Akinai Seiden: Kin to Gin (2023)

Absolutely Wonderful! Fuka Koshiba Shines in “Akinai Seiden: Kin to Gin”!!

NHK have been making these short 8 episode series that, for all intents and purposes, seem like chapters of a NHK Asadora which have been repackaged into regular 45 minute episode dramas-Everything about them seem to reflect the asadora sensibilities; the way the heroine is introduced to us as a youngster for the first few episodes before being replaced by the older star of the series, the gentle narration and inscriptions bookending each segment, and they even still retain the 15 minute block style storytelling.

I will admit I have only seen a handful of asadoras from beginning to end, but the ones I really love are the ones which feature smart and kind-hearted heroines who, through their goodness, intelligence, and perseverance, slowly but surely make their way in the world until they attain their dreams.
This is reflected in favorite asadoras such as Agri, Churasan, Toto Neechan, Okaeri Mone, etc, and, though not an asadora proper, the new drama “Akinai Seiden: Kin to Gin” is another example of the kind of morning dramas I love and cherish!

 Fuka Koshiba has been a huge favorite actress of mine since “Tokusatsu GaGaga”, and over time has given us a multitude of different, colorful characters to know and love, and her portrayal of heroine Sachi in Akinai may be one of her very BEST yet!!!

Sachi is the daughter of an Educator in the Edo Period who, due to cruel circumstances, loses both her Father and brother and ends up being sent to work as a maid in a prominent Kimono shop in Osaka.

A a maid, her future looks only of cleaning and scrubbing pots, but even a s a child she shows a great eye for the quality of the material the Kimono shop uses, and, perhaps due to her Scholar Father’s teachings, develops a great interest in the ways of the shop and, most importantly, the “ways of commerce”.

With a pure heart and a sincere outlook, she makes her way up through impossible odds to somehow become a business merchant in a world where only status, rank and masculinity rule, and we are along every step to cheer her on!

Originally released in 2023-2024, Akinai Seiden: Kin to Gin is followed by a sequel in 2025 and a Season THREE is announced for this upcoming 2026 spring season! Can’t wait!

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