The third episode of the NTV drama series "Tsukiyo Koro - The Answer Lies in Masterpieces -" (Wednesdays at 10 PM), starring actresses Haru and Kumiko Aso, aired on April 22nd. In this episode, actress Machiko Higashikaze, who also works under the stage name "Hitomi Manaka," appeared as Makiko, the vice president of a jewelry shop, which garnered attention on social media.
◇The following contains spoilers.
In episode 3, Ryoko (Aso) searches for her college sweetheart, Kazuto (Ryuto Sakuma), but the only clues she has are that he "lives in Osaka," "inherited his parents' business," and "his last name is Sato." Following Luna's (Haru) advice, she uses old phone books to visit every single "Sato" in Osaka, but to no avail.
Meanwhile, the two visit "Jewelry Sato" at the foot of Tsutenkaku Tower. The shop is run by metal engraver Tatsuo (Makiya Yamaguchi) and his successor Shinichi (Yoji Iwase). Luna orders a brooch with a "black lizard" motif, inspired by an Edogawa Ranpo work set in Tsutenkaku Tower.
However, that night, a murder occurs at the store. Furthermore, 3 million yen, which was supposed to have been stolen, is found in Tatsuo's bag, and he becomes a suspect in the murder...and so the story unfolds.
In this episode, Luna and Ryoko visit "Jewelry Sato" to order a brooch when the president, Munehisa Sato (Tsuyoshi Nakano), and his wife, Vice President Makiko, appear. When Makiko learns that Luna ordered a black lizard brooch, she replies, "A black lizard! That's Edogawa Ranpo, isn't it? I love it too," and leaves. Shortly after, a murder occurs at the shop. Luna's deductions reveal that the crime was committed by Makiko in collusion with Takeno (Jun Hasegawa), a jewel wholesaler.
On social media, Higashikaze's appearance became a hot topic. Comments such as "Is Higashikaze Machiko actually Manaka Hitomi!", "The president's wife is the former Manaka Hitomi!", "I thought I'd seen Higashikaze Machiko somewhere before," "I thought I'd seen this beautiful person somewhere before...it's Manaka Hitomi!", "I'm from the generation that still thinks 'It's Manaka Hitomi!' when I see Higashikaze Machiko," and "She's such a mature beauty!" were posted, all mentioning her former stage name, "Manaka Hitomi," creating a buzz.
