The popularity of Japanese dramas sparks a Taiwan craze; "Hanayome no Noren (Bridal Curtain)" comes to Taiwan for filming

Written/Compiled and Reported by Li Xinyi

The highly rated Fuji TV daytime drama "Hanayome no Noren (Bridal Curtain)" is filming in Taiwan for the first time. With stellar performances by seasoned actresses Yōko Nogiwa—who played “Moon Shadow” in the Japanese drama “Sailor Moon”—and the elegant beauty Michiko Hada, along with the brilliant writing of renowned playwright Emi Komatsu, author of “Tenchijin,” the show introduces Japanese audiences to the diverse and beautiful culture of Taiwan.

The first installment of the Japanese drama "Hanayome no Noren" takes Japanese viewers from the grand traditional houses of Kanazawa to the beautiful landscapes of Taiwan. The drama focuses on culturally rich spots in Beitou such as the Beitou Hot Spring Museum, Beitou Public Library, Thermal Valley, Xiaoyoukeng, and Qingtiangang, showcasing the unique charm of Taiwan. It will be broadcast on Japan’s Fuji TV and its 28 affiliate stations nationwide from November 7–11, 2010, from 1:30 PM, with five episodes in total.

From the late Edo period to the early Meiji era, in the Kaga Domain (covering the Noto, Kaga, and Echizen regions), the “noren” (a type of curtain) was an essential part of a bride’s dowry in local wedding customs. It later evolved into a uniquely ornate door curtain that combined elements of both the bride’s and groom’s families. The Japanese drama "Hanayome no Noren" uses its five-episode run, along with related events such as the new series premiere, promotional broadcasts, and media coverage from Japanese journalists who visited Taiwan, to create an extensive media impact. The Tourism Bureau estimates the advertising value of this exposure to be at least 300 million Japanese yen (approximately NT$111 million).