The second episode of the NHK Asadora drama "Bakebake " (General TV, Monday to Saturday 8:00 AM and others), starring Ushimizu Akari Takaishi , was broadcast on September 30th, and it featured the first appearance of Keiko Kitagawa Tae ( Keiko Kitagawa), played by Kitagawa Keiko, which became a hot topic among viewers.
Tae, played by Kitagawa, was born into one of Matsue's most prestigious families and grew up without any hardships, surrounded by many maids. She possesses both dignified elegance and strictness. She demands that her relative Toki also live up to the dignity of a samurai's daughter, and she strictly teaches her the culture of a samurai's daughter, including etiquette and tea ceremony. This is Kitagawa's first appearance in a Asadora.
In the second episode, even in the Meiji era, the Matsuno family is unable to give up their samurai pride and are unable to work. When asked about her future dreams at elementary school, Toki (Miharu Fukuchi) is influenced by the answer of her best friend Sawa Nozu (Aiju Koyama) and says she wants to become a teacher.
One day, Toki and her mother, Fumi (played by Chizuru Ikewaki ), visit their relatives , the Ushimizu family, to receive training in tea ceremony and other skills. After a narration by the Snake and Frog (played by the Asagaya Sisters), "She's coming, she's coming. Lady Tae of the Ushimizu family. She's here!", Tae appears dressed in a gorgeous kimono.
Before practice began, Toki said that she wanted to be an elementary school teacher when she grew up, and that she wanted to end her lessons today. Tae assured her, "A samurai's daughter doesn't earn money. She learns the fine arts and eventually supports her samurai husband and family. That's what a samurai's daughter is. In other words, she won't become a teacher, or take up any other trade, of course."
Just then, Tae's husband, Den (Shinichi Tsutsumi), arrives. Den's head has been chopped off, and Tae is left speechless. When Fumi asks him why he cut off his topknot, Den replies, "It may be a cliché, but it's the times. I thought I was resisting the Meiji era by continuing to wear my topknot, but the era of the samurai is long gone." Tae glares at Den, unable to hide her anger.
Den begins by saying, "This is the first time we've talked..." but is put off by Tae's force and tries to leave, saying, "Maybe next time." However, Tae snaps, "Tell me now!", to which Den replies, "I'm thinking of starting a textile factory here soon." Tae seems unable to keep up, asking, "A factory...a factory? Starting a factory means...so what?" When Den says, "In other words, starting a business," Tae looks shocked.
Viewers responded on social media with comments such as, "Keiko Kitagawa is here!", "Keiko Kitagawa is beautiful," and "Keiko Kitagawa is so beautiful!". Comments included, "Keiko Kitagawa is beautiful even when she's angry," "Keiko Kitagawa Keiko is beautiful even in the morning. There's something nice about that," "Keiko Kitagawa is wearing an incredible kimono!", "Kitagawa Keiko's beauty is worthy of a gorgeous kimono! She's so noble," "She's a beautiful lady who looks like she's in the O-oku (Oiran)," and "Keiko Kitagawa's presence is incredible!"
Also, referring to roles that Kitagawa has played in past historical dramas, comments were received such as, "She appears in Asadora with the same aura as Atsuhime and Lady Chacha," "She's like Yodo-dono in her past life," and "She's a feast for the eyes in the morning."
