NHK has unveiled the cast for its upcoming 2025 period drama "Bakebake," set during Japan's Meiji era, with Akariko Takashi taking center stage as the protagonist, Toki Matsuno. The show will depict the life of the Matsuno family, who struggle to adapt after their status as samurai falls during the tumultuous modernization of Japan.
Alongside Takashi, seasoned actors Takashi Okabe and Chizuru Ikewaki have been cast as Toki's parents. Okabe portrays Toki's father, Sadrino Matsuno, and Ikewaki plays her mother, Fumi Matsuno, bringing depth to the family dynamics within the show. This casting marks Okabe's second turn as the heroine's father, following his role from past roles.
Set primarily in Matsue, the storyline follows Toki's adventures as she delves deep and shares her passion for ghost stories, illuminating the lives of forgotten individuals during the era's rapid westernization. The series intends to weave together dramatic narratives and exploration of family bonds throughout, facilitated by the characters' struggles and victories.
"I am thrilled to join the Matsuno family and the 'Bakebake' team as we share these stories for about a year," commented Akariko Takashi. She described her character as being surrounded by unique family members, including her lovable grandfather, supportive yet quirky parents, and the ultimate hope for family unity. The resilience embodied by Toki aims to resonate with viewers through her passionate adventures.
Okabe portrays Sadrino, who once boasted the status of a prominent samurai but now faces crippling poverty due to the loss of his previous life. Depicted as struggling to make ends meet, Sadrino's character is dynamic as he tries to care for his family to the best of his ability. "I’ve been fortunate to work with the cast of 'Bakebake' before, and I'm grateful for this opportunity to portray such a proud yet conflicted character," he expressed.
Chizuru Ikewaki plays Toki's mother, Fumi, who came from the prestigious lineage linked to Izumo Taisha. Fumi possesses familiarity with local folklore and ghosts and imparts rich tales, nurturing Toki's love for storytelling. "Returning to morning dramas after over 20 years brings me excitement mixed with concern for how I'll maintain my stamina!" she jokingly remarked, supplementing her remarks with praise for the show's light-heartedness.
The grandfather role is filled by veteran actor Bunsei Koshinata, known for his impressive history with NHK dramas. Koshinata portrays Kanemoto Matsuno, the last samurai, who believes it is his destiny to protect Japan even as the world around him drastically shifts. He shared his joy at being part of this project and expressed fondness for the character and role he portrays. "It’s always fascinating to revisit my samurai roots, but this time with the added challenge of playing figurehead to my beloved granddaughter, Toki."
With the combination of humor, drama, and rich cultural elements from the Meiji era, 'Bakebake' aims to capture the essence of the familial ties and transformations faced during this transformative period. The full series is set to air on NHK starting Fall 2025, promising to engage and captivate audiences with its delightful storytelling and character explorations.