Shiro Sano Makes His Debut as Shimane Prefect in NHK Morning Drama 'Bake Bake'

Actor Shiro Sano is making headlines as he takes on the role of Shimane Prefect in the NHK continuous TV novel 'Bake Bake', marking his first appearance in a morning drama. This role holds special significance for Sano, who hails from Matsue, Shimane.

The Story of Koizumi Yakumo and His Wife Setsu

'Bake Bake' depicts the story of the protagonist Toki Matsuno, the daughter of a fallen samurai family living in Matsue during the Meiji era, who loves ghost stories. Toki is modeled after Setsu Koizumi, the wife of Koizumi Yakumo (Lafcadio Hearn), who introduced Japanese culture to the world through her works, including the 1904 publication 'Kwaidan'.

Akari Takai plays the lead role of Toki, while Tommy Bastow portrays Toki's husband Heaven (the model for Koizumi Yakumo).

The character Prefect Eto of Shimane, played by Sano, is passionate about elevating Shimane to a first-class prefecture that Japan can be proud of. Eto believes that thorough English education is essential for the youth who will take on the responsibilities of the coming era, and he is the one who invited Heaven to Shimane while searching for foreign teachers for the region.

"Feeling the Weight of Responsibility as a Matsue Native"

Shiro Sano expressed his special feelings about this role as an actor from Matsue. "I am excited to be offered the role of Shimane Prefect, but at the same time, I feel the weight of responsibility as an actor from Matsue."

He continued, "Since I am also a guide who has a connection with Koizumi Yakumo and Setsu, who are affectionately called 'Mr. Hearn' in Matsue," emphasizing the importance of his role. He also added, "Although this is my first appearance in a morning drama, I recall my role as Ii Naosuke, the lord of Hikone, in the historical drama 'Segodon', and I feel a deep connection."