The first episode of the new Japanese drama Sounds of Winter introduced viewers to the quiet world of Ayana Tsuchida, a novelist who finds herself unexpectedly starting a new relationship after a chance meeting one cold night. The show, starring Hana Sugisaki, began airing on January 14, 2026, on NTV’s Wednesday night drama slot. This premiere episode set the stage for a story about a woman thinking deeply about love, her past, and what she wants from the people in her life.
The series, whose full title translates to Winter Something, Spring Something, is created by director and writer Rikiya Imaizumi. It follows Ayana as she navigates a new romance with a man named Yukio Saeki, played by Ryo Narita, while also dealing with unresolved feelings from her past. The show promises to explore the complexities of modern relationships through Ayana’s thoughtful and often confused perspective.
A Chance Meeting in a Laundry Room Sparks a Connection
The story begins with Ayana Tsuchida, a 27-year-old novelist who also works part-time at a vintage clothing store. She often spends time at a local coin laundry, finding a sense of comfort in its quiet, lonely atmosphere. One winter night, while waiting for her laundry and listening to music through her earphones, her routine is interrupted.
A man approaches her because the washing machine at his own shop is broken, forcing him to use the coin laundry. This man is Yukio Saeki, a 32-year-old hairstylist. He notices the music leaking from Ayana’s earphones and comments that he is also a fan of the artist Michelle Gun Elephant. This small, shared interest over music leads to a casual conversation.
โThe romance and relationships between Ayana and each character are a highlight. Each character shows a different side of themselves.โ – Taro Uchibori, who plays novelist Yamada Sen.
Instead of parting ways, Ayana, acting on a moment of curiosity, decides to follow Yukio back to his hair salon. There, she watches him hang towels, a simple domestic scene that holds her attention. The encounter, which started with a broken appliance and music taste, quickly becomes more intimate. Ayana continues to follow her impulses, going to Yukio’s home. By the next morning, the two have decided to start dating. This whirlwind beginning highlights Ayana’s bold yet searching nature as she dives into a new connection.
Ayana’s Confusing Relationship with Novelist Yamada Sen
While her relationship with Yukio is just beginning, the episode also introduces another important man in Ayana’s life: Yamada Sen. Portrayed by Taro Uchibori, Yamada is a 35-year-old novelist and Ayana’s senior in the writing world. He is described as the only person Ayana can talk to about things she cannot share with her boyfriend, Yukio.
Their relationship is complex and defies simple labels. Both Ayana and Yamada have other partners, yet they frequently meet up for drinks and even meet at hotels. A preview clip for the series shows a playful yet tense dynamic between them, with Ayana telling Yamada to “kiss me,” and Yamada responding with a laugh that the atmosphere is “the worst”. This relationship adds a layer of confusion and emotional complexity to Ayana’s life, setting up a central conflict for her character.
Taro Uchibori, who plays Yamada, shared his thoughts on his character’s role. He mentioned that Yamada is someone who can express his feelings, even if it seems difficult or comes across as a bit selfish. For Ayana, Yamada represents a safe space for conversation but also a source of emotional entanglement that complicates her attempt to have a straightforward relationship with Yukio.
The Deeper Questions About Love and Past Relationships
Sounds of Winter is more than just a simple love story. From the first episode, it establishes itself as a show about a person who thinks deeply and perhaps too much about the nature of love. Ayana is shaped by her past relationships and separations, which have led her to feel a sense of fear about truly falling in love and getting close to someone important.
The official description of the series states that it follows Ayana as she questions whether it might be better not to date someone important, or even what love really is, all while trying to move forward. The show uses a narrative structure that moves between the present and Ayana’s past, promising to explore her history with various people from her student days to her current lovers. This look back at her past is part of her effort to seriously confront her feelings for Yukio.
Viewers and early reviewers have noted that the show’s strength lies in its realistic and densely packed conversations. The dialogue is not fast-paced but is filled with meaningful pauses, glances, and unspoken emotions that reveal the characters’ inner thoughts. Ayana, in particular, is a character who asks many questions, preferring unresolved queries over easy answers, which both defines her innocence and creates a compelling, sometimes unsettling charm.
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Behind the Scenes of the New Wednesday Night Drama
Sounds of Winter marks a significant project for its creator, Rikiya Imaizumi. Known for his films that delicately portray the subtleties and complications of romantic relationships, this series is his first time directing for a primetime television slot. The show airs every Wednesday at 10:00 PM JST on NTV.
The cast features a mix of established and rising stars. Hana Sugisaki leads as Ayana, with Ryo Narita playing her new boyfriend, Yukio. The supporting cast includes Tenma Okayama as Kotaro Hayase, a senior from Ayana’s part-time job days who has feelings for her. Other actors like Rintaro Mizusawa, Maru Nochi, and Aira Shida play Ayana’s friends and confidants.
The first episode achieved a household viewership rating of 3.8% in the Kanto region. The series is also available for streaming on services like Hulu and TVer in Japan. For international audiences, the show represents a slice of contemporary Japanese storytelling that focuses on emotional realism and character depth over dramatic plot twists.
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