The 50th episode of the NHK Asadora drama "Bakebake " (General TV, Monday to Saturday 8:00 AM and others), starring Akari Takaishi , was broadcast on December 5th, and viewers were surprised by the scene where Shimokawa Kyohei, who plays Kotani Haruo, sings the Noh play "Matsukaze."
In episode 50, the day of Toki (Takaishi) and Kotani's promise is approaching. Unbeknownst to Toki, the Matsuno family has decided to support Kotani, and while they are all excited, Kotani officially asks Toki to rendezvous with him before he goes to work.
On the day itself, Kotani takes Toki to Seikoin Temple, a famous ghost story spot and a place of memories for Toki. Toki explains to Kotani that if he sings the Noh play "Matsukaze" in front of the well, the ghost of Matsukaze will appear. Suddenly, Kotani begins to sing "Matsukaze." Panicked, Toki tries to stop him, saying, "It will appear! A ghost will appear!" but Kotani continues singing regardless.
After finishing the recitation, Kotani said, "It didn't come out after all. I'm sorry... I... can't do it." She continued, "I tried to read the ghost story in my own way, but... I just can't follow it. I'm very sorry, Otoki-san, but... it's a waste of time."
Toki appeals to her love of ghost stories by saying, "But I just... I just like them. I really like them," but Kotani misunderstands her words as a sign of affection, and bows her head, saying, "I'm happy that you like me, but... I'm sorry!" and walks away.
Shimokawa, who plays Kotani, is 21 years old and was born on August 11, 2004, in Hokkaido. He attracted attention for his role as Ryo Yoshizawa Tokuji, the best friend of the protagonist Tachibana Kikuo, played by Kurokawa Soya as a boy, in the film "National Treasure" (directed by Lee Sang-il), starring Yoshizawa Ryo.
Comments on social media included, "I was blown away by how good Otani-kun was at 'Matsukaze,'" "I was surprised at how good he was at Noh," "He's truly a national treasure actor!" "Otani can do both Kabuki (that's Tokuji) and Noh!" "I can't remember ever seeing an ordinary actor who was that good at Noh, so it was shocking," "Who is Shimokawa Kyohei?" "It's annoying that people misunderstand him, but his Noh play 'Matsukaze,' was so amazing I was captivated," and "It was the national treasure Tokuji! He has such a wide range of talent."
