Details
Title: まんてん
Title (romaji): Manten
Genre: Asadora drama, human drama
Episodes: 150 15-minute episodes
Viewership ratings: Ep1=20.3, High=23.6, Avg=20.7
Broadcast network: NHK
Broadcast period: 2002-Sep-10 to 2003-Mar-29
Air time: Monday thru Saturday at 8:15am
Theme song: Kono Machi by Hajime Chitose
Series Synopsis
The 67th NHK Asadora Drama is Manten. Manten was raised on a small southern island of Japan and grew up surrounded by the tranquil mountains and sea. When she was little, she saw a lift-off of a space rocket with her father, and it left an unforgettable impression on her. Although sadly her father was lost at sea in a typhoon when she was just eight years old, he had planted the seed of nature's wonder in Manten, and she never forgot her father's dream, and her own dream, of going further ... up into space.
Now, at age eighteen, Manten is briskly told by her mother to figure out what she's doing with her life or start paying rent. Plus, a childhood friend declares his undying love for her. Suddenly encountered by the complicated issues of life, Manten realizes that above all else, her old dream of space travel is her greatest desire. No time to waste, Manten is off to make her long-cherished ambition come true. But things are not that easy. If she wants to join NASDA, the National Space Development Agency of Japan, she must work hard to acquire the necessary skills. College plus at least three years experience in the field are required before she will even be considered by NASDA. And how in the world will she ever make time for love? It's certainly a long-shot goal for Manten. Reckless yet righteous, Manten continues her space-bound journey of life, winning friends along the way. ---MICO Sales Division
Cast
Miyaji Mao as Hidaka Manten (heroine)
Fujii Takashi as Hanayama Yohei
Akai Hidekazu as Hidaka Genkichi
Asano Atsuko as Hidaka Mihoko
Hikawa Kiyoshi as Hidaka Hideo
Osugi Ren as Shibata Torahiko
Miyamoto Nobuko as Hanayama Yuriko
Golgo Matsumoto
Namase Katsuhisa
Suzuki Sarina as Shinohara Nishiki
Kohinata Fumiyo
Mihashi Tatsuya
Hirooka Yuriko
Suenari Yumi
Kokusho Sayuri
Kaname Jun
Tanimura Mitsuki
Saito Chiaki
Nagai Luna
Mori Mamoru
Kurenai Manko
Okuda Tatsuhito
Production Credits
Screenwriter: Makino Nozomi
Music: Yoshimata Ryo
Manten
