It was revealed on July 10 that actress Keiko Kitagawa will appear in the NHK Asadora drama series "Bakebake ," starring Akari Takaishi , in the second half of 2025. This will be Kitagawa's first time appearing in a Asadora, and she will play Ushimizu Tae, a relative who gives strict instruction to the heroine Toki (played by Takaishi).
Tae was born into one of the most prestigious families in Matsue and grew up without any hardships surrounded by a large number of maids. She possesses both dignified elegance and strictness, and she demands that her relative Toki live up to the dignity of a samurai's daughter, teaching her the proper etiquette and tea ceremony.
Regarding the characters of the Ushimizu family, it has been announced that Shinichi Tsutsumi will play Den Ushimizu , who supports Toki behind the scenes, and Rihito Itagaki will play his son Sannojo .
" Bakebake " is the story of a couple who love "ghost stories" together with their foreign husband, and who shed light on and speak for the "nameless people" who had been forgotten in Meiji Japan as Westernization progressed. Takaishi plays the heroine Toki Matsuno , the daughter of a fallen samurai from Matsue, modeled after Lafcadio Hearn 's wife Setsu. The script is written by Fujiki Mitsuhiko, who has worked on NHK's "Asagaya Sisters' Relaxed Life Together" and WOWOW's "Tokyu Series."
◇Comment from Keiko Kitagawa
The character I will be playing this time is Ushimizu Tae, a princess who was raised by nearly 30 servants and comes from a family that had served as chief retainers for generations in the Matsue domain. Tae is unable to keep up with the changing times, even though the traditional class system was abolished in the midst of the modernization movement. Having been educated as a princess and living with the pride of a samurai family, she is suddenly told one day to acquire the skills to live and start working. Tae is confused and does not have the values to adjust to the times. Tae must decide whether to live to the end without abandoning her pride, or to abandon her pride for the sake of her children and live as if she had died once.
I will play the princess who lived for her country but was at the mercy of her country with all my heart. I will understand that what happened to Tae is not a fictional story, but something that happened in that era, and I will face the role to the end.
◇ Comment from Akari Takaishi
Tae's love for Toki is very deep, and she is a reassuring presence who gives strength just by watching over him from nearby. I think Tae's true strength has a big influence on Toki. I love the moment when Kitagawa-san gets into character, her demeanor and the atmosphere she exudes change instantly. When I see Kitagawa-san laughing at the comedy parts during the script reading, I'm taken aback by the contrast with her acting.
◇Comment from Production Director Kuniomi Hashizume
The character of Tae is a woman who maintains her pride and dignity as a samurai even in the Meiji era. While she appears to remain unchanged as the times change, she continues to harbor conflicts in her heart. When I thought about who should play this role, the first person who came to mind was Keiko Kitagawa.
Tae, who treats Toki with strictness yet love, is played with a strong passion for the role, making for a very eye-catching scene. Kitagawa's dignified presence and acting make her portray the woman Tae with unique persuasiveness. Along with Shinichi Tsutsumi and Rihito Itagaki, the Ushimizu family is very charming.
