The fifth episode of Fuji TV's Wednesday 10pm drama "If This World Were a Stage, Where Would the Dressing Room Be?" (Wednesdays at 10pm), written by Koki Mitani and starring Masaki Suda, aired on October 29th. The episode featured a scene in which WS Theatre dancer Koda Rika (Nikaido Fumi) asked director Kube Mitsunari (Suda) for a back hug, which sparked a stir on social media.
◇The following contains spoilers.
In episode 5, a meeting is held at the WS Theater on the opening day of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." After stage director Ban Sakusa (played by Toru Nomaguchi) explains the schedule for the day, Kube loudly declares, "The Kube Theater Company is launching," and the hall erupts in cheers.
Meanwhile, Egashira Ronpei (Bando Yajuro), the priest of Hachibun Shrine, and Juri (Hamabe Minami) arrive at the WS Theater to perform an exorcism. Ronpei grins as he sees Rika pass by in front of him, while Juri is disgusted by the sight of her father.
An altar was then set up on the stage of the WS Theater, and the purification ritual began. In the serene silence, Hisabe gazed upon the stage with extraordinary emotion... and so it unfolded.
In the story, after completing the exorcism, Hisabe visits Rika in her room. Before the performance begins, Hisabe encourages Rika by saying, "A fresh feeling. That's what's important. I know you can do it," and as he prepares to leave, Rika mutters, "If you're going to do it, make me feel more at ease." When Hisabe asks, "What should I do?", Rika, holding a lit cigarette, demands, "For example... I could hug you from behind." With a nervous expression, Hisabe awkwardly embraces Rika from behind and asks, "Is this okay?" Rika replies, "Well, it's fine," as she pulls away.
On social media, Nikaido's portrayal of Rika was met with comments such as "Rika is too sexy," "Rika is incredibly sexy," "Nikaido Fumi is skilled at playing sexy women from the Showa era," and "Rika's sex appeal is incredible...it makes my heart race," attracting a lot of attention.
