The 45th episode of the NHK Taiga drama "Dear Radiance (Hikaru Kimi e)" (General TV, Sunday 8pm and others), starring Yoshitaka Yuriko, aired on November 24th. Prince Atsunaga (Kataoka Sennosuke) died in the first 5 minutes and left the show.
In the 45th episode, Mahiro's (Yoshitaka) Tale of Genji finally reached its end.
One day, Mahiro's daughter, Kenko (Minami Sara), asked her if she wanted to serve at the palace. She suggested that she serve the new empress, Akiko (Mikami Ai), in her place. Mahiro decides to go on a journey, which has been a long-held dream of hers.
However, Michinaga (Emoto Tasuku) opposes this, and Mahiro finally reveals a secret about Kenko. As Mahiro sets off on her journey, an unexpected reunion awaits her. Meanwhile, Michinaga decides to become a monk... and so the story unfolds.
After the opening credits, Prince Atsunaka exchanges words with Yorimichi (Watanabe Keisuke) and Akishi in a harmonious atmosphere. However, moments later, he sits down and clutches his chest, worrying those around him. Then the narrator says, "At the end of the year, Prince Atsunaka, the first son of the late Emperor Ichijo, passed away at the age of 21. His life was stolen away by Michinaga."
Viewers responded on social media with comments such as, "Atsuyasu-sama, it's too early," "Atsuyasu-kun? What, already?" and "I thought they looked happy, but that was a hint..." Comments such as, "Prince Atsunobu died so quickly, as if it were narrated," "I wanted to see more detail on Prince Atsunobu's final moments," "If he was going to leave this world so soon, he should have ascended to the throne... Prince Atsunobu," "Prince Atsunobu was too young... his life was snatched away by Michinaga, and that is true...," "Prince Atsunobu... even though it is historical fact... it is pitiful..." and "it is so sad..." were also posted.
