The TBS drama series Kujaku no Dance, Dare ga Mita? aired its final episode on March 28, 2025, leaving viewers captivated by its intricate plot and emotional depth. The show, which has garnered significant attention over its run, features a compelling narrative centered around a daughter’s quest for truth following her father's tragic death.
Prior to the series launch, a special preview episode titled Midokoro Daikokai SP showcased a conversation between lead actors Suzu Hirose and Lily Franky. The two have shared the screen in notable projects such as the film Umimachi Diary and the morning drama Natsuzora. Their rapport extends beyond the screen, with Franky expressing a deep respect for Hirose’s acting skills, an aspect that resonated with fans.
In a humorous moment during the preview, Franky quipped about his character dying 'the fastest in history' within the first episode. This self-deprecating humor set the tone for a series that balanced light-hearted moments with intense drama.
The ninth episode revealed shocking twists, identifying Kyoko Akazawa, played by Naomi Nishida, as the true culprit behind the heinous acts, with Narukawa (Kyoko Maya) as her accomplice. The final episode delves into the Higashikariya Mountain incident, where Uta Hayashikawa, portrayed by Hirose, is left to grapple with the aftermath of her family's massacre and the mystery surrounding her father Haruo's (Lily Franky) death.
Haruo, who was investigating the truth behind the Higashikariya incident, discovered the complex relationship between Yasunari (Noguchi Tsuyoshi) and Kyoko, as well as the wrongful accusation of Rikiya Tono (Akinobu Sakata). The narrative takes a dark turn when Kyoko, fearing the consequences of Haruo's findings, drugs him with sleeping pills and sets their home ablaze, a pivotal moment that underscores the lengths to which she would go to protect her family.
In a poignant twist, Haruo's regrets about wrongly accusing Rikiya haunt him until his last moments. He yearned to be a proud father to Kokumugi, and in a touching scene, she receives his smartphone through Akazawa. This device held a video recorded on Christmas Day, meant as a heartfelt gift for Kokumugi, capturing Haruo's gratitude and love.
Hirose, reflecting on her role as Kokumugi, shared her emotional journey throughout the series. "It was truly challenging to portray her, especially as the story unfolded and the layers of her character were revealed. I often found myself deeply immersed in her struggles and victories," she said during an interview.
The show, based on the popular manga by Rito Asami, has been a significant success, even ranking fourth in the 'This Manga is Amazing! 2024' list. The story, serialized in the monthly magazine Kiss, revolves around a daughter determined to uncover the truth behind her father's murder on Christmas Eve, using a letter left behind as her guide.
The cast, featuring notable actors such as Kento Hayashi as Yoshitaka Matsukaze, a lawyer assisting Kokumugi, and Yuto Isomura as Takashi Kami, a journalist pursuing the story, has been praised for their performances. The supporting cast, including Win Morisaki, Toshie Negishi, and Noriko Iriyama, added depth to the narrative, making it a well-rounded production.
In the final episode, Hirose's character confronts Kyoko in a tense scene where the latter wields a kitchen knife, a moment that encapsulates the series' emotional stakes. Hirose noted that filming this scene was particularly impactful, as it was shot in a long, continuous take, allowing her to convey genuine emotions.
"The filming process was unique; I felt as if I was experiencing the story alongside the viewers. It was a rare opportunity to express real emotions in such an intense environment," Hirose remarked.
The finale also features the titular 'peacock dance,' a scene that beautifully intertwines the characters' emotions, expressed not just through dialogue but also through their eyes, creating a visually stunning climax to the series.
As the credits rolled on Kujaku no Dance, Dare ga Mita?, fans were left reflecting on the complex themes of truth, family, and sacrifice that permeated the series. Hirose's portrayal of Kokumugi has resonated with audiences, making her journey a memorable aspect of the show.
In a world where crime dramas often focus solely on the action, this series has stood out by emphasizing the emotional journeys of its characters, making it a poignant exploration of human relationships against the backdrop of tragedy. The final episode not only wrapped up the mystery but also offered a moment of catharsis for viewers who had followed Kokumugi's journey from the beginning.
As the curtain falls on this gripping tale, it’s clear that Kujaku no Dance, Dare ga Mita? has left an indelible mark on its audience, blending suspense with heartfelt storytelling in a way that will be remembered long after the last scene fades to black.
