Manjiro Story to be Featured in Taiga TV Series
I wanted to share some exciting news from Japan.
“NHK has announced that its 2028 Taiga drama (an annual, year-long historical television series produced by Japan’s public broadcaster) will be titled ‘John Man’, with actor Kento Yamazaki in the leading role as John Manjiro. The drama will focus on the remarkable life of Nakahama Manjiro, the 19th century fisherman who was rescued by an American ship after being stranded at sea and later became an important bridge between Japan and the United States.” [
With the 200th anniversary of John Manjiro’s birth coming next year, and with this major announcement, things are sure to become very lively here in Tosashimizu. I am also expecting that this will spark even more Japanese interest in New Bedford and Fairhaven as well.
I would also like to personally express my sincere respect and gratitude to all friends of Manjiro and Captain Whitfield around the world for your continued love and your enduring support of international friendship. The long years of dedication by so many people have helped keep this story alive and meaningful across generations.
I will be happy to share more news as it develops.
All the best,
Jason Sardinha, Tosashimizu, Japan
Mr. Sardinha works for the city of Tosashimizu in a role that oversees the sister-city relationship with Fairhaven
EDITOR’S NOTE: “John Man” is scheduled to be filmed this summer and run in 2028. There is no US distribution information available. The official press release is in Japanese, but Mr. Sardinha has provided a translation to the Neighb News. See below.
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Click here to download the 4/23/26 issue: 04-23-26 EarthDay
Click here to download the Manjiro Movie press release: ManjiroMoviePR
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