Learn the world of OIRAN from NHK Taiga drama
2025年1月25日
Latest NHK Taiga Drama "Berabou". On this page, we have summarized information about the oiran (courtesans) appearing in "Berabou".
Please note that there may be some spoilers as the outline is explained.
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The World of Oiran in "Berabou"
This is a great opportunity for people around the world to easily learn about the world of oiran, which is not commonly known.
Synopsis
The NHK Taiga Drama "Berabou: Tsutaya Jūzaburō's Dream Tale" depicts the life of Tsutaya Jūzaburō (played by Yokohama Ryusei), a publisher in the mid-Edo period. He grew up in Yoshiwara and expanded from a lending book business to a publishing business, interacting with many cultural figures. In the story, Hananoi (played by Koshiji Fuuka), an oiran and childhood friend of Jūzaburō, plays an important role. In the first episode, Jūzaburō is entrusted with a delivery from Hananoi to Asagao (played by Aiki Reika), a former high-ranking courtesan. Upon seeing Asagao's weakened state, Jūzaburō is deeply moved by the harsh conditions of the women in Yoshiwara and decides to take action to support them. Additionally, Jūzaburō seeks to boost sales of the Yoshiwara guidebook "Yoshiwara Saiken" by asking Hiraga Gennai (played by Yasuda Ken) to write a preface, among other activities to promote the culture of oiran and Yoshiwara. These episodes illustrate the deep connection between Jūzaburō and the oiran.
Cast
Tsutaya Jūzaburō
Yokohama Ryusei
The protagonist. A publisher in the mid-Edo period who grew up in Yoshiwara and later became the media king of Edo. His childhood name is "Kari".
Surugaya Ichiemon
Takahashi Katsumi
Jūzaburō's foster father and the owner of the teahouse "Surugaya".
Fuji
Iijima Naoko
The mistress of Surugaya.
Jirōbei
Nakamura Ao
Jūzaburō's brother-in-law.
Rushirō
Mizusawa Rintarō
A servant at Surugaya.
Karamaru
Watanabe Toshō
A mysterious boy saved by Jūzaburō during the "Great Fire of Meiwa".
Hananoi
Koshiji Fuuka
Jūzaburō's childhood friend and a leading oiran (high-ranking courtesan) in Yoshiwara. She shares a deep bond with Jūzaburō and holds a special place in his heart due to their shared childhood memories. Behind her elegant and graceful appearance lies the strength of someone who has survived harsh conditions. She plays a key role in making Jūzaburō aware of the plight of the women in Yoshiwara.
Asagao
Aiki Reika
A former high-ranking courtesan (oiran) who once thrived in Yoshiwara. Now, she has lost her former glory and lives in poverty and poor health. Her encounter with Jūzaburō deeply affects him, and she serves as a symbol of the harsh realities of Yoshiwara.
Hiraga Gennai
Yasuda Ken
An inventor and Dutch scholar who interacts with Jūzaburō.
The Role of Oiran in "Berabou"
In the NHK Taiga Drama "Berabou: Tsutaya Jūzaburō's Dream Tale", the oiran play a crucial role in advancing the story and adding depth to its themes. Particularly, Hananoi (played by Koshiji Fuuka) is a beautiful and cultured oiran representing the prestigious brothel "Matsubaya" in Yoshiwara. As Jūzaburō's childhood friend, she significantly influences the narrative.
Hananoi captivates many with her beauty and grace, standing at the pinnacle of Yoshiwara. However, her life is not just about glamour; it is also shadowed by the harsh realities of Yoshiwara. Her presence makes Jūzaburō aware of the struggles and conflicts faced by the women in Yoshiwara, leading to changes in his actions and values. The bond she shares with Jūzaburō is special and plays a vital role in his growth.
Additionally, the story features Asagao (played by Aiki Reika), a former high-ranking courtesan. Once renowned in Yoshiwara, she now lives in obscurity and hardship. Her encounter with Jūzaburō and Hananoi leaves a profound impact, symbolizing the realities of Yoshiwara.
These oiran highlight the lives of women in the unique culture and society of Yoshiwara, shedding light on the light and shadow of the Edo period. Their presence adds deep meaning to the drama's themes of human bonds, struggles, and the pursuit of dreams.
A Brief Summary of the Oiran World in "Berabou"
We have briefly summarized the world of oiran in "Berabou".
In modern times, oiran are often treated symbolically, but each oiran of that era likely lived a tumultuous life filled with various episodes.
At Studio Yairoku, we aim to honor their lives while continuing and evolving the fashion culture of oiran.
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