NHK Taiga Drama 'Berabou: The Dream of Tsutaju's Glory' — Tsutaju's Wife, Otei, Steals the Show Leading the 'Sharaku Project'

In the NHK Taiga Drama 'Berabou: The Dream of Tsutaju's Glory,' Otei, the wife of the protagonist Tsutaya Juzaburo (Tsutaju), has been captivating viewers. Episode 45, in particular, was hailed as a 'divine episode' and 'the ultimate highlight' as she led the 'Sharaku Project' with her intelligence and passion, ultimately persuading the ukiyo-e artist Utamaro.

The story has reached a crucial juncture where Tsutaju, embroiled in a vendetta against the Hitotsubashi clan, launches the 'Sharaku Project' to spread the rumor of Gennai's survival. Tsutaju desperately wants Utamaro to participate in this project, but Utamaro, who had previously distanced himself, is reluctant. This is when Otei steps up.

Despite the pressing circumstances—her husband Tsutaju's life and the survival of Koshodo, the bookstore she manages—Otei speaks to Utamaro with 'the true feelings of a bookseller.' Her words, 'I long to see the art born from the karma and passion of two men, at the end of their intertwined fates,' transcended a mere business request. They conveyed a profound 'love' and 'craving' for the art created by Tsutaju, the producer, and Utamaro, the artist.

These words sparked an outpouring of praise on social media, with comments like 'Otei sent shivers down my spine,' 'the ultimate otaku,' 'she's a strategist,' and 'it was too intense.' Her passion, described as that of an 'ultimate fan' who yearns to see the ultimate art woven from her husband's talent and Utamaro's talent, moved the stubborn Utamaro and significantly advanced the Sharaku Project.

Viewers have lauded Otei, saying things like 'Tsutaju married such a wonderful person!' and 'Otei is truly amazing!' They are captivated by her charm as a supportive wife, a business partner, and, above all, a deep connoisseur of art. Actress Ai Hashimoto's performance has also received high praise for being 'perfect for the role' and for her 'powerful delivery of lines.' As the drama heads towards its climax, Otei's presence shines ever brighter.

The context

'Berabou: The Dream of Tsutaju's Glory' is the 63rd NHK Taiga Drama, an annual historical drama series produced by NHK. These dramas typically focus on historical figures and events from Japan's past. The protagonist of 'Berabou' is Tsutaya Juzaburo (1750-1797), a prominent publisher from the Edo period known for discovering and promoting many influential ukiyo-e artists and writers, including Kitagawa Utamaro and Toshusai Sharaku.

Tsutaya Juzaburo, often referred to as Tsutaju, was a cultural impresario who played a vital role in popularizing ukiyo-e and various forms of literature. His wife, Otei, as depicted in the article, is portrayed as not just a supportive spouse but an intelligent and passionate individual who actively participates in his ventures, including the 'Sharaku Project.'

The 'Sharaku Project' in the drama refers to Tsutaju's efforts related to Toshusai Sharaku, a mysterious ukiyo-e artist active for a very short period in the late 18th century, whose true identity remains unknown. The drama's plot suggests that Tsutaju is involved in orchestrating Sharaku's emergence, possibly as a means of political maneuvering or artistic expression, with the enigmatic Hiraga Gennai (an Edo-period polymath and inventor) and Kitagawa Utamaro (a renowned ukiyo-e artist famous for his 'bijin-ga' or pictures of beautiful women) playing key roles. The 'vendetta against the Hitotsubashi clan' and 'Gennai's survival theory' are fictionalized plot elements adding to the drama's intrigue.