Actress Mio Imada (28) recently attended a press conference in Tokyo for the NHK morning drama series "Anpan" (starting on the 31st, on General TV, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m.). Based on the original creator of the anime series "Anpanman", Takashi Yanase, and his wife Nobu Komatsu, the drama depicts the lives of heroines Nobu Asada (Imada) and Taku Yanai (Takumi Kitamura), who never forgot their dreams despite their hardships.

With the broadcast start just around the corner, Imada said with a big smile, "It feels like it's finally here. I just want to deliver it to you as soon as possible. I'm excited because I think everyone's hearts will be brightened every day from March 31st." It's been about half a year since filming began. "Nobu has become a part of my life now. I feel like I've become Nobu because the filming was very natural. I'm able to act with all my heart and soul thanks to the cast and staff."

Unlike Yanase, there is little documentation left about Nobu. Nevertheless, "When I read books written by Yanase, Nobu comes up in my mind. He must have been a generous person with gentleness and strength. When I visited Yanase Studio, there were also photos of Yanase and Nobu taking pictures of each other, and I have found the smile Yanase gives to Nobu very inspiring."

Regarding Anpanman, Imada said, "I've loved him since I was little. To be honest, he's something that's always been there for me," but added, "When I watch him as an adult, my perception of him is completely different. I realize that he was conveying things like the joy of living in a way that was so deeply enveloping." Imada called on viewers to "watch Nobu, who keeps trying his best without giving up, and be inspired by him."