The 2025 NHK morning drama Bakebake is a highly anticipated series that portrays the story of Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo) and his wife, Koizumi Setsu.
Through the perspectives of Hearn, who lived as a bridge between cultures, and Setsu, who supported him throughout his journey, the drama explores Japan’s cultural exchange with the West during the Meiji era and the allure of its ghost story traditions.
In this article, we take a deep dive into the key highlights of Bakebake and uncover what makes this drama so compelling.
1. Koizumi Yakumo’s Perspective – The Story of a Man Enchanted by Japan
(1) His Fascination with Japan and Cultural Exchange
Lafcadio Hearn viewed Japanese culture from a unique perspective, shaped by his Western upbringing.
He was deeply fascinated by Japanese ghost stories and traditional customs, reinterpreting them to introduce to the West.
A Curiosity for Foreign Cultures
Born in Greece and raised in Ireland, what drew Hearn to Japan in the first place?
His Encounter with Meiji-Era Japan
Arriving as an English teacher, how did he gradually immerse himself in the depth of Japanese culture?
His Mission to Share Japan with the World
Through his eyes, how did Meiji-era Japan appear, and what inspired him to write about it?
(2) "The Beauty of Japan" as Seen by Hearn
The drama visually portrays the beauty of Japan that Hearn described in his essays and literary works.
Ghost Stories and the Culture of Kaidan
How will the drama depict the supernatural world of ghosts and yokai from his famous work Kaidan?
The Beauty of Landscapes and Daily Life
Scenes like the castle town of Matsue and the sunset over Lake Shinji, which Hearn admired, will be brought to life on screen.
2. Koizumi Setsu’s Perspective – The Strong Japanese Woman Who Supported Her Husband
(1) The Challenges of an Intercultural Marriage
Setsu was more than just Hearn’s wife—she was the silent force behind his literary creations.
The drama will explore the struggles and conflicts of their intercultural relationship from her point of view.
Overcoming Language and Cultural Barriers
How did they navigate the differences in language and values in their marriage?
A Woman Preserving Japanese Traditions
As a Meiji-era Japanese woman, how did she support her family while contributing to her husband’s literary work?
Her Struggles After Hearn’s Death
After Hearn passed away, how did Setsu fight to preserve his literary legacy?
(2) The Stories She Passed Down
Setsu introduced Hearn to Japan’s traditional ghost stories and folklore, which became the foundation of his works.
One of the key themes in the drama is how her storytelling shaped Hearn’s literature.
The Origins of Kaidan
How did the Japanese folktales she shared transform into Hearn’s most famous work?
The Strength and Kindness of Japanese Women
How did Setsu’s quiet resilience influence Hearn’s life and work behind the scenes?
3. The Enchantment of Meiji-Era Ghost Story Culture
(1) The Meaning Behind the Title Bakebake
The title Bakebake comes from the word "bakemono" (ghosts and supernatural creatures), which Hearn deeply loved.
He was intensely interested in Japan’s ghostly legends and introduced them to Western audiences.
Ghost Stories and Japan’s View of Life and Death
How do Japanese ghost stories differ from Western Gothic literature?
The Representation of Yokai Culture
How will the drama recreate the ghostly tales of the Meiji era with stunning visuals?
(2) The Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
Meiji-era Japan was a time when traditional culture and modernization coexisted.
One of the drama’s highlights will be how Hearn and Setsu’s story is depicted against this historical backdrop.
Japan Through the Eyes of the West
How does Japan appear from Hearn’s perspective during this transformative era?
Ghost Stories as a Bridge Between Cultures
How will the drama portray kaidan as a cultural link between Japan and the West?
4. Bakebake and the Rediscovery of Yakumo’s Legacy
(1) Re-evaluating Koizumi Yakumo
In recent years, Hearn’s works have been re-evaluated as important literature that conveys the depth of Japanese culture.
Bakebake is expected to present his legacy in a fresh, new way.
A Deeper Appreciation for Japanese Culture
Through Hearn’s perspective, how can we rediscover the richness of Japanese traditions?
A Story of Love and Partnership
The drama will also highlight the emotional connection between Hearn and Setsu, making their story resonate with modern audiences.
(2) The Continuing Legacy of Hearn and Setsu
How will the drama depict their relationship and the lasting impact they have on the present day?
The Koizumi Family’s Ongoing Mission
How have their descendants continued to preserve Hearn’s literary and cultural legacy?
The Future of Ghost Story Culture
How will Hearn’s kaidan stories continue to be passed down in contemporary times?
Conclusion
NHK’s morning drama Bakebake explores the story of Koizumi Yakumo and Koizumi Setsu from both of their perspectives, bringing to life Japan’s ghost story traditions and cultural exchanges.
Hearn’s vision of "the beauty of Japan," Setsu’s role in passing down Japanese folklore, and their life as a bridge between cultures will be key themes that resonate with modern audiences.
Reference
https://www.hearn-museum-matsue.jp/ （Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum）
https://www.kankou-matsue.jp/ （Matsue City Official Tourism Website）
https://www.jnto.go.jp/ （Japan Government Tourism Bureau）