High-profile actress Takashi Akari will take on the lead role in the upcoming NHK continuous TV drama "Bakebake," which is set to begin airing this fall. On March 4, 2025, NHK announced new cast members for the highly anticipated series, focusing on the people of Matsue, where the story is set.
The late-term continuous TV novel, marking NHK's 113th installation, will feature Takashi as Matsuno Toki, the story's protagonist. The tale is inspired by Setsu Koizumi, the daughter of a fallen samurai family and the wife of Lafcadio Hearn. The drama will portray Toki's struggles and triumphs against the backdrop of the rapid modernization of Japan during the Meiji era, capturing the essence of individuals who love ghost stories and face the challenges of changing times.
The new cast includes noteworthy actors such as Ichiro Chikura, Wan Marui, Honami Satou, and Shiro Sano, all contributing to Toki's story. Ichiro Chikura will portray Ginjiro Yamanouchi, Toki's arranged marriage partner, marking his first participation in morning drama.
Chikura shared his excitement, stating, "Having worked primarily on period dramas until now, I find this setting remarkable since it is my first time portraying stories from the Meiji period. The evolution of society amid rapid modernization and the stark contrasts with previous values paint the atmosphere of the early Meiji era. It's inspiring to read through the script with such depth, and I hope to depict my character well, who is depicted as sincere and sensitive to his surroundings."
Wan Marui has been cast as Sawa Nozu, Toki's childhood friend and spirited ally. Marui expressed her personal connection to the story, stating she hopes to convey to viewers the importance of being oneself and the struggles we all face.
"Sawa is someone who is strong-willed and straightforward toward her friend Toki. We all encounter moments where our aspirations might become burdens. I aim to share with the audience the message: you are enough as you are,” she said. Her character, born to a former lower-ranking samurai family yet harboring dreams for stability, navigates the turbulent times alongside Toki.
Honami Satou will portray Nami, the daughter of farmers and the eldest among eight siblings who turns to prostitution to support her family. Satou emphasized her excitement about being part of this meaningful project, sharing, "The script suggests there is nothing happening, yet I've found so many happenings and emotions embedded within! I feel honored to be part of 'Bakebake' and see so much tension among the characters, making it relatable to everyone."
Lastly, Shiro Sano, hitting the airwaves for the first time, will take on the role of Eto, the governor of Shimane Prefecture. Sano, coming from Matsue, spoke passionately about the character and his deep connection to the region. "I feel thrilled to play the governor, who desires to bring Shimane to greater heights and nurture the youth with proper English education through resources like imported teachers to help pave their future," he said.
Sano reflected on his role's historical significance, mentioning his feelings of accountability as someone closely associated with Matsue. He noted the unique relationship between Hearn and Koizumi's Setsu, who are pivotal to the story. He is dedicated to portraying this character with passion and sensitivity, committed to enlivening the spirit of the story through Eto's character.
Following the revelations about cast participation, Takashi, feeling unusually connected to her fellow cast members, exclaimed, "When I learned about my co-stars, I couldn't believe it—I always wished to work alongside them! It genuinely feels like fate and gives me immense comfort and excitement for our upcoming filming sessions!"
Overall, "Bakebake" promises to be more than just another historical drama. With its historical depth and cultural illumination, the series is positioned to provide viewers with both entertainment and introspection on the evolution of societal norms during one of Japan's most pivotal eras. The intertwining of fictionalized experiences with real historical figures will surely captivate audiences and echo through time as we explore their story and those of others around them.
Fans can look forward to the series, beautiful and reflective of the real and imagined experiences of those who walked similar paths as Matsuno Toki. The anticipation builds as "Bakebake" moves closer to its premiere on NHK later this year.