The 80th episode of the NHK morning drama "Bakeke" (General TV, Monday to Saturday 8:00 AM and others), starring Takaishi Akari, was broadcast on January 23rd, and Shoda Takichi, played by Hama Shogo, reappeared for the first time in 12 weeks, attracting the attention of viewers.
Sawa (Marui Wan) is studying at the Shiratori Club, a salon on the second floor of Yamahashi Pharmacy, in order to become a full-time teacher. Toki (Takaishi) visits her, but Sawa is somewhat cold and leaves the salon. Meanwhile, Nishikori (Yoshizawa Ryo) is informed by the governor (Sano Shiro) of the name of his successor as an English teacher.
Later, while Sawa is studying at the Shiratori Club, Shoda shows up. He says he's moved out of his house in Tokyo and returned to his hometown of Matsue. "Nice to meet you. I'm Shoda Takichi," Shoda greets, to which Sawa replies coldly, "I'm Nozu Sawa." As Shoda stares at Sawa, the salon members tell him, "It seems something unpleasant happened. Don't worry about it. He's just a bit of an oddball." Sawa raises her voice and says, "You haven't changed at all, have you?"
At the same time, Nishikori and Heaven (Tommy Bastow) were talking at a Western restaurant on the first floor of Yamahashi Pharmacy. Nishikori showed Heaven a document with Shoda's name on it, saying, "I was wondering if this guy could be my replacement English teacher when I become principal." Since Heaven couldn't read Japanese, Nishikori explained that Shoda was his classmate at Matsue Junior High School and that they were together in Tokyo.
Shoda is a genius from Matsue and a friend of Nishikori. While Nishikori is known as a "master of the craft," Shoda calls himself "less than half as good." This is the character's first reappearance in 12 weeks, since episode 4, episode 20 (broadcast on October 24th). In the preview for next week, which was released after the main story, there is a scene where Shoda asks Sawa, "If you don't mind, I'll teach you how to study," to which the Snake and Frog (Asagaya Sisters) exclaim, "Oh no, what's this, all of a sudden!" and "This is love, definitely love!"
On social media, people were saying things like, "We've been waiting for this, Shoda-san!!" "Osawa-chan has met Hanbun-jo!!" "The flag has been raised!" "Did Shoda fall in love with Osawa at first sight?" "Will Shoda be Sawa-chan's saving grace?" "Will this lead to marriage?" "I wonder if Sawa-chan will pursue both marriage and career paths?" "I really want Osawa-chan to be happy" and "Shoda is the key person who moves the story forward."
