Legendary Japanese actress Naoko Ken, aged 72, is set to make her debut in the coveted morning drama slot. Known as "Asadora", these series are a cultural cornerstone in Japan, traditionally showcasing young talent. The veteran Ken, however, breaks the mold, bringing her experience and diversity to the screen, marking a progressive step in the industry.

Asadoras are popular serial dramas that air in the morning in Japan. Usually focusing on a young female protagonist, they have often served as a launching pad for emerging actresses. Naoko Ken's participation at her age is a significant shift, challenging age stereotypes while possibly reflecting Japan's aging population's influence on the cultural scene.

In the US and the EU, age diversity in media is a hot topic, acknowledging that talent has no expiration date. Meryl Streep, Helen Mirren, and Judi Dench are all examples of older actresses enjoying successful film and television careers. Naoko Ken's foray into morning drama in Japan echoes this trend.