One of Japan’s highest-rating dramas, Amachan, will soon warm the hearts of Filipinos as TV5 starts airing the program beginning October 5, Monday-Friday, 11am.
The Philippine distribution of Amachan was made possible following an affiliation agreement between TV5 and Japan Broadcasting Corporation, NHK.
Amachan is an upbeat drama with moments of comedy about the journey of high-schooler Aki, played by popular Japanese actress Rena Nōnen, in pursuing her dreams of becoming an “ama”, a Japanese traditional free-diver of seafood, particularly of sea urchins in the series, and a pop idol. The series is set in the Tohoku region of Japan, which endured the biggest blow of the devastating tsunami disaster in 2011.
The series was an instant hit in Japan, becoming one of the top-rated morning dramas in Japan. Newcomer actress, Nōnen, even won a Best Actress trophy in Japan’s 17th Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix for her role in the series. Amachan not only won the hearts of Japanese viewers, the production of the series in the Tohoku region was also seen to have contributed in efforts to restore the region.
The hit drama-comedy earned Japan’s prestigious Galaxy Award for best television program in 2013, and will soon hit Philippine television – making Amachan the only Galaxy Award Gran Prix winner drama series to air in the country.
In addition to that, a live variety show, Hallo Hallo Café, hosted by seasoned comedian Yachang, will also pilot alongside Amachan as an after-show component. Hallo Hallo Café, presented and sponsored by Hallo Hallo Inc. and the Cool Japan Shop, will not only feature fun games but also give viewers a chance to win thousands of prizes.
Viewers simply have to register for free on hallohallo.com to become eligible for the prizes up for grabs as seen in the after-show. Registered hallohallo.com users can also earn up to 10 million points by simply watching the show and being on the lookout for the daily keyword, which equates to points that can eventually turn into prizes.