"Platinum Family: A Peek into a Magnificent Family" (TV Asahi, Tuesdays at 7pm, excluding some regions) is a program showcasing the lifestyle of a "magnificent family." On October 28th, it will be broadcast as a two-hour special alongside "Exploring Japan Academic Variety: Tuesday's Yoshizumi Kotaro." It will closely follow the life of Takayama Minako, whose ancestor was Katsu Kaishu, who was active during the turbulent period from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji Restoration.
The program visited Takayama's home (Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture). This mountain cabin-style home, built by Takayama's parents 20 years ago, houses precious treasures related to Katsu Kaishu. One of these is a "Hina folding screen" that Katsu Kaishu made for his grandson, on which a poem from the Manyoshu is handwritten, wishing for the family's longevity and prosperity. Perhaps as the wish comes true, the Takayama family is said to have enjoyed many long lives.
The program also closely follows Takayama's activities to pass on the great achievements of Katsu Kaishu to future generations. The forum he hosts brings together descendants of great figures such as Hijikata Toshizo, Saigo Takamori, and Tsuda Umeko. Takayama talks about an unexpected side of Katsu Kaishu and some surprising stories of his generosity.
The program will also air a sequel to "Takashima Chisako in Paris," which aired on the 7th. MC Takashima will visit the home of composer and music producer Shiro Washizu, who has worked on the music for the popular anime series "Evangelion" and the film "Shin Godzilla" (2016).
In the "Tuesday Yoshizumi Kotaro" segment, Hidaka Ukisho and Ryuto Sakuma from the popular group "ACEes" tour Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, in search of spectacular views.
