku” which started airing last October 1, 2018. This makes Ando as the first mother-heroine of NHK morning dramas to date. Ando finds her latest role fresh and challenging as her previous roles usually have complex or twisted personalities.
“Manpuku” (full stomach in English), is a story about Fukuko (Ando) and her husband, Manpei (played by Hiroki Hasegawa) struggling in business before and after World War II. The story is modeled from the founder of Nissin Food Products Co. and his wife. The 151-episode drama is showing from Mondays to Saturdays at 8:00 am on NHK-G.
“Manpuku” (full stomach in English), is a story about Fukuko (Ando) and her husband, Manpei (played by Hiroki Hasegawa) struggling in business before and after World War II. The story is modeled from the founder of Nissin Food Products Co. and his wife. The 151-episode drama is showing from Mondays to Saturdays at 8:00 am on NHK-G.
Comprehension Questions:
- What is the title of the 99th NHK morning drama?
- Why does Sakura Ando think her new role is fresh and challenging?
- What is “Manpuku” about?
- How many episodes does “Manpuku” have?
- Who plays Manpei in “Manpuku”?
Discussion Questions:
- Why are morning dramas popular in Japan?
- What kind of dramas do you usually watch?
- What is the difference between morning dramas and regular dramas in your country?
- Name one character from dramas or movies you can relate the most and why.
- Recommend one drama or movie to your tutor. Tell your tutor why should s/he watch it.