The 22nd episode of the NHK Taiga drama "BROTHERS IN ARMS （Toyotomi Brothers!）" (NHK General, Sundays at 8pm, etc.), starring actor Taiga Nakano, titled "Harima's Great Miscalculation," aired on June 7th, featuring the appearance of Ankokuji Ekei, played by Danshun Tachikawa.
"BROTHERS IN ARMS （Toyotomi Brothers!）" is the 65th Taiga drama. With Toyotomi Hidenaga (Koichiro) as the protagonist, it depicts the miraculous feat of unifying Japan together with his older brother Hideyoshi (Tokichiro) through their strong bond, a success story of dreams and hopes.
In episode 22, Murashige (Tortoise Matsumoto), who visited Azuchi Castle, was suspected of rebellion by Nobunaga (Shun Oguri) and interrogated.
Following Nobunaga's instructions, Murashige shoved one bun after another into his mouth, somehow managing to prove his innocence. He swore to Nobunaga that he would uncover the traitor, and just as he returned to Arioka Castle, Ekei arrived.
Ekei was a "diplomatic monk" who served warlords and was involved in peace negotiations. As an envoy of Mori Terumoto, he acted behind the scenes, bridging the gap between the Oda clan, who were invading western Japan.
This time, Ekei was brought by Nakagawa Kiyohide and Takayama Ukon, who serve the Araki family. He introduced himself to Murashige as "an envoy of my lord, Mori Terumoto," and tried to bring up a matter he had an important request for, but Murashige refused. Ekei then said, "It seems I've been a nuisance," and tried to leave immediately, but then whispered to Murashige, trying to unsettle him, "However, is Oda Nobunaga the kind of man who would easily forgive someone he has once doubted? I hope you don't misunderstand."
On social media, viewers reacted with comments such as, "The mysterious monk Ankokuji Ekei appears," "The dark high school girl is here!", "The mysterious monk of Mori has arrived!", and "Ankokuji Ekei suddenly appears before Araki Murashige." There were also comments like, "Ankokuji Ekei immediately whispers devilish things to Murashige," "This dark high school girl has a very dark vibe," and "This Ankokuji Ekei looks suspicious again," as well as comments like, "Master Danshun looks evil," "Danshun is scary lol," and "Danshun is perfect for the role."
