The historical drama “Hikaru Kimi e” (NHK), starring Yoshitaka Yuriko, tells the life of Murasaki Shikibu (her name in the drama is Shinhiro), the author of the Heian period novel “The Tale of Genji”. In the 36th episode “The Long-awaited Day” broadcast on September 22, Shinhiro’s middle priest Akiko finally gave birth to a prince. Social media was particularly excited about the chaotic scene at the birth and Fujiwara Michinaga’s indecent behavior during the celebration (the following contains spoilers).
■ Akiko gave birth to Prince Ducheng… Synopsis of Episode 36
The middle priest Naoko (Mikami Ai), who is pregnant with Emperor Ichijo’s (Shiono Hidehisa) child, trusts Mahiro more than anyone else, and even secretly receives instruction on Chinese classics. Akiko’s mother Minamoto Rinko (Kuroki Haru) also thanks Mahiro for changing her daughter. As Akiko’s birth approaches, Fujiwara Michinaga (Emoto Tasuku) asks Mahiro to keep the birth record separate from the official record. Akiko goes to Tsuchimikado Palace to give birth, and gives birth to Prince Atsuhira in an unusual atmosphere, causing a fuss in Yorijo.
From episode 36. Akiko is expecting her first child (Ai Mikami) (C) NHK
At the 50-day ceremony held at Tsuchimono-den, Fujiwara Kaneto (Keita Machida) asked Mahiro, “Wakamurasaki, can you come?” I will not have a noble lord, and neither will Wakamurasaki. Immediately afterwards, Mahiro, who was ordered to compose music for Michinaga, sent a congratulatory song, and Michinaga immediately responded with a song, causing a commotion in the atmosphere. Rinko left the scene, and Akazome Emon (Kaname Oki) asked Mahiro about her relationship with Michinaga…
■ In the spectacular nativity scene, the stock price rises
Akiko, who finally tied the knot with Emperor Ichijo last week, is pregnant this week! (By the way, the “flower leaves” that caused Akiko’s morning sickness seem to have a refreshing lotus scent.) However, since it was her first time giving birth, it was quite difficult… Thanks to the “Murasaki Shikibu Diary” commissioned by the Taoist priest, we can learn more about it. The birth scene has been recreated for the 36th time, and the scene is spectacular.
From episode 36. Mahiro (Yuriko Yoshitaka) and his friends chant sutras continuously (C) NHK
There was a time when everything related to human health was actually dependent on God, not medical care. The same was true during childbirth, with the monks and attendants chanting and the possessed Irissa going crazy, causing Akiko to give birth to her first child in a chaotic environment.
On social media, people expressed their sympathy for Akiko, saying, “This is one of the most spectacular childbirth scenes in the history of Taiga TV dramas,” “The most uncomfortable childbirth environment in the world,” “It’s noisy, there are a lot of people, it’s stuffy, it may be smelly, and it’s difficult for a great person to give birth to a great person.” A row of voices lined up.
From episode 36. Curse Fujiwara Isami (Shohei Miura) (C) NHK
In Hikaru Kimi e, the reason why Yoriza was possessed by a monster was explained as the work of Fujiwara Isao (played by Shohei Miura), who never learned how to hold a grudge against Michinaga. Ishu opened his eyes wide and continued to curse, saying, “This is a Heian Jujutsu Battle!” “Really, this Taiga is playing Jujutsu Kaisen every time.” There is no talent for cursing, and he is thinking about other things, such as “You should re-skill a person” and “I want the narration commentary of Abe Haruaki (Yusuke Santa Maria)”.
From episode 36. Yoriza is possessed by a monster and goes berserk (C) NHK
However, perhaps because Michinaga’s half-brother Fujiwara Michitsuna (played by Kamichi Yusuke) read the sutra late, the ghost was dispelled and the prince was born. In support of Michitsuna, he said, “With the help of Michitsuna, the wind has slightly exceeded the power of the curse of His Highness Ishu, so you can do it, right?” and “Finally,” Do your best, my niece! “Michitsuna-kun is the conscience of this drama,” “Even if some people criticize him for being powerless, he is a kind person who can extend his hands to Michinaga and Akiko-“Sir.” The stock that fell due to Mahiro’s attempt to crawl at night has been successfully recovered.
From episode 36. Fujiwara no Michitsugu (Ueji Yusuke) who was late for the sutra chanting (C) NHK
■ This song is improvised, which is a historical fact… The script is clever and creates a “flavor”
For Michinaga, the birth of his first grandson was a personal matter, but when the daughter of the Emperor’s chief priest gave birth to a prince, it was like gaining a big business partner with a promising future. Perhaps Michinaga-kun let his guard down at the height of his public and private life and ended up exchanging songs with Masahiro in front of a large crowd.
It is true that Michinaga and Murasaki Shikibu improvised a song that day, which meant “I want to see the prosperity of young people last forever.” However, Shinhiro and Michinaga in “Kwang-kun e” were unconscious acts of “smelling”.
From episode 36. Surprised by the songs of Shinjiro (Yuriko Yoshitaka) and Michinaga (Tasuku Emoto) (C) NHK
On SNS, “I asked Shinahiro to improvise a song and appealed to her tacitly, “Are you great with my woman?” Then he did something shocking, like they were singing a duet at karaoke in front of their legal wives.” “He read the song to her in front of everyone.” If you create such a positive atmosphere, Rinko-sama might also leave. “I used the plot of the drunken Michinaga, who sang Murasaki Shikibu’s song and immediately sang it again, as an opportunity to doubt the closeness between the two. “There are also comments blaming Michinaga for his carelessness, such as “It’s a really good script to be able to do this.” People are surprised at how well he uses the plot.
From episode 36. Rinko (Kuroki Haru) leaves the scene (C) NHK
The ending is that Akazomemon has been loyal to Rinko-sama for many years, and even bought out Shinhiro, asking him “What is the truth?” Even with such a gripping ending, some people commented, “Akasoemon has a deep attainment in poetry and understands the subtleties of men and women.” “I feel that things are about to unfold, and I’m happy.” “It’s coming!” “Rinko found that the handwriting in “The Tale of Genji” matches the handwriting in “The Tale of Genji”. What will happen if it happens?” and other terrifying words appeared one after another. In the letter that Michinaga treasured all his life? “
From episode 36. Akazome Emon (Oki Kaname) asks Mahiro about her relationship with Michinaga (C) NHK
I felt the tenacity of the director and staff, who recreated everything written in Murasaki Shikibu’s diary, from birth to the 50th-day ceremony, down to the tiniest detail.
What’s more, they’re laying disturbing mines everywhere. When will they explode? This episode really gave the audience that sense of excitement, and the service really made you think, “I’ll go this far.” How will Mahiro answer Akazomemon next week? And what will be the result of Ishu’s curse? Until next week, I feel nervous when I think about it…
◇
“Hikaru Kimi e” starts every Sunday at 8 pm on NHK General, 6 pm on NHKBS, and 12:15 pm on BSP4K. In episode 37 of “Hikaru Kimi e” aired on September 29, we will see how Akiko tries to create a gorgeous book based on the story written by Mahiro, and when Shoko gave birth to Emperor Ichijo’s son, the issue of succession to the throne, however, it is portrayed in chaos.
Text/Mikako Yoshinaga
