The Diary of a Novelist
The Diary of a Novelist (Japanese: ある小説家の日記, Romaji: Aru Shousetsuka no Nikki) is a Japanese television drama series broadcast on NHK. The series is directed by Shunsuke Hira with a script written by Tetsuya Uehara. It is scheduled to premiere on March 8, 2026, airing on Sundays at 23:00.
Plot Synopsis
Megumi Eto, portrayed by Kaho, is assigned to work as an editor with the prominent writer Tamaki Serizawa, played by Itsuji Itao. However, Tamaki dies unexpectedly following a fall down a stairs. One year later, Megumi learns from Tamaki's wife, Mariko Serizawa (played by Sylvia Grab), that an unpublished manuscript exists. When Megumi visits Mariko, she discovers a diary written by Tamaki. While reading, Megumi notices stylistic differences compared to Tamaki's previous literary works and questions the authorship of the text. It is subsequently revealed that Mariko incorporated elements into the diary based on concerns Tamaki had previously discussed with a generative artificial intelligence application during his lifetime. Seeking to revitalize her career as an editor, Megumi makes an unusual and consequential proposition to Mariko.
Cast and Characters
- Kaho as Megumi Eto
- Sylvia Grab as Mariko Serizawa
- Itsuji Itao as Tamaki Serizawa
- Satoru Matsuo as Daisuke Hayashi
- Yuta Hayashi as Sho Araki
Production and Broadcast Details
The Diary of a Novelist is produced for NHK in Japan. The series features a Sunday evening time slot at 23:00, beginning on March 8, 2026. The production involves direction by Shunsuke Hira and screenwriting by Tetsuya Uehara.