The eighth episode of the Sunday Theatre drama " Mikami Sensei " (TBS, Sunday 9pm) starring Tori Matsuzaka was broadcast on March 9th. The "change" in Mikami Sensei's character, played by Matsuzaka, became a hot topic on social media.
◇The following contains spoilers
Mikami visits the hospital room of Tsubuki ( Kaito Sakurai), a junior bureaucrat from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. Tsubuki is surprised, but smiles and says, "I'm so happy you came."
When asked by Tsubuki "What is it like being a teacher? Is it rewarding?" Mikami replied frankly, "There are a ton of rewards. Well, high school seniors are neither adults nor children; they're like some kind of creepy creature. They have a strong vitality, and yet they're also very delicate, and they change as fast as plankton. You can't take your eyes off them for even a moment."
"There was a business competition, right?" Tsubuki began. "Actually, I was a little moved by that. After it was over, I was jealous of Mikami-san being surrounded by his students. I'm actually a teacher, and I thought at the time that if there was another competition like Mikami-san's, I'd like to go."
Hearing his junior's thoughts, Mikami encouraged him, saying, "By all means. I think Tsubuki is suited for it. First of all, make sure the surgery is a success."
On social media, comments such as, "Mikami Sensei is a real teacher when he says so straightforwardly that it's extremely rewarding," "I like how when asked about the rewards of being a Mikami Sensei says with a smile, 'It's extremely rewarding,'" "Mikami Sensei's facial expressions and the way he expresses his emotions change so much as the story of Tori Matsuzaka progresses. He's a really earnest and great teacher, and I wish there was someone like him," and "Mikami Sensei's face is soft. He's smiling. He's changed so much since the beginning." were posted.
Some of the opinions expressed included, "As each episode airs, it seems that the sense of distance between Mikami Sensei and the students changes not only in the posture of the students in the classroom, but also in the way they deliver their lines and their facial expressions," "You can really feel the armor being gradually peeled away not only of the Mikami Sensei ," and " Tori Matsuzaka 's acting skills are amazing, as he portrays the long-term changes in Mikami Sensei 's facial expressions as he gradually becomes more human."
