First Summer Uika, who plays Kikyo/Sei Shonagon in the NHK Taiga drama "To You Who Shines", appeared at a special talk show held in Yamaguchi Prefecture on November 16th. It is said that Sei Shonagon's father, Kiyohara Gensuke, visited Yamaguchi Prefecture with Sei Shonagon as the governor of Suo. First Summer Uika revealed, "I visited Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, where Sei Shonagon's father, Kiyohara Gensuke, was posted, for the first time, and was able to visit places related to him such as Hofu Tenmangu Shrine and the ruins of the Suo Kokuga. I was especially impressed by being able to stop by the place where Kiyohara Gensuke's mansion is said to have been located."
The name Sei Shonagon was given to her when she was serving at the palace, and is said to have been taken from the surname of her father, Kiyohara Gensuke, a poet known for his Hyakunin Isshu poems. She arrived with Gensuke when he was posted to Suo Kokufu (present-day Hofu City), and is said to have spent her childhood here.
First Summer Uika said, "It was especially memorable to be able to stop by the place where Kiyohara Gensuke's mansion is said to have been. When I heard an expert's explanation of the excavation situation, I felt very emotional, thinking, 'He was really here.'"
As the drama is approaching its final episode, she sent a message to viewers, saying, "The cast and staff of 'To You,' got along well, and it was a passionate set filled with love and attention to detail. There are only five episodes left to air, but there are still many unmissable developments. I hope you will enjoy it until the very end."
