Ai Hashimoto will be appearing in the NHK Taiga drama " UNBOUND (Berabou) " (General TV, Sunday 8pm and other times), starring Ryusei Yokohama AI Hashimoto. While this is not uncommon in the station's other flagship drama, the Asadora(serial television drama), she is a somewhat unusual character in a taiga drama, attracting the attention of viewers as a "girl with glasses" character. This will be Hashimoto's fourth appearance in a taiga drama, following "Saigo Don" in 2018, "Idaten" in 2019, and "Aoi Tou wo Tsuke" in 2021, and her third time playing the protagonist's wife. What is the appeal of this role?
Ryo Yoshizawa also bursts into tears during the farewell scene in "Aoi Tou wo Tsuke"
Hashimoto is currently 29 years old. After appearing in films such as "Confessions" in 2010, she played Kasumi, one of a group of girls at the top of the school hierarchy, in "Kirishima, Bukatsu Yamerutteyo" (2012), for which she won numerous film awards, including the Japan Academy Award for Best Newcomer. Since then, she made her breakthrough in the Asadora"Amachan" in the first half of 2013, and it seems she has been active in the film industry since her teens.
Hashimoto has sublimated her dignified beauty into her roles, and her picturesque presence and persuasiveness have been demonstrated in past historical dramas.
In particular, in the previous episode of "Aoi Tou wo Tsuke," Yoshizawa played Chiyo, the wife of the protagonist Shibusawa Eiichi (Ryo Yoshizawa), whose life runs parallel to his. In episode 36 (broadcast on November 21, 2021), Chiyo falls ill (cholera) and passes away. The scene where the couple part ways was so emotional that Yoshizawa, who plays Eiichi, said, "I cried my eyes out." Naturally, viewers commented, "I'm at a loss for words," and "The sense of loss is terrible," making it a climax.
◇The "seriousness" of the "overly UNBOUND" character adds a nice touch
The character Tei that she plays in "UNBOUND " is a rather reserved character, similar to Chiyo, who is a woman of few words but has an incredibly strong heart, and does not come across as particularly bold or forceful.
At first, it was hard for her to accept the main character, Tsutaju (Yokohama), but their bond grew stronger over their shared love of books, and before long their relationship had evolved into that of a real couple. However, her way of thinking is somehow unwavering, and it's this "seriousness" that gives her such a good flavor.
His trademarks are his large glasses and deep, clear voice. When he first met Tsutaju, Tei's voice was low-key, almost repulsive, but recently it has taken on a warmth that exudes affection. Hashimoto is adept at expressing this, and it's clear how deeply he has become immersed in the role.
◇The "mouth pouch" doesn't look forced.
Furthermore, in the 28th episode, which aired on July 27th, when he peeked at a letter in which Tanuma Okitsugu(Ken Watanabe ) wrote down his resolve after the death of his eldest son, Ichi ( Hio Miyazawa ), Katei's adorable behavior became a hot topic as he said, "Keep your mouth shut," without moving a single eyebrow, to ensure that he would not tell anyone.
The reason these scenes don't seem forced is because she always sensitively grasps the subtle emotions of her characters. I'm sure she will continue to increase her presence as the "third wife" in the Taiga drama.
