So, as I stated previously, Mito Kōmon is coming to its end…
And (as I stated previously, II), I am not the only one it bothers.
The city and the prefecture of Kyōto sent a request to five national television channels to prevent the disparition of all serial jidaigekis (historical dramas in costume) : with the cancellation of the NHK’s Saturday evening jidaigeki this spring and Mito Kōmon’s one next month, the only serial jidaigeki left on Japanese television will be NHK’s taiga drama on Sunday evening (considering the ratings, it is unlikely this one will be cancelled any time soon).
A lot of jidaigekis are filmed in Kyōto : that’s where is located the Toei’s “Uzumasa Film Village” and the film studio of Matsutake Kyōto, where about 400 jidaigeki serials were filmed during the 60’s and 70’s.
Now, Mito Kōmon is the only serial filmed there.
More than an economical threat (with only one serial, it is evident the golden age of those studios is over), Kyōto fears the loss of a cultural knowledge of costumes and hair dressing that jidaigekis keep alive.
Come on TV channels ! Produce more jidaigekis ! I swear I will watch !
[It’s not directly related, but Nogaremono Orin will return for a second season next year. 11 episode and a 2-hour special. That’s a victory.]
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