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Drama Notes for Eps 5-7 of Kyotojin no Hisokana Tanoshimi Rouge - Keisho:

EPISODE 5: THE TRUE FLOWER

Shitsurai-gae. Practiced more commonly in Kyoto, this is the ancient Japanese culture of decorating rooms with hanging scrolls, flowers, and changing fixtures and furnishings to create a harmonious atmosphere according to the season and events. It's not just about redecorating; it's about expressing the changing seasons (primarily summer and winter) and gratitude for special occasions through the space, and preparing for a comfortable life and welcoming guests. If you watched "The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House" on NF, it was also featured there, on how it's done.

The Moon-Viewing Festival:
The Mid-Autumn Harvest Moon. On this day, the Chinese believe that the moon is at its fullest and brightest, coinciding with the time of harvest in the middle of autumn. In Japan, they practice Tsukimi, include displaying decorations made from Japanese pampas grass (susuki) and eating rice dumplings called Tsukimi dango in order to celebrate the beauty of the Moon.
The Later Harvest Moon. Second moon-viewing takes place a month later, with beans or chestnuts dedicated to the waxing moon.

Dondon-Yake. It was common name for the fire that broke out in Kyoto on July 19 1864 (August 20 1864 in the Gregorian calendar) in connection with the Kinmon Incident or the Hamaguri Gate Rebellion. The area was named "Dondon-yake" (meaning "rapid burning") because it burned so quickly and uncontrollably, and "Teppo-yake" (meaning "gunfire burning") because of the loud sounds of gunfire that echoed throughout the city during the fighting.

Funeral Manju. These are white, yellow, or blue steamed buns, usually filled with sweet bean paste, that are distributed as gifts (thank-you gifts) at wakes and funerals. The custom of giving manju at funerals stems from the belief that by giving away cash and distributing expensive manju to attendees, the deceased is making it easier for them to attain Buddhahood.

The Two Kinds of Kyoto Tea.
Iri Bancha. Also, Kyobancha, is a unique, strongly roasted green tea from the Kyoto region, known for its distinct smoky aroma reminiscent of campfires. Made from mature leaves and twigs harvested during winter pruning, it has a mild, sweet, and low-caffeine flavor, making it a popular daily beverage among Kyoto folk, often served after meals.
Hojicha. Typically made by roasting bancha or kukicha leaves over high heat. Known for its distinct, smoky-sweet caramel aroma and clear amber color, this low-caffeine tea is popular as a comforting beverage and a key ingredient in lattes and desserts.

Zeami. You can read more about him HERE.
If you want more info on the meaning of Zeami's The Hidden Flower or The True Flower, you can read it HERE.

The English Gardener has come home. I will explain more on the son of the Mama-san of "Forest Down" in the next episode drama notes.

Filming sites:
Reikanji Temple. The temple where Tsuruko and Raku delivered the Japanese sweets. It is famous for its camellia flowers, which burst into riotous crimson bloom in early April.
Address: 12 Shishigatani Goshonodancho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City

Doda Community Hall. Known for its "Doda Water", it is where Prof. Shinonome comes to fetch water (to be used for his tea), which is apparently groundwater originally intended for fire prevention. People come every day to fill up plastic bottles and containers with the water, and some even come to collect it for use in cafes and restaurants.
Address: 542 Hokodencho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto (street view)

The Library. The library scene which was supposed to be the library at Rakushisha University was actually shot at the International Research Center for Japanese Studies Nichibunken. Their library is known for its distinctive round reading room.
Address: 3 Chome -2 Goryooeyamacho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto

Yuki Shrine. Where the Fire Festival is shown during the end credits. The shrine is the guardian shrine of Kurama Temple. The Kurama Fire Festival, held every year on October 22nd, is said to be a festival that recreates the time when Yuki Shrine was founded in 940 AD when it was relocated at this present site, from its original site, the Imperial Palace of Heian-kyo. During the relocation, the villagers carried materials along the night roads, each carrying a torch. This procession of blazing flames is believed to be the origin of the Kurama Fire Festival.
Address: 1073 Kurama Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City


EPISODE 6: THE QUALIFICATIONS OF A SUCCESSOR

This episode's drama notes is more on looking back at characters from previous seasons, particularly from "Kyotojin no Hisokana Tanoshimi Blue - Training" which I'm not really familiar with, hence my notes might be prone to mistakes, gomen. This "Blue: Training" arc had an ensemble cast portraying young apprentices undergoing various Kyoto craftsmanship (gardening, ceramic pottery-making, farming, baking, culinary arts).
Some of them are appearing in this season (either in person or just flashbacks), starting off with...

Wakabayashi Kent Kotaro. Played by Hayashi Kentaro (notice the similarity of his real name to his character's name). His character appeared in the "Blue: Training" Arc of this series. Btw, actor Kentaro also played a different character in an earlier arc ("Love Letters in a Paulownia Wood Chest"), which was a role of the son of an arai-ya-san (a craftsman who thoroughly cleans and finishes newly built or renovated traditional homes, as well as buildings with stubborn stains, using specialized techniques and tools).
In this arc, Kotaro is an apprentice gardener, and had moved to England to live with his British father and to study English landscape gardening.

Emily Cotsfield. The supposedly "fiancée" of Heathrow, played by Charlotte Kate Fox. I'd say "supposedly" because Heathrow did not agree to marrying her. What I remember was Heathrow was her stepfather. When Emily's mother died, her dying wish was for Heathrow to marry Emily (I know right? lol). I think the mother was afraid her daughter would be alone (maybe because Emily wasn't really an amiable person), that's why, she wants reassurance that Emily will be taken care of. But Heathrow did not want to marry her (I think he finds her scary) so he ran away abroad to Japan, but she chased after him, and demanded that he fulfills her mother's wish. Heathrow went into hiding in a temple, by becoming a monk, and now they don't know where he is.
Emily went on to teaching at Rakushisha University (she has a masters in Linguistics). She was befriended by Okami-san Tsuruko, and even stayed at Kuraya. She felt abandoned by Heathrow, and resorted to drinking and singing at a karaoke bar with her graduate students.

Dotsuji Satoru. Played by Motoki Fukami. The illegitimate son of the previous owner of Kuraya (Miyako's father), and a geisha in the Gion district. I think he was the one Miyako was referring to (in Episode 1) when she said to her husband, "My mother and I did everything we could... Even things you might not know about" about saving Kuraya from closing.
If you want to know if Miyako's mother, Tsuruko knew about Satoru, the answer is "yes". Although she is completely unaware of his existence, in the "Summer" arc episode, after paying her respects to tea merchants in Uji, she happens to see Satoru (as a monk) heading towards Kōshōji Temple and notices that his eyes closely resemble those of her late husband, and she seems to have some idea of ​​who he might be. She did go to the temple, met Satoru, and confirmed her suspicions. The gentle-hearted Tsuruko felt happy that her daughter has a sibling, and thanked him for being born. Satoru who had once worried about being born, felt relieved, hearing her kind words, and told her to feel free to visit him anytime.

Miyama Seibei. The master garden designer played by Ishibashi Renji (who is regular actor in Minamoto Takashi dramas and SPs). His landscape garden design company in the story is called "Ueyoshi". It's not clear which real company it is based on, since there are several famous landscaping companies in Kyoto. One of these is "Ueji" which has been around for 270 years, and its most famous head was the 7th generation Ogawa Jihei. But at the end of the episode, Toryo was shown, staring at the garden which he probably designed. In real life, this is the Shiun garden found at Kurotani Konkai Komyoji Temple, and it was created and managed by "Ueyakato" landscaping co. which was founded in 1848.

Who exactly is Prof. Shinonome? Based on his conversation with Toryo, he also has his own succession issue. He mentions "Kami-san" has taken over the business which is likely, sake making. "Kami-san" may mean "proprietress" or his wife, or both. If Prof. Shinonome is married, who is his wife? It may be unlikely but I have some hunch and I'm sure you have one too, based on some earlier clues lol. Another hint to his background is... he agreed or can relate with Toryo's sentiments on being an "outsider" (Toryo is originally from Aizu, in the Tohoku region), which means Shinonome is also originally an outsider too. So the clues are... his family has a sake brewing business in Kyoto, but he is an outsider. Toryo also said he could not make it to "the memorial service", which is probably for Shinonome's father and previous generation head of the sake-brewing business. Since Shinonome is likely an outsider, could it be he was an illegitimate son (who grew up elsewhere) and forced to take over a Kyoto business, or he married into it, but letting the wife run it, while he goes living a carefree professor's life? Let's hope to find out soon.

Filming sites:
Miyama Seibei's Residence. It was filmed at the former Omuro residence, built in 1937, but the architect and purpose of its construction remain unknown. It is remarkably well-preserved for a suburban residence and is registered as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property. It can be rented for events, and filming purposes.
Address: 5 Omuro Okanosuso-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

Cafe Origi. The coffee shop where Miyako and her half-brother, Satoru, met. It opened in 2021, utilizing a traditional Kyoto townhouse in Nishijin, Kyoto, an area that flourished as a center for Nishijin weaving. More HERE.
Address: 1-542-1 Sasaya-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City

Kurodani Konkai-Komyoji Temple. Where Toryo and the professor met. It is one of eight head temples in Japan belonging to the Pure Land sect of Buddhism, founded in 1175.
Address: 121 Kurodanicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Shown at the end credits, this is the head shrine to the deity Inari which was originally and remains primarily the god of rice and agriculture, but merchants also worship Inari as the patron of business. It is also famous for its iconic red torii gates. The Fire Festival takes place annually in early November.
Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City



EPISODE 7. HOW TO DRAW THE CURTAIN

Kimono Fitting Event. The Okami of "Izuyo" Kayoko played by Natori Yuko came back from Tokyo where she attended this event. In the subs I called it "Kimono Trade Fair". This event features staff and professionals from kimono specialty stores who propose the optimal combination of fabric, obi, obi-jime, obi-age, etc., to suit the customer's purpose (wedding, party, theater, etc.), preferences, and body type, completing the coordinated outfit. It is a place where you can try on clothes and get advice from professionals, and find a furisode (long-sleeved kimono) for your coming-of-age ceremony or an outfit that suits your personal preferences.

Nishin Soba. A quintessential Kyoto comfort dish consisting of hot soba/buckwheat noodles in a light dashi broth, topped with a single large filet of sweet-and-savory simmered dried herring (migaki nishin). Invented in 1882 by Matsuba in the Gion district, it is a historic winter tradition often enjoyed during cold weather.

Edo-mae Soba. Kayoko said: "People in Tokyo claim that soba is more of an Edo (or Tokyo) thing". Soba or buckwheat noodles is primarily associated with Edo (modern-day Tokyo). While buckwheat was consumed earlier, soba-kiri (buckwheat noodles) became popular and established as a beloved Edo-style staple during the Edo period (1603–1867), becoming one of the "Four Heavenly Kings" of Edo cuisine, whereas Kyoto (Kansai region) traditionally favored udon.
Kayoko of course prefers their beloved Kyoto soba version (which has a milder taste) over Edomae (Tokyo-style) soba (which has a stronger soy-sauce flavor). Her son Hiroomi says he's beginning to like the latter more.

Name of Kyoto's Long-Established Shops. In Kyoto, the naming (shop name) of long-established businesses is not merely a store name, but an important element that embodies the company's history, integrity, and Kyoto culture. One way of naming a business is "House/Brand Surname" + "Personal Name/Place Name". When Kuraya chief sweets maker Shigeru was offered to take over the business, he refused adamantly (like "over my dead body!"), expecially changing the name from "Kuraya Harunobu" to "Kuraya Shigeru". Understandably, people would be horrified and annoyed at this audacity, stamping his name on a well-respected business that had been the result of blood, sweat and tears of the original owners for over 200 years.

The Etiquette of the "Kyoto Farewell". The scene where Tsuruko and Raku walk away from the Okami of Kisshouan and turning the nearest corner as soon as possible, is meant as a subtle thoughtfulness in avoiding the so-called "Kyoto farewell". There are times when your host of an establishment that you visited or patronized would see you off. After exchanging final greetings, you leave and they would stay there until you are out of sight. You'd look back and find them still standing there, or bowing, watching you go. Return the bow. It's like a ritual of reluctance to part ways. This continues until you turn the corner and disappear from view. So, customers need to get there quickly out of consideration for your hosts.

Matsukage Eiji. Another recurring character played by Maiguma Katsuya. He is a farmer, and friend of Kotaro. Btw, the young characters from the "Blue: Training" arc are childhood friends and classmates from school. As mentioned, Eiji is married to Hana, the baker who made the Kouign-amann in Ep 4. They live in Ohara where he grows Kyoto vegetables.

Matsubara Jin (Flashback). Another childhood friend played by Yamoto Yuma. He started as an apprentice chef at a traditional Japanese restaurant, and now has bright future working in Tokyo as a kaiseki chef.

Miyasaka Yuuko. Played by Yoshioka Riho, the on-again, off-again girlfriend of Kotaro. Born into a family of renowned ceramic artists in Kyoto, she is currently exploring her own style of pottery in England. She mentioned in this episode that she had a Mentor, and this was her ceramic artist father.
Kotaro, Eiji, Hana, Jin, and Yuuko make up the five bestfriends who were the central characters in the "Blue: Training" arc.

Filming Sites:

Shioyoshiken. The filming location for the exterior shot of Kissouan. The place Shioyoshiken is a long-established Japanese confectionery shop founded in 1882. The building is registered as a historically significant building, a historically important building for its scenery, and a building that contributes to the historical landscape by the city of Kyoto. Their signature confection is "Juraku," a baked bun filled with smooth red bean paste, available only at their main store.
Address: 180 Hidadonocho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto (street view)

Ayanokoji Bridge. Where Raku and Tsuruko stopped after visiting Kissouan, over Takase River.
Address: Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto (street view)

Kissa (Coffee Shop) Kano. Where Raku and Tsuruko had tea at this famous coffee shop, founded in 1971, located along the Takase River.
Address: 785 Nishihashizumecho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto (street view)

Honke Tagoto - Sanjo Branch. The restaurant, where Kayoko and her son Hiroomi ate soba noodles, which was founded in 1868, and where you can even watch the soba being made inside. It's located in the Sanjo shopping arcade.
Address: 12 Ishibashicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto

Bishamondo Temple. The temple shown during the end credits. A Tendai sect temple located a short trip away from the city center in Yamashina Ward, Bishamon-dō is famous for its 150-year old cherry trees and lovely autumn maple leaves. The Maple Leaves Festival is held here every November 23. A monzeki temple with a history of imperial princes serving as head priests, Bishamon-dō is also known as a temple with a connection to the story of the famous 47 rōnin, and one location visited by a parade of reenactors who participate in the 47 Rōnin Festival.
Address: 18 Anshuinariyamacho, Yamashina Ward, Kyoto