The 55th 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 June 12th, and the preview for the 12th week, "Departure," which was released after the main episode, attracted the attention of viewers.
In episode 55, plans to establish a nursing department at Teito Medical University Hospital were underway. The hospital director, Tada (Michitaka Tsutsui), informed Burns (Emma Howard) that the hospital would no longer accept trainees from the Umeoka Nursing School, and that this was a done deal. Consequently, the school was to be closed due to the uncertain future prospects...and so the story unfolded.
In the preview for week 12, which was released after the broadcast, Rin's childhood friend Kotaro (Toranosuke Kobayashi) makes a long-awaited appearance. Kotaro, dressed in Western attire with a suit and hat, visits Rin's house, and Rin's eyes widen as she exclaims, "Kotaro?"
Kotaro was born in the same village as Rin and is the eldest son of the Takeuchi family, who were formerly foot soldiers. While Rin was living in Nasu, the two had feelings for each other, but after Rin's father, Shin'emon ( Kazuki Kitamura), died of cholera, Rin married into the Okuda family. Kotaro helped Rin escape to Tokyo after she ran away from her husband, Kamekichi (played by Takahiro Miura).
This will be Kotaro's first appearance since episode 20 (aired April 24th). The two haven't seen each other since he helped Rin return to Nasu to bring back Tamaki, who had been kidnapped by Kamegichi.
Kotaro's reappearance with a completely changed look has sparked comments on social media such as, "Kotaro's coming next week!", "I'm so happy I could dance with joy!", "Kotaro!!!! What's with that outfit?! Did it work out?!", "Kotaro's image has changed so much!", "He's dressed in Western clothes, he's like a different person!", "He's become a modern boy!", "I've been waiting for this!!! He's so cool!", "Is there a love triangle between Shimaken, Rin-san, and Kotaro?", "Is Shimaken in big trouble?", and "I hope Kotaro's unwavering feelings since childhood will be reciprocated."
