Commentary:"Bakeke" Kuma role played by Touha Natsume, a 21-year-old "almost newcomer," brightens up the Kumamoto episode with boundless cheerfulness

Takaishi Akari plays the heroine in the NHK morning drama "Bakeke" (General TV, Monday to Saturday 8:00 AM and others). The "Kumamoto arc" begins from the 20th week, with Natsume Towa appearing as Kuma, a maid for the Matsuno household. What is the appeal of this "almost newcomer"? Let's explore this through comments from Chief Producer Hashizume Kuniomi, who is in charge of production.

Kuma is a hard worker who supports Toki (Takaishi) and his family's life in Kumamoto on his own, but sometimes he tries too hard... Natsume is 21 years old and was born on June 14, 2004, in Saitama Prefecture. She played the role of Sarah of the "Toyoko Kids" in the Fuji TV drama "Shinjuku Field Hospital" which will air in July 2024, and has also appeared in the currently released film "Love Trial".

Furthermore, in the popular drama series "So, You Make It" (TBS), which aired in October last year, she played the role of the girlfriend of Maehara Mizuki, who also appeared in "Bakeke", and despite her brief appearance she captured the hearts of viewers, with comments such as "It suits you" and "She's cute and definitely a nice person".

"Bakeke" is nearing the end, and it must have been difficult for him to join the story as a new "family member" at this point.

Hashizume expressed his gratitude to the cast, saying, "Everyone, both in and out of the studio, was considerate so that someone who joined midway through the show could become part of the family." He also praised Natsume, who has a freshness and lively brightness, saying, "He's friendly, frank, and talkative. He's loved by everyone, and Kuma is very popular among the staff. Even when he first appeared, he immediately started fighting with Tsukasasuke (Okabe Takashi), and I really got the impression that he's a really good kid."

Natsume himself said that when he was chosen to play the role of Kuma, he felt great joy, saying, "I was so happy that my 'happy meter' short-circuited and I remained calm. It was only after a while that the shock and happiness finally welled up inside me."

She explained that even though Kuma appears to be "angry" with Tsukasasuke and the other Matsuno family members, "he is a dedicated child who is full of love for everyone." She continued, "He's not angry because he's angry, but because he has a strong sense of duty as a maid. His sulky expression is also because he wants to be of help to these people so strongly, so I hope that this comes across to the viewers. When no one is looking, he also has a happy side, humming "fufufu" as he works."

She also said, "Please look forward to the Matsuno family becoming even more lively. Just as I was warmly welcomed, Kuma has also been warmly welcomed into the Matsuno family, so I think everyone watching will be able to start their day with a little more kindness. I'll do my best in the Kumamoto episode too!" and there's no doubt that Natsume's boundless cheerfulness will add color to the Kumamoto episode.