「ジョン万」大河ドラマ化決定に故郷・高知が歓喜！「念願でした」署名24万人を集めた悲願 (26/04/09 19:39)

We interviewed residents of Tosashimizu City, who were overjoyed that their local hero would finally be featured in a historical drama series. Local resident: "I'm so happy. I'm extremely happy. I've always wanted this to be made into a TV drama, so I'm proud of him as a local hero." John Manjiro Museum Director, Kyoichi Doi: "I'm truly delighted. It's something we've longed for." In 2012, an executive committee was formed in Tosashimizu City to aim for a historical drama series about John Manjiro. They had gathered 240,071 signatures from across the country by the end of March 2026, demonstrating their eager anticipation for its realization. The director of the John Manjiro Museum said: John Manjiro Museum Director, Kyoichi Doi: "I am deeply moved, as I never imagined this would happen, especially after the frustration of not being able to secure a firm commitment." John Manjiro, whose real name was Nakahama Manjiro, was born in 1827 in what is now Tosashimizu City, the son of a fisherman. At the age of 14, he was shipwrecked while fishing and drifted ashore on a deserted island, where he was rescued by the American whaling ship, the John Howland. He was taken to America by Captain Whitfield, becoming the first Japanese person to travel there. He studied English, surveying, and navigation at school, and after returning to Japan, he was appointed as a professor at the Tosa Domain's school and later as a shogunate official. From the end of the Edo period to the Meiji Restoration, he laid the foundation for international exchange connecting Japan with the world. Kyoko Nakahama, a fifth-generation direct descendant of John Manjiro, said: Kyoko Nakahama, fifth-generation direct descendant of John Manjiro: "I was surprised, and I'm very happy. I feel like Manjiro and all my ancestors are pleased. (Manjiro) didn't try to become famous or attain a high position; he simply lived his life to the fullest in the circumstances he was given, and that's how things turned out. I think he was a very approachable person who valued human connections, so I would be happy if people understood that." John Manjiro, who is said to have influenced figures such as Ryoma Sakamoto and Yataro Iwasaki, will celebrate the 200th anniversary of his birth in 2027. His way of life continues to fascinate many people today. Bibiru Oki, Honorary Director of the John Manjiro Museum and a TV personality: "When I read his story, I realized he lived an incredible life. More interesting than Ryoma Sakamoto's life." Celebrities also reacted on social media. Miki Kosei, whose father is from Tosashimizu City: "Kochi is going to be exciting again!! After Anpanman, it's Johnman!!" Actor and Tosa dialect coach, Yusei Nishimura: "With 'Ranman,' I felt the power of plants, with 'Anpanman,' I felt the kindness of people, and now it's 'Johnman.' I'm simply filled with gratitude and pride that this trend is continuing." Masanao Ozaki, Member of Parliament from Kochi Prefecture: "Johnman's hometown, Tosashimizu City in Kochi Prefecture, is my father's hometown. This is the best thing that could happen!" Governor Hamada commented, "We will work together with the local community to ensure that this great boost from the long-awaited historical drama adaptation of the story is firmly connected to the revitalization of the prefecture." In recent years, figures from Kochi Prefecture have been featured in historical dramas and morning dramas, including Sakamoto Ryoma, Dr. Makino Tomitaro, and the Yanase Takashi couple. In 2010, coinciding with the broadcast of the historical drama "Ryomaden," the prefecture held the "Tosa Ryoma Encounter Expo." At that time, the number of tourists from outside the prefecture increased by 38% compared to the previous year, reaching a then-record high of 4.35 million visitors for the year. How will our great figures be portrayed? It seems that the "John Manjiro effect" will boost tourism in the prefecture.