On March 28, 2025, the final episode of the TBS drama "Kujaku no Dance, Who's Watching?" starring actress Suzu Hirose aired, revealing the intricate details of the Higashikozan incident and leaving viewers in shock.
The series, based on Rito Asami's manga of the same name, follows Kokoro Yamashita (played by Hirose), whose father, a former police officer named Haruki Yamashita (played by Lily Franky), was murdered on Christmas Eve. As Kokoro delves deeper into the mystery surrounding her father's death, she discovers a hidden letter with the word "false charge," igniting her quest for truth.
The narrative intertwines two cases: the present murder of her father and the 22-year-old Higashikozan incident, where the Hayakawa family was brutally murdered. In a shocking twist, it is revealed that Uta Hayakawa was the sole survivor of this tragic event. Detective Tadashi Akazawa (played by Takashi Fujimoto) and his wife Kyoko (played by Naomi Nishida) were pivotal in bringing Uta to Haruki, further complicating the story.
Kyoko had a child with Yasuaki Hayakawa (played by Kodo Nomura) during her separation from Akazawa, and that child was Uta. As the plot thickens, it becomes apparent that Yasuaki and his wife Ritsuko were on the verge of divorce. In a fit of rage, Ritsuko killed her children, prompting Yasuaki to murder her and stage the scene to look like a family suicide, with Kyoko's assistance.
When Haruki arrived at the scene, he moved Uta from the first floor to the second floor, which ultimately led to the arrest of Rikitaro Endo (played by Kyozo Mukai). Endo claimed the baby was on the first floor, raising suspicions about his guilt. As the story unfolds, Haruki attempts to reveal the truth to Kyoko, but she drugs him and kills him by setting him on fire.
The final episode brought to light the unexpected involvement of Kyoko in these tragic events. Viewers were left questioning why Haruki remained silent about the truth at such a critical moment. Reactions flooded social media, with many expressing disbelief and frustration over the twists. Comments like "This was too unexpected!" and "Why didn’t he speak up?" echoed across platforms, reflecting the audience's shock.
In an interview prior to the finale, Hirose shared her thoughts on the emotional weight of the story. She noted that the filming of a particularly intense scene was done in one long take, which provided a sense of realism and urgency to the performance. "I felt like I was able to deliver a real expression because it was a one-shot take," she explained, emphasizing the importance of capturing the raw emotions of the characters.
The final episode also showcased a pivotal moment where Kokoro confronts Kyoko, asking, "Are you the one who gave birth to me?" This confrontation reveals a depth of emotion as Kyoko admits her intention to end everything, leading to a climactic resolution of the intertwined fates of the characters.
As the series culminated, viewers were treated to a scene where Kokoro walks towards the jungle, symbolizing her determination to uncover the truth and embrace her destiny. "I believe in my father," she declares, while Matsukaze, played by Kento Matsuyama, assures her, "I will be your eyes." This powerful moment encapsulates the themes of trust and familial bonds that permeate the series.
The finale was not just a conclusion to the story but also a testament to the emotional journeys of the characters. As the credits rolled, Haruki's voice resonated, affirming his belief in Kokoro: "I believe in Kokoro." This poignant moment left viewers reflecting on the complexities of love, betrayal, and the quest for truth.
"Kujaku no Dance, Who's Watching?" has captivated audiences with its blend of suspense and emotional depth, making it a standout in the realm of Japanese drama. The interplay of past and present, along with the intricate character developments, has solidified its place in the hearts of many viewers.
As the series concludes, fans are left with a mixture of satisfaction and longing for more, eagerly awaiting the next project from the talented cast and crew. The show's ability to evoke such strong emotions and provoke thought will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on its audience.
In a world where truth can be elusive, "Kujaku no Dance, Who's Watching?" reminds us of the importance of seeking clarity and understanding, even in the most tangled of circumstances.
