What was the most captivating scene in the 83rd episode (broadcast on January 28th) of the NHK morning drama "Bakeke" (General TV, Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM and other times), starring actress Takaishi Akari? When we looked at minute-by-minute trends in "attention level" (surveyed by REVISIO, Kanto region, preliminary figures), which indicates the percentage of viewers glued to the screen, the peak was 73.7% at 8:06 AM.
"Bakeke" is the 113th morning drama. The heroine, Toki Matsuno, and her husband, Lefkada Heaven, are based on Setsu Koizumi, the daughter of a fallen samurai from Matsue, and Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo), known for his works such as "Kwaidan." The drama boldly reconstructs the characters, changing some of the names of characters and organizations to create a fictionalized portrayal.
◇The highest value was 73.7% at 8:06 a.m.
In episode 83, Toki (Takaishi) learns that Sawa (Marui Wan) is passionate about studying for exams and is excited about the success of his "surprise." Seeing this, Heaven (Tommy Bastow) is also relieved. Nishikori (Yoshizawa Ryo) arrives and tells Heaven that he has decided to become a principal. Meanwhile, Sawa and Shoda (Hama Shogo), who are studying for exams, go out to eat lunch together at lunchtime.
The "attention level," which indicates the percentage of viewers watching TV who were paying close attention to the screen, was low early on this day as well, but from the middle of the show onwards it remained relatively high, fluctuating between the high 60s and the high 70s, at times.
◇ "Nice to meet you two" Toki shows off his English to Nishikori
Episode 83 peaked at 73.7% at 8:06 AM. It has remained at its highest level of over 70% this week, but episode 83 was the highest in the three days since Monday, and it seems that it was the time when many viewers were glued to the screen. It is the scene where Toki arrives with tea just as Nishikori is telling Heaven that he has decided to become a principal.
"Mr. Nishikoori" and "Nice to meet you two."
Toki, who started learning English from Heaven, speaks with a slightly strange intonation, and even when Nishikori points out, "This isn't the first time we've met," he remains undeterred, replying, "I'm sorry."
Nishikori, seeing Toki's reaction, began rambling on in English, saying things like, "You seemed to be feeling down recently, but I'm glad you're feeling better now." At first, Toki was affable and nodded along, but gradually her expression became troubled, and she looked back and forth between Nishikori and Heaven. "I don't know. Right now, all I know is 'Otoki-san'." Nishikori then added harshly, "'Otoki-san' isn't even English," which caused him and Heaven to laugh.
It was a fun scene that showed Toki, who had been depressed about his relationship with Sawa, regaining his usual cheerfulness.
◇Toki and Sawa unexpectedly reunite
The scene then shifts to Sawa and Shoda studying for exams at the salon "Shirotori Club." At lunchtime, the two go out for lunch and order soba noodles at Hanada Ryokan.
While eating soba noodles, Shoda talks about his relationship with Nishikori, but Sawa is so nervous she can't make progress. When Shoda asks, "Are you okay?", Sawa mutters, "No... I feel sick..." and "This is my first time... having a meal with a man like this."
Shoda laughed, "Oh, I see... So, so..." and then confessed, "Me too. This is my first time... having dinner alone with a woman," and the two grew closer. The attention rating remained in the high 60s for most of the time, never rising sharply, but also never dropping. A certain number of viewers continued to pay close attention, and it seems that there were no major deviations.
The scene then changes to 8:14 AM, when Toki and Heaven unexpectedly come across Sawa and Shoda while out for a walk. The interest rate was 69.7%, just one step away from 70%. Will the relationship between Sawa and Shoda change as a result of the four of them meeting? The interest rate is likely to rise sharply from the next day onwards, depending on how things progress between Sawa and Shoda.
The data used is REVISIO's proprietary indicator "Attention Level" (Kanto region, preliminary figures) published by the company that surveys TV program and commercial viewing habits in 2,000 households in the Kanto region and 600 households in the Kansai region. A dedicated device equipped with a human body recognition sensor constantly measures whether people are looking at the TV screen, and calculates the percentage of people in front of the TV who are paying close attention to the program. (Text by Sasamoto Hirozai/MANTAN)
