The Kind-Hearted Cat

Miyuki, a single mother and nursery teacher, meets Sri Lankan Kumara while visiting Tohoku as a disaster volunteer. A year later, the two of them who fulfilled a fateful reunion are gradually attracted to each other. Straightforward and charming, Kumara quickly becomes friends with Miyuki's daughter, Maya, and eventually, the three begin to live together like a family. Miyuki and Kumara exchange promises of marriage, but it is short-lived happiness.

Directed by —, The Kind-Hearted Cat leans on a strong ensemble — Yûka, Aoi Ito, Kimiko Yo — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The series landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 2023.