NHK continues to experience low ratings with its latest Asadora (morning drama series). "Hitomi," starring Nana Eikura as an aspiring dancer, came to an end on Saturday morning, and viewership data indicates that the entire series averaged only 15.2% in the Kanto region. The show has set a new record low for an Asadora, breaking the 15.9% set by its predecessor, "Chiritotechin." In the Kansai region, it averaged only 14.8%.

Up until 2003, the NHK morning dramas averaged well above 20%. Before 1994, ratings were above 30%, with several exceeding even 40%.

The final episode of "Hitomi" had ratings of 17.5% in the Kanto area and 16.0% in the Kansai area, but the show's viewership had been much lower than that throughout its entire run. The premiere episode, which aired in April, had actually achieved the second-lowest start for an Asadora at 16.5% (Kanto).

"Dandan," the new Asadora that started on Monday (starring twins ManaKana), continued the streak of low ratings. The first episode achieved only 16.8% in the Kanto region, becoming the third-worst Asadora premiere.