NHK Morning Drama 'Kaze Kaoru' Episode 59: Well Scene Sparks Laughter on 'Asaichi'

NHK's morning drama 'Kaze Kaoru' (Fragrant Wind) aired its 59th episode on June 18, depicting the graduation ceremony of Rin, Naomi, and Tae, followed by a significant turn in the narrative. The episode showed Naomi temporarily moving in with the Ichinose family after learning that the Umeoka Nursing Training Institute would be dissolved. Despite initial complications, Naomi received unexpected assistance when Barnes (Emma Howard) worked behind the scenes with influential figures including Suematsu (Mika Tabe), Chikako (Yuki Nakama), and military figure Katsu Kaishu (Tsuruo Kataoka) to secure nursing positions at Teito Medical University Hospital for the graduates.

The episode's most memorable moment came during the well scene, where Naomi draws water from the well at the Ichinose residence while Rin and Mitsu watch from a window. This prompted an amusing exchange on 'Asaichi,' NHK's weekday morning program (8:15 a.m.) hosted by Hakata Hana-Maru Daichi and announcer Suzuki Naoko. When Suzuki referenced the well-drawing scene, asking what might emerge from it, Hana-Maru jokingly responded, "An apple pie is coming out..." in reference to Barnes's earlier plot point. The comment drew laughter from both Suzuki and co-host Daichi, who added his own observation about unexpected surprises.

The 59th episode resolved several narrative threads as the story progresses. Earlier in the episode, Rin, Naomi, and Tae received their diplomas at the graduation ceremony, though Barnes's absence initially caused concern among the graduates. It was later revealed that Barnes had been orchestrating behind the scenes, enlisting Guchi and others to prepare apple pie as a special celebration for the graduates, while simultaneously working to secure their employment prospects at the hospital.

'Kaze Kaoru' chronicles the pioneering journey of Rin and Naomi in establishing modern nursing practices during Japan's Meiji era. The drama continues to balance major historical developments with intimate character moments that resonate with viewers and television personalities alike.