The 49th episode of the NHK Asadora drama "Bakebake " (General TV, Monday to Saturday 8:00 AM and others), starring Akari Takaishi, was broadcast on December 4th. In the episode, there was a scene in which Kotani (Shimokawa Kyohei), who has feelings for Toki (Takaishi), was asked a series of questions by members of the Matsuno family, which became a hot topic among viewers.
In episode 49, Kotani asks Sawa ( Wan Marui) what Toki likes besides ghost stories. When Sawa tells her that she likes sleep paralysis, curses, and reincarnation, Kotani is confused and says, "They're all similar (to ghost stories)..." As she wonders, "Why do you like those kinds of things?", Fumi (Chizuru Ikewaki) suddenly appears and replies, "Because I told you about them."
Later, Kotani is invited to the Matsuno family home. Seeing Kotani looking nervous, Tsukasanosuke(Takashi Okabe) begins by saying, "Since we're here, I'd like to ask you a few questions..." Kan'emon (Fumiyo Kohinata) says, "Let's start by asking about your family," and the conversation turns to ascertaining the "status" of the Kotani family. Tsukasanosuke and Kan'emon know Kotani's father, and are delighted, saying, "Then you're on the same level as our family!"
Fumi says, "It's not a marriage proposal, so there's no need to start with all that formal talk," and then asks, "Mr. Kotani, I'm the only daughter, so I'm going to become the husband. Is that okay?" Everyone is surprised, and Fumi laughs, saying, "I'm just kidding! I have no intention of talking about that sort of thing."
Finally, it was Kotani's turn to ask a question. When he asked what Toki liked, Tsukasanosuke and Kan'emon listed ghost stories, sleep paralysis, monsters, gods, and Gensukebashira. Tsukasanosuke explained, "Fumi was originally the daughter of a priest at Izumo Taisha Shrine. She's knowledgeable about stories about gods and invisible things..." Fumi remembered, "I'd forgotten about that," and told Kotani, "Clams! Clam soup!" Toki's favorite food, however, Kotani replied awkwardly, "Actually... I'm not really a fan of clam soup..."
When Tsukasanosuke said, "Shijimi soup is in the blood of Matsue people," Kotani replied, "My father and grandfather also say the same..." When Fumi responded, "It seems like you get along well with the people in your family...", Kan'emon replied, "Yes! Family is important. If my son-in-law doesn't like shijimi, I'll train him. That's no problem." He then pressed, "Do you live in a tenement house?" and "A tenement house is small, but is that okay?" Kotani, confused, muttered, "Yes."
On social media, many voices of sympathy were expressed, such as "Otani-kun, run away!", "The Matsuno family's stressful interview is too scary", "The Matsuno family suddenly asks Kotani Haruo about his resolve when they first meet. It's scary", "Otani being pressured", "Otani is definitely becoming a potential husband candidate", and "It's so sad that he has to go through all the talk about status and living in a tenement house when it's not even an arranged marriage".
