Otei-san, the Wife in NHK Taiga Drama 'Berabou: Tsutajyu Eiga no Yume Banashi,' Garners Significant Attention

In the NHK Taiga Drama "Berabou: Tsutajyu Eiga no Yume Banashi," "Otei-san," who becomes the wife of the protagonist Tsutaya Juzaburo (Tsutajyu), is drawing significant attention. The latest episode, in particular, depicted the circumstances leading to her marriage with Tsutajyu and the delicate emotional portrayal of the characters involved, which has generated a considerable buzz on social media.

Otei-san is portrayed as a woman who, at first glance, seems rigid and has low self-esteem, yet possesses keen observational skills and a wealth of hidden knowledge. Her talent for weaving phrases from Chinese classics into her dialogue and creating her unique genealogical charts, dubbed "the genealogy of dignity (hin no keizu)," has led viewers to praise her as an "interesting woman." While she tends to be intimidated by the flamboyant world of Yoshiwara, Tsutajyu understands Otei-san's subtle efforts and hidden talents better than anyone. He proposed to her with words that deeply moved her: "You are the one and only wife I, for my own sake, discerned." This moving proposal scene has garnered widespread acclaim, with comments like "an incredibly good proposal" and "it made my heart flutter."

Meanwhile, the feelings of Kitagawa Utamaro, an irreplaceable figure to Tsutajyu, also captured the interest of many viewers. Utamaro's complex expression as he watched Tsutajyu and Otei-san unite drew numerous empathetic comments such as "heartbreaking" and "it made my chest ache." The portrayal of Utamaro grappling between wishing Tsutajyu happiness and his own special feelings for Tsutajyu moved viewers to tears. The theory that the episode's title, "Three Women," refers to Tsutajyu's mother Tsuyosan, his wife Otei-san, and Utamaro (who is even described as being in a "heroine position") has also become a hot topic.

As Tsutajyu and Otei-san begin their new married life, attention is now focused on how the relationship with Utamaro will evolve. Further interest is being drawn to the intricate human drama woven by the characters.

The Context

The article discusses the NHK Taiga Drama, an annual historical drama series produced by Japan's public broadcaster, NHK. These dramas typically focus on the lives of historical figures. The specific drama mentioned, "Berabou: Tsutajyu Eiga no Yume Banashi," centers on Tsutaya Juzaburo (Tsutajyu), a real historical figure (1750-1797) who was a highly influential publisher and producer during Japan's Edo period. He played a pivotal role in promoting popular culture, including ukiyo-e woodblock prints and literature.

Otei-san, Tsutajyu's wife in the drama, is likely a dramatized character, as historical records for the wives of commoners from that era are often sparse. Kitagawa Utamaro (1753-1806) is another key historical figure in the series. He was one of the most famous ukiyo-e artists of his time, renowned for his prints of beautiful women (bijin-ga) and actors. Utamaro had a significant professional and personal relationship with Tsutajyu, who published many of his iconic works. The mention of "Yoshiwara" refers to Edo's famous licensed pleasure district, which was not just a place of entertainment but also a vibrant cultural and artistic hub during the Edo period.