The Social Impact of the ‘Healing’ Drama Oshin in 1980s Iran

During the Iran–Iraq War, the Japanese drama Oshin captivated Iranian audiences, its story of endurance and family resonating across cultural and political divides. Broadcast with minimal censorship, it became both a tool of state messaging and a source of solace for viewers, who even watched during air raids. The show introduced new vocabulary like ‘ Tanakura ’ for second-hand clothing and reinforced images of Japan as a nation of perseverance and resilience. The 1989 ‘Oshin radio incident’ underscored its political sensitivity. Rezaee highlights how Japanese popular culture unexpectedly entered Iranian homes, shaping perceptions and forging a lasting cultural connection across borders.