On March 4th, it was revealed that actor Shiro Sano will appear in the NHK Asadora drama series "Bakebake ," starring Akari Takaishi , in the second half of 2025. Sano will play Eto, the governor of Shimane Prefecture. This will be Sano's first time appearing in a Asadora.
Eto, played by Sano, is a governor who loves Shimane and is passionate about making Shimane a first-class prefecture that Japan can be proud of. He believes that improving English education is essential for young people who will lead the future, and is looking for authentic foreign teachers. In order to open up the future of the prefecture, he invites Heaven (Tommy Bastow) to Shimane.
Sano, who is from Matsue city, Shimane prefecture, commented, "I am thrilled to have been asked to play the role of the Governor of Shimane prefecture, but at the same time, I feel a heavy sense of responsibility as an actor from Matsue. After all, I am also the guide who brought together Yakumo Koizumi and Setsu, who are affectionately known as 'Hern-san' in Matsue. The governor at the time, Koteda Yasusada, was the man who saved Hikone Castle from demolition, as his predecessor was the equivalent of governor of Hikone. This is my first time appearing in a Asadora, but I am reminded of my role as Ii Naosuke, the lord of Hikone domain, in the taiga drama 'Saigo Don', and I feel a deep ties to this role."
Production manager Hashizume Kuniomi said, "The role of Shimane Prefecture Governor Eto will be played by Sano Shiro, one of Shimane's most famous actors. Sano has made reciting the works of Yakumo Koizumi Hearn his life's work for many years, and he loves Yakumo more than anyone else. Surprisingly, this will be his first time appearing in a Asadora. I believe it is Setsu and Yakumo that drew him to the role. I am sure he will be able to give a passionate performance as the governor who brought Heaven to Matsue and loves his hometown."
"Bakebake" is based on Setsu Koizumi, the daughter of a fallen Yakumo Koizumi samurai and wife of Lafcadio Hearn. The story is about a couple who love "ghost stories" together with their foreign husband, and who shed light on and spin stories on behalf of the "nameless people" who had been forgotten in Meiji Japan as Westernization progressed. The script is written by Mitsuhiko Fujiki, who has worked on NHK's "Asagaya Sisters' Relaxed Life Together" and WOWOW's "Tokyu Series."
