The fifth episode of the NHK Asadora drama series "Kaze,Kaoru " (NHK General, Monday-Saturday 8:00 AM, etc.), starring Ai Mikami and Juri Kosaka , aired on April 3rd, and the first appearance of Sutematsu Oyama, played by Mikako Tabe, became a hot topic among viewers.
The fifth episode begins with a glimpse of the lavish wedding reception of Lady Oyama Sutematsu, also known as the "Flower of the Rokumeikan," and Oyama Iwao (Masahiro Takashima). Naomi (Uesaka), reading a newspaper article about it, learns that Sutematsu was sent to America as a child and lived there for 10 years, becoming more fluent in English and French than Japanese, and begins to take an interest in America.
One day, Sutematsu and Iwao were visiting Nasu in Tochigi Prefecture. As Sutematsu rode in the carriage, she saw some children and said, "These children... they're just like the ones I saw when I was in Aizu." Iwao replied, "It's a poor area, isn't it? So there aren't many children attending school yet." Sutematsu then murmured in English, "My dream is to build a girls' school. And one more thing."
As Rin (Mikami) was walking down the street, she nearly got hit by the carriage and fell. Sutematsu got out of the carriage and asked, "Are you hurt?" and treated Rin's injury. Rin said, "I'm sorry. I'm fine, I'm fine," but Sutematsu said, "Yes, cleanliness is important. You must be careful about tetanus," and wrapped a clean handkerchief around the wound. Rin involuntarily let out a sigh, "What a waste... such a beautiful..." but Sutematsu said, "Here, take it. Goodbye," and left.
According to the program's official website, Sutematsu is described as "a noblewoman who symbolized the era, known as the 'Flower of the Rokumeikan,' and who has a profound influence on the lives of Rin and Naomi."
On social media, comments included: "Mikako Tabe is back in the Asadora!", "Sutematsu is just so cute", "Sutematsu is too beautiful", "I think Tabe-chan is perfect for the role of Sutematsu", "Mikako Tabe is incredibly strong, going from traitor to lady, and her character is so distinctive", "This looks like it's going to be a fateful encounter", "She talks like Professor Heaven", and "Her broken Japanese reminded me of Professor Heaven".
