Totto-chan! (2017 Japanese Drama Series)

Totto-chan! is a Japanese biographical television drama series that aired on TV Asahi in 2017. The series chronicles the life of the renowned Japanese actress, television personality, and author Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, as well as the history of her family.

Promotional image for Totto-chan! — Promotional artwork for the 2017 series Totto-chan!

Background and Development

The drama is based on the life of Tetsuko Kuroyanagi and draws inspiration from her autobiographical work Madogiwa no Totto-chan (Totto-chan: The Little Girl at the Window), which was originally published on March 6, 1981, by Kodansha and featured illustrations by Chihiro Iwasaki. The screenplay for the television adaptation was written by Shizuka Oishi.

Production and Broadcast

The series consists of 60 episodes and was broadcast on TV Asahi from October 2 to December 22, 2017. It aired in a weekday time slot at 12:30. The production was directed by Yoshiko Hoshida, Mitsutaka Endo, and Tatsuya Aoki.

Cast

The series features a large ensemble cast portraying various stages of Kuroyanagi's life and the people around her. Nana Seino stars as the adult Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, while Hana Toyoshima portrays the character during her younger years. Nao Matsushita and Koji Yamamoto play her parents, Chou and Moritsuna Kuroyanagi, respectively.

Hana Toyoshima, who portrays the young Tetsuko Kuroyanagi.

Nao Matsushita, who plays the role of Chou Kuroyanagi.

Koji Yamamoto, who plays the role of Moritsuna Kuroyanagi.