The fifth episode of the drama series "Galaxy Vote" (Kansai TV/Fuji TV, Mondays at 10 PM), starring actress Haru Kuroki, aired on May 18th. Shishido Kavka, who appeared as Hotaru Kumoi, the former mayor of Nishitama, received great praise from viewers, with comments such as "She suits the role of a politician" and "She's perfect for the part."
◇The following contains spoilers.
Shishido plays Hotaru, who, two years ago, won the mayoral election by a large margin against the incumbent and the ruling party's endorsed candidate, despite being an unknown independent newcomer. Her catchphrase was "I'm gonna beat them!", and she was affectionately known as "Beat-the-Beat-the-Beat Hotaru". However, she resigned after only one year, citing "poor health," and disappeared from the political world.
In episode 5, Mari (Kuroki) and Akari (Noro Kayo) tried to persuade Hotaru to join "Team Akari." However, Hotaru refused, saying, "I've stopped doing that. I'm not going to sacrifice myself and my family for the sake of others." On the other hand, she also revealed that there are moments when she wants to return to politics.
That night, Hotaru was listening to Maki Ohguro's song "Aa" all by herself.
"I still want to fulfill my dream. I don't want it to end like this. The reality in front of me is too harsh, but I'll take one more gamble."
The lyrics resonated with my current feelings, as I still harbored lingering attachments to the political world, and tears naturally welled up in my eyes. Just then, my son, Yota (played by Yuzuki Yamamoto), came to see me in his pajamas.
When Yota asked, "Are you scared of Mommy?", and Hotaru replied, "No," he suddenly ran out the front door. Soaked in the rain, Yota shouted, "I'll beat her up! I'll beat her up!" as if to encourage Hotaru.
The next day, encouraged by Yota, Hotaru went to the "Team Akari" office. Looking at the photo of Ryusei (Kohei Matsushita) announcing his candidacy for governor of Tokyo, which was posted on the whiteboard, she declared, "I'm gonna beat him!" This delighted Mari and the others.
Social media was buzzing with comments like, "Shishido Kafka is so cool. She suits the role of a politician," "Only Shishido Kafka could play such a cool role," "'I'm gonna knock you out!' suits Shishido Kafka perfectly," and "Shishido Kafka's presence is incredible, I feel like I could win somehow."
The drama is an "election entertainment" story in which Mari Hoshino scouts Akari Tsukioka, a bar owner with no political experience, to be her election strategist, and together they take on the Tokyo gubernatorial election.
