"Anpan" Episode 84: Takashi goes missing after earthquake → Viewers are surprised by the "shocking reason"

The 84th episode of the NHK Asadora drama "Anpan " starring Mio Imada (General TV, Monday to Saturday at 8:00 am and others) was broadcast on July 24th, and the reason why Takashi ( Takumi Kitamura) had not been in contact since the earthquake was revealed, causing surprise among viewers.

In the early morning of December 21, 1946, a major earthquake struck western Japan, causing great damage in Kochi Prefecture. Two days after the earthquake, there was still no news of Taka, and the Kochi Shimpo staff were worried when Taka suddenly showed up. Tokairin (Kenjiro Tsuda) said, "If you're still alive, let us know!" and Iwashimizu (Yuki Kura) said, "We were all worried!", but Taka replied, "I was sleeping at home. I'd been up all night..." leaving the editorial staff stunned.

Takashi said he jumped back from the earthquake, but fell asleep again. "I was shocked when I woke up and left the house. Houses had collapsed here and there, so I was helping my neighbors clear the rubble and couldn't come to work. I'm sorry," he said, bowing his head. Tokairin grabbed Takashi, saying, "Are you stupid? This is a major earthquake, and you were still asleep? You're still a newspaper reporter!", but he was relieved to see that Takashi was safe.

Afterwards, Taka also reported to Nobu (Imada) that he was safe over the phone. However, when he told him to "sleep the whole time...", Nobu, who was worried and could not sit still, raised his voice and said, "I haven't been able to sleep this week!" He became furious and said, "You're a great Taka, but how could you have worried about me? You guys... you guys, don't get up already! Just sleep for the rest of your life! You were wasting your time worrying if I died! Now then!" and hung up the phone.

Regarding Taka, who remained asleep even during the earthquake, comments on social media included, "That's so like Taka lol," "He's such a big star," "Too funny lol," "He's too laid back," "I can't believe it," and "Taka's bad luck is so strong..."

Furthermore, this story is based on historical fact; Takashi Yanase, who served as the model for Taka, experienced a battlefield where the ground was shaking regularly during the Showa Nankai earthquake, and although he woke up once, he went back to bed and fell asleep.