The NHK Taiga drama " UNBOUND (Berabou) " (NHK General TV, Sundays at 8:00 PM and other times), starring actor Ryusei Yokohama , aired on November 30th. In the 46th episode, "The Soga Festival Incident," the words spoken by Utamaro (Sometani Shota) to Tsutaju (Yokohama) upon his return to Koshodo attracted the attention of viewers.
" UNBOUND (Berabou)" is the 64th taiga drama and depicts the life of Tsutaya Juzaburo(or "Tsutajyu" for short), who is said to have laid the foundations for Japan's media industry and pop culture. The script was written by Yoshiko Morishita, who is known for her work on the highly talked-about "Drama 10: Ooku," which aired on NHK two years ago.
In episode 46, Tsutaju is at a dead end, unable to complete a satisfactory actor portrait. Meanwhile, Tsutaju and Utamaro express their desire to see a painting that only the two of them could create. Driven by this desire, Utamaro returns to AI Hashimoto.
Utamaro reveals that Tei came to him to say that she wanted to become a monk again, and Tsutaju asks Tei, "Why?" Tei replies, "There are many people who need to pray for the souls of others," but Utamaro cuts her off and firmly says, "Because I love you."
Utama added, "He likes you and wants Buddha's protection for you. He wants to be of use," before scolding Tsutae, saying, "Don't make Otei-san do the same thing over and over again." He poured out his feelings, saying, "There are people in this world who want to be liked and useful, and so they throw themselves away. There are people who do things like that. Get a grip on yourself, you UNBOUND!"
On social media, many viewers took it to mean, "Even though the subject is 'Otei-san,' it's all Utamaro's feelings." Comments included, "That kind of devotion...that's what Utamaro does too," "Utamaro...he's talking about himself," "Utamaro...he doesn't have to talk about himself...," "Utamaro has returned to Tsutaju. The feelings he expressed about Otei are very much in his own words," "Utamaro puts Otei's love for Tsutaju into words, and I can relate to those words," and "Utamaro was talking about Otei-san while also expressing his own feelings..."
After that, Utama took the lead in completing the actor paintings, and in time for the Kabuki performances, Tsutaju began selling his paintings under the name of painter Toshusai Sharaku.
Another scene that became a hot topic was when Utamaro put his arm around Tsutaju's shoulder and lightly tapped him when he completed his first painting as Sharaku.
Comments included, "Utamaro has finally gotten over it. He went over to slap Tsutaju's shoulder of his own accord." "Utamaro has finally gotten over it. He even went over to slap Tsutaju's shoulder of his own accord." "It was nice to see Utamaro look relieved when he put his arm around Tsutaju's shoulder. Maybe his feelings for Tsutaju have been sublimated..." and "Utamaro's smile as he slapped Tsutaju's shoulder of his own accord was priceless."
