Red Suspicion - Lights and Shadows of the Showa Era Reflected by Maternal Love (1975)

Red Suspicion - Lights and Shadows of the Showa Era Reflected by Maternal Love (1975)

In the 1970s, Japan was enjoying the benefits of rapid economic growth, but was also facing shadowy issues such as pollution and family problems. In such an era, TV dramas were the center of family entertainment, and melodramas in particular gained national popularity. The "Akai Series" starring Momoe Yamaguchi is remembered as a representative example, and "Akai Giwaku" occupies a special place among them.

The story revolves around a young girl and her family who are afflicted with leukemia. Sachiyo Juju played Harue Oshima, the mother of the daughter, Sachiko, played by Momoe Yamaguchi. Her helpless yet desperate attempt to protect her daughter in the face of her illness vividly portrayed the love and anguish of a mother. Her performance was restrained yet carefully expressed emotional turmoil, and her tearful scenes and prayerful expressions struck a chord with many viewers.

The film became a social phenomenon with an average viewer rating of over 30%. The theme of an intractable disease and family ties reflected the anxieties of the times, while at the same time resonating with the values of the time that emphasized maternal love. People saw their own mothers in Harue's image, and also reaffirmed the free love that existed within the family.

With "Akai Giwaku (Red Suspicion)," Yukiyo Juju firmly established herself as an actress in TV dramas. She subsequently appeared in the following series, "Red Destiny" and "Red Impact," establishing her reputation as an actress who embodies maternal love. Unlike Yoko Yamamoto and Shima Iwashita, who embodied the image of an urban, intellectual woman, Juju continued to give people a sense of familiarity and empathy through the image of a mother living in the home.

Akai Giwaku" was not only a melodrama, but also a reflection of the lights and shadows of the Showa era, and became an unforgettable milestone in Sachiyo Juju's acting career.