The Japanese drama series Sounds of Winter continues its unique storytelling format with the release of its fifth episode. Episode 5 first aired on Japanese television on February 11, 2026, and is now heading to Netflix for global audiences later this month. The show, which presents a different character perspective in each episode, keeps viewers engaged by weaving together past and present timelines through the eyes of its central character, Ayana.
Unlike traditional romance dramas that follow a single linear narrative, Sounds of Winter explores how past relationships shape the present. Each episode introduces someone from Ayana’s history, giving the audience a deeper understanding of her journey as a novelist and as a person. Episode 5 continues this pattern by focusing on a character from her university days.
Sounds of Winter Episode 5 Release Date and Streaming Time
Sounds of Winter episode 5 debuted on NTV in Japan on February 11 at 10 pm JST. Japanese viewers can also stream the episode on TVer shortly after its television broadcast. For international audiences watching on Netflix, the episode will become available on February 20, 2026 .
The streaming release follows a consistent pattern. Netflix adds new episodes every Friday, approximately ten days after their initial Japanese broadcast. This schedule applies to all regions where Netflix operates, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and India. Viewers in different time zones can typically access new episodes from 12:00 am Pacific Time (PT) on the release date.
The drama maintains a weekly release cadence on both platforms. New episodes air every Wednesday on NTV, followed by Netflix releases every Friday . This staggered schedule allows Japanese viewers early access while building anticipation for international fans.
What Happened in Episode 4: Ayana’s University Romance
Episode 4 introduced viewers to Kobayashi Niko, a best-selling author who also happened to be Ayana’s ex-boyfriend from her university years. Their reunion occurred at a book event where Ayana was answering questions about her novel .
The episode traced their love story back to 2019. Ayana first noticed Niko at a university club, where he sat reading a book. She felt an immediate attraction and later discovered through a friend that he attended the same university. This coincidence gave her the courage to approach him. During their first conversation, Ayana honestly told him she enjoyed his novel, even though she didn’t find it particularly interestingโa moment of honesty that actually drew them closer .
Their shared passion for literature became the foundation of their relationship. They spent time together discussing books and writing, and eventually Niko asked her to be his girlfriend. But their romance had an expiration date. Niko ended things between them, explaining that he needed to be alone to write compelling novels. He believed that being in a relationship made him emotionally unstable and disrupted his creative process .
During this period, Ayana had started writing seriously and even won a competition. Niko admitted feeling envious of her natural talent. When he explained his reason for breaking upโthat solitude would help him write betterโAyana found the explanation ridiculous. Still, she accepted his decision and moved forward with her life .
In the present day, their meeting at the book event allowed them to catch up properly. The episode ended with Ayana bringing one of Niko’s novels home. Reading it, she finally understood why he chose solitude over companionship. She respected the path he took and the sacrifices he made to become the writer he wanted to be. However, she made it clear that she didn’t want the same isolated life for herself .
Sounds of Winter Episode 5 Focus: Tsukuda Takeshi
Sounds of Winter episode 5 centers on Tsukuda Takeshi, a character played by Hosoda Kanata. Takeshi was one of Ayana’s admirers during her university days, and this episode will explore how their paths crossed and what their connection meant for her personal growth .
The episode will likely show the early days of their acquaintance, revealing what drew Takeshi to Ayana and how their relationship developed. More importantly, it will probably highlight the lesson Ayana took away from knowing himโanother piece of the puzzle that helped shape the woman she became.
While exploring this past relationship, the episode will also continue showing Ayana’s present-day life with her current boyfriend, Yukio. The drama consistently draws parallels between past experiences and present choices, suggesting that each former relationship taught Ayana something valuable that she now applies to her current romance .
The show’s structure allows viewers to see how Ayana evolved through different connections. Each episode functions almost as a standalone story while contributing to the larger narrative about love, loss, and personal discovery. This approach keeps the storytelling fresh and prevents the drama from falling into predictable patterns.
The Unique Appeal of Sounds of Winter
What sets Sounds of Winter apart from other Japanese romance dramas is its episodic focus on different characters. Rather than telling a single love story, the show builds a complete portrait of its protagonist through the people who mattered to her at various stages of life .
Ayana’s career as a novelist adds another layer to the narrative. Her profession allows the show to explore themes of creativity, solitude, and the choices artists make. Her friendship with Wachi and En-chan provides stability and warmth amid the romantic entanglements, grounding the story in everyday reality .
The drama balances past and present seamlessly, using flashbacks not as mere nostalgia but as essential context for understanding who Ayana is today. Each ex-boyfriend or admirer represents a different phase of her emotional development, and together they tell the story of how she learned to loveโand to let go.
For viewers who enjoy character-driven stories with emotional depth, Sounds of Winter offers something different from standard romance fare. The show trusts its audience to piece together the narrative from these interconnected vignettes, rewarding careful viewing with richer understanding.
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Where to Watch Previous Episodes
All previously aired episodes of Sounds of Winter are available on Netflix for subscribers worldwide. New viewers can catch up before Episode 5 drops on February 20. The show has maintained consistent quality throughout its run, with each episode bringing fresh perspectives and new emotional layers.
Japanese viewers can also access episodes on TVer, the free streaming service that carries the show shortly after broadcast. This accessibility has helped build a strong domestic audience for the drama.
As the series progresses, anticipation grows for how these various storylines will ultimately connect. With each episode adding another piece to Ayana’s history, viewers become more invested in her present choices and future happiness. Episode 5 promises to deliver another compelling chapter in this unusual and thoughtful drama.
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