Japanese Drama “Bakebake” Faces Viewership Challenges, Historical Omissions Spark Debate

The Japanese television drama series Bakebake, the 113th installment in NHK’s Asadora series, is facing scrutiny as viewership numbers decline. The show, which follows the life of Setsu Koizumi, wife of Greek-Irish writer Lafcadio Hearn, has seen its average weekly viewership fall to 14.4% as of the week starting February 23rd, marking the lowest point since the program’s 18th week.

Viewership Decline and Shift in Setting

While the 18th week’s low viewership of 14.2% was partially attributed to competing political coverage, the recent dip represents a broader trend. The weekly average has remained below 15% since the week of November 3rd. The shift in setting to Kumamoto in the 20th week, intended to revitalize the narrative, has not yet yielded the desired results.

Historical Accuracy Questioned: The Absence of Jigoro Kano

A growing point of contention among viewers is the omission of Jigoro Kano, widely known as the father of judo, from the series. Kano served as principal of Daigo Junior High School in Kumamoto around 1891 and invited Lafcadio Hearn to teach there. According to an entertainment reporter, Hahn wrote his second book on Japan in Kumamoto, ‘From the Land of the East,’ which includes an essay called ‘Jujitsu.’ It was written about the judo that Kano taught to his students, and Hearn was very impressed by the way he used the opponent’s strength to defeat them. Despite Kano’s significant relationship with Hearn, the drama has not included his character, prompting criticism on social media.

Concerns Over Skits and Narrative Focus

Beyond the historical omissions, viewers have expressed dissatisfaction with the increasing number of comedic skits incorporated into the show. Some feel these skits detract from the core narrative and disrupt the flow of the story. One example cited is a prolonged scene in the March 4th episode involving a doctor informing Toki (played by Akari Takaishi) of her pregnancy, lasting over a minute.

Future Narrative and Viewer Expectations

With only three weeks remaining until the series finale on March 27th, viewers are hoping for a more focused and historically grounded conclusion. The drama’s narrative needs to address key events in Hearn’s life, including the birth of his son in 1893, his subsequent moves to Kobe and Tokyo, and his eventual naturalization as a Japanese citizen, becoming Yakumo Koizumi. One observer noted, If he were to depict these events properly, there would be no room for skits….

“My apologies to Yakumo Koizumi. While borrowing from the lives of real people, historical facts are position aside to create comedy skits based on the inner circle. Understand what this person lived, what he wrote, and why he is still talked about today.”

Social Media User

Some viewers have expressed a desire for a more comprehensive portrayal of Hearn’s life and work, stating the current concept of casual daily life of a married couple is insufficient.

As Bakebake approaches its conclusion, the series faces the challenge of balancing entertainment with historical accuracy and fulfilling viewer expectations.