In the 40th episode (aired May 22nd) of the NHK Asadora drama series "Kaze,Kaoru " (NHK General, Monday-Saturday, 8:00 AM, etc.), Ai Mikami and Juri Kosaka , what scene captivated viewers the most? We examined the minute-by-minute changes in "attention level" (according to REVISIO, Kanto region, preliminary figures), which indicates the percentage of viewers glued to their screens, and found the peak was 75.1% at 8:07 AM. So, what scene was it that held such a high level of attention...?
" Kaze,Kaoru" is based on the story of two trained nurses, Chika Ozeki and Masa Suzuki, who graduated from the same nursing school. The drama depicts how these two women struggle with how to interact with patients and doctors, clash with each other, grow as individuals, and eventually become the "ultimate buddy duo." Mikami plays Rin Ichinose, and Uesaka plays Naomi Oya.
The data used is REVISIO's proprietary "Attention Level" index (Kanto region, preliminary figures), which surveys program and commercial viewing habits in 2,000 households in the Kanto region and 600 households in the Kansai region. A dedicated device equipped with a human recognition sensor constantly measures whether people are looking at the television screen, and calculates the percentage of people in front of the television who were paying close attention to the program.
◇Should I have surgery? - Princess Chikako
In episode 40, Rin (Mikami), having been told the truth by Chikako (Nakama Yukie), is troubled about what to do and consults with Ms. Burns (Emma Howard) and Naomi (Uesaka). Taking a leap of faith, Rin calls Chikako's husband, Motohiko (Tanida Ayumu), and learns a surprising truth. Meanwhile, at the Ichinose house, Shimaken (Sano Masaya) visits Mitsu (Mizuno Miki) and Yasu (Hayasaka Miharu) to deliver some good news.
The show's popularity remained high from start to finish, perhaps because episode 40, the final episode of the eighth week, saw significant progress in Chikako's struggle with breast cancer. Ratings exceeded 70% for a remarkable 10 minutes out of the 15 minutes. There were even 2 minutes in the 69% range, meaning that, except for the opening sequence where the theme song plays, the ratings were almost always above 70%, demonstrating a consistently high level of viewership.
◇ "Please have the surgery." The peak of the scene is when her husband, Motohiko, pleads with her.
After the opening credits rolled, viewership began to rise, reaching 69.8% at 8:03 AM when Rin, having heard Chikako's feelings, consulted with Dr. Burns and Naomi about what to do. Based on their opinions, Rin approached Chikako's husband, Motohiko (played by Ayumu Tanida), saying, "I need to talk to you about your wife," at 8:04 AM, where the viewership rose to 70.5%, the first time it had exceeded 70% that day. It was also around 8:04 AM that the surprising fact that Rin's father and Motohiko knew each other was revealed.
At 8:05 AM, when Rin and Motohiko began talking alone, the viewership rating dropped slightly to 69.4%, but rose to 73.5% at 8:06 AM when the conversation turned to Chikako's feelings. The viewership rating remained high, reaching its highest point of the day at 75.1% at 8:07 AM. It never dropped below 70% until the end of the episode.
8:07 AM marks the point where Motohiko rushes back to the hospital room after hearing Rin's story. As he enters the room, he bows his head and says, "Please, have the surgery." At first, Chikako replies, "I'm already..." but Motohiko continues to plead with her, "I want you to live for my sake, even if it's painful and difficult," and "I want to see it with you. Every day, every month, every year, the beautiful sunset sky." It was a memorable scene as Chikako's eyes gradually become red and teary.
At 8:08 a.m., when Chikako agreed to the surgery, saying, "There's no other way. I understand. I'll have the surgery," the approval rate was still at 72.4%, although it had dropped slightly.
◇Chikako asks Rin to be present during the surgery.
After that, the viewership remained in the 70% range, but it declined slightly until it suddenly jumped to 74.6% at 8:11 AM. The scene at 8:11 AM is when Rin visits Chikako's hospital room after her surgery has been scheduled. "You're quite talkative," Chikako says, looking like she wants to say something, to which Rin replies, "I was just saying that I was envious of the story you two told me about your wedding." Chikako then offers Rin the opportunity to be present during her surgery. "Watching my surgery will be a learning experience for you," Chikako says.
And finally, the viewership surged once more at 8:14 AM, reaching 73.2%. This was during a scene where seven nursing trainees were talking in the nurses' station after finishing their practical training. The conversation turned to Rin attending Chikako's surgery "for educational purposes," and at that moment, Rin and Naomi realized they might have been lied to. The 40th episode ended with Rin, worried, rushing to Chikako's hospital room.
The scenes at 8:11 AM and 8:14 AM both revolved around the topic of Rin attending the surgery. Was Chikako's request for Rin's presence truly solely for "educational" purposes? Even today, the thought of surgery is unsettling, but back then, when surgical procedures were not common, it would have been even more anxiety-inducing. Perhaps Chikako's earnest wish was simply to have someone she trusted, Rin, by her side. Judging from the level of attention it garnered from viewers, the "answer" to this topic will be revealed next week. (Text by Hiroki Sasamoto/MANTANWEB)
