The fifth episode of the TV drama series "PJ ~Aviation Rescue Team~" (TV Asahi, Thursdays 9pm) starring actor Seiyo Uchino was broadcast on May 22nd. Of the seven students aiming to become rescuers (commonly known as PJs, or pararescue jumpers), one student withdrew for the first time.
◇The following contains spoilers.
The drama depicts students aspiring to become rescuers for the Air Rescue Wing of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, an elite rescue unit known as the "last line" for saving lives, as they undergo rigorous training under the strict and unconventional instructor Usami (Uchino).
In episode 5, Fujiki (played by Anna Ishii) faints during a tough mountaineering training session, and Usami tells her, "This is it." However, Usami gives the students a chance to do the same training again. However, Fujiki, who has lost confidence, starts to wander alone down the mountain path, where she falls and seriously injures her arm.
After being rescued by Usami and the others, Fujiki apologizes for causing trouble by acting selfishly during training. He then offers to withdraw from the rescuer course. Usami agrees and says, "I respect Fujiki's opinion," and encourages him, saying, "You've survived here until now with all your might, and you're watching over your future. You'll definitely support me!"
He then asked, "Fujiki, do you like yourself now?" and when Fujiki answered with tears in his eyes, "Yes!", he smiled and said, "That's enough...that's impressive!"
On the day of farewell, his classmates saluted and said, "Take care, Fujiki-san!" Fujiki replied with tears in his eyes and a smile, "Yes! See you later!" as he left the base.
On social media, viewers were quick to comment, saying things like, "Fujiki-san...I can't stop crying...", "I'm sad to think that we won't be seeing Fujiki anymore", "Fujiki-san, you were amazing!!!", "It was wonderful to see Student Fujiki make that decision...it was an amazing scene that made me feel refreshed rather than sad", "I want to see Student Fujiki shine in another field before the final episode", "Anna Ishii's convincing acting and Uchino's reaction was just incredible, it fills my heart", and "Anna Ishii was great, I really like her. She threw herself into the role of Fujiki and it was amazing."
