The 52nd episode of the NHK Asadora drama series "Kaze,Kaoru " (NHK General, Monday-Saturday 8:00 AM, etc.), starring Ai Mikami and Juri Kosaka , aired on Getsuku, and viewers were captivated by the "change" in Shimaken (Masaya Sano).
In the 51st episode (aired June 8th), an article written by Shimaken, an aspiring novelist, was published in the newspaper. It was about Setsu (Murakami Honoka), a prostitute patient under the care of Rin (Mikami) and Naomi (Uesaka). Although the name Yuunagi was changed to Yuugao, anyone who read the article would recognize it as Setsu. Rin expressed her anger, saying, "Something much worse might happen to Yuunagi."
In episode 52, contrary to Rin's concerns, many readers who read the article written by Shimaken sympathized with Setsu. Encouraging gifts began arriving one after another at Setsu's hospital room.
Around that time, Shimaken was summoned by the newspaper's editor-in-chief, Watanuki (played by Kazushige Komatsu), who praised him, saying, "The article about Yugao has received a great response, with many saying it's moving. As expected of someone aspiring to be a novelist." Shimaken was confused, saying, "But that was a mix of fact and fiction..." but Watanuki confirmed, "Isn't that what made it popular? A little exaggeration like that is not a problem. You changed the name, so you didn't lie. It's important to bring the distortion of the red-light district to the attention of society. Are you scared?"
He continued, "I got scared when I realized that people and society were actually being moved by the words I wrote. A sincere young man of literature. If you can't even write one article like this, how can you write a novel? You're going to expose yourself as a person, aren't you?" Shimaken looked determined and clenched his fists tightly.
The episode ended with Shimaken sitting at his desk, his face serious, as he wrote.
On social media, comments included: "Has Shimaken finally awakened?", "Shimaken's expression has changed—a newfound resolve as an artist", "Something about his face is different", "His heart wavered, but he's made up his mind", "Has he made up his mind to be a writer?", "He has a look on his face like he's made a decision, like he's carrying a heavy burden, and it makes my heart ache", "I have a feeling we'll see a new side of Shimaken", and "What will he write about this time?"
