In a dramatic twist that has captivated audiences, actress Keiko Kitagawa has taken to social media to clarify misconceptions surrounding her new role in the Fuji TV drama "From the Day I Stole You." The show, which aired its second episode on April 28, 2025, has sparked significant viewer interest and discussion due to its sensitive subject matter involving a mother's loss and quest for revenge.
Kitagawa, who plays the lead role of Ui Nakagoe, a mother who lost her daughter in a tragic food poisoning incident, expressed her emotional struggle in portraying such a challenging character. In a post on her X (formerly Twitter) account on April 27, she addressed concerns from viewers about the intense nature of her role. "I often receive questions such as, 'Isn't it hard to play this role when you actually have children?' It certainly uses a lot of power. It's been over three months since filming started, and I feel like I'm gradually losing weight like a stone," she wrote.
The drama's premise revolves around Nakagoe's harrowing journey after her daughter, Akari, dies from anaphylactic shock caused by shrimp in a pizza from the food company YUKI Foods, which had not listed the ingredient on its label. This tragic event leads Nakagoe to kidnap Moka, the daughter of the company's president, as she grapples with her grief and guilt over her daughter's death.
In her earlier posts, Kitagawa acknowledged the emotional toll of the story, stating, "I think there are people who think it's painful to do a work like this because there are children. I have a four-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son. I read the script and understood the content before accepting the role. I felt the importance of how irreplaceable children are and the need to protect them with love."
As the series progresses, Kitagawa warned viewers that the narrative would take unexpected turns. "What I want to say here is that this work is not a story where children die from allergies. It is a story about a mother who lost her child due to an accident and is trying to live somehow, sometimes making mistakes, sometimes stumbling. Please be careful because the developments after the second episode will be different from what you all imagine," she cautioned.
The first episode, which aired on April 21, 2025, achieved an impressive average household viewership rating of 6.0% in the Kanto region, according to Video Research. The show also garnered 541,000 favorite registrations on the streaming service TVer by April 24, indicating a strong start for the series.
Kitagawa's performance has been met with critical acclaim, with viewers praising her ability to convey the deep emotional pain of a mother grappling with loss. Many comments on social media reflected a strong connection with her character, highlighting the relatable nature of her struggles. "I cried too much. The feelings of regret from the mother and the sense of loss and despair at the happiness that was just there—Kitagawa's acting was so good that I felt it too," one viewer commented.
Meanwhile, the show has also seen its share of controversy. Some viewers have expressed concerns over the dramatic choices made by the characters, particularly Nakagoe's decision to kidnap Moka. Critics have questioned the believability of her actions and whether they resonate with real-life parental instincts. Kitagawa's acknowledgment of these concerns in her posts has sparked further discussion about the ethical implications of the storyline.
In addition to Kitagawa's compelling performance, the supporting cast has also received positive feedback. The character of Akira Ketsuki, played by Nanto Omori, adds layers to the story as the president of YUKI Foods, who faces public backlash following the incident that led to Nakagoe's tragic loss.
As the drama unfolds, viewers remain eager to see how Nakagoe's story develops. The complex themes of grief, guilt, and the lengths a parent will go to for their child resonate deeply with audiences, making "From the Day I Stole You" a significant addition to the current TV landscape.
With the second episode now aired, fans are left wondering what further twists lie ahead for Nakagoe and her quest for justice. Kitagawa's heartfelt communication with her audience demonstrates her commitment to the role and the sensitive material she is tackling.
As the show progresses, it will be interesting to see how it balances the intense emotional narrative with the expectations of its viewers, who are clearly invested in Nakagoe's journey.
