HITOMI
"Chiritotechin" ratings set record low, "Hitomi" also starts poorly
Tue, April 1, 2008 (2:56am EDT)
NHK's recently-ended morning drama series "Chiritotechin" wrapped up its run with average ratings of 15.9% in the Kanto region, which sets the new record for the lowest-rated Asadora since Video Research Ltd. began collecting viewership data in 1964. The previous all-time low was held by the 2004 series "Tenka," which averaged 16.2%.
"Chiritotechin" fared better in the Kansai area, where it averaged 17.0%. But despite the show's weak ratings, NHK recently announced a spinoff titled "Chiritotechin Gaiden," scheduled to air in July.
The current Asadora, "Hitomi," premiered on Monday with a 16.5% rating in the Kanto area and 16.2% in the Kansai region. This makes it the second-worst start in history behind last year's "Dondo Bare," whose premiere achieved only 14.9% (Kanto) and 14.2% (Kansai).
And FYI,
Hitomi (瞳)
NHK, Monday-Saturday 8:15am, premieres March 31
The spring-summer "Asadora" is about a young woman named Hitomi (Nana Eikura) who moves from Hokkaido to Tokyo to pursue dancing. She ends up living with her grandfather (Toshiyuki Nishida) and helps raise the three foster children that he has taken in.
Other Cast: Naoko Iijima, MAKIDAI, Gin Maeda, Reo Yoshitake, Ei Morisako, Sakuya Nakamura
Official Site: http://www3.nhk.or.jp/asadora/
All from Tokyograph.