Broadcast in 1983, NHK’s morning drama Oshin captured not only Japanese audiences but also viewers across the world. This article explores how Japanese people have evaluated Oshin and why it gained strong empathy abroad.
What is Oshin?
Oshin was broadcast from April 1983 to March 1984 with a total of 297 episodes. The drama depicts the life of its heroine, Oshin, as she survives through Japan’s turbulent era from the Meiji period to the Showa period.
Major Events in Oshin’s Life
| Period | Event | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Childhood | Sent to work as a servant, lived in extreme poverty | Symbol of endurance and perseverance |
| Youth | Tried business, experienced failures and comebacks | Spirit of independence and challenge |
| Adulthood | Succeeded in business, supported her family | Showed women’s economic independence |
| Old age | Continued living while facing family conflicts | Symbol of family love and the weight of life |
Her life story was accepted by Japanese people as a model of “never losing hope despite hardship.”
What Attracted Japanese Viewers
Symbol of Endurance and Perseverance
From a young age, Oshin faced adversity yet continued to strive forward. Her spirit of “endurance,” “effort,” and “devotion to family” resonated deeply with traditional Japanese values, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
Story of Family and Bonds
The drama highlights maternal love, relationships with children, and intergenerational connections, reminding Japanese viewers of the importance of “family bonds.” Many shed tears while reflecting on their own families.
Women’s Independence and Strength
Oshin is not only a symbol of endurance but also of self-reliance. She starts businesses and achieves success, embodying an uncommon image of an independent woman in 1980s Japan. Many female viewers found courage in her story and reconsidered their own lives.
Impact on Japanese Society
| Aspect | Impact | Reaction from Japanese People |
|---|---|---|
| Family values | Reevaluation of multigenerational ties | “Family support gives strength to live” |
| Work ethic | Reinforced the virtue of perseverance | Strengthened belief that “hard work pays off” |
| Women’s roles | Showed balancing home and society | Viewed as “expanding possibilities for women” |
| Social awareness | Sparked interest in poverty and inequality | Encouraged reflection on Japan’s past |
Oshin became more than just a TV drama; it was a work that encouraged Japanese people to reconsider social values.
Changing Evaluations in Japan
| Period | Evaluation | Background |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s (original broadcast) | A tearful and relatable story, praised as a national drama | Japan had just ended its era of rapid economic growth and looked back on past poverty |
| 1990s onward | Surprise at overseas popularity, renewed appreciation | Oshin boom spread across Asia |
| Today | Patience is respected, but seen by some as “excessive endurance” | Society now values diverse lifestyles |
Overseas Broadcasts and Japanese Reactions
Oshin was broadcast in 68 countries worldwide, especially successful in Taiwan, China, Indonesia, and Iran. The story of rising from poverty resonated with the histories of these nations, winning wide empathy.
Overseas Reception and Japanese Reactions
| Country/Region | Reaction | Japanese Perception |
|---|---|---|
| Taiwan | Enthusiastically embraced as a national drama | Felt pride in sharing Japanese culture |
| China | Achieved very high ratings | Recognized shared historical hardships |
| Iran | Linked Oshin’s story to social inequality | Saw it as proof that Oshin’s spirit is universal |
| Indonesia | Popular among young people as well | Felt that Japanese values were understood |
In Japan, this overseas success spread a sense of pride that Oshin had become a cultural bridge.
Lessons for Modern Society
In today’s Japan, the value of “endurance as a virtue” has weakened, but the question of how to confront adversity remains universal. Oshin does not promote unconditional endurance but rather demonstrates “turning adversity into strength.”
After the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, media often quoted the phrase “Let’s live like Oshin,” showing how her story continued to inspire resilience. Even today, Oshin is seen as educational and as a valuable way for people abroad to better understand Japanese culture.
Conclusion
For Japanese people, Oshin represents endurance and perseverance, while also portraying family love and women’s independence. At the time of its broadcast, it was a tearful and relatable national work; later, its global success encouraged Japanese people to reexamine their own values.
Though evaluations have shifted across generations, its core messages of effort, perseverance, and family bonds remain timeless. For foreigners, learning about Oshin is an important entry point into understanding Japanese values and history.
