The new Japanese romance drama Sounds of Winter will begin streaming on Netflix globally on January 23, 2026. The show, which originally aired on Japanese television this month, follows a novelist’s hesitant journey through love and relationships. Hana Sugisaki and Ryo Narita lead the cast in this story about a woman protecting her heart.
Release Schedule and Global Streaming Details
Sounds of Winter premiered on Japanese television. The first episode aired on the NTV network and TVer service on January 14, 2026.
For international viewers, Netflix will make the series available starting January 23, 2026. The drama will follow a weekly release pattern. New episodes will be added to the platform every Friday. This schedule provides a consistent weekend viewing option for audiences around the world.
The series is planned to have ten episodes in total. Each episode runs for approximately 60 minutes.
The Story and Main Characters
The drama centers on Ayana Tsuchida, a novelist in her late twenties played by Hana Sugisaki. Despite her career, Ayana is cautious with her heart. Past romantic disappointments have made her reluctant to fully commit or express her deepest feelings.
The official synopsis describes her conflict: “Paralyzed by the fear of loss, I refuse to date the people I truly care about. Love is vague, possessing no clear answer.”
Her current boyfriend is Yukio Saeki, portrayed by Ryo Narita. He works as a hairdresser. Their relationship forms the core of the story as Ayana tries to navigate her uncertainty.
Full Cast and Character Guide
The drama features a large ensemble cast representing the various people in Ayana’s life.
Main Romantic Interests:
- Hana Sugisaki as Ayana (Fumina) Tsuchida: The protagonist, a novelist working part-time at a clothing store.
- Ryo Narita as Yukio Saeki: Ayana’s current boyfriend, who is a hairdresser.
- Amane Okayama as Kotaro Hayase: A man close to Ayana who admires her and proposes marriage.
- Yuki Kura as Shibasaki Shu: One of Ayana’s former boyfriends, who still holds a special place in her heart.
Ayana’s Friends and Family:
- Rintaro Mizusawa as Wachi: Ayana’s friend who works in a coffee shop.
- Maru Nouichi as En-chan: A friend from Ayana’s university days.
- Shuntaro Yanagi as Kobayashi Niko: An ex-boyfriend who inspired Ayana to become a writer.
- Yuta Hayashi as Takuya Tsuchida: Ayana’s brother, who is friends with her ex, Shibasaki.
Additional Supporting Roles:
- Sara Shida as Maki, a university classmate.
- Kanata Hosoda as Tsukuda Takeshi, a man Ayana dated in her third year of university.
- Taro Uchibori as Yamada Sen, a senior and best friend to Ayana.
- Aoba Kawai as Minami Tada, the editor working on Ayana’s book.
- Tateto Serizawa as Joe, the owner of the coffee shop where Wachi works.
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Creative Team Behind the Drama
Sounds of Winter is co-directed by Imaizumi Rikiya and Yamashita Nobuhiro. The series is also known by alternative Japanese titles, including Fuyu no Nanka sa, Haru no Nanka ne, which translate to “Something About Winter, Something About Spring”. The show is classified in the Love and Drama genres.
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