In NHK’s morning drama “Bakeke,” the character Nishikori (played by Ryo Yoshizawa), modeled after real-life teacher Sentaro Nishida, makes a poignant reappearance as a friend of Heaven (Tommy Bastow), the protagonist inspired by Lafcadio Hearn. This storyline revives interest in their historical bond, with Nishikori representing Nishida, Hearn’s closest ally in Matsue who helped him navigate Japanese society
Nishida died at just 34 from heart disease, leaving four young children and plunging Hearn into profound grief and despair, as noted by historian Yoji Hasegawa. Hasegawa’s research, featured in a re-edited book on Hearn’s wife Setsuko, underscores how this loss deepened Hearn’s emotional ties to Japan, even as it marked a personal tragedy.
Nishida’s support was crucial for Hearn—nicknamed “Bakeke” by locals—not only in daily life but also in his marriage to Setsuko and naturalization as Koizumi Yakumo. The drama captures this, blending historical fact with emotional depth to show how Nishida’s early death amplified Hearn’s commitment to Japanese culture amid isolation. Hasegawa highlights their “kindred spirit” connection, echoed in Hearn’s writings like Gleanings in Buddha-Fields.