"Platinum Family: A Peek into the Magnificent Family" (TV Asahi, Tuesdays at 7pm, excluding some areas) is a program showcasing the lifestyle of a "magnificent family." On January 13th, the program will focus on the life of writer Shinya Shirasu, grandson of Jiro Shirasu, who supported Japan's postwar reconstruction as a close aide to former Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida.
Shinya's home is located in an upscale residential area in Tokyo. Inside the house, there is a row of precious antiques from the Kamakura and Muromachi periods. Shinya's love of antiques was apparently influenced by his maternal grandfather, leading literary critic Kobayashi Hideo.
Shinya, who grew up under the strong influence of his two grandfathers, Jiro Shirasu and Hideo Kobayashi, is dedicated to promoting Japanese culture. He lives surrounded by only things he finds "beautiful," including antique art pieces, which he calls his "housemates," and enjoys a sophisticated lifestyle, sharing drinks with friends.
At their summer villa in Karuizawa, Shinya will demonstrate his efforts to age the sake again using whiskey barrels that Jiro imported from the UK.
In addition to the anecdote about Jiro scolding MacArthur, MC Kotaro Koizumi will reveal some secrets about Jiro that he heard from his father, former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.
The program also follows the life of a family in Akita Prefecture, said to be the birthplace of the Suzuki surname in the Tohoku region, and introduces their life in a 350-year-old Important Cultural Property and the history of the Suzuki surname.
This day will be a special collaboration with "Japan Exploration Academic Variety Tuesday's Yoshizumi Kotaro." The "Tuesday's Yoshizumi Kotaro" segment will focus on Machida City, Tokyo, and delve into the little-known history and charm of Machida. Yoshizumi and Kotaro will visit "Busaiso," where Jiro and his wife spent their final years.
