Tenchijin (天地人) is a 2009 Japanese super historical drama television series, and the 48th taiga drama of NHK. It aired every Sunday from January 4 to November 22, 2009, spanning 47 episodes. The drama centers on the life of 16th century samurai Naoe Kanetsugu, played by Satoshi Tsumabuki. Production began on April 27, 2007. The drama is based on the novel of the same name by Masashi Hisaka and was adapted by Eriko Komatsu, with Michiru Ōshima as series composer. The fourth episode of the series, “An Older Woman” (「年上の女（ひと）」), is the highest-rated episode of any Japanese drama in 2009.

Plot

The protagonist of the drama, Naoe Kanetsugu, was taught by Uesugi Kenshin in his youth that to conquer the world is a trifling matter, but what matters is to live one's life with righteousness. After Uesugi's death, Naoe supports Uesugi Kagekatsu, who holds the destiny of Echigo province.

Production

Production Credits Production for Tenchijin began on April 27, 2007. The usual taiga drama production would have one-third of the expected number of scripts finished before shooting begins. Afterwards, audience reception is taken into account as the rest of the series is written.

Cast

Starring role

Naoe house

Higuchi house

Uesugi clan

Uesugi retainers and their family members

Oda clan

Toyotomi clan

Tokugawa clan

Mōri clan

Maeda clan

Takeda clan

Later Hōjō clan

Date clan

Sanada clan

Chōsokabe clan

Other

TV schedule

Soundtrack and books

Soundtrack

Books