The second episode of the Fuji TV Monday Getsuku drama "Canned Mackerel Goes to Space," starring actor Takumi Kitamura , aired on April 20th. Kitamura's portrayal of high school teacher Shunichi Asano, who gently supports a student who is having trouble fitting in with the class atmosphere, was well-received.
◇The following contains spoilers.
The drama is an original story based on the true story of students at a fisheries high school in Fukui Prefecture who took on the big dream of "developing space food."
Haruka Kikuchi ( Marin Nishimoto), who transferred from Tokyo, was struggling to fit in with the class atmosphere, which was united in its efforts to obtain HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) certification.
Asano slipped away from the classroom and sat back-to-back with Haruka, who was alone in another classroom. "You know, I was on the rowing team at the fisheries university," he began, recounting his student days.
He confessed that he hated the typical hierarchical society with strict superior-subordinate relationships, where those who spoke loudly were always right, and those who remained silent were like "air," and that he couldn't fit in. He then asked, "Don't you feel like people who can't fit in are automatically assumed to be unmotivated? But I think those are the people who are really observant. Isn't that true for you too, Kikuchi-san?"
Asano pointed out that although Haruka wasn't part of the class group, she observed her surroundings more than anyone else and "noticed things that you wouldn't notice unless you were paying close attention," and encouraged her by saying, "Doesn't that probably mean you're included in the group? That's right. Absolutely."
Asano's words saved Haruka from isolation and gave her the opportunity to open up to her classmates.
On social media, comments included: "Episode 2 was so good. Asano-sensei is such a great teacher," "I cried," "I really like Asano-sensei for noticing that Haruka-chan was 'observing closely' and telling her that," "Tears welled up at Asano-sensei's gaze as he gently watched over the often isolated Haruka without judgment," "I love Asano-sensei's supportive gaze," and "Takumi Kitamura suits hopeful roles like Asano-sensei."
